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The Late Show - Film Noir
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The Late Show

description The Late Show Overview

The Late Show is a 1977 American neo-noir mystery film written and directed by Robert Benton. Art Carney stars as Ira Wells, an aging private investigator whose search for a missing cat develops into a case involving murder, stolen property, and uneasy alliances; Lily Tomlin co-stars as the cat's owner. The film combines detective-fiction conventions with character comedy, and Benton's original screenplay received an Academy Award nomination.

help The Late Show FAQ

What is 'The Late Show' starring Art Carney about?

Released in 1977, the film is an American neo-noir mystery following Ira Wells, an aging private investigator in Los Angeles. His seemingly simple search for a missing cat escalates into a complex case involving murder, stolen property, and uneasy alliances.

Who plays the female lead alongside Art Carney in 'The Late Show'?

Lily Tomlin co-stars in the film as the eccentric client who hires Art Carney's character. The movie effectively blends classic 1940s film-noir tropes with a 1970s comedic sensibility, capitalizing on the chemistry between the two leads.

Who directed and wrote the 1977 film 'The Late Show'?

The film was both written and directed by Robert Benton, who was known for his screenwriting work on 'Bonnie and Clyde'. Benton's script earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Is 'The Late Show' considered a comedy or a thriller?

It is best described as a neo-noir mystery thriller with strong comedic elements. It acts as both a homage to the gritty detective films of the 1940s and a satirical commentary on the genre.

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