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The Cheap Detective

6.419781h 32mPGMovieComedyCrimeMystery

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.

DirectorRobert Moore
WriterNeil Simon
ProducerRay Stark

Where to watch

Howdy Amazon ChannelHowdy Amazon Channel
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Robert Moore

PFPeter Falk
Peter Falk
Lou Peckinpaugh
AAnn-Margret
Ann-Margret
Jezebel Dezire
EBEileen Brennan
Eileen Brennan
Betty DeBoop
SCSid Caesar
Sid Caesar
Ezra Dezire
SCStockard Channing
Stockard Channing
Bess
JCJames Coco
James Coco
Marcel
DDDom DeLuise
Dom DeLuise
Pepe Damascus
LFLouise Fletcher
Louise Fletcher
Marlene DuChard
JHJohn Houseman
John Houseman
Jasper Blubber
MKMadeline Kahn
Madeline Kahn
Mrs. Montenegro
FLFernando Lamas
Fernando Lamas
Paul DuChard
MMMarsha Mason
Marsha Mason
Georgia Merkle

More from Peter Falk · Lead actor

Columbo
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Wagon Train
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The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
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The Twilight Zone
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Have Gun, Will Travel
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1957 · 7.3
Dr. Kildare
Dr. Kildare
1961 · 5.7
Studio One
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1948 · 5.4
Robert Montgomery Presents
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1950 · 6.0
The Untouchables
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1959 · 8.1
Ben Casey
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1961 · 5.9
See all fromPeter Falk

More from Ann-Margret · Co-star actress

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
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The Jack Benny Program
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1950 · 7.8
Dinah!
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1974 · 7.0
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Popular
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See all fromAnn-Margret

More from Robert Moore · Director

The Bob Newhart Show
The Bob Newhart Show
1972 · 7.6
Rhoda
Rhoda
1974 · 6.3
Murder by Death
Murder by Death
1976 · 7.1
Thursday's Game
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Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
1976 · 5.0
Chapter Two
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1979 · 5.9
They're Playing Our Song
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1979
See all fromRobert Moore

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2007 · 5.8
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The Cheap Detective — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Cheap Detective?

The Cheap Detective is streaming on Howdy in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Cheap Detective on Netflix?

No, The Cheap Detective is not on Netflix in United States as of October 2026. It's currently on Howdy.

Is The Cheap Detective on Amazon Prime Video?

The Cheap Detective isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch The Cheap Detective for free?

The Cheap Detective is available on Howdy in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.