The Late Show (1977)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Robert Benton

Writer:

Robert Benton (writer)

Release Date:

4 July 1977 (Denmark)

Genre:

Crime | Mystery | Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

The nicest movie you'll ever see about murder and blackmail. [Lobby Card]

Plot Keywords:

Cat | Murder | Private Detective | Beautiful Woman | Gun

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 3 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

Art Carney	...	Ira Wells
Lily Tomlin	...	Margo Sperling
Bill Macy	...	Charlie Hatter
Eugene Roche	...	Ron Birdwell
Joanna Cassidy	...	Laura Birdwell
John Considine	...	Lamar
Ruth Nelson	...	Mrs. Schmidt
John Davey	...	Sergeant Dayton
Howard Duff	...	Harry Regan
Lothar Lambert
Beate Hasenau
Cihan Anasai
Dagmar Beiersdorf
Dorothea Moritz
Erika Wilde

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Australia:M | Canada:PG | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Sweden:15 | USA:PG

Company:

Lions Gate Films

Quotes:

Margo Sperling: [to Charles] This car is not only a toilet, but you are the attendant.

Movie Connections:

References "The Thin Man" (1957)

Soundtrack:

What Was

genuine sleeper

For those drained and insulted by most of today's no plot, predictable no brainers, this will come as welcome relief. Most reviewers really don't get this little charmer. The direction is deft, the plot well-constructed and the ensemble acting is always on the mark. Though it was directed by Robert Benton of Kramer vs Kramer fame, it was produced by Robert Altman and his influence is evident. Art Carney and Lily Tomlin have great chemistry together and the cast of veteran character actors is top notch. There are moments of goofy good humor, tragedy, sweet wistfulness and chair-gripping tension. This has been a favorite of mine for a long time. Sandman says check it out!