Watch Joe Dancer: The Monkey Mission

Joe Dancer: The Monkey Mission is a 1986 made-for-television action movie that follows private investigator Joe Dancer (played by Robert Blake) as he tries to recover a valuable monkey that has been kidnapped. The movie takes place in Los Angeles, California and features a star-studded cast including John Fiedler, Pepe Serna, Clive Revill, Sondra Blake, Keenan Wynn, Mitch Ryan, Logan Ramsey, Alan Napier, Laura Jacoby, and Andy Wood.

The story begins when Joe is approached by a wealthy businessman named Mr. Perkins (played by Fiedler) who has had his prize monkey stolen from his home. Perkins believes that the monkey, which he valued at over $100,000, was taken by a group of rival business owners who hope to discredit him in front of his clients. After some initial hesitation, Joe agrees to take the case and sets out to find the monkey.

As Joe investigates, he discovers that the monkey was indeed taken by a group of Perkins' rivals who hope to ruin his reputation. However, he also discovers that the monkey is being held by a criminal organization that specializes in exotic animal smuggling. To make matters worse, Joe's investigation attracts the attention of the FBI who believe that he is involved in the smuggling ring.

Despite these obstacles, Joe continues his investigation and eventually tracks down the monkey to a warehouse on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Along the way, he fights off several of the smugglers and even manages to rescue a woman who had been captured by them. In the end, Joe is able to retrieve the monkey and return it to Mr. Perkins, clearing his name of any wrongdoing in the process.

The movie is a classic action-adventure romp, with plenty of car chases, fistfights, and shootouts to keep the audiences entertained. Robert Blake delivers an engaging performance as Joe Dancer, a tough but compassionate investigator who is willing to go to any lengths to get the job done. His supporting cast also delivers solid performances, with John Fiedler and Pepe Serna standing out in particular as the wealthy businessman and the lead smuggler, respectively.

One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is the way it manages to balance its action-packed plot with some genuinely touching moments. Joe's relationship with the monkey, for example, is portrayed in a way that is both heartwarming and amusing. There are also several scenes where Joe interacts with the woman he rescues, which help to flesh out his character and add some depth to the story.

Overall, Joe Dancer: The Monkey Mission is a solid example of the action-adventure genre, with plenty of thrills and excitement to keep viewers engaged. While it may not be the most groundbreaking film of its time, it is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre or anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned caper.

Joe Dancer: The Monkey Mission is a 1981 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.