The Late Show is a 1977 American neo-noir comedy-mystery film, written and directed by Robert Benton and produced by Robert Altman. It stars Art Carney, Lily Tomlin, Bill Macy, Eugene Roche, and Joanna Cassidy.

Plot

Ira Wells, an aging Los Angeles private detective, is writing his memoir at his boarding house. One night, his ex-partner Harry Regan appears mortally wounded and dies shortly after. At Harry's funeral, Ira is introduced to Margo Sperling by a mutual acquaintance, Charlie Hatter. Margo asks Ira to locate her stolen cat Winston. Later that day, Charlie tells Ira that Harry was on the case to find Margo's cat and was then murdered. Ira visits Margo at her residence; there, she tells that Brian Hemphill had hired her to transport merchandise to Bakersfield for him, but on the last run, she stole the money; in retaliation, Brian kidnapped the cat. Ira says the next time Brian calls, she should set up a meeting.

Awards