when you think of it and this be a very inexpensive way to produce a movie . imagine what it would have cost to hire real actor for all those scene lift from the old detective picture . this movie actually have a quite small cast and with one of the part play by writer or director carl reiner more money save . the marvelously talented reni santoni and who portray a south american policeman to hilarious effect and be a reiner favorite . santoni actually play a character base on the young carl reiner in the semi autobiographical enter laugh fifteen year earlier . there be much clever write here and steve martin deadpan style of comedy be right on the money . a this be satire and not drama and the virtual absence of plot isn not a major flaw . likewise the limited act skill of rachel ward who only have to do sexy .