Page
The Detective
- Summary
- How to watch
- News & features
❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

The Detective
Save
- 1968
- Gordon Douglas
- 109 mins
- X
Summary
Crime drama starring Frank Sinatra and Lee Remick. New York City detective Joe Leland is troubled by the confession he extracted from a suspect who has since been executed for the vicious murder of a gay man. A later investigation into a case of suicide reveals links with the earlier homicide, and Leland discovers he has opened up a dangerous can of worms.
Ad
Powered By
IMDB
Review
A star rating of 3 out of 5.
Simon Rose
Cynical New York police detective Joe Leland (Frank Sinatra) is assigned to solve a case involving the brutal murder of a gay man. What follows is a hard-hitting, well-paced drama that takes swipes at slipshod policing and corruption in City Hall and features one of Sinatra's best performances. Lee Remick and Jacqueline Bisset also star, while Robert Duvall pops up in a small early role. Sadly, the film's attitude towards homosexuality and sex in general - considered daring back in 1968 - is very dated.
imdb-square
6.5/10
How to watch
Loading
Streaming
Credits
Cast
rolenameJoe LelandFrank SinatraKaren LelandLee RemickCurranRalph MeekerDave SchoensteinJack KlugmanNorma MacIverJacqueline BissetFarrellHorace McMahonDr RobertsLloyd BochnerColin MacIverWilliam WindomNestorRobert DuvallKellySugar Ray Robinson
Show more
Crew
rolenameDirectorGordon Douglas
Details
Theatrical distributor
20th Century Fox Film Co. Ltd
Released on
1968-07-12
Languages
English
Guidance
Contains some violence.
Available on
video and DVD
Formats
Colour
News & features about The Detective
-

Ellis's unconventional dynamic is the most heartwarming thing about this detective series
We've seen this dynamic before – but season 2 sees Ellis and Harper go to new heights.
-

Netflix unveils first-look trailer for The Incredibles legend's new detective animation featuring Hollywood icons
Sci-fi noir Ray Gunn will have it's world premiere at the upcoming London Film Festival.
Ad
-

Joel Kinnaman breaks down his "conflicted, malignant narcissist" character in Detective Hole
"Even though he doesn't have any empathy and he cuts off an occasional penis, he's a good guy."
-

Detective Hole season 1's "iconic, brutal" finale for [SPOILER] explained by key star
The star behind that big finale death gave his reaction when speaking exclusively with Radio Times.
-

Cancelled BBC detective drama and Grenfell documentary win big at New Voice Awards 2026
BBC drama Virdee, which was axed earlier this year, picked up an award at the ceremony.
-

Anthony Horowitz teases Detective Hawthorne TV series and reveals biggest fear about 12-book plan
Featuring yourself in your own crime novels can be a rather taxing affair, as author Anthony Horowitz explains.
-

Lynley star argues why BBC drama's class dynamic makes it stand out from other detective shows
"This class dynamic between the detective and the sergeant is central."
Ad
-

Doctor Who and Downton Abbey legends star in exciting first look at all-new detective series
Rob James-Collier and Mandip Gill star as the detective duo Cooper & Fry.
-

Knives Out 3 confirms Netflix release date and cinema plans as Daniel Craig detective returns
The streamer also shared a teaser poster.
-

Return to Paradise officer confused after awkward encounter with lead detective
Get an exclusive first-look at Anna Samson's Mackenzie Clarke and Lloyd Griffith's Colin Cartwright.
-

Virdee achieves what countless other detective dramas attempt – with a marked difference
The action-packed thriller brings us a lot more than just your bog-standard cop narrative.
-

Death in Paradise's Kris Marshall calls for all 5 lead detectives to meet on-screen
Could we see Richard, Humphrey, Jack, Neville and Mervin all in one room?
-

Return to Paradise star says having a female detective "doesn’t change the DNA of the show"
Anna Samson takes the lead as DI Mackenzie Clarke in Return to Paradise.
-

True Detective rescues the franchise by harking back to its best
The ominous spiral, the Tuttle family and Travis Cohle all lead back to True Detective's standout first season.
-

Jaz the detective and our predictions
RadioTimes.com Traitors superfans, Katelyn Mensah and Patrick Cremona, deliver their verdicts on the latest episodes.
-

Death in Paradise's Joséphine Jobert in first look at new detective drama after Florence exit
The upcoming series looks perfect for fans of the BBC's Paraverse.
-

McDonald & Dodds season 4 finale delivers joy and heartbreak for lead detective duo
Season 4's final episode ran the full gamut of emotions.
-

Colin Farrell suits up in slick trailer for new detective drama Sugar
The series is billed as a "contemporary, unique take" on the private detective story.
-

Don Gilet's casting in Death in Paradise marks an important turning point for the detective drama
There is a new detective coming to town!
-

Is the detective in The Hunt For Raoul Moat based on a real person?
Lee Ingleby stars as Neil Adamson in the new ITV drama, but is the character based a real person?
-

Dalgliesh star expands on Kate Miskin's "feelings" for the detective
"You'll see their relationship develop and her feelings for him change."
-

Death in Paradise's guest detective pulls no punches in first look
She has Neville Parker in her sights.
-

Detective Pikachu Returns release date: When is the new Pokémon game coming?
Detective Pikachu Returns is finally on its way! Find out everything you need to know about the release date, pre-order, gameplay and trailers.
-

Dalgliesh season 2 teases uncertain future for Bertie Carvel's detective
Are Adam Dalgliesh's detective days coming to an end?
See more about The Detective
Ad
Ad
Ad