Hickey & Boggs

1972
Directed By Robert Culp


SYNOPSIS

Two down on their luck LA private eyes (Bill Cosby + Robert Culp) are hired to track down a missing woman. When the two get mixed up with thugs and a missing $400,000, their careers and lives are in jeopardy

MY THOUGHTS

A stylish tough-as-nails neo-film noir.

It's amazing how many early 70's gems like this (or the recently reviewed Fat City) have fallen through the cracks and gone into undeserved obscurity.

The screenplay, by Walter Hill, plays like a Raymond Chandler novel, which definitely fits the noir mold. The end of the production code years earlier helps Hickey & Boggs to delve into the seedier and darker territories of Chandler's world than previous film incarnations of his actual work, like The Big Sleep.

The undeniable chemistry between Cosby and Culp is still in effect from their days starring on TV's I Spy. However, these roles are far different. Instead of playing hotshot spies, they are low-rent private eyes, both divorced, living from case to case at near-poverty levels. Also, apart from a sarcastic comment or two, the film is completely devoid of humor, an essential part of their I Spy roles. The dark and grimy story benefits from the lack of comedy.

Bill Cosby really stands out here. He fairs far better than the usual stand-up comic turned dramatic actor (a la Robin Williams.) Cosby plays the role with a detached (and badass) cool.

Culp is equally as good. It's a shame this was the only feature film he directed. Apart from some initially confusing cutaways early in the film, his direction is really strong for a first timer.

Also look for James Woods in an early role.

One of the main characters is the city of Los Angeles. We get to see many landmarks from city hall, to LA Colosseum, to Dodger Stadium as well as many city streets. It's great to see how much of the city has changed in nearly 40 years (and how much is still recognizable.)

This is a must-see not just for noir fans or fans of the stars, but for anyone who wants to see an intelligent, suspenseful lost classic.

Hickey & Boggs is unavailable on DVD (but is available on Netflix's streaming service and on Amazon's Video On Demand.)