The Cheap Detective
“He knows every cheap trick, cheap joke, cheap shot and cheap dame in the book.”
Synopsis
A spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre. San Francisco private detective, Lou Pekinpaugh is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress—his partner's wife.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Cheap Detective (Theatrical Trailer)
Type: Trailer • Published 2015-02-17
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Peter Falk
Lou Peckinpaugh
Ann-Margret
Jezebel Dezire
Eileen Brennan
Betty DeBoop
Sid Caesar
Ezra Dezire
Stockard Channing
Bess
James Coco
Marcel
Dom DeLuise
Pepe Damascus
Louise Fletcher
Marlene DuChard
John Houseman
Jasper Blubber
Madeline Kahn
Mrs. Montenegro
Fernando Lamas
Paul DuChard
Marsha Mason
Georgia Merkle
Phil Silvers
Hoppy
Abe Vigoda
Sergeant Rizzuto
Paul Williams
Boy
Nicol Williamson
Colonel Schlissel
Emory Bass
Butler
Carmine Caridi
Sergeant Crosseti
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 23, 1978
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Moore
- Screenplay & Story
- Neil Simon
- Original Score
- Patrick Williams
- Original Title
- The Cheap Detective
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures, EMI Films, Rastar Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Moore
Neil Simon
Patrick Williams
John A. Alonzo
Sidney Levin, Michael A. Stevenson
Ray Stark
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Moore
Director
Neil Simon
Writer
Ray Stark
Producer
Patrick Williams
Original Music Composer
John A. Alonzo
Director of Photography
Sidney Levin
Editor
Michael A. Stevenson
Editor
Robert Luthardt
Production Design
Theoni V. Aldredge
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Cheap Detective.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Cheap Detective.
New English Movies
New in English
Dual Audio Hindi Movies 5 to 7
Automated renaming to: Dual Audio Hindi Movies 5 to 7
Dual Audio Hindi Movies
Automated renaming to: Dual Audio Hindi Movies
Mid Hunting List
A list of mids found by Mid Hunters
Mystery Hindi Dubbed
Similar Titles to The Cheap Detective
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
5.1
5.5
6.3
7.1
7.2
5.5
5.9
8.5
7.5
6.5
6.7
6.3
6.7
5.9
6.3
6.6
3.9
6.2
More Like The Cheap Detective
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Cheap Detective
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Cheap Detective about?
A spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre. San Francisco private detective, Lou Pekinpaugh is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress—his partner's wife.
Who directed The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective was directed by Robert Moore.
Who stars in The Cheap Detective?
The principal cast of The Cheap Detective includes Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, Eileen Brennan, Sid Caesar, Stockard Channing.
When was The Cheap Detective released and how long is it?
The Cheap Detective was released in 1978 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
Who composed the musical score for The Cheap Detective?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Cheap Detective was composed by Patrick Williams.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).