SLEUTH (1972) C widescreen 138m dir: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

w/Laurence Olivier, Michael Caine, Alec Cawthorne, Margo Channing, John Matthews, Teddy Martin

Marvelously inventive mystery about a writer of detective novels (Olivier) who invites the man (Caine) who's having an affair with his estranged wife to come to his home for some "games."

From The Movie Guide: "This stylish, intelligent mystery is full of delightfully unexpected twists, and boasts extraordinary performances from Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier. ... The film goes through a number of shocking reversals on its way to the surprising but satisfying end. The script, written by Anthony Shaffer from his own stage play, is an actor's dream, and the two stars whip up their roles with relish, pulling the mystery back and forth in this deadly cat-and-mouse game. Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz was determined to keep the unusual nature of his mystery a secret to the audience throughout. Listed in the closing credits as playing Olivier's wife (who appears in the film only as a portrait on Olivier's wall for which actress Joanne Woodward posed) is Margo Channing, which film buffs will recognize as the name of Bette Davis's famed character in Mankiewicz's classic film ALL ABOUT EVE."

The film was nominated for Oscars for Best Director, Actor (both Caine and Olivier), and Original Score (John Addison).