The Laughing Policeman (1973): cast, story & where to watch
1973 · Film · ★ 6.2
Released in 1973, The Laughing Policeman is a thriller, drama and crime film directed by Stuart Rosenberg, running about 112 minutes. “This movie is so real it makes every other movie in this town look like a movie.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. When a gunman opens fire on a crowded city bus in San Francisco, Detective Dave Evans is killed, along with the man he'd been following in relation to a murder. Evans' partner, Sgt. Jake Martin, becomes obsessed with solving the case.
Who’s in it. The Laughing Policeman stars Walter Matthau as Sgt. Jake Martin SFPD, Bruce Dern as Insp. Leo Larsen SFPD, Louis Gossett Jr. as Insp. James Larrimore SFPD and Albert Paulsen as Henry Camerero, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, The Laughing Policeman has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Laughing Policeman page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Laughing Policeman tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Laughing Policeman (1973)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Laughing Policeman change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Laughing Policeman worth watching?
- The Laughing Policeman holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Laughing Policeman?
- The Laughing Policeman stars Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, Louis Gossett Jr., Albert Paulsen and Anthony Zerbe.
- When was The Laughing Policeman released?
- The Laughing Policeman was released in 1973, with a runtime of about 112 minutes.