The Cheap Detective (1978) Subtitles

Jonathan Banks, Fernando Lamas, James Cromwell, Ann-Margret

The Cheap Detective is a comedy-mystery film set in the 1940s, which parodies the classic film noir genre. Lou Peckinpaugh, a bumbling but well-meaning private detective in the vein of Humphrey Bogart's iconic characters, finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue and murder. The story unfolds in the fictional city of San Francisco, where the streets are filled with shady characters and sultry dames. Lou's office is a dimly lit, smoke-filled room, and he spends his days sipping whiskey and cracking wise with his loyal secretary, Bess. When Lou's former partner is killed, he becomes determined to crack the case, despite warnings from the police and threats from dangerous criminals. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a seductive femme fatale, a gangster with a vendetta, and a mysterious foreign diplomat. As Lou delves deeper into the mystery, he unravels a complex conspiracy involving stolen jewels, political intrigue, and a plot to overthrow the government. With his quick wit and penchant for trouble, Lou navigates through a series of misadventures, narrowly escaping danger at every turn. The film is filled with clever one-liners, slapstick humor, and nods to classic film noir tropes, making it a delightful homage to the genre. In the end, Lou Peckinpaugh manages to solve the case, outsmart the villains, and win the heart of the femme fatale, proving that even the cheapest detective can triumph in the face of danger and deceit.