Cinento
AI Movie Finder

Describe the vibe. Get the closest match.

Ready

Search with a natural-language prompt and jump straight into a full watch page.

Analyzer

Watch it or skip it?

Ready

Enter a title and get a fast verdict with stronger context.

Cinento therapy read

The Cheap Detective (1978)

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.

Cinento 6.3Comedy • Crime • Mystery92 min
The Cheap Detective

Cinento therapy read

The Cheap Detective works because it combines Tense, cerebral, suspense-heavy. Best when you want edge, tension, and a mental hook. The audience signal is solid enough to trust the ride.

Mood fit
Best when you want edge, tension, and a mental hook.
Who it is for
Great for friends, solo late-night watching, and people who like clues.
Tone
Tense, cerebral, suspense-heavy
Pacing
Lean, efficient, easy to commit to.
Why Cinento recommends it
Cinento recommends The Cheap Detective because it scores well for Best when you want edge, tension, and a mental hook. It also balances Tense, cerebral, suspense-heavy.

With the first two clicks on play or anywhere on the screen, two ad windows may open from the external player source. Close them quickly and return here to keep watching.

Streaming availability

Rent
Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home
Buy
Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home
JustWatch

Trailer

If You Liked This…

My Favorite Brunette
MOVIE1947

My Favorite Brunette

Ronnie Jackson is a lowly baby photographer who secretly fantasizes about being a private detective. When a lovely baroness actually mistakes him for one and asks him to help locat…

Open full watch page
Zero Effect
MOVIE1998

Zero Effect

Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what …

Open full watch page
Suburbicon
MOVIE2017

Suburbicon

In the quiet family town of Suburbicon during the 1950s, the best and worst of humanity is hilariously reflected through the deeds of seemingly ordinary people. When a home invasio…

Open full watch page
See Spot Run
MOVIE2001

See Spot Run

A drug sniffing agent canine is a target for an assassin boss so the FBI calls Witness Protection to send him somewhere else. Meanwhile a single Mom puts her 6 year old boy James i…

Open full watch page
The Late Show
MOVIE1977

The Late Show

Over-the-hill gumshoe in Los Angeles seeks to avenge the killing of an old pal, another detective who was involved in a case concerning a murdered broad, stolen stamps, a nickel-pl…

Open full watch page
The Private Eyes
MOVIE1980

The Private Eyes

The lord and lady of a capacious manor are killed, and the lord's ghost seems to have returned to knock off the staff one by one, causing Inspector Winship and Dr. Tart to investig…

Open full watch page

FAQ

Where can I watch The Cheap Detective online?

Use the player and provider boxes on this page. Availability varies by region, so Cinento surfaces provider data plus a direct watch page when available.

Who should watch The Cheap Detective?

Great for friends, solo late-night watching, and people who like clues.

What kind of tone does The Cheap Detective have?

Tense, cerebral, suspense-heavy Lean, efficient, easy to commit to.