esco@ssc-vax.UUCP (Michael Esco) (12/04/84)
I am looking for information on an obscure movie I saw in college. It was second bill at a double feature in early '77 (El Rey Theater, Chico, Ca.). The title, as I remember, was something like "The Manchu Eagle Murder-Mystery Caper." It was a low-low-low-budget comedy with a galaxy of bit-part demistars such as Dick Gautier (the victim), Will Geer (the pill-popping doctor), Joan Van Patton(?) (the detective's wife), and Julie Numar(sp?) (the victim's wife). The storyline dealt with a chicken-farmer turned detective investigating the murder of his friend in a small desert town. He interviews the not-so-grieving widow, the town librarian, the doctor, the big rancher, the mistress, etc. The most memorable scenes include Geer's mad performance and the goriest and funniest gun fight imaginable. The chicken-crossing-the-road gags stick out as well. I've looked through the film section of the Univ. library without finding any reference to the movie. Does this movie sound familiar to anyone? Nobody I've talked with recognizes it (but then I don't know anyone who sees as many movies as I do). I'd appreciate any info anybody has on it. Particularly whether it's available on tape (though I haven't got a vcr yet, I keep planning on it). Thanks Mike Esco Boeing Aerospace (Seattle) uw-beaver!ssc-vax!esco