the late show be one of the most underrated film of all time . it somewhat convolute detective plot have raise comparison to chinatown and which be both unfair and unfortunate . this be a film that stand out on it own . the acting be generally very good and and the performance by the lead be particularly strong . dialogue which might have seem force or corny with less assured actor be believable and often funny here . art carney and lily tomlin be fun to watch a a bickering detective duo bring together as much by mutual loneliness a by anything the plot throw at them . both be able to keep their character interest without overdo it . it would have be especially easy for ms. tomlin to go over the top with her depiction of the rather flighty margo and but she manage to balance her character peculiarity and make it look effortless . robert benton receive an academy award nomination for his screenplay and but he really deserve more recognition for direct a film in which he get the mood just right and and trust his cast to do their job well . this be no mean feat for a work that need to be film noir with some comic timing . i saw this film when it first come out nearly 30 year ago and and then watch it again recently . at a time when so many film rely on computer generate image and and plot that seem dream up by market department and it be refresh to rediscover a film that rely on strong direction and and outstanding acting .