“Steve Martin is Rigby Reardon, a private eye with a nose for crime, who’s hot on the case of a murdered cheesemaker in this hardboiled comedy caper”. OK, well, that’s a start. And that’s what the package says. But I recently re-watched this classic comedy film from 1982. I hadn’t seen it since back then, and that was a long, long time ago. But I remember liking it then and I still liked it now. Granted, there is a little silliness here and there and a few semi-crude one-liners, but overall it is a clever parody of the film noir detective and crime movies of the 40s. In fact, it is intersperced with scenes from those films, seamlessly weaved into the storyline. Jimmy Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, Veronica Lake, Betty Davis, and many more classic actors unknowningly lend their talents as their scenes become part of this movie.
Of course Martin hams a little, though not “too” much. And Rachel Ward is fine as the “dame” who hires him. Sure, she has 80s big hair, but she’s still a looker and a worthy addition to this exercise in comedy and editing. And Carl Reiner is around for added comedy effect, both acting and directing.  This film was back in Martin’s “wild and crazy” heyday, and at the time he took a bit of a chance with this clever black-and-white piece. But it’s funny too, and you can see why he was the “big thing” at the time. But please, help me get that tongue-shaving scene out of my mind! Just kidding…
The excellent Rotten Tomatoes site gives the movie a 76% rating, which is pretty good. It might not be for everyone. But for Martin fans, along with film noir and crime movie fans with a sense of humor, it is well worth seeing and pretty darned entertaining. A few occasional groaners are far surpassed by the funny lines and scenes, a witty story, and the flawless inclusion of classic films and stars. Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment below.

Also, Steve Martin had a birthday a back in August…

Steve Martin’s official web site is pretty cool too.