This is one of those films that is so quirky that you love watching it. Certainly not a big budget film despite having two great actors in George C. Scott and Joanne Woodward but it is a fun film. Director Anthony Harvey had an odd career. He only directed nine theatrical feature films and in only his second film he hit a home run with 1968's The Lion in Winter getting seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and Best Director for himself. He didn't win in those two categories but that film did win three Oscars. He didn't direct another film for three years until he came out with They Might be Giants which was such a small film and such a departure from his previous big historical epic. George C. Scott turns in an excellent performance here as does Woodward. This isn't a great film but it's fun and interesting and the supermarket scene is a riot. I've seen this a couple of times and would definitely like to see it again sometime. I would give this a 7.5 on a scale of 10.
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KyleFurr210 December 2005This is a really great movie that was a huge flop when it came out and this should be a cult hit but isn't for some reason. George C. Scott plays a man who thinks he is Sherlock Holmes and his brother tries to have him committed so he can receive his money. Joanne Woodward is the psychiatrist who tries to help him but things don't go as planned and Woodward winds up helping Scott with his case. Woodward's name also happens to be Watson and Scott drags her along to find Moriarity. Woodward has no life outside her work and they wind up falling in love. Scott's brother really wants his money and hires a hit man to kill Scott but he doesn't realize that.
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AlsExGal19 June 2016This is a quirky, oddly affecting comedy about a judge, gone psychotic after the death of his wife, who believes that he is Sherlock Holmes. His brother wants him committed to an asylum, not for reasons of concern, but so that he can become executor of the would be Holmes's considerable estate.
A female psychiatrist is asked to interview him for the formality of the commitment but becomes fascinated by the "Holmes" she meets because of his truly extraordinary deductive reasoning. It's apparent that, delusional or not, he may be a genius of some kind, and far more fascinating than most ordinary mortals.
The psychiatrist, whose name just happens to be Watson, joins this Sherlock Holmes in his quest to search the streets of New York City for his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. On the way they meet various other people, also largely spurned by society, but, somehow, kindred souls in an otherwise pretty cold world.
This strange but intelligent, utterly charming film died a quick death at the 1971 box office, but has found a cult following of sorts over the years. George C. Scott, with briar pipe and deerstalker hat, is virtual perfection in the role of the man who believes he is Holmes, while Joanne Woodward, devoid of her usual glamour, playing the socially awkward psychiatrist who starts to gradually believe in his cause, brings a warmth and touching vulnerability to her role.
The film has a few wonderful scenes with lovely little touches. Holmes takes his Watson to a little movie theatre, almost empty but for a few street people, and a makeout couple in the top balcony. Yet the street people there all know him, greeting him with smiles as "Mr. Holmes" at this theatre where he likes to come for comfort and watch westerns.
At another unexpected moment a police officer suddenly comes around the corner, spots "Holmes" and a large smile spreads across his face as he says, "Why, Mr. Rathbone, it's an honor, sir," as he reaches over to shake his hand.
And, towards the film's beginning, there is a marvelous scene in which Scott, dressed as Holmes, arrives at a seedy asylum where an inmate is being abused by an orderly. There's a low angle camera shot of a towering Scott/Holmes as he struts through the hallway unruffled, dispassionately disarming orderlies who try to grab him, then proceeds to analyze the mind of the abused patient in a manner that has the patient's doctor (Watson in her first encounter of him) in almost open mouthed admiration.
The film's final scene will undoubtedly baffle many viewers because of its ambiguity. It's a moment that is clearly open to interpretation. But I think that scene, and this film, are about the soaring human spirit, and a belief in one's self even though logic and all around you may tell you that you are wrong. -
Mike-7541 June 1999James Goldman's most beautiful and literary script, a fragile and delicate fantasy/comedy that delivers on its initial promise. Beautifully acted by Scott, Woodward and Gilford, and with a dozen or more cameos that are truly memorable, this is truly a feel-good movie for the literate and the intelligencia. I would rank it among my top half-dozen.
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Prismark1028 May 2015They Might Be Giants is now better known for giving the name to a quirky pop group rather a quirky cult film in its own right. Although the title is derived from Cervantes novel Don Quixote.
The films is an adaptation of the stage play where George C Scott plays a brilliant jurists who after the death of his wife thinks he is Sherlock Holmes.
His brother tries to have him committed so he can receive his money. The psychiatrist who is to evaluate him is called Dr Mildred Watson (Joanne Woodward) in order to understand his condition more ends up enlisting in his adventures to venture down the streets of New York to find Moriarty.
Dr Watson is sceptical at first and knows the condition he is suffering from, standard textbook stuff really. However Dr Watson a middle aged spinster has issues of her own and is drawn to the former judge and the director pulls off a remarkable trick where at a point in the film the sceptic becomes a convert. Both fall for each other and pursue Moriarty with zeal.
The film deals with mental illness and some themes in this film were pursued two decades later by Terry Gilliam in the movie The Fisher King, a director who has long pursued to make his own version of Don Quixote.
This is a small scale actors film. Both Scott and Woodward give terrific performances with a strong support cast. It does have it flaws, maybe the brother needed to be drawn stronger as a villain and it might just get a bit to silly at the end. The climax is rather frustrating as they think Moriarty is approaching. -
mike65-114 July 2015George C Scott is Justin Playfair who has believed himself to be Sherlock Holmes since the death of his wife, his brother wants to section him so to get his hands on the money Justin controls. Enter psychiatric doctor Mildred Watson....
Effectively a companion piece to another James Goldman scripted romantic light drama Robin and Marian (1976) They Might Be Giants is a quirky story about loners, the lonely and love. Scott and Joanne Woodward (as Dr Watson) are both terrific esp in the later scenes as the relationship moves to the personal and Watson gives up her rational self for love and imagination.
There is simply no way any major studio would make a film of this nature with the equivalent actors (if you could find them!) in 2015. Its too offbeat, too obtuse though one could imagine the best of cable channels giving this type of material a chance.
Wiki notes the film is available in a couple of different edits - the version I saw on More4 (UK) was the 88 minute edit with the full supermarket scene included in a later version missing. -
SMK-47 May 1999If you look for flaws in this film you will find plenty. Still, I gave this film a 10 vote because it has overriding qualities which are extremely rare. It is a magical film, full of poetry, it touches you where other films cannot reach. It creates a fantasy world of its own in the midst of modern society, a fantasy world which is utterly implausible and yet so compellingly persuasive.
The cast of this gem is mesmerisingly excellent, all parts I can think of are cast with character actors who on their own have stolen entire films from the stars. The central performance by George C. Scott is majestic, and so is John Barry's wonderful score. The film contains many memorable scenes, but outstanding amongst the lot is the supermarket scene. If I had to compile a list of the ten best scenes ever put to celluloid, this would be included.
Unique. -
LCShackley21 April 2009THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS starts out with a familiar plot: evil brother wants to have goofy brother committed so he can steal the family fortune. Goofy brother (Scott) believes he is Sherlock Holmes, so a psychiatrist (Woodard) is brought in to certify him for the asylum. Both actors deliver engaging, nuanced performances.
It turns out that "Holmes" has a lot more savvy and insight than a crazy person should. He turns the table on the doctor (whose name, appropriately, is Watson) and starts to dissect her personality and problems. All this takes place while he's hunting around NYC to find "Moriarty," his arch-nemesis.
This film could have gone in many interesting directions, and occasionally you think it's about to. There are some funny scenes, and some tender scenes, but what starts out to be a climax ends up as a fizzle, with one of those ambiguous endings that 70s directors loved so much. You start to think that Holmes's quirky clues might actually turn out to solve some important problem, but they just hit a dead end. And, no surprise, that's what happened to this movie at the box office. -
patdwyer412 December 2005I saw this gem of a motion picture on television in the early 70's. I really was no more than a boy when I saw it and yet it touched me in a way that no other film had. For the first time I appreciated a piece of cinema for more than just idle distraction from dull small town Texas life. They Might Be Giants taught me that movies could be art and could elevate as much as they entertain. From that time to this, whenever I am asked what is my favourite film, I always point to this picture. It was done on a very low budget so the story, characters and amazing actors carry it along the streets of New York, creating a world of whimsical romance and serio-comic tension. The relationship between the mad Justin Playfair (a loony judge who thinks he's Sherlock Homes) and Dr. Mildred Watson (obviously destined to become the pschizo's unwilling side kick) builds into a romance that is funny, touching and, by the end, uplifting. It is available on DVD now and is a cherished piece of my extensive collection. 10 out of 10 all the way.
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Bunuel19764 October 2008I started out my mini Paul Newman marathon with two projects he did behind the camera and in which he didn’t appear but instead highlighted his wife’s acting talent. The effective lead here is actually Newman’s own co-star from THE HUSTLER (1961), George C. Scott, as a lawyer who had a nervous breakdown after his wife’s death and which resulted in his taking on the persona of Sherlock Holmes!
This quirky, amiable but not entirely successful comic fantasy allows Scott to again show his considerable (but often neglected) skills at comedy which had served him so admirably in Stanley Kubrick’s DR. STRANGELOVE (1964). Joanne Woodward is Dr. Mildred Watson, the psychoanalyst who takes Scott under her care and whom he (given her surname) mistakes for his genial literary companion and is soon off in search for his eternal nemesis Professor Moriarty in modern-day New York! The cast also includes Jack Gilford, Al Lewis, Kitty Winn and a debuting F. Murray Abraham as various misfits and oddballs who join Scott and Woodward in their Quixotic quest for the invisible evil mastermind.
The film’s unsatisfactory and enigmatic conclusion (a slapstick supermarket chase involving Scott, Woodward, Gilford et al and the N.Y.C. Police is followed by a ‘supernatural’ encounter between Holmes, Watson and an unseen Moriarty in a tunnel) makes the whole affair somewhat pointless…except perhaps to imply that a retreat into one’s imagination is necessary if one is to survive the real madness that is modern civilization. In any case, executive producer Newman must have been impressed by THE LION IN WINTER (1968) since he engaged three of its major crew members for this one – director Harvey, screenwriter James Goldman (who adapted his own play for the screen) and composer John Barry (who contributes a nice moody score). The film’s running time was originally 88 minutes but it was subsequently lengthened to 98 for TV screenings; the version I got, then (that is the one also available on the now-OOP Anchor Bay DVD), runs for 92! In the end, I was hoping to like this more than I did – and it’s just as well that I opted not to purchase the DVD (which contained an Audio Commentary featuring Anthony Harvey and noted film restorer Robert A. Harris). -
The film begins in the present time. Scott plays an ex-judge who loses his mind and now believes he is Sherlock Holmes. His greedy brother is bent on having him institutionalized--then he can have access to Scott's fortune. To get him hospitalized, they have him see a psychiatrist (Woodward)--but she is not about to just stick him in an institution. She wants to do a thorough job investigating and decides to go to Scott's home to meet him. But, he's not about to sit still--there is a crime to investigate. And, when he learns that her name is 'Dr. Watson', he KNOWS it's time to act. Along the way, they meet lots of nice misfits and have a grand adventure.
"They Might Be Giants" is a frustrating film. On one hand, George C. Scott has one of his most charming and enjoyable performances. In addition, the basic idea for the movie is quite promising. BUT, on the other hand, the film seemed to have no idea what to do with the plot--and it eventually degenerated into a stupid mess. And, to make things worse, the ending is just awful--and makes you wonder why you spent your time watching--and why two illustrious actors (Scott and Joanne Woodward) would be in such a flawed project. Having attendants from the local mental institution running about with giant nets and rubber hoses(!) and the god-awful grocery store scene stand out in my mind...and not for good reasons! A mess of a film--especially since the first half is so entertaining. -
Wm Lambe9 February 1999(Contains spoiler.) I recently did a free-lance graphic-design job for a video store owner. My pay? He had to come up with a copy of "They Might Be Giants" for me. He swore it was the last copy on Earth.
George C. Scott made Justin Playfair/Sherlock Holmes into a great film character. If you pay attention to his delightful patter, you hear a soulful philosophy of life that nails our culture whether in 1971 or 1999. His rescue of poor Mr. Small made me want to cheer. Joanne Woodward's portrayal of Dr. Watson was brilliant. You could palpably feel the missing pieces of her wretched existence. "Just keep repeating to yourself, "I am adequate!"
This may be one of the all-time best collection of character actors ever put together. Jack Guilford and Rue McClanahan were wonderful But so was every other actor that appeared. Al Lewis (III) as the messenger, "You were right, Mr. Holmes. My dog did have Pellegra." The clueless march of the crazies en route to the supermarket was heroic. Too few people remember this film. If you get a chance, check this one out.
***Note - I originally wrote this comment seven years ago, but some of the new user comments prompted me to add to it. First, understand that Justin Playfair's condition is totally explained by Rue McClanahan, his sister-in-law. He was a brilliant jurist until his wife was killed. He couldn't cope with a world that allowed such bad things to happen. In an attempt to understand how bad things can happen to good people, he became the world's greatest sleuth in a relentless effort to understand evil. He showed saved newspaper clippings, of innocent people killed by inexplicable accidents, buses going off a cliff, boyscouts attacked, and so on. His one thread that held him to a tenuous sanity was the belief he could always figure it out... and that there were always clues.
He frequented an old movie house that showed old Westerns, where Randolph Scott always wore a white hat and won over the bad guys in black hats. The purest celluloid version of ultimate good over evil. In black and white. He did the London Times crossword puzzle in ink, and could read a person's life with the same exactitude as the original Sherlock. When he rescued Mr. Small, he commented under his breath, "Why can't analysts ever analyze?" The more he studied and investigated the clues, the surer he became that all the clues pointed toward one malevolent perpetrator - the evil mastermind, Moriarity. In the end, he knew he and Watson were no match for him, but that the noblest thing a Man could do was stand up against evil, even if it was a futile gesture. In that acceptance of holding onto good - even in the face of absolute evil - was his salvation.
In an insane world - only the insane are sane. -
gridoon202423 January 2021One-joke "high concept" comedy wears thin after a while, but remains mildly engaging throughout thanks to George C. Scott's multilayered (both lucid and delusional) performance and Joanne Woodward's appealing turn. Despite all the name-dropping, it is not so much a Sherlock Holmes parody or homage (there is hardly any deduction) as it is a romantic comedy and a celebration of the liberating potential of fantasy. **1/2 out of 4.
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Coventry10 August 2022"They Might Be Giants" stood on my must-see list for two reasons. #1: because it has a uniquely original and intriguing premise, and #2: because I love the eccentric performances of George C. Scott. Unfortunately, though, it's everything this film has to offer: one terrific idea that eventually wears out, and one legendary actor who carries the entire film.
I stand by my opinion that the plot is pretty genius. In present day Manhattan, due to the pressure of his job and the loss of his wife, a once acclaimed lawyer now strongly believes he is Sherlock Holmes himself. His dubious brother wants him admitted to a mental hospital, and the resident psychiatrist immediately takes an interest in him. But her last name is Watson, so the "patient" only gets more convinced that he - with the help of Dr. Watson - are destined to solve mystery cases together.
The best sequences in "They Might Be Giants" are definitely when the shrink attempts to psycho-analyze Justin via Freudian theories, whilst her patient is simultaneously - and a lot more effective - analyzing her life via typical Holmes-deductions. Sherlock also clearly doesn't want to be cured. Quite the contrary, he inflicts his fantasy world on others, as it obviously makes them happier people. It's a curious movie, for sure, but too silly for my personal liking (with a couple of really dumb gags near the end), and also too moralizing. -
In 1976, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST(1975) was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, winning 5 in all the major categories. But 5 years earlier, another film tackled mental illness (all be it in a different manner) in it's own unique way. This film was THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS(1971). Now many would argue that Cuckoo's Nest was a superior film, and they would probably be right. They Might Be Giants was shot on a miniscule budget, and was cut down for release by studio exec's. In a further insult, the same studio exec's refused to support the Director's bid for a wide release. It's a shame too, because it featured one of the most overlooked comic performances in film history. George C.Scott plays Justin Playfair, a retired judge who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes. And he does it perfectly. Right down to the subtle gestures and mannerisms. In one of films best scenes, Playfair arrives in a local Mental Institution for an evaluation. A struggle breaks out with the patient before him (a mute, who refuses to reveal even his name) and it's up to Holmes to save the day. And Save the day he does. The Dialogue in this scene is brilliant. Some of the best I've ever heard. And it's all Scott. Not only does he get the man to talk, he guesses his name! The supporting cast is excellent as well. Joanne Woodward is the perfect foil as Dr Watson, Jack Gilford as Wilbur Peabody, and the rest of the New York actors are real, and delightfully eccentric. The end of the film with the "March to find Moriarty" is a classic. Listen to the music in this scene, it's great! So if you liked Cuckoo's nest, check this one out...you won't regret it!!
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SnoopyStyle23 December 2019Justin Playfair (George C. Scott) imagines himself to be the fictional character Sherlock Holmes. His brother Blevins is trying to put him away and take over the family fortune. Blevins uses his money and power to force Justin into a mental hospital under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Watson (Joanne Woodward). She is intrigued by his case and he is certain that Moriarty working a devious scheme. Unbeknownst to them, he is actually in danger in the real world.
Justin should discover her name is Watson a bit sooner. It would allow the story to drive forward faster and launch the screwball caper quicker. Woodward is a little harsh and Scott is playing clueless. The next level for this premise is a romance between the two. They're an older couple and they present themselves as platonic more than romantic. She tries to compensate by turning into a standard flustered single gal. It's a little funny if an unlikely turn. They are a somewhat fun couple when they're on their mission. -
SimonJack2 December 2020"They Might Be Giants" is a quirky story and film based on a 1961 London play of the same title. It's a comedy mystery set in New York, in which George C. Scott is Justin Playfair, a retired judge who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes. Joanne Woodard is Dr. Mildred Watson who takes on his case and is intrigued by his cunning and sharp abilities. But the couple soon get into weird situations with some goofy snooping and meetings all around town.
Justin has a brother, Blevins, who is trying to get him committed as insane so that he can gain control of his fortune. Lester Rawlins plays Blevins, and Rue McClanahan plays his wife, Daisy. She likes Justin and gets a thrill and kick out of some of his actions; but she has grown tired of her worrisome husband.
As the story progresses, Holmes takes Mildred under his wing as his sidekick Watson (her last name anyway). In time they fall for each other. Besides the incongruity of their match, the plot has a couple of big holes. One is that Blevins is into what appears to be an underworld element - for what we never find out. And the underworld tries once to bump Justin off. The film never resolves that connection or anything further. And, it's one of those rare movies that ends without an ending.
There is an occasional film - usually a comedy or sci-fi, that doesn't have an ending. It's rare because whatever is the ending of the film has got to be okay or satisfying for the audience. But this film doesn't do it. Because of that, I think it flops as a story and plot. But it does so with two terrific actors giving wonderful performances. Scott and Woodward were each multiple award winning actors in their day, and they work very well together here.
This isn't a comedy with funny dialog. It has some clever lines, but the comedy is generally light and part of the light mystery. It's not a particularly satisfying film, but one in which the audience can just enjoy a couple of superb actors giving excellent performances. This is not for moviegoers or film buffs who absolutely can't stand movies that don't have an ending, but just come to a close.
Here are the best lines of this film.
Watson, "What am I going to do with you?" Justin, "Well, you might try smiling. Nothing much - just once a day or so." -
dawuud212 October 2005Being American and inadvertently an avid viewer (consumer) of cinema of all genres and qualities, I have to say that this is one of my all-time, forgotten favorites.
Not being a film student or critic, I fall into that overlooked and easily dismissed category called "the audience" which is humorously described as having no knowledge of art, but knowing with certainty what one likes. As such, I can say, unequivocally, that I like this film.
Most important to me as a viewer, above all other aspects of a film, is the story that is being told. If the story is winning, endearing and meaningful, then all else can be forgiven, production quality, even poor acting. Sans the poor acting, "They Might Be Giants" is just such a film.
I won't bore you with the wealth of meaning and depth of insight that I have gleaned from this wonderful story. Suffice it to say that despite what some have chosen to call its' "saccharine" quality (and what I call its' endearing quality), this story has the metaphysical import that elevates it to the level of a modern-day fable for the Western World.
Because I am unstudied and basically an "illiterate" in terms of Western Literature, the references to Don Quiote were completely invisible to me until now. For this enlightenment, I give thanks to the other reviewers. This comparison rings true throughout the story, and has enriched its' overall meaning for me. However, because I was initially unaware of this now obvious reference, for me the "They" in the title of "They Might Be Giants" referred to the very characters, themselves, all of whom are socially flawed, socially marginalized individuals, all of whom are void of "desirability".
As such, these characters, very aptly portrayed by the cast, although quirky, stand-alone individuals respectively, collectively come to represent the "everyman". The impersonal facelessness and the spirit-killing angst of personal worthlessness in midst of the post-industrial age of "modernity" are the windmills at which our Don Quiote, Justin Playfair, tilts. More importantly, we come to understand that this mask of facelessness may well be hiding individuals of truly gigantic spiritual dimensions and human worth. Our fellow human beings, who we pass, nameless, in the streets, "They Might Be Giants"! -
killercharm28 August 2020A comedy mystery that could only be made in the 70s. A man wants to commit his brother who believes himself to be Sherlock Holmes so he can have his millions. The psychiatrist at the hospital who needs to pronounce him committed instead becomes his Watson, because as it happens he does have the deductive skills of a Sherlock Holmes.
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coop-168 July 2000Sadly, i saw this film only once, back in the early eighties;it remains unforgettable.An earlier reviewer said that it echoes Don Quixote as well as Holmes;they were right. Scott was one of the greatest actors, and this is one of his finest films. It is rich in humor and fantasy, and it boasts a very good performance by Ms. Woodward to compliment the one by Scott.
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It's absolutely unknown for me until now, certainly an art-movie as New Hollywood that some imply, an increasing penchant on the seventies, in an psychiatric hospital in New York a weird man self-intitled as Sherlock Holmes (George C Scott) overpowers all crew with rare mastery, after meeting a local psychiatric Watson (Joanne Woodward) all things make sense at all, at last he gets his famous sidekick doctor, even against Watson will, Sherlock points out has been chased by his enemy Moriarty.
Thru this whimsical proposition the movie unfolds flirting with nonsense and surrealism, also a night journey into the night in New York track down Moriarty aiming for debunk his early target, destroy Sherlock Holmes status, funny happening comes along, several odd incidents as well, always appearing colorful characters on the way, the chemistry over the main leading roles is stunning and lift the offer into higher path, pure lunatic's poetry that allowed them a escaping of the awful and stifling reality.
Many supporting actors enhance the weirdo storyline, as the old Peabody (Jack Gilford) that wondering plays Scarlet Pimpernel at once, the awesome Al Lewis as messenger actually a wife's lapdog, Eugene Roche as Policeman, M. Emmet Walsh as sanitation man, also countless smallest roles come together to final redemption on supermarket sequence, forget the logic if you want be reward by an offbeat presentation.
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First watch: 2024 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5. -
kenjha26 December 2012A man who thinks he is Sherlock Holmes is treated by a woman whose name happens to be Dr. Watson. It's a whimsical premise that could have turned into a decent comedy, but the script here is far too uninspired and meandering to amount to anything more than a curiosity piece. There are mildly amusing moments here and there but there is too little humor, drama, and action to sustain the narrative. The final act, including a ridiculous scene in a supermarket, is supposed to be hilarious but falls flat. It's a shame the script is so lacking because Woodward and Scott seem to be trying really hard and show great flair for comedy. This was Harvey's follow-up to "The Lion in Winter," making him a one-hit wonder.
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fhabets15 May 2000This movie sports many moments of pure magic. This film was my first introduction to George C. Scott, and to my mind, this was his best role ever, even surpassing the work he did in Dr. Strangelove and The Hospital.
And that soundtrack! An excellent score, indeed! -
spaceghostx95 August 2019Sherlock Holmes fans might think they are going to be treated to a Holmes pastiche. Unfortunately it seems that the Sherlockian aspects are there to only to spoof, and not in a clever nor informed manner.
The opening scene establishes that a man is being blackmailed. Into this scene walks the George C. Scott character, a man suffering from the delusion that he is Sherlock Holmes, and the brother of the blackmailed man. At first it seems that he embodies the traits and abilities of Holmes and will apply his methods to the crime beneath his nose. Instead he goes on a wild goose chase after Moriarty, seeing clues where there are none and making unsupportable jumps in logic. The doctor meant to examine and potentially commit him joins the escapade, getting drawn further into "Sherlock's" world view as she goes. Her name? Dr. Watson.
For some time it seems that he might resolve the crime at hand, even if only bumbling through like Inspector Gadget. There is even a confrontation with the apparent authors of the blackmail, but it is played for "madcap" laughs and the story moves on. By the time the movie reaches the climax, with a grand conflict in a grocery store, everything has devolved into irredeemable silliness. -
This movie is in my Top Ten of all time flicks! Scott was made for this role. No one could have done it better. I'm surprised how many people have never seen this gem. The writing is brilliant, acting superb! All of human emotion can be seen in this little film. OK, I don't quite understand the ending but that really doesn't detract from the whole. I laugh and cry no matter how many times I watch it. Scott is for the underdog and can see human nature as no one else can. Joanne Woodward falls head-over-heels for Justin and realizes the only way she can reach him is through assimilating his reality. It's a romantic comedy that should not be missed.