The Last of Sheila (1973)

If you begin watching this you'll be excused for thinking that it is a light piece of 70's fluff. But if you hang in to the end, and pay close attention along the way, you will come to realize that it is so much more. This fluffy little Bonn Bonn of a film becomes quite the riddle; as well as a commentary on Hollywood cynicism and the inevitability of rising to one's level of one's own incompetence. The closing shot says it all. There is also some heavy hitting in the acting category from Richard Benjamin, Diane Cannon, and best of all, the never failing James Mason. I, at first, wondered what an actor of James Mason caliber was even doing a film like this. Money? Sure. Everyone needs money. Oh, but no, he's actually necessary for this story. Richard Benjamin plays a complex character in an understated way that manages to stay within the perimeter of a tricky kind of film. Diane Cannon steals every scene without trying. A lot of talent here, a GREAT screenplay, and a surprise ending that will leave you equally bewildered and surprised.Thanks to TCM we get to revisit these films or find them for the first time. Some age well. Some not so much. A good mystery will never let you down and this is a good mystery. And then below the mystery is another layer that the film has been commenting on since its first frame that just comes down like a sledge hammer at the end. I think it would be fair to say that this film was remade later as, and just as effectively as, "The Player" with Tim Robbins. "The Last of Sheila" is every bit as good with some interesting retro 70's sociology such as; being a "homosexual" is the same as being from Mars. There's a lot here to enjoy. You won't be disappointed.

True whodunit's are rare in movies; even when they're based on a whodunit book, they often get rid of most of the clues in favor of character and plot. But Last of Sheila is all about solving mysteries, and the biggest mystery is wonderfully ingenious.The cast is an interesting group, with Mason's elegance, Coburn's snarkiness, Benjamin's nebishness, Cannon's brashness, and Welch's talentless little girl whisper melding together into a lovely 1970s actor stew.The dialogue is sharp, the mystery is smart, the acting is first rate (except for Welch of course, who makes up for it by wearing a bikini) and the clues are all there if you're smart enough. Watch it.

I saw this film many years ago and have waited so long for it to be repeated, but last night was my lucky night, and I am watching as I type. Wonderful seventies nostalgia and a great little thriller to boot!It would be great if I couldn't remember the twist and the ending, but who wouldn't enjoy watching James Coburn, James Mason and ummm... Ian McShane in the same movie. Mr Coburn definitely carries off white flares with panache, and for the men, there is Raquel Welch looking equally as splendid in her bikini. Apparently Dyan Cannon put on 30lbs to make this film. Two questions, why and where was she hiding the extra poundage?? Not that it matters to the story.This is a good little 'whodunnit', with enjoyable scenery, good actors hamming it up somewhat, and a surprise ending. All the ingredients for 2 hours of enjoyable TV in my opinion, and don't forget the popcorn - with a big pinch of salt of course :)

Written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, this is all about Sheila: her death a year ago and a little game that James Coburn cooked up for his immediate friends who were all there the night of the party, when Sheila died in a hit-and-run. The invitations went to husband and wife Richard Benjamin (who's a Hollywood writer) and Joan Hackett, who's rich; couple Raquel Welch, actress, and Ian McShane; has-been director James Mason, and Dyan Cannon, who's an agent.Its intricate plot and fun cat-and-mouse intrigues make for an entertaining movie and is far too complicated to get into here, but, even on my second viewing, it still is somewhat confusing with all of its minute details and contradicting alibis. Hint: pay special attention to the cards given to each person.Can you figure it out before the ultimate ending? Granted, the killer's somewhat obvious, looking back on it, but its perverseness instills a creepy feel to it and leaves the viewer feeling, what just happened?So, watch and witness "The Last of Sheila," if you dare.