Delightful is not a word typically associated with neo-noir movies, but Harper, starring Paul Newman and directed by Jack Smight, is a delightful, funny, and intriguing watch. The movie is based on the 1949 book, ‘The Moving Target’, by Ross Macdonald. The film’s superb screenplay comes from legendary screenwriter William Goldman.

The plot of the novel is a classic film noir tale of a detective hired to find a missing person who uncovers a sinister conspiracy as he probes deeper into the investigation. It has quite a few film noir ingredients: an imperfect private eye, an investigation, murder, and a slew of unsavory characters.

The opening scene of the movie begins with private investigator Lew Harper (Newman) making coffee, which would have made Mr. Bean proud. An aged and physically disabled wealthy woman, Elaine (Lauren Bacall), hires Harper to find her husband Ralph, who has disappeared after making a trip to LA. While at her lavish mansion, Harper gets acquainted with Elaine’s coquettish step-daughter, Miranda (Pamela Tiffin), and Allan (Robert Wagner), the pilot of Stephen’s private jet. Elaine seems to be smitten with Allan. When Harper asks Allan about this, Allan claims to have a ‘real woman’. Harper learns that Ralph wanted Miranda to marry Albert Graves, an older attorney who recommended that Elaine use Harper’s services. Harper had known Albert for a long time.

Momentarily, Harper takes a break from the case to make a personal call, when we come to know that he is on the verge of a divorce but is still trying to win his soon-to-be-ex-wife (Janet Leigh) back.

After noticing the photograph of former actress Fay (Shelley Winters) at the mansion, he proceeds to meet her at a bar, claiming to be a fan of hers. After charming Fay and getting her inebriated, he takes her to her house. Here he answers the ringing phone. The call is from Betty, a singer at a bar. Harper asks Betty if the call is about Ralph, shocking her. Next, Fay’s husband accosts Harper with a gun, but Harper barely manages to get out of the situation with a quickly thought-out story.

Harper tracks down Betty at the bar, but Betty recognizes his voice and orders Puddler (Roy Jenson), the bouncer, to take Harper outside and give him a thrashing. However, at the opportune time, Alan rescues Harper by knocking out the muscle-bound strongman from behind.

On his next visit to Elaine’s office, Harper learns that Elaine received a message where someone was demanding a ransom of a half a million for Harper. Harper also learns that Ralph just handed over a property on a hilltop to a religious conman and his cult. Harper then heads to the property and meets this messiah conman and uncovers more secrets. Harper plunges himself into the investigation and uncovers the mystery behind Ralph’s disappearance.

It is Paul Newman all the way in this film. His portrayal of Lew Harper is simply spectacular. His character is somewhere between the bumbling Clouseau and the industrious Sam Spade.

The rest of the cast of illustrious thespians also throw in great performances to make this movie an enjoyable watch. William Goldman’s screenplay and dialogue are superb, as is the cinematography. Do not miss this humorous crime thriller that became a hit at the box office.