They All Laughed 1981

In the lively streets of New York City, the Odyssey Detective Agency represents a melting pot of three distinct characters: John Russo, a middle-aged man whose desires often cloud his judgment; Arthur Brodsky, a carefree spirit with a knack for juggling multiple love interests; and Charles Rutledge, a timid and anxious individual desperately seeking direction in his life. These three men work under the watchful and somewhat grumpy mentorship of their boss, Leon Leondopolous, who is entangled in an affair with his secretary, Amy.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn as they investigate the lives of two married women. First, there’s Angela Niotes, the captivating wife of a British tycoon, and then there’s Dolores Martin, a stunning blonde whose beauty catches the eye of many.

As John tries to track down Angela, he meets Deborah Wilson, a delightful taxi driver who quickly becomes the object of his affection. Their chemistry is instant, and John starts planning a romantic evening with her, affectionately calling this escapade “Sam.” Meanwhile, Charles can’t help but be taken by Dolores after glimpsing her at a hotel lobby. Observing the romantic misadventures of his friends, Arthur takes on the role of the supportive ally. He jumps in to help John break free from his on-and-off relationship with country singer Christy Miller, while also suggesting a plan for Charles to seal the deal with Dolores at a local roller rink.

As the story unfolds, Arthur’s keen insights lead to significant revelations. He uncovers that Dolores is involved with Jose, a charming playboy with plans to elope with her. The twists and turns of their romantic entanglements reveal the complexities of love, loyalty, and deceit within the walls of the Odyssey Detective Agency.

In a moment of candid vulnerability, John shares details of his affair with Deborah to Leon, grappling with his fear of no longer being appealing to younger women. Meanwhile, Christy, fueled by jealousy over John’s escapade, seeks solace in a romance with Charles. Their impromptu romance takes them through the upscale shops of Midtown, where fortunes change as they encounter Dolores, who is infatuated with the latest fashion trends. Unbeknownst to Christy, Charles is already under Dolores’ spell, leading her to try increasingly audacious ploys to capture his attention.

As John and Arthur pursue Angela to a toy store, John faces the consequences of his choices and confesses his true identity to her. Surprisingly, Angela remains composed, having sensed her husband’s infidelity long before. A spark ignites between her and John, further fueled by Arthur, who humorously poses as John’s son to aid in the budding romance.

The drama intensifies when Deborah unexpectedly confronts both Angela and John at his apartment, maintaining a curious indifference to the situation. Her relaxed demeanor adds layers to her character, leaving audiences intrigued by her calmness amidst the chaos.

As Dolores and Charles grow ever closer, Christy explores her attraction to Jose, setting off a parallel romance that electrifies the unfolding relationships. The stage is set for emotional revelations at one of Christy’s concerts, where secrets simmer and hearts are ready to be exposed.

Just when things seem to be reaching a happy resolution, Angela drops the bombshell that she and her husband are returning to Europe with their child, shattering John’s hopes. In an unexpected turn, Angela cleverly orchestrates for Deborah to fill her absence and aid John through his heartbreak—a move that showcases Angela’s shrewdness and drive.

As the concert reaches its emotional zenith, Charles learns that Dolores has finalized her divorce and is eager to embark on a new chapter in her life. With tears of joy, they exchange vows in a beautifully heartfelt ceremony before their dear friends and family. In the meantime, Christy joins Jose in an unexpected new beginning, establishing a fresh narrative in her life.

As the whirlwind of emotions settles, John stands alone, reflecting on lost chances, yet his gaze remains hopeful. Outside, Deborah patiently awaits, ready to step into the role of guiding him through the tumultuous seas of love and the challenges of moving on.