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The Late Show

The Late Show

Mystery · Crime · Comedy · 1977

An 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.

Movie details

The Late Show

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

1977 Mystery · Crime · Comedy 1h 33m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.3 / 10

Community rating

An 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.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over The Late Show?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

The Seven-Ups

The Seven-Ups

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The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club

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A group of senior sleuths passionate about solving cold cases get plunged into a real-life murder mystery in this comic crime caper.

Woman on the Run

Woman on the Run

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Frank Johnson, a sole witness to a gangland murder, goes into hiding and is trailed by Police Inspector Ferris, on the theory that Frank is trying to escape from possible retaliation. Frank's wife, Eleanor, suspects he is actually running away from their unsuccessful marriage. Aided by a newspaperman, Danny Leggett, Eleanor sets out to locate her husband. The killer is also looking for him, and keeps close tabs on Eleanor.

The Big Fix

The Big Fix

Comedy · 1978

Private detective Moses Wine is hired by his former college girlfriend to investigate a political smear campaign and he sets out to find out who is responsible, with deadly results.

Zero Effect

Zero Effect

Mystery · 1998

Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what to do with himself when he's not working; he has no social skills, writes bad music and drives Steve crazy.

Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie

Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie

Comedy · 2023

Monk steps out of retirement as his stepdaughter's wedding turns tragic when her fiancé dies in a bungee jumping accident.

The Man Who Cheated Himself

The Man Who Cheated Himself

Crime · 1950

A veteran homicide detective who has witnessed his socialite girlfriend kill her husband sees his inexperienced brother assigned to the case.

The Dream Team

The Dream Team

Comedy · 1989

Four mental patients on a field trip in New York City must save their caring chaperone, who ends up being taken to a hospital in a coma after accidentally witnessing a murder, before the killers can find him and finish the job.

Who's Harry Crumb?

Who's Harry Crumb?

Comedy · 1989

Harry Crumb is a bumbling and inept private investigator who is hired to solve the kidnapping of a young heiress which he's not expected to solve because his employer is the mastermind behind the kidnapping.

Shadow of the Thin Man

Shadow of the Thin Man

Comedy · 1941

While attending a major horse race with their young son, Nick Jr., Nick and Nora Charles witnesse a shocking murder from the crowded grandstand. What first appears to be an isolated killing soon leads to a maze of corruption, blackmail, gambling scandals, and criminal intrigue. As Nick investigates, he encounters suspicious bookmakers, dishonest officials, rival gangsters, and a mysterious killer determined to stay ahead of the law. Nora, as always, is never far from the action, bringing her quick wit and fearless curiosity to the case.

Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Robert Benton

Written by

Robert Benton

Art Carney

Art Carney

Ira Wells

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin

Margo

Bill Macy

Bill Macy

Charlie Hatter

Eugene Roche

Eugene Roche

Ron Birdwell

Joanna Cassidy

Joanna Cassidy

Laura Birdwell

John Considine

John Considine

Lamar

Ruth Nelson

Ruth Nelson

Mrs. Schmidt

Court is in session

Put The Late Show on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Cool Ironist

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.