Sleuth (1972) - A Film You Need to See

[ivankaramasov]

I saw Sleuth on television when I was about 16 in the early 80s and was blown away. I have always wanted to see it again. I did see the remake, but it was a disappointment. Strange that the original is so hard to find. Sleuth reminds me a lot of one of my favorite Hitchcock-movies, Dial M for Murder, which is also criminally underrated

[rogercormier]

I saw the movie in 1975 in Mallorca. So naturally it has Spanish subtitles. I will refrain from giving any of it away but I was at the edge of my seat. The performances were unparalleled. I lost count of how many times I’ve seen it but I can tell you this: I can recite every word without looking at a libretto. My all time favorite movie.

[ricardocantoral]

In an interview conducted in the early 80's Joe Mankiewicz, more or less, stated that he never felt he could surpass this film hence his retirement from films after he completed Sleuth.

[jimvinespresents...]

I saw SLEUTH when it came out in 1972 (I was 9) and I loved it. I still love it. It's a true class with fantastic performances by Olivier and Caine.

[bennyshambles]

I’m very fortunate to live near an actual video store (and an impeccably stocked and curated one at that) and I actually stumbled across the Sleuth DVD (Anchor Bay) while browsing the British 60’s/70’s section. Olivier, Caine, Mankiewicz, 1972… I was pretty shocked I hadn’t heard of it before. Then I saw it had an 8, 0 on IMDB and was even more incredulous; I rented it immediately and without deliberation. What a treat… I was floored by the mansion setting, set design (Pinewood Studios I believe), dialogue/script, and tour de force acting from these two giants going head to head. It’s a crime this isn’t in print and available on Blu-ray (at least). Seems like something Kino Lorber Studio Classics would be all over. I’d even expect Criterion to restore and release this back when they consistently put out amazing titles (they’ve really been hit and miss the last few years). Anchor Bay was such an amazing DVD label and there’s several titles they released in the early 00s that still haven’t been upgraded to Blu-ray (Pin, I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname, etc.). Hopefully one of those labels gets wise.

[MrDavey]

I knew Tony Shaffer the playwright very well back in the day. He used to tell me so many anecdotes about the making of this movie.

[richard]

I've seen this movie literally dozens of times. It's spell-binding.

[catsmad]

Saw this as a 14 year old and never forgot it. My all time number 1. I have three copies of it. The film version, the dvd and the blue Ray. Could never be bettered.

[augustuscaesar]

One of my favorites. A superb film in every way.

[TheBearAspirin]

The writer of 2019's "Knives Out" admired this movie so much they used many of the game props from this film to dress the sets of their film.

[haunt]

Just finished watching this film, I'm blown away. Seen it quite a few times on IMDb on the recommended -section but never bothered with it, glad I saw your video.

I actually checked the IMDb page before I watched the movie and noticed something that relates to the link you have in the description but still the movie fooled me lmao, was an amazing experience.

[ewie]

The arrogant malice of Olivier's Wyke is absolutely intriguing. Fantastic performance.

[sergividal]

It's amazing how much can be done with just two actors and one house

[nancymartinez]

You are so right, 1972 Sleuth is masterful.

[heerkrupp]

The movie never received the recognition it deserved, for pure acting it's hard to beat.

[haggis]

Nice article but please don't waste 88 min of your life on the unwatchable abomination that was the 2007 remake.
The 1972 original is in my top 3 ( along with Leaving Las Vegas and Glengarry Glen Ross ) and I'd love a chance to see the original stage play by Anthony Shaffer.

[tiaaaron]

This movie came out the same year as Godfather and the two lead actors had to compete with Marlon Brando for the Oscar. My question is: Why isn't Sleuth half as well-known as Godfather? Why?

[Helga____]

I totally agree, and you expressed it perfectly.
I saw the movie several times back in the Seventies, and I still occasionally wish I could see it again.
But as you say, it seems to have sort of fallen through the cracks, for no good reason.

Thanks for giving it some well-deserved attention 😊

[christianschonberger]

Yes! Seen this movie many times. It's a hidden gem. Roger Ebert loved it. That alone should be a good indicator. It's brilliant on all levels. Michael Caine was fantastic playing against the great Lawrence Olivier.
Also on my top list is Twelve Angry Men, another dialog heavy movie which originated as a stage (in this case love tv) play. Sleuth is not just about deception and clever dialog. It also has a lot to say about social issues. Once again my humble opinion is confirmed: all great movies are about the human condition. Thank you for praising this masterpiece!

[XX-sfeh]

I watched this film when I was a teenager. Now I am an old-timer. From the beginning Sleuth trapped me in a cobweb forever.