Deathtrap (1982)(dvd)

Synopsis: The play by Ira Levin (Rosemary's Baby, A Kiss before Dying) about a playwright plotting murder after the panning of his recent work was a particularly clever piece of stagecraft. But like Sleuth, it was heavily dependent on the theatre itself to make its tricks work. No matter how well director Sidney Lumet manages to disguise the theatricality, and despite hard work by leads Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, the bare bones of Jay Presson Allen's script remain insubstantial, and the basic plot devices ultimately sink the project cinematically.

However, Dyan Cannon is absolutely splendid, and Irene Worth puts in a rare movie appearance. It may work for some, but it's really very silly and quite unpleasant in tone and character, with some desperately gratuitous, vulgar moments.

Cast: Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve
Runtime: 111 min