The Laughing Policeman
1973, English. Directed by Stuart Rosenberg.
This movie is so real it makes every other movie in this town look like a movie.
When a gunman opens fire on a crowded city bus in San Francisco, Detective Dave Evans is killed, along with the man he'd been following in relation to a murder. Evans' partner, Sgt. Jake Martin, becomes obsessed with solving the case.
- Runtime
- 1h 52m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.2/10 from 81 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch The Laughing Policeman
The Laughing Policeman isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 20 December 1973.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Stuart RosenbergDirector
- Walter MatthauSgt. Jake Martin SFPD
- Bruce DernInsp. Leo Larsen SFPD
- Louis Gossett Jr.Insp. James Larrimore SFPD
- Albert PaulsenHenry Camerero
- Anthony ZerbeLt. Nat Steiner SFPD
- Val AveryInsp. John Pappas SFPD
- Cathy Lee CrosbyKay Butler
- Mario GalloBobby Mow, Snitch
- Joanna CassidyMonica, Beth's Roomate
- Frances Lee McCainProstitute
- Clifton JamesOfficer Jim Maloney SFPD Bomb Squad
- Paul KosloDuane Haygood
Details
- Released
- 20 December 1973
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Thomas Rickman, Stuart Rosenberg
- Budget
- $2.3M
- Box office
- $1.7M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Laughing Policeman is based on
The Laughing Policeman is based on The Laughing Policeman (1968) by Sjöwall and Wahlöö.
1968
The Laughing Policeman
By Sjöwall and Wahlöö
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Laughing Policeman: quick answers
Is The Laughing Policeman worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.2/10 from 81 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Laughing Policeman?
The Laughing Policeman runs 112 minutes (1h 52m).
Does The Laughing Policeman have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Laughing Policeman. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Laughing Policeman parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Laughing Policeman is rated R in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Laughing Policeman on?
The Laughing Policeman isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 20 December 1973. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Laughing Policeman?
If you liked The Laughing Policeman, try 10 to Midnight, Street Kings, Blindfire.
Who directed The Laughing Policeman?
The Laughing Policeman (1973) was directed by Stuart Rosenberg and stars Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, Louis Gossett Jr..
What is The Laughing Policeman based on?
The Laughing Policeman is based on The Laughing Policeman (1968) by Sjöwall and Wahlöö.