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neilclark6
Reviews
Ellery Queen: Too Many Suspects (1975)
A Superb Mystery Film
This is a quite superb mystery film which was the prequel to an equally superb NBC television series. A few years before 'Too Many Suspects', Peter Lawford had starred as Ellery Queen in the film 'Don't Look Behind You'. It was watchable, but Lawford just wasn't the right as Ellery Queen. Jim Hutton, with his gangling, absent-minded amiability fitted the bill perfectly. The interplay between Hutton and David Wayne, who plays his father, Inspector Queen of the NYPD, is a joy to watch as is the rivalry between the Queens and the self-satisfied radio performer and amateur sleuth Simon Brimmer. The mystery itself is a very strong one, with plenty of twists and a truly ingenious ending. The film never drags for a moment and a genuine sense of excitement is built up. If there's ever been a more entertaining mystery film made than 'Too Many Suspects', I haven't seen it.
Walk Don't Run (1966)
A very charming film with a great cast
This is an extremely charming film with a great cast. Cary Grant, in his last film, is in tip-top form as a British millionaire industrialist and his co-stars Jim Hutton, Samantha Eggar and John Standing also turn in excellent performances. There are some very funny moments- (not least at a dinner for the Olympic competitors) and the screenplay is a real joy. It's full of witty asides and great one-liners. The story line is believable and the plot flows naturally- nothing appears contrived. Watching this again one is saddened by Cary Grant's decision to retire after making it- his performance showed that he still had plenty to offer- even when not playing the main romantic lead. And it's also sad to think of the premature demise of Grant's co-star Jim Hutton- who had such a marvellous gift for light comedy and who he died far too young at the age of 45 in 1979. Hutton will probably most be remembered for his definitive portray of Ellery Queen in the wonderful 1970s TV series- but he puts in his usual five-star performance in Walk Don't Run too. All in all, I thoroughly recommend this film- you'll have a warm glow inside you at the end of it.