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The Laughing Policeman (1973)

The Laughing Policeman (1973)
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Stuart Rosenberg's taut police thriller, based on the Martin Beck novel by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahlöö, concerns a serial killer who is targeting bus riders. When a bus full of innocent commuters are killed on a San Francisco street, Jake Martin (Walter Matthau) is assigned to track down the killer. Jake has a personal stake in the killings because his partner was one of the victims. Teamed up with new partner Leo Larsen (Bruce Dern), Jake investigates the back alleys of San Francisco to find the serial killer. The trail leads to a tour of the underbelly of the city's gay subculture. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, (more)
Director(s):
Stuart Rosenberg
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Laughing Policeman

Stuart Rosenberg's taut police thriller, based on the Martin Beck novel by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahlöö, concerns a serial killer who is targeting bus riders. When a bus full of innocent commuters are killed on a San Francisco street, Jake Martin (Walter Matthau) is assigned to track down the killer. Jake has a personal stake in the killings because his partner was one of the victims. Teamed up with new partner Leo Larsen (Bruce Dern), Jake investigates the back alleys of San Francisco to find the serial killer. The trail leads to a tour of the underbelly of the city's gay subculture. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
109 mins

Complete Cast of The Laughing Policeman


Director(s):
Stuart Rosenberg
Writer(s):
Tom Rickman
Producer(s):
Stuart Rosenberg
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Profanity, Not For Children, Violence, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Mystery & Suspense
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
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    David L.

    Yes, it does show it's 1973 date in the fashions and mannerisms, but Walter Matthau is right on stride in this somewhat underrated little sleeper of a film. Keeping with the gritty street realism of Steve McQueen's "Bullitt", The Laughing Policeman (a pun on the Matthau character Detective Jake Martin, who is grim, tired and cynical almost all the time) manages to work through a similarly sketchy storyline to deliver some fine acting performances in a movie that covers its 1 hour 49 minutes very quickly. If you liked The Taking Of Pellham 1,2,3 you'll like this one too.

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    Clara B.

    II enjoyed this movie because it was a classic 1970's movie. It had all the social statements and problems of that time.

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    LEANNE D.

    Walter Matthau really had a nice trifecta of films with "Charley Varrick", "The Laughing Policement", and then "The Taking of Pelham 123". This film has everything that is a California policier from the 70's - sexuality, drugs, and bad jazz music. Excellent performances from Dern and Gossett as well.

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