The Late Show (1977)

100% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(993 ratings)

Even though he barely makes enough money to cover his expenses and finds divorce cases (his bread and butter) unsavory, aging detective Ira Wells (Art Carney) is determined to stay active and to retain some amount of self-respect. When his partner Harry Regan (Howard Duff) is killed while on… More Even though he barely makes enough money to cover his expenses and finds divorce cases (his bread and butter) unsavory, aging detective Ira Wells (Art Carney) is determined to stay active and to retain some amount of self-respect. When his partner Harry Regan (Howard Duff) is killed while on assignment, Ira agrees to take on his current case, although he can't see how it has anything to do with his friend's murder, which he is anxious to solve. In order to survive, by solving the case of his client's missing cat, and solving the murder of his friend, Ira winds up accepting a lot of help from his client Margo (Lily Tomlin). By the end of the film, it looks like an offbeat romance, or perhaps a new business partnership, is blooming. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Robert Benton
Written By: Robert Benton
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 10, 1977 Wide
On DVD: Mar 30, 2004

Critic Reviews

David Cornelius, eFilmCritic.com
The Late Show is a masterpiece disguised as a fluffy mystery-comedy.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
An odd and sneakily enjoyable little flick. Tomlin & Carney make a great pair.
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
A great idea of the genius of Robert Benton to come.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
The Late Show is a detective flick that modestly delivers more than one expects.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
A loose, funny and crafty detective flick with an unusual cast.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Carney and Tomlin make a fine odd couple in this tip of the hat to old-time detective thrillers.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

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

A sardonic, affectionate homage to the private-eye films of the 40's and 50's. it benefits greatly by the touching and magnificent performance by the late Art Carney playing a washed-up, aging private eye determined to solve one tantalizing case, after his one time partner… More
A sardonic, affectionate homage to the private-eye films of the 40's and 50's. it benefits greatly by the touching and magnificent performance by the late 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. 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 has a change of heart, and soon she turns into his dizzy sidekick, they have real 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 wrote the brilliant original screenplay, and makes an impressive directorial debut. A sadly underrated gem, that is a true winner! Highly Recommended.