Dangerous Davies: The Last Detective (1981)

Detective Constable "Dangerous" Davies (Bernard Cribbins) is always given the worst jobs, which often end up with him getting beaten up. Chief Inspector Yardbird (Joss Ackland) selects him to look for a dangerous hardened criminal for Special Branch, Yardbird suspecting Davies' usual clumsy manner will flush the criminal out. During his investigation, Davies discovers a fifteen year old cold-case involving a missing girl.

With the help of his friend Mod (Bill Maynard) he begins to investigate the disappearance and this takes him down a dark and murky path. 

A highly enjoyable film with a feast of great characters and performances including from Maureen Lipman, Frank Windsor and Patsy Rowlands. Davies as a detective is very believable, no flash or super human skill just good old fashioned determination and grit. There is also some good humour, which adds to the realism.