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Sleuth (1972)

PG  |   |  Mystery, Thriller  |  10 December 1972 (USA)
8.1
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Ratings: 8.1/10 from 35,518 users  
Reviews: 138 user | 55 critic

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.

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Title: Sleuth (1972)

Sleuth (1972) on IMDb 8.1/10

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Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
Alec Cawthorne ...
John Matthews ...
Eve Channing ...
Teddy Martin ...
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Storyline

Milo Tindle and Andrew Wyke have something in common, Andrew's wife. In an attempt to find a way out of this without costing Andrew a fortune in alimony, he suggests Milo pretend to rob his house and let him claim the insurance on the stolen jewelry. The problem is that they don't really like each other and each cannot avoid the zinger on the other. The plot has many shifts in which the advantage shifts between Milo and Andrew. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Think of the perfect crime... then go one step further. See more »

Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

|

Language:

|

Release Date:

10 December 1972 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

El detective  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

When tossing the chess pieces to the floor Laurence Olivier cuts the palm of his hand very badly. You can see him look down at his hand, put his handkerchief in his palm, and put his hand in his jacket pocket. He then finishes the scene. See more »

Goofs

In the snooker game, after Andrew pots the black for the first time, it is clearly seen to be on its spot before Milo takes it from the pocket and re-spots it. See more »

Quotes

Andrew Wyke: There's nothing like a little bit of mayhem to cheer one up.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in George Stevens: The Filmmakers Who Knew Him (2001) See more »

Soundtracks

You do something to me
Words and music by Cole Porter
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

Sleuth
28 May 1999 | by (Marietta, OH) – See all my reviews

The stars have a ball with this exceptional adaptation of the award winning play from Anthony Shaffer, directed by Mankiewicz. Mystery writer Olivier invites his wife's lover, played by Caine to his lavish country home - perhaps to propose a scheme that would benefit both of them. Ah, but what's the real purpose. Stay poised and ready for thrills as both stars lead us through a devilishly cunning script, filled with a crackerjack conclusion. Both stars and their director were Oscar nominated.


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