CinemaCloud
MysteryCrimeComedy

The Late Show

"The nicest movie you'll ever see about murder and blackmail."

User Score64 votes
63%6.3/10
Release1977
Runtime1H 33M
LanguageEnglish
StatusReleased

Synopsis

Over-the-hill gumshoe in Los Angeles seeks to avenge the killing of an old pal, another detective who was involved in a case concerning a murdered broad, stolen stamps, a nickel-plated handgun, a cheating dolly, and a kidnapped pussycat.

Principal Cast8

Full Cast & Crew (37)

Media6

Backdrops

The Late Show backdrop 1
The Late Show backdrop 2

Posters

The Late Show poster 1
The Late Show poster 2
The Late Show poster 3
The Late Show poster 4

Director

Robert Benton

Robert Benton

Director →

Trailer

Certification

PG

Keywords

los angeles, californiaprivate detectiveneo-noir

Where to Watch

Rent

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Buy

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

External Links

Reviews1

CinemaSerf7/10

When “Charlie” (Bill Macy) turns up to talk to his old PI pal “Ira” (Art Carney) about helping “Margo” (Lily Tomlin) to track down her kidnapped cat, then he gets short shrift. He is far more concerned with finding the people who recently murdered his partner and thinks she ought to just pay the “ransom”. She’s not got two cents to rub together, however, and so uses her wits to intrigue the man into following up her complaint against “Birdwell” (Eugene Roche) and his cashmere-clad henchman “Lamar” (John Considine). The first meeting doesn’t go so well - even if he does get a free Van Heusen shirt - but it does start a ball rolling for this curmudgeonly old grump who realises that his search for the killer and for her kitty are in some way connected. Tomlin’s on good form here but it’s Carney who steals this as his out-of-shape and cynical “Ira” sweats, huffs and puffs his way through a cheery detective yarn with an agreeable pace, some pithy dialogue and daft scenarios that reminded me of a sort of “Rockford Files” meets “McQ” enterprise. It does reset itself a little too often, but it’s still an enjoyable parody of many things from this genre that have gone before and I did enjoy it.

Jun 19, 2025

Similar Movies

Recommended

Countries:United States of America
Production:Warner Bros. PicturesLion's Gate Films