SummaryA mad cap private-eye caper about a team of detectives who are following, and are being followed by, a group of beautiful women.
Directed By:Peter Bogdanovich
Written By:Peter Bogdanovich, Blaine Novak
They All Laughed
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
63
62% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
31% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
8% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
90
One of Peter Bogdanovich's most assured and ingratiating pictures, an unabashed romantic comedy of grace and sophistication featuring one of the most thoroughly likable groups of people seen on the screen in the '80s. [15 Apr 1990, p.5]
83
They All Laughed is certainly not a perfect film, but its homespun quality, palpable camaraderie, and playfully loose performances make for a movie that’s easy to harbor deep affection for nonetheless.
80
The fun of They All Laughed is that it's both blithe and knowing, a work carefree in its spirit and careful in its art, somehow French in the way of (so help me!) Rene Clair. [30 Nov 1981, p.105]
75
Supposedly created as a showcase for Stratten (whose tragic death cast a pall over the film’s release), the picture instead offers a splendid ensemble, from Gazarra’s world-weary suavity and Ritter’s slapstick acuity to Hepburn’s autumnal grace and, above all, Colleen Camp’s marvelous blend of abrasion and snap. Indeed, the actress embodies the garrulous yet vulnerable charm of They All Laughed, which, for all the Hawksian ping-pong of the dialogue, is closer to the melodic élan of a Jacques Demy film, as wistful and fragile as a sand castle.
50
The impressive presences of Audrey Hepburn and Ben Gazzara help just a little. Otherwise, it's a hollow and very minor affair. [31 Dec 1981, p.23]
40
There are occasional glimmers of what might have been in the fresh performances of the actresses. But it plods where it should sparkle, like a celebration where the champagne's gone flat.
30
It's aggressive in its ineptitude. It grates on the nerves like a 78 rpm record played at 33 rpm.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.8
50% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
25% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
25% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Jan 26, 2026
7
Slight, but heartfelt romantic comedy, Very fluffy at times, but also quite emotional, I loved the on location NYC scenes, the non stop tracking shots from cabs and stars walking down scenic Manhattan streets, Creates a reality that counteracts some of the schmaltz. Spot on performances, Kudos to the stars who keep it real and and times bittersweet, As two detectives fall in love with the wives they are hired to follow, The nicest surprises were a sweet, endearing performance by Dorothy Stratten and a bright, funny, street smart performance by Patti Hansen.
Production Company:
- Moon Pictures
- Time Life Films
Release Date:Aug 21, 1981
Duration:1 h 55 m
Rating:PG
Tagline:Some of them promised they'd never fall in love.
Awards
Venice Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
