Ira Wells (Art Carney) is an ageing private eye trying to solve the murder of his ex-partner (Howard Duff), “helped” by Margo (Lily Tomlin), a flaky, aimless young woman. The chemistry between Carney and Tomlin is perfect and echoes of Chandler and Hammett resound in Benton’s complex but likeable script. This quietly authoritative show-stopper is a marvellous comment on classics like “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Big Sleep”, while at the same time taking its place beside them as a superior example of the genre. Also starring Bill Macy and Eugene Roche. Co-starring Joanna Cassidy, John Considine, Ruth Nelson, Howard Duff and John Davey.
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How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
306113
Language
English
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
VHS; Access Print (Section 1)