A pair of detectives (Don Knotts and Tim Conway) are assigned the murder investigation of Lord and Lady Morley. The case involves a big dark house, ghosts, and a questionable staff. As the two investigate the murder, each of the staff, which includes a Japanese samurai caricature, a hunchback, a gypsy, and an insane butler have a part to play.
This film is classically funny. Poems that do not rhyme, secret passageways, strange staff... it is Don Knotts meets slapstick meets Scooby-Doo. And it sort of anticipates "Clue" (at least enough that it reminded me of "Clue" and I watched it immediately afterwards).
I must confess that I am not familiar with Tim Conway. I know he did the Dorf movies, but I have not seen them. And I know he co-wrote this script, so I suppose this is really more of a Conway film with Knotts along for the ride. (It definitely does not have the feel of Knotts' other work, with him actually playing the straight guy here.) So, you have that... and Grace Zabriskie in a very early role (who you may know from 80 other movies, but I know from "Twin Peaks").
Also present is the Wookalar, a legendary half-man/half-pig creature that has done many amazing things, but may or may not exist. (I almost wonder if this was part of the inspiration for "South Park" and Al Gore's manbearpig. But that could just be a coincidence.)
If you like good, clean humor and a bit of silliness, "The Private Eyes" is a good place to start. I watched it on VHS, and I am aware that at least one scene (a dinner scene) was cut but appeared on NBC... perhaps it exists on DVD or Blu-Ray as the complete film? If not, it is time for a good edition. This film has flown under the radar for far too long.
This film is classically funny. Poems that do not rhyme, secret passageways, strange staff... it is Don Knotts meets slapstick meets Scooby-Doo. And it sort of anticipates "Clue" (at least enough that it reminded me of "Clue" and I watched it immediately afterwards).
I must confess that I am not familiar with Tim Conway. I know he did the Dorf movies, but I have not seen them. And I know he co-wrote this script, so I suppose this is really more of a Conway film with Knotts along for the ride. (It definitely does not have the feel of Knotts' other work, with him actually playing the straight guy here.) So, you have that... and Grace Zabriskie in a very early role (who you may know from 80 other movies, but I know from "Twin Peaks").
Also present is the Wookalar, a legendary half-man/half-pig creature that has done many amazing things, but may or may not exist. (I almost wonder if this was part of the inspiration for "South Park" and Al Gore's manbearpig. But that could just be a coincidence.)
If you like good, clean humor and a bit of silliness, "The Private Eyes" is a good place to start. I watched it on VHS, and I am aware that at least one scene (a dinner scene) was cut but appeared on NBC... perhaps it exists on DVD or Blu-Ray as the complete film? If not, it is time for a good edition. This film has flown under the radar for far too long.