- Film Review
- Reviewed By Tony Sloman
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2 out of 5
The play by Ira Levin (Rosemary's Baby, A Kiss before Dying) about a playwright plotting murder after the panning of his recent work was a particularly clever piece of stagecraft. But like Sleuth, it was heavily dependent on the theatre itself to make its tricks work. No matter how well director Sidney Lumet manages to disguise the theatricality, and despite hard work by leads Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, the bare bones of Jay Presson Allen's script remain insubstantial, and the basic plot devices ultimately sink the project cinematically. However, Dyan Cannon is absolutely splendid, and Irene Worth puts in a rare movie appearance. It may work for some, but it's really very silly and quite unpleasant in tone and character, with some desperately gratuitous, vulgar moments.
Plot Summary
Thriller starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve. Sidney Bruhl's reputation as a playwright is on the line when another of his plays is panned by the critics. Admitting that he would do anything for a hit, Bruhl is forced to rely on his sick wife for financial support. Then one of his former students sends him a script.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Sidney Bruhl
- Michael Caine
- Clifford Anderson
- Christopher Reeve
- Myra Elizabeth Maxwell Bruhl
- Dyan Cannon
- Helga Ten Dorp
- Irene Worth
- Porter Milgrim
- Henry Jones
- Seymour Starger
- Joe Silver
- Burt the bartender
- Tony Dibenedetto
- Handsome actor
- Al Lebreton
- Minister
- Rev Francis B Creamer Jr
- Stewart Klein
- Stewart Klein
- Jeffrey Lyons
- Jeffrey Lyons
Crew
- Director
- Sidney Lumet
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