Gumshoe (1971, U.K.)

Eddie Ginley (Albert Finney) is a comedian turned private eye who gets into hot water when he meets a fat man (George Silver) and a femme fatale (Janice Rule). Armed with only rapid-fire banter and sharpened instinct, Ginley must save the dame from a drug smuggling ring before the joke’s on him. Paying homage to Bogart, Chandler and Hammett, Gumshoe puts a clever spin on the classic detective tale. Oscar nominees Albert Finney (2000, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Erin Brockovich) and Stephen Frears (1990, Best Director, The Grifters) are partners in crime in this sleuth spoof that features Janice Rule, Billie Whitelaw and Wendy Richard.