The Cheap Detective
A spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre. San Francisco private detective, Lou Pekinpaugh is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of his mistress—his partner's wife.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream The Cheap Detective
Streaming now in the United States on Howdy Amazon Channel and Tubi TV.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Trailer
The Cheap Detective (Theatrical Trailer)
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Frequently asked questions about The Cheap Detective
Where can I watch The Cheap Detective in the United States?
The Cheap Detective is available to stream on Howdy Amazon Channel and Tubi TV in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Can I watch The Cheap Detective for free?
The Cheap Detective streams free with ads in the United States on Tubi TV. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective scores 6.3 on The Movie Database.
Who stars in The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective stars Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, Eileen Brennan, Sid Caesar, and Stockard Channing. Robert Moore is the director.
How long is The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective runs 1h 32m (92 minutes).
When did The Cheap Detective come out?
The Cheap Detective was released on June 23, 1978.
Which studio made The Cheap Detective?
The Cheap Detective was produced by Columbia Pictures, EMI Films, and Rastar Productions in the United States.
What languages is The Cheap Detective in?
The Cheap Detective is in English and German, and its original language is English.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.