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Poster for The Detective

The Detective

Seen it?

1968 | 114 min | Crime, Mystery, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

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

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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