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Art Carney, Lily Tomlin, Bill Macy, Eugene Roche, Joanna Cassidy ... see more see more... , John Considine , Ruth Nelson , John Davey , Howard Duff

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 retai... read more read more...n 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

Flixster Users

69% liked it

993 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

13 critics

PG, 1 hr. 34 min.

Directed by: Robert Benton

Release Date: February 10, 1977

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DVD Release Date: March 30, 2004

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Flixster Reviews (50)

  • jjnxn
    December 20, 2008
    jjnxn
    Charming crime comedy with Carney and Tomlin a wonderfully off beat pair, their chemistry makes this a delight. A real sleeper.
  • Dannyrovira
    October 17, 2010
    Dannyrovira
    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 mur... read moredered, 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.

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Critic Reviews

David Cornelius
May 14, 2005
David Cornelius, eFilmCritic.com

The Late Show is a masterpiece disguised as a fluffy mystery-comedy. Full Review

Scott Weinberg
April 6, 2005
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com

An odd and sneakily enjoyable little flick. Tomlin & Carney make a great pair.

Michael A. Smith
March 3, 2005
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review

A great idea of the genius of Robert Benton to come.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
January 23, 2004
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

The Late Show is a detective flick that modestly delivers more than one expects. Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson
March 26, 2003
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner

A loose, funny and crafty detective flick with an unusual cast.

Bob Bloom
August 22, 2002
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.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 9, 2005
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Charles Taylor
January 1, 2000
Charles Taylor, Salon.com

Click to read the article Full Review

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The Late Show Trivia

  • Is it true that the Late night Talk Show Host Conan O'brien appeared in Bewitched?  Answer »
  • Jack Nicholson ad-libbed the line "Here's Johnny!" in imitation of announcer Ed McMahon's famous introduction of Johnny Carson on U.S. network NBC-TV's long-running late night television program "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson"   Answer »
  • "But, by the time I figured this all out, it was too late; she moved on. And all I had to show for it was some foolish pride which then gave way to regret. She was the girl. I know that now. But, I pushed her away." This quote taken from what Kevin Smith flick?  Answer »
  • 60's and 70's actress HAYLEY MILLS starred in the original PARENT TRAP, POLLYANNA, as well as many other disney movies. however, in the late eighties she could be found all grown up and a teacher on this show with MARK-PAUL GOSSELAR and DUSTIN DIAMOND.   Answer »
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