They Only Kill Their Masters

They Only Kill Their Masters is a 1972 mystery film starring James Garner and Katharine Ross, with a supporting cast featuring Hal Holbrook, June Allyson, Tom Ewell, Peter Lawford, Edmond OBrien, and Arthur OConnell. The title refers to Doberman dogs that might have been responsible for a womans murder currently under investigation by the local police chief Garner. The film was written by Lane Slate and directed by James Goldstone.

The police chief is initially inclined to believe this scenario, but new facts discount this hypothesis. New developments complicate the investigation, especially when crucial evidence starts to disappear. The county sheriff is also trying to take control of the investigation, igniting conflict with Chief Marsh.The movie was filmed from late July to early September in 1972. It was the last major film shot on MGMs backlot before it was sold. Several former MGM stars accepted supporting roles in the film because it gave them the opportunity to be in the last film shot on the backlot. Other scenes were filmed at the Paradise Cove Pier, Paradise Cove in Malibu. Two years later, when Garner started to film The Rockford Files, his trailer was located at the same place. ........

Source: Wikipedia