The Black Marble

When alcoholic homicide investigator Valnikov is paired with pragmatic Sgt. Natalie Zimmerman to investigate a bizarre dog kidnapping case, they're drawn into a world of animal fanatics and pet cemeteries that awakens both their professional skills and personal vulnerabilities. As they delve deeper into the case, the unlikely duo also finds themselves falling in love amidst the chaos. Based on Joseph Wambaugh's novel, this 1980 mystery/romantic comedy film, directed by Harold Becker and starring Robert Foxworth, Paula Prentiss, and Harry Dean Stanton, explores the psychological burdens of police work with humor and wit.