Murder Can Hurt You! Poster

Murder Can Hurt You! 1980

100 min📅 1980-05-21

When eight wildly mismatched TV detectives—spoofs of Ironside, Columbo, Kojak, Baretta, and McCloud—team up in *Murder Can Hurt You! (1980)*, their battle against a cunning master criminal becomes a riotous comedy of errors.

Director: Roger Duchowny

Cast

Victor Buono
Victor Buono
Chief Ironbottom
Tony Danza
Tony Danza
Pony Lambretta
Jamie Farr
Jamie Farr
Studsky
John Byner
John Byner
Len 'Hatch' Hatchington
Gavin MacLeod
Gavin MacLeod
Lt. Nojack
Buck Owens
Buck Owens
Sheriff Tim MacSkye
Connie Stevens
Connie Stevens
Sgt. Salty Sanderson
Jimmie Walker
Jimmie Walker
Parks the Pusher
Burt Young
Burt Young
Lt. Palumbo
Marty Allen
Marty Allen
Det. Starkos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murder Can Hurt You! (1980) about?

This 1980 comedy spoof follows eight bumbling TV detectives—each modeled after iconic sleuths like Columbo and Kojak—as they team up to take down a brilliant master criminal. What starts as a serious investigation quickly spirals into a series of ridiculous mishaps, blending satire with slapstick humor.

Who directed Murder Can Hurt You!?

Roger Duchowny directed this zany TV movie, bringing a playful energy to the parody of classic detective tropes.

Who stars in Murder Can Hurt You!?

The film features a standout cast including Victor Buono, Tony Danza, Jamie Farr, John Byner, and Gavin MacLeod, each bringing their own brand of comedic charm to the roles.

Is Murder Can Hurt You! (1980) worth watching?

As a lighthearted parody of 70s detective shows, *Murder Can Hurt You!* is a fun, nostalgic watch with its mix of humor and homage. While it's not high art, its playful tone and talented cast make it a solid choice for fans of TV movie comedies.

How long is Murder Can Hurt You!?

The runtime of *Murder Can Hurt You!* is 100 minutes.

About Murder Can Hurt You! (1980) — A Hilarious Parody of TV Detectives You Won't Want to Solve

When eight wildly mismatched TV detectives—spoofs of Ironside, Columbo, Kojak, Baretta, and McCloud—team up in *Murder Can Hurt You! (1980)*, their battle against a cunning master criminal becomes a riotous comedy of errors. Directed with tongue-in-cheek flair by Roger Duchowny, this 100-minute TV movie blends sharp satire with slapstick chaos, poking fun at the tropes of detective dramas while celebrating the genre's absurdity. The film's playful atmosphere crackles with Victor Buono's deadpan charm, Tony Danza's energetic antics, Jamie Farr's eccentric timing, and Gavin MacLeod's effortlessly likable presence, making it a nostalgic treat for fans of classic TV parodies.

Set against the neon-lit backdrop of a city teeming with crime and comedy, *Murder Can Hurt You!* leans into over-the-top gags and escalating stakes, where every clue feels like a punchline and every deduction is a disaster. With its blend of comedy and crime-fighting absurdity, the movie offers a lighthearted escape for anyone who's ever loved—and laughed at—the golden age of detective shows. Whether you're here for the laughs or the love of the genre, this TV movie delivers a clever, chaotic good time.