High octane cast in a drawn out police investigation, will definitely test the patience of some. This is not, I repeat not, your typical renegade cop pursuing justice outside the law. What "The Laughing Policeman" is, is a methodical investigation of a mass slaying on a San Francisco bus. With no witness help, starting from scratch, Walter Matthau plays his hunches, which often go nowhere, but eventually things begin to crystalize. His new partner, Bruce Dern is mostly just along for the ride, until he eventually becomes an important part of Matthau's investigation. The acting is solid, with support from the likes of Anthony Zerbe, Paul Koslo, and Lou Gossett. Those who don't need instant action will be rewarded by the logic, others will find things rather tedious. - MERK
Review of The Laughing Policeman
