The Late Show (1977)
Movie Info
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Cast
as Ira Wells
as Margo
as Charlie Hatter
as Ron Birdwell
as Laura Birdwell
as Lamar
as Mrs. Schmidt
as Sgt. Dayton
as Harry Regan
Critic Reviews for The Late Show
All Critics (14) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (0) | DVD (3)
The Late Show is the best picture in town, the nicest takeoff on 1940s private eye films since Gumshoe.
The Late Show is a masterpiece disguised as a fluffy mystery-comedy.
An odd and sneakily enjoyable little flick. Tomlin & Carney make a great pair.
A great idea of the genius of Robert Benton to come.
The Late Show is a detective flick that modestly delivers more than one expects.
A loose, funny and crafty detective flick with an unusual cast.
Audience Reviews for The Late Show
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.
Super Reviewer
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.
Super Reviewer
Charming crime comedy with Carney and Tomlin a wonderfully off beat pair, their chemistry makes this a delight. A real sleeper.
Super Reviewer
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