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Sleuth (1972)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
10 December 1972 (USA)
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Tagline:
If it was murder, where's the body? [original movie poster] more
Plot:
A man who loves games and theater invites his wife's lover to meet him, setting up a battle of wits with potentially deadly results. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 4 Oscars.
Another 5 wins
&
7 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(15 articles)
2012 brings Indian summer to UK box office
(From The Guardian - Film News. 17 November 2009, 7:38 AM, PST)
Caine Struck Up Friendship With 'Larry' Olivier
(From WENN. 9 November 2009, 12:01 AM, PST)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 17 November 2009, 7:38 AM, PST)
Caine Struck Up Friendship With 'Larry' Olivier
(From WENN. 9 November 2009, 12:01 AM, PST)
User Comments:
A brilliantly twisty mystery.
more (108 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast) more
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
138 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
Australia:M |
Iceland:12 |
Netherlands:16 |
UK:15 |
Finland:K-16 |
France:U |
Sweden:15 |
UK:AA |
USA:PG |
Singapore:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Michael Caine was so very much beside himself to be working with Laurence Olivier, that he didn't even know how to address him. Eventually, he broke down and just asked. Olivier replied, "Well I am the Lord Olivier and you are Mr. Michael Caine. Of course that's only for the first time you address me. After that I am Larry and you are Mike."
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Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: After Inspector Doppler rings the door bell the first time, and Andrew checks the door, the cameraman's shadow is visible on the wall before he passes the window.
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Quotes:
Andrew Wyke:
You're not giving me any kind of a chance, you sadistic bloody Wop!
Milo Tindle: I hope I didn't hear that correctly...
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Milo Tindle: I hope I didn't hear that correctly...
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Story of 'Frenzy' (2001) (V)
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Soundtrack:
Just one of these things
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FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs "Sleuth" based on a novel?
Any recommendations for other murder mystery movies like "Sleuth"?
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more (108 total)
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Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb top 250 movies | IMDb Mystery section |
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My parents saw "Sleuth" on Broadway, during its original run, just a year or so before this film was released. Watching the movie I can see how it would make a good play, but by the same token, it is not a translation that feels slow, or wordy, or unsuited to the screen. The adaptation is excellent, without "opening up" the play too much. If you're a fan of mysteries, you'll be intrigued by the performances and the script. Joseph Mankiewicz's direction isn't terribly flashy, but subtle and well-done.
Laurence Olivier stars as Andrew Wyke, a famous mystery novel writer. Milo Tindle (Michael Cane), comes to visit him one weekend; asking for Andrew's wife's hand in marriage. But things aren't as simple as they first appear. Andrew wants something in return from Milo. And then again, maybe he doesn't.
The film unfolds slowly and patiently; you almost feel like the film's sentient and realizes how juicy its secrets are, holding on to them for as long as possible. There are numerous twists and surprises in the film; and even if you see one or two coming (as I did), don't expect to get it all right until it's over. It's best not to know at all what is going to happen, so I'll leave you with no more clues.
I enjoyed nearly every moment after the initial meeting between Milo and Andrew. Once Cane and Olivier really get going in their scenes, the film never looks back. They are exceptional in their performances, and deservedly earned nominations for Best Actor Oscars.
So who wins? Does anyone win? Is it a game with a winner at all? Oh just go rent it already!