The Cheap Detective Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cheap detective must clear his name and find a mysterious bird, but mostly he’s just trying to survive a bizarre San Francisco filled with suspiciously familiar dames and folks doing questionable Bogart impressions.

🍿 The Cheap Detective: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Affectionate Parody of Film Noir

Set in a fictitious San Francisco in 1940, ‘The Cheap Detective’ introduces audiences to Lou Peckinpaugh (Peter Falk), a private eye who finds himself embroiled in a chaotic murder investigation. The film immediately establishes its tone as a loving, yet zany, spoof of classic Humphrey Bogart movies, most notably ‘The Maltese Falcon’ and ‘Casablanca’. The intricate and often nonsensical plot serves primarily as a vehicle for a relentless barrage of witty dialogue and sight gags.

A Web of Deceit, Dames, and Dubious Deals

Lou Peckinpaugh quickly becomes the prime suspect when his partner is murdered, adding to his woes of navigating multiple, intertwining cases. His office becomes a revolving door for an array of eccentric characters: a grieving widow (Marsha Mason), mysterious women with multiple aliases (Madeline Kahn), French Resistance fighters (Fernando Lamas, Louise Fletcher) escaping Nazis, and shady figures seeking a valuable, elusive treasure – a parody of the Maltese Falcon’s black bird, here referred to as ‘diamond eggs.’ Lou’s encounters with these colorful characters, often resembling iconic film noir archetypes, drive the film’s comedic momentum.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lou Peckinpaugh (Peter Falk): The cheap, hard-boiled private detective who navigates a series of convoluted cases while being pursued by police and various femme fatales.
• Jezebel Dezire (Ann-Margret): A stunningly voluptuous blonde bombshell who entangles Lou in a web of double-crosses and mysteries.
• Betty DeBoop (Eileen Brennan): A torch-song chanteuse who serves as a recurring love interest and often appears in classic noir scenarios with Lou.
• Mrs. Montenegro (Madeline Kahn): A mysterious woman who frequently changes her name and identity while pursuing the valuable ‘eggs’.
• Pepe Damascus (Dom DeLuise): A swarthy and suspicious character, parodying the Peter Lorre archetype, who is deeply involved in the hunt for the elusive treasure.
• Jasper Blubber (John Houseman): An imposing and powerful figure, parodying the Sydney Greenstreet archetype, who is one of the many characters seeking the valuable ‘eggs’.
• Marlene DuChard (Louise Fletcher): A self-righteous woman tied to the French Resistance and Lou’s past, parodying the Ingrid Bergman role from Casablanca.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jezebel Dezire: “Won’t you join me in a little drinkie? What’s your pleasure? … I know… but I thought you’d like a little drink first.” – Said to Lou Peckinpaugh as she attempts to seduce him with her alluring presence and suggestive dialogue.
• Lou Peckinpaugh: “Day by day, I erased your face from my memory, until all I had left was your right ear and three front teeth on the bottom.” – A classic hard-boiled detective line, comically exaggerating the process of trying to forget a past love, delivered with Bogart-esque gravitas.
• Bess: “Gee Lou, I’d give anything for a good thank.” – Expressed by Bess to Lou, highlighting her naivete and unconventional desires in a humorous, direct manner.
• Georgia Merkle: “No sense crying over spilt husbands.” – Uttered after a darkly comedic scene where she disposes of her late husband’s ashes in a highly unconventional and violent way.
• Lou Peckinpaugh: “Sorry, no tip. Death in the family.” – A recurring gag delivered by Lou to various cab drivers, showcasing his extreme cheapness, which is central to his character’s name.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $6,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,500,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Cheap Detective Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched ‘The Cheap Detective,’ and seriously, what a wild ride! I went in knowing it was a spoof, and Peter Falk absolutely kills it as this Bogart-esque detective. He’s got that gruff charm down, but with this hilarious cheapness that makes you laugh. I loved how they just threw in references to ‘Casablanca’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’ left and right; it was like a treasure hunt for movie buffs. Madeline Kahn was a standout for me, her character with all those aliases was just gold, I swear I snorted laughing every time she popped up with a new name. And Eileen Brennan singing ‘La Vie en Rose’ with the Nazis joining in? Pure genius. The plot is totally bonkers, but honestly, who cares when you’re just having such a fun time with the ridiculousness? It’s the kind of movie you just sit back and let wash over you, no need to overthink it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir movies and their parodies”
  • “Audiences who enjoy Neil Simon’s distinct comedic writing style”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ensemble casts with many comedic talents”
  • “Those who liked ‘Murder by Death,’ ‘Airplane!,’ or ‘Young Frankenstein'”
  • “Peter Falk enthusiasts looking for his comedic performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild sexual innuendo and suggestive dialogue”
  • “Stylized violence inherent to detective/crime spoofs (played for laughs)”
  • “Some instances of profanity”

Professional Reviews

• Cinema Chronicle: “Neil Simon’s ‘The Cheap Detective’ delivers a masterclass in comedic homage, blending the iconic worlds of ‘Casablanca’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’ into a madcap mystery. Peter Falk’s deadpan take on the Bogart archetype anchors a star-studded ensemble, each actor embracing their caricatured roles with infectious glee. The witty dialogue flies faster than a fedora in a San Francisco gale, ensuring a steady stream of laughs. It’s a film that knows its references inside out, making the send-ups feel both clever and genuinely funny. A must-see for fans of classic noir and smart satire.
• Film Fanatics Forum: “‘The Cheap Detective’ is undeniably clever, a testament to Neil Simon’s sharp wit and deep understanding of film noir. Peter Falk leads a parade of fantastic comedic talent, delivering lines that are intricate and referential. However, this intelligence can sometimes be its own hurdle; the film’s humor often hinges on intimate knowledge of its source material, potentially leaving casual viewers feeling a step behind. While dedicated cinephiles will revel in every knowing wink, others might find its specific brand of humor a bit too ‘inside baseball’ for sustained hilarity. A watchable spoof, but not for everyone.
• The Hollywood Insider: “Despite a dream cast and a premise ripe for parody, ‘The Cheap Detective’ struggles to maintain comedic momentum. Neil Simon’s script, while occasionally sparkling with a choice one-liner, too often feels like a series of disjointed gags rather than a cohesive narrative. Peter Falk’s Bogart impression is competent, but the film’s reliance on simply replicating famous scenes with a comedic twist often falls flat. The energy wanes, and what begins as a promising homage devolves into a surprisingly dull affair. A missed opportunity to truly soar as a comedic classic.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved Peter Falk’s spot-on yet uniquely funny take on the classic Bogart detective persona.: Many praised the all-star ensemble cast, noting how each actor perfectly embodied their parodied roles with great comedic timing and flair, making every scene a joy.

Fans found the film’s rapid-fire, witty dialogue and constant movie references a delight for those familiar with classic film noir.: The convoluted, nonsensical plot was often embraced as part of the humor, allowing for a pure, unadulterated comedic experience rather than a serious mystery.

Overall Consensus: The consensus among audiences is that ‘The Cheap Detective’ is a highly enjoyable, if sometimes niche, parody that brilliantly spoofs classic film noir with a stellar comedic cast, offering plenty of laughs for fans of Neil Simon and Bogart films.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “According to screenwriter Neil Simon, the movie was titled ‘The Cheap Detective’ because detectives in classic film noirs, like Humphrey Bogart’s characters, were rarely paid for their services, suggesting their involvement was more about a lifestyle than monetary gain.”
• “A notable goof in the film includes a brief appearance of a male crew member, possibly Neil Simon himself, seated on a couch and seemingly reading a script during a scene in Lou Peckinpaugh’s office.”
• “The movie was primarily filmed on Stage 15 at Warner Brothers Burbank Studios in California, despite being set in a fictitious version of San Francisco.”
• “This film serves as a spiritual successor to Neil Simon’s previous mystery spoof, ‘Murder by Death’ (1976), and features several returning cast members, including Peter Falk, Eileen Brennan, and James Coco.”
• “The humor is highly reliant on audience familiarity with classic Humphrey Bogart films, particularly ‘The Maltese Falcon’ and ‘Casablanca’, making the parody’s nuances more apparent to those who know the source material.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Cheap Detective?

As a classic parody film, ‘The Cheap Detective’ is not consistently available on subscription streaming services. However, it can often be found for rent or purchase digitally on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube. Check these services for the most current availability and pricing to enjoy this Neil Simon comedy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Cheap Detective, you might like these similar films:

• Murder by Death (1976): A direct predecessor and spiritual companion piece, also written by Neil Simon and featuring Peter Falk, it’s another star-studded parody of classic detective fiction.
• Airplane! (1980): Shares a similar ‘everything-but-the-kitchen-sink’ comedic style, known for its rapid-fire gags and lampooning of a specific film genre, much like ‘The Cheap Detective’ does for film noir.
• The Maltese Falcon (1941): One of the primary film noirs directly parodied in ‘The Cheap Detective’; understanding the original enhances the enjoyment of the spoof’s many references and jokes.
• Young Frankenstein (1974): An acclaimed genre spoof from the same era, it masterfully balances affectionate parody with sharp wit, appealing to audiences who appreciate clever comedic homages.
• The Nice Guys (2016): A modern neo-noir buddy comedy that successfully blends classic detective tropes with witty dialogue and strong comedic performances, offering a contemporary take on similar themes.

🛒 The Cheap Detective Related Products

• The Cheap Detective (Digital HD): Own the hilarious Neil Simon classic in stunning digital high definition. Relive every witty one-liner and convoluted plot twist instantly, available across all your devices.
• The Maltese Falcon Replica (Prop Grade): A meticulously crafted, prop-grade replica of the iconic black bird statue, a central MacGuffin in the films ‘The Cheap Detective’ parodies. This heavy, detailed piece makes an impressive display.
• Lou Peckinpaugh’s San Francisco Private Eye T-Shirt: Channel your inner cheap detective with this vintage-style t-shirt featuring a silhouette of Lou Peckinpaugh in his signature trench coat and fedora, set against a stylized San Francisco skyline.
• Film Noir Mystery: The Board Game: An immersive board game where players become private detectives, solving complex mysteries in a stylized 1940s world. Features thematic elements and character archetypes reminiscent of classic film noir and its spoofs.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Cheap Detective features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Vie en Rose” – performed by Eileen Brennan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Cheap Detective (1978)

Ever wonder what makes Madeline Kahn’s performance in The Cheap Detective so iconic? This quick clip perfectly showcases her comedic brilliance as a femme fatale, and honestly, she just steals every scene she’s in!

✨ Rate