The Cheap Detective
1978, English. Directed by Robert Moore.
He knows every cheap trick, cheap joke, cheap shot and cheap dame in the book.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.4/10 from 113 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Cheap Detective
The Cheap Detective isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Apple TV Store
Amazon VideoAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Robert MooreDirector
- Peter FalkLou Peckinpaugh
- Ann-MargretJezebel Dezire
- Eileen BrennanBetty DeBoop
- Sid CaesarEzra Dezire
- Stockard ChanningBess
- James CocoMarcel
- Dom DeLuisePepe Damascus
- Louise FletcherMarlene DuChard
- John HousemanJasper Blubber
- Madeline KahnMrs. Montenegro
- Fernando LamasPaul DuChard
- Marsha MasonGeorgia Merkle
Details
- Released
- 23 June 1978
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Neil Simon
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Cheap Detective: quick answers
Is The Cheap Detective worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.4/10 from 113 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective runs 92 minutes (1h 32m).
Does The Cheap Detective have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Cheap Detective. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Cheap Detective parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Cheap Detective is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is The Cheap Detective on?
The Cheap Detective isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Cheap Detective?
If you liked The Cheap Detective, try The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother, Psych: The Movie, The Thursday Murder Club.
Who directed The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective (1978) was directed by Robert Moore and stars Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, Eileen Brennan.