
The Detective
Seen it?1968 | 114 min | Crime, Mystery, Drama
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Insomnia or The Batman, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1968: an older pace and style.
New York City Police detective Joe Leland investigates the grisly murder of Teddy Leikman, the gay son of a politically influential department store owner. While investigating, he discovers links to official corruption in NYC in this drama that delves into a world of sex and drugs, homophobia, homosexuality and bisexuality.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$7 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 71K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
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In the Heat of the NightFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime drama.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Gordon Douglas
- Frank SinatraDet. Sgt. Joe Leland
- Lee RemickKaren Wagner Leland
- Ralph MeekerCurran
- Jack KlugmanDave Schoenstein
- Horace McMahonCapt. Tom Farrell
- Lloyd BochnerDr. Wendell Roberts
- William WindomColin MacIver
- Tony MusanteFelix Tesla
- Al Freeman Jr.Robbie Loughlin
- Robert DuvallNestor