Edgeworth discusses the concept of "playing fair" in mystery stories and illustrates with a forgotten 1973 classic penned by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins.
I finally got around to watching this movie last night, and I can see why it has shown up on so many writer's 'inspired works' lists. It was so refreshing to be able to "play along" with a film that I was completely in the dark for. Also, "I don't have any gloves," could be my favorite scene in any movie for a long time.
Saw this movie with my mom when it first came out in 1973. Still remember it well. Loved the ending and Bette Midler's singing of "Friends". So apropos.
My favourite is. sleuth 1972 with lawrence olivier and michael caine but the last of Is in my top five with clue what a clever ending. and any mr moto and almost any charlie chan movies only
Couldn't agree more with you; wonderful whodunit in the classic tradition but with a modern (for the time) flavour. I can't understand why it isnt more widely available.
Although Mason said he ultimately based his characterization on what "everybody thought James Mason should be", the character he played was supposedly based on Orson Welles, which makes sense because I can easily see Welles being smart enough to solve this mystery.
This is the film that I always remember James Mason best for. That’s just above the first two films I saw him in which were Child’s Play (1972) and Murder By Decree. Thank you for your wonderfully spoken review. The Last Of Sheila, last I checked, is available on iTunes. 🕵🏻♂️
Saw this in the theater when it came out; I was 12. Always loved it! You couldn't ask for a more iconic cast or brilliant writing. Still have my VHS copy. Great overview, Edgeworth! Thanks!!!
I love the fact that you acknowledge that the title is a clue - if not THE clue. I've always thought that but you are the only critic/reviewer I've seen that mentions - when I saw this movie I caught n to it immediately and thought maybe I was the only one to make the connection
I did find that there was a shot of the "I'm an alcoholic card" that never came into play. That stuck to me as I am an alcoholic trying desperately trying to relate to them. Note my name. Ahem
I saw this movie randomly on TV when I was quite young for it - a young teenager or a pre-teen. Sadly, I didn't understand most of it. But I never forgot it. I definitely want to rewatch it someday.
I finally saw the film yesterday. I didn’t know about it until I heard it mentioned during a review of of last year’s “Knives Out.” Apparently Edgar Wright was influenced by “The Last of Shiela” when he wrote “Hot Fuzz,” as well.
I've just discovered this series, and I see you've picked it up again after a hiatus. Any plans to do the two Knives Out movies (especially since this movie was such an influence on Glass Onion)? Or the Kenneth Branagh Poirots? (For that matter, you haven't done the original 1974 Murder On The Orient Express, have you?) Or the myriad of other Sherlock Holmes movies?
Unfortunately, due to RU-vid screwing me over one too many times, I have discontinued all series on this channel. I'm glad you've enjoyed what there us, however.
James Coburn - Bryan Cranston Ian McShane - Tom Hardy Dyan Cannon - Saoirse Ronan Richard Benjamin - Christian Bale Raquel Welch - Marion Cotillard James Mason - Patrick Stewart Joan Hackett - Timothee Chalamet
