The Late Show

1977

The Late Show

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

The Late Show Photos

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Movie Info

Robert Benton's film The Late Show stars Art Carney as Ira Wells, an over-the-hill private detective who reluctantly teams with the eccentric Margo Sperling (Lily Tomlin) to solve the murder of his partner Harry Regan (Howard Duff).

Rating:

PG
Genre:

Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Suspense
Directed By:

Robert Benton
Written By:

Robert Benton
In Theaters:

Feb 10, 1977 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Mar 30, 2004
Runtime:

94 minutes
Studio:

Warner Home Video

Watch it now

Cast

Art Carney
as Ira Wells

Lily Tomlin
as Margo

Bill Macy
as Charlie Hatter

Eugene Roche
as Ron Birdwell

Joanna Cassidy
as Laura Birdwell

John Considine
as Lamar

Ruth Nelson
as Mrs. Schmidt

John Davey
as Sgt. Dayton

Howard Duff
as Harry Regan

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Critic Reviews for The Late Show

All Critics (16) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (16)

The Late Show has the grace to allow us to see the craft and competence that remains in [Wells].

Jan 8, 2018 | Full Review…

Kenneth Turan
Washington Post
Top Critic
It's hard enough for a movie to sustain one tone, let alone half a dozen, but that's just what Robert Benton's The Late Show does.

Oct 23, 2004 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic
The element of surprise, well-crafted characters, setting, and dialogue make this film an excellent dish for lovers of the genre. [Full Review in Spanish]

Aug 6, 2019 | Full Review…

Jesús Fernández Santos
El Pais (Spain)
The Late Show is the best picture in town, the nicest takeoff on 1940s private eye films since Gumshoe.

Oct 23, 2015 | Full Review…

Clancy Sigel
The Spectator
The Late Show is a masterpiece disguised as a fluffy mystery-comedy.

May 14, 2005 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

David Cornelius
eFilmCritic.com
An odd and sneakily enjoyable little flick. Tomlin & Carney make a great pair.

Apr 6, 2005 | Rating: 4/5

Scott Weinberg
eFilmCritic.com
A great idea of the genius of Robert Benton to come.

Mar 3, 2005 | Rating: 4/5

Michael A. Smith
Nolan's Pop Culture Review
The Late Show is a detective flick that modestly delivers more than one expects.

Jan 23, 2004 | Full Review…

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Spirituality and Practice
A loose, funny and crafty detective flick with an unusual cast.

Mar 26, 2003 | Rating: 3/5

Jeffrey M. Anderson
San Francisco Examiner
Carney and Tomlin make a fine odd couple in this tip of the hat to old-time detective thrillers.

Aug 22, 2002 | Rating: 4/5

Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

View All Critic Reviews (16)

Audience Reviews for The Late Show

Oct 11, 2010

Robert Benton's sardonic, affectionate homage to the private-eye films of the 40's and 50's. it benefits greatly by the moving, magnificent performance by the late great Art Carney, playing a washed-up, aging private eye determined to solve one tantalizing case, after his one time partner is murdered. Carney vows to get the killer, but the trail begins with Lily Tomlin, in a delightful performance as a flaky ex-hippie, who stolen cat Carney's partner had been hired to find. Tomlin starts off trying to hired Carney, who at first wants nothing to do with her, but then has a change of heart, and soon she turns into his dizzy sidekick, they have real nice quirky chemistry together. The film is filled with wonderful plot-twists that include blackmail, murder, double-crosses and philandering wives. The major success of this film is due Robert Benton, who made his impressive directorial debut with this fine film, and wrote the brilliant original screenplay. A sadly underrated gem, that is a true winner! Highly Recommended.

Danny R Super Reviewer
Dec 20, 2008

Charming crime comedy with Carney and Tomlin a wonderfully off beat pair, their chemistry makes this a delight. A real sleeper.

jay n Super Reviewer
Apr 01, 2008

Nice bit of Film Noir with Carney as an aging PI getting mixed up with the nutty Lily Tomlin to find who killed his former partner. Plot may sound familiar, but it's all in how it is pulled off, plus the chemistry of the stars. Much more violent than expected, but that just adds to the gritty realism. Highly recommended for fans of the genre and for fans of the two stars.

Anthony V Super Reviewer