The Cheap Detective

The Cheap Detective is a 1978 comedy-mystery film directed by Robert Moore and written by Neil Simon. The film offers a delightful parody of several classic film noir detective movies, specifically taking inspiration from the likes of "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca," with some elements from other detective stories thrown into the mix. It follows the comedic misadventures of a clever but bumbling private eye, Lou Peckinpaugh, portrayed with wry charm and quick wit by the indomitable Peter Falk.

The story is set in the late 1930s or early 1940s, a period rich with the ambiance of smoke-filled rooms and shadowy, cobbled streets, dimly lit by the neon signs of speakeasies and jazz clubs. The opening scene finds the private detective in a vulnerable state, as his partner is murdered and he himself is implicated in the crime. Peckinpaugh quickly becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, involving multiple femmes fatales, duplicitous characters, and a quest for a priceless treasure.

In his journey to clear his name and solve the murder, Peckinpaugh encounters a host of eccentric and colorful characters. Ann-Margret plays the seductive and mysterious Jezebel Dezire, who seeks the detective's help for reasons of her own. Eileen Brennan assumes the role of Betty DeBoop, a woman with her own connection to the dark and criminal underbelly of the city, further complicating the plot.

As Peckinpaugh delves deeper into the case, he finds that almost everyone he meets has something to hide, including several characters that bear a striking resemblance to beloved figures from "Casablanca," such as a world-weary lounge singer, a Vichy-police-official lookalike, and a resistance leader with dubious allegiances. These characters, each portrayed by a talented member of the film's ensemble cast, are deftly woven into Neil Simon's cleverly crafted narrative, their interactions with Peckinpaugh laced with both suspense and humor.

The Cheap Detective is known for its witty dialogue and expert pacing. Simon's script is a relentless barrage of gags, puns, and non-sequiturs, unfolding in rapid-fire succession, ensuring that audiences are as busy laughing as they are trying to follow the delightfully convoluted plot. This film pays homage to its noir predecessors not only through its narrative twists but also through visual style and direction. Moore uses dramatic lighting, vintage costumes, and meticulous set design to capture the essence of the black-and-white film era, despite the movie itself being in color.

Throughout the madcap investigation, Peckinpaugh demonstrates an uncanny ability to step back from the chaos around him and see the humor in his own predicament, a trait that endears him to the audience. Falk portrays the detective as street-smart and capable, yet still fallible and human, bearing a hint of the disheveled charm that made his character in the television series "Columbo" so endearing.

The plot is a rollercoaster of twists, turns, and red herrings, as is to be expected from a homage to the genre. The film deftly juggles a myriad of intersecting storylines, double-crosses, stolen items, and hidden agendas. Adding to the fun is the film's persistent breaking of the fourth wall, acknowledging its own absurdity and the fact that the audience is in on the joke.

Audiences fond of the source material will find extra layers of humor in the film, as it is peppered with references, parodied character archetypes, and narrative tropes familiar to fans of "The Maltese Falcon," "Casablanca," and other Bogart films. However, the film is crafted well enough to stand on its own, allowing even those unfamiliar with the classics to enjoy this farcical tribute to detective movies.

As for the performances, the cast is composed of well-established actors, each delivering performances that playfully exaggerate the traits of the archetypical characters they embody. It is through their interactions and interdependent agendas that the comedic story unfolds, with love triangles emerging and allegiances constantly shifting amidst the backdrop of an impending war that adds a layer of urgency to the pursuit of the film's McGuffin.

The Cheap Detective brings together the comedic elements of spoof and the tension of a mystery thriller into a single, entertaining package. Its clever blend of homage and parody offers a fresh take on a beloved genre while exploring the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the archetypal private-eye tale. The film is an exercise in nostalgia, humor, and craft, and stands as a thorough, if irreverent, love letter to the detective stories of old Hollywood.