Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective (1981)

You won't be disappointed!

the audience applauded

One of my all time favorites.

As Good As It Gets

I found this utterly charming film by accident - it was the bonus feature of the box set (Region 1) of the later series "The Last Detective" with Peter Davison, also based on the work of Leslie Thomas, but made two decades later. The story of the Bernard Cribbens film is based on the same one told in the Peter Davison series pilot; comparison of the two versions is interesting, and although the later TV series was good, this Bernard Cribbens film is simply wonderful. Davis is a determined plodder but the action never ever seems slow - from one clue to the next, the charming vignettes and excellent acting move the story along perfectly. The action here follows the Leslie Thomas book closely and much of the dialogue is taken verbatim from the novel. I have watched it a few times, finding new things to appreciate with each reviewing - it's funny, touching, AND an excellent detective story - AND has great performances by Bernard Cribbens and the rest of the cast.Altogether, a treat!

In some respects this film feels really dated. Not surprising, given that (at the time of writing) it is 25 years old, and that (without giving anything away) the events the film revolves around took place another 15 years before that. It lacks the polish that overwhelmed the British film industry a decade later, but the end result is still watchable and in its own way fascinating. There are elements of almost slapstick comedy, but at the same time there are much darker themes.Being more used to the ITV television series starring Peter Davidson, the casting of Bernard Cribbins as the lead character was at first a little jarring, but then as you get into the film it becomes clear that he was possibly the ideal choice. For one thing you get a much better understanding of Det. Constable Davies ironic nickname of "Dangerous" and the title "The Last Detective". He's a bumbling fool (or so his colleagues think), who only gets sent into a situation either as a last resort or as cannon-fodder to save the bruises of his fellow officers. Nevertheless, beneath his haphazard demeanour is a man obsessed, and with a combination of dogged - almost pig-headed - determination, keener observation than he is credited with by those around him he finds solutions to a case lesser officers have left long cold, and deemed irrelevant by his obstructive superiors.Cribbins' portrayal of Davies leaves you understanding him as a man with a heart, determined to find justice for a long-forgotten victim. In some respects this has become a cliché in British police and crime drama, but unlike contemporary dramatisations this character is perfectly capable of callous brutality when he believes the recipient no longer worthy of consideration. The plot relies on a few awkward contrivances to create links in the chain of detection, but overall it's a surprisingly satisfying film.I wouldn't say this film deserves a "family" categorisation, except with elder teenage children.

Now available on DVD, many more people have a chance to view this lost classic of British TV.A belting story about a cold case file, a young girl's disappearance is reopened by 'The Last Detective' anyone would give a decent case to, played by Bernard Cribbins.The story opens on the 'North West Frontier'... of London with Cribbins tackling yet another dirty police job, breaking into a besieged flat with a dustbin on his head for protection.We soon warm to this robust and human policeman and we discover that he gets all the nasty jobs because his bosses think he's the last detective anyone in their right mind would assign to a murder case.Then by a seeming twist of fate, a seemingly nondescript case involving a recently deceased officer is 'given' to him and through it he unfolds a mystery from long ago, aged witnesses lead him where no one has been before, to clues no one has bothered to follow and to a startling conclusion.A good cast and a fine script, a haunting score underpins the action and the nice unexpected twist in the tale brings a brilliant end to a riveting piece of storytelling.I can still whistle the theme tune even after so long.See it. If you can find a copy. Whistle with me.

This film maintains a great atmosphere while the detective encounters a variety of characters in his investigation of a case. For anyone who wants a taste of England that is not glamorous or rural or grimly urban, this is the movie to see. It's full of regular folks. Plus, the plot is well constructed (with only one rushed development) and unfolds nicely. Bernard Cribbins is an appealing actor, playing a plodding copper with a light touch. Very amusing moments at times, which contrasts with another mood, that of youthful happiness -- now lost. I'm convinced that this could have been expanded into an even longer film (or 3-part TV show). It's that kind of story, with interesting characters you want to see more of. Loved the old man! I stumbled on this as a late night broadcast and just happened to record it (with commercials). Boy was I glad I did! It appears to be unavailable for purchase.