The Cheap Detective 1978
“He knows every cheap trick, cheap joke, cheap shot and cheap dame in the book.”
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Director
- Robert Moore
- Networks
- Columbia Pictures, EMI Films, Rastar Productions
What is The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective is a 1978 comedy, crime, and mystery film directed as a spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre, starring a San Francisco private detective named Lou Pekinpaugh who is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress. Released on June 23, 1978 in the US with a PG rating, the film runs for 1 hour and 32 minutes and incorporates elements of crime and mystery into its comedic pre
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1978
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 92 minutes
- Release date
- Jun 23, 1978
- Studios
- Columbia Pictures, EMI Films, Rastar Productions
- Genres
- Comedy, Crime, Mystery
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 6.4/10
- Episode runtime
- ~92 minutes
- Status
- Released
- Networks
- Columbia Pictures, EMI Films, Rastar Productions
Trailer
Overview
The Cheap Detective is a 1978 comedy, crime, and mystery film directed as a spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre, starring a San Francisco private detective named Lou Pekinpaugh who is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress. Released on June 23, 1978 in the US with a PG rating, the film runs for 1 hour and 32 minutes and incorporates elements of crime and mystery into its comedic premise.
Culturally significant as a genre spoof from the late 1970s, the film draws on classic tropes involving private detectives, murder accusations, mistresses, diamonds, and waterfront confrontations. Its tone combines traditional detective elements with comedy, offering a runtime typical of feature films from its era.
Should you watch it?
“A San Francisco private detective is accused of murdering his partner.”
- It is a spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre.
- It features a San Francisco private detective named Lou Pekinpaugh.
- It involves a plot where the detective is accused of murdering his partner.
Watch it if you enjoy comedy and mystery films spoofing the 1940s detective genre.
The film blends comedy, crime, and mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about The Cheap Detective — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is The Cheap Detective worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
Where to stream The Cheap Detective?
Streaming availability is listed under Now Streaming and Watch Now options on its database page.
Whether it is worth watching?
It is worth watching if you are interested in a 1978 comedy, crime, and mystery spoof of the 1940s detective genre.
What is the binge duration?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Are there essential episodes?
The Cheap Detective is a feature film rather than a television series with episodes.
Explore The Cheap Detective
Where to watch Similar movies More from Columbia PicturesMore from EMI Films
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on The Cheap Detective.