*By submitting your contribution, you agree to TCM's Terms of Use. TCM will use your personal information consistent with our Privacy Policy

• funny

  • steven t
  • 1/16/15

  A very funny film, where you always have to be watching, or you'll miss something. Glad to see it on TCM.

• Wonderful word play !

  • Will Fox
  • 1/10/15

  This Neil Simon parody features more than 15 stars, shooting zingers, based on Bogart's best, black & white classics, "Casablanca," the "Maltese Falcon," plus "To Have and Have Not." Simon's satiric screenplay succeeds splendidly, sparkling with witticisms blazing every other line, like a machinegun spaying bullets on automatic fire. Peter Falk apes Bogart, coolly playing private detective Sam (Spade) Peckinpaugh. As the hub of this metaphorically spoked-wheel, he is surrounded by charming stars with tongues in cheeks. Ann Margret is Jezebel Desire; Eileen Brennan is ("Oop Oop be doop") Betty Deboop; Louise Fletcher is Marlene Dietrich Duchard; Madeline Kahn ("Young Frankenstein's knockers") is Mrs. Montenegro; Stockard Channing is Bess; and Neil Simon's Oscar-winning wife, Marsha Mason is ditsy Georgia Merklel; etc. Classic film buffs, bemused by brilliant banter, will more than smile, enjoying elegant entertainment. Four Stars.

• Hilarious!

  • Dan
  • 12/31/13

  I've loved Bogart movies since I first saw Casablanca! while in college. I've become a fan, and always take time to watch one when it shows up on the little screen. I had never seen or heard of this movie until it came on TCM last night. It was hilarious and entertaining, and to say it simply spoofs Bogie is an injustice. The predictable plot intertwined two classics and add twists to the originals that surprise and delight. After all, we all know Elsa really wanted to stay with Rick! The underlying sexual innuendos are refined and subtle, bringing to light the subdued 40's attitude towards sex on the screen, but without being so overt as to make the movie offensive. Thank you Peter Faulk for a fantastic performance!

• The Cheap Detective

  • Ken Porteous
  • 12/30/13

  I saw this movie in 1978 when it was first released and I loved it then. If you liked the Maltese Falcon and Casablanca, this great ensemble cast does a hilarious over the top parody of the Bogart classics. Peter Falk is at the top of his game as the belaugerd private detective Sam peckinpaugh. The rest of the cast is top drawer and the screenplay by Neil Simon is side splitting( his wife Marsha Mason is outstanding as the Ditsy Georgia) . I have seen the film at keast five times and it istill makes me laugh. Listen to the dialogue carefully. you don't want to miss the great lines. 4/12 out of 5.

• The third of the MUST HAVE detective spoofs.

  • Kacey
  • 3/24/06

  Anyone who enjoyed Clue or Murder by Death must have this movie in their collection. With truly a cast of thousands, the movie showcases the comedy of greats such as Dom DeLouise, Sid Caesar, Madeline Kahn and Eileen Brennen.

• Funny Spoof

  • Wendy Winkler
  • 3/24/06

  If you are a fan of Humphrey Bogart movies you have to give this movie a try.Peter Falk is very good in it.

• More Reviews