The Private Eyes (1980)

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.

Tim Conway & Don Knots are the definitive pair of fools. Here they are called upon to solve a double-murder. They receive their instructions from one of the victims, the "Lord" of a mysterious castle. The staff consists of various "freaks", all looking as though they are characters from a "fun house".The slap stick (which is happening every minute throughout the film) is often so silly that belly-laughs are assured. Although predictable (we know that nothing serious could happen to our stupid heroes), the entire show is rather amusing and keeps the viewer's interest.Tim Conway is credited as one of the writers. The DVD version includes many added features. Especially noteworthy is a full length commentary track running alongside the faded out action. Much interesting trivia is revealed about the entire production. Fans of the star comedians will enjoy this film, and the added attractions on the DVD will be a welcome bonus.

Growing up it was Andy and Three's company and so on that had campy humor. It was the same case that was "funny" for the slap stick type of humor of what was considered funny "in the 70's and 80's" and so on for other TV shows for their time. In my opinion watching this movie reflecting back to the time it was and remembering it as kid to now was just great. The humor that made me smile was nice and made me think back to the days when i watched those shows, as i often do on nick at night, to laugh as I did then and still do even on reruns. Tim Conway and Don Knotts do a great job of muddling thru trying to solve a mystery with a great supporting cast.

This is a great light hearted comedy done by one of the greatest comedy teams in America, although this film was shot in England. This is a great family or saturday morning film, and an even better DVD with a full length commentary done by Tim Conway himself. Truly a comedy classic.