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Watch(US)

They Might Be Giants (1971)

Overview

ComedyMystery

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.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
new york citypsychiatryloss of loved onebased on play or musicalsherlock holmespsychiatristmental illnessfemale psychiatristsuppressed past
Anthony Harvey

Director

Anthony Harvey

ReleasedJun 9, 1971
Runtime1h 38m
StatusReleased
Universal Pictures
Newman-Foreman Company

Top Cast

George C. Scott

George C. Scott

Justin Playfair

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward

Dr. Mildred Watson

Jack Gilford

Jack Gilford

Wilbur Peabody

Lester Rawlins

Lester Rawlins

Blevins Playfair

Al Lewis

Al Lewis

Messenger

Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan

Daisy Playfair

Theresa Merritt

Theresa Merritt

Peggy

James Tolkan

James Tolkan

Mr. Brown

Kitty Winn

Kitty Winn

Grace

F. Murray Abraham

F. Murray Abraham

Clyde (the usher)

Paul Benedict

Paul Benedict

Chestnut Man

M. Emmet Walsh

M. Emmet Walsh

1st Sanitation Man

Ron Weyand

Ron Weyand

Dr. Strauss

Jenny Egan

Jenny Egan

Miss Finch

YouTube

They Might Be Giants (1971) ORIGINAL TRAILER

They Might Be Giants (1971) ORIGINAL TRAILER

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Discussion

Reactions from the web

Odd how the studio completely avoided any reference to the whole Sherlock Holmes plot, it must have confused the audience when they saw it.

@theressomethingonthewing1960 11

When I finally saw the film on VHS, after seeing it on TV as a kid, I realized that there was a segment missing, something that I had really enjoyed towards the end of the film. This bothered me for some time. Then the internet came along, and I looked up the Director, Anthony, Harvey, thinking maybe I can find some kind of production company that he was associated with and ask them about this. I did find a journalist who had written an article about Mr. Harvey. He gave me a contact phone number. I went ahead and called the number and discovered that I had, lo and behold, just called the Director himself! He wondered how the heck I got the phone number. I explained right away that I was a fan of his work, and I had a question for him about his film, They Might be Giants. He then politely explained that the studio had cut a section of the movie when it was first released on VHS, but that they would soon be releasing the full length version, the directors cut. And a year or so later I was able to order it, and there was the cut scene the way that I had remembered. Thanks Mr. Harvey for explaining that to me and chatting with me!

@paulweberband 2

I watched this as a kid i kinda got it,im 75 now and dont get it at all

@stanleydavis7904 5

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