The read
Audiences rate it 16 points higher than critics do.
Synopsis
After the death of his wife, retired judge Justin Playfair creates a fantasy world for himself in which he is the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, even dressing like the character. Out of concern for Justin's money more than his health, his brother Blevins puts him under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson. As Dr. Watson grows fond of Justin, she begins to play along with his theories, eventually becoming an assistant in his investigations.
Ratings
IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes61%
Metacritic51/100
Audiences rate it 16 points higher than critics do.
60 audience votes
Key crew
- Anthony HarveyDirector
- James GoldmanScreenplay
- John BarryOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- George C. ScottJustin Playfair
- Joanne WoodwardDr. Mildred Watson
- Jack GilfordWilbur Peabody
- Lester RawlinsBlevins Playfair
- Al LewisMessenger
- Rue McClanahanDaisy Playfair
- Theresa MerrittPeggy
- James TolkanMr. Brown
- Kitty WinnGrace
- F. Murray AbrahamClyde (the usher)
- Paul BenedictChestnut Man
- M. Emmet Walsh1st Sanitation Man
Stills
Themes
new york cityloss of loved onesuppressed pastbased on play or musicalpsychiatristmental illnesspsychiatryfemale psychiatristsherlock holmes