The Black Marble (1980): cast, story & where to watch

1980 · Film · ★ 5.1

The Black Marble poster

Released in 1980, The Black Marble is a comedy, crime and romance film directed by Harold Becker, running about 110 minutes. “JOSEPH WAMBAUGH'S DONE IT AGAIN. But he has never done it like this.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. When alcoholic homicide investigator Valnikov is transferred to a burglary case that seems to involve a creepy dogcatcher, he's also given a new partner -- the pragmatic Sgt. Natalie Zimmerman, who's experiencing a midlife crisis and does not welcome Valnikov's company. But as these emotionally bruised cops are drawn deeper into the bizarre world of dog shows, animal fanatics and pet cemeteries, they're also drawn to each other.

Who’s in it. The Black Marble stars Robert Foxworth as Sgt. A.M. Valnikov, Paula Prentiss as Sgt. Natalie Zimmerman, Harry Dean Stanton as Philo Skinner and Barbara Babcock as Madeline Whitfield, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.1/10, The Black Marble has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Black Marble page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Black Marble tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Black Marble (1980)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Black Marble change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Black Marble worth watching?
The Black Marble holds an audience score of 5.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy, crime and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Black Marble?
The Black Marble stars Robert Foxworth, Paula Prentiss, Harry Dean Stanton, Barbara Babcock and John Hancock.
When was The Black Marble released?
The Black Marble was released in 1980, with a runtime of about 110 minutes.