The Black Marble (1980)

A burnt out alcoholic cop (Robert Foxworth) in Hollywood's robbery division is paired with a new partner (Paula Prentiss), a hard nosed no nonsense divorcee. In the meantime, a loser (Harry Dean Stanton), who is a dog groomer, kidnaps a terrier for ransom. Based on the novel by Joseph Wambaugh (who adapted his book for the screen) and directed by Harold Becker (SEA OF LOVE). This uneasy combination of romantic comedy and crime is different than the usual Wambaugh material (he's an ex-cop) in that there's a vein of humor throughout and it has a major female protagonist. But the romance and humor contrasts with the distasteful animal cruelty (simulated but still) which runs throughout the movie. Becker's pacing is often static which handicaps the crime aspects of the narrative. The underrated Foxworth (who's very good here) is one of those good actors who should have had a bigger career but he never got that one part that put him over. The underscore by Maurice Jarre accents the romantic aspects of the film leaving some of the darker moments unscored. With James Woods, Barbara Babcock, Judy Landers, Robin Raymond and John Hancock.