Other Titles • They Might Be Giants • Der Verkehrte Sherlock Holmes (1971)
Synopses for They Might Be Giants (1971)
1.
Former judge Justin Playfair (George C. Scott) lost his wife a few years back, and ever since he's thought he's Sherlock Holmes, determined to find his archnemesis Professor Moriarty, in this thoroughly charming tale of madness and romanticism. Playfair (er, Sherlock) is about to be committed by his brother, who wants his money, when by serendipity he's teamed up with psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson, no less (Joanne Woodward). She finds him fascinating, being a bit daffy herself, and together they get involved in various intrigues, mostly aimed at evading the medical authorities, but which allow the two to fall in love. Though the farcical tone of the film keeps it a lighthearted comedy, the heavy-handed slaps at authority, who are set up for such abuse, seem programmed to succeed. To what degree is lunacy, charming though it may be at times, an appropriate reaction to complex times? "To the utmost degree!" says this film, though the viewer may enjoy it and still disagree. During a comic battle in a supermarket (reminiscent of a silent comedy pie fight), one patient chases her keeper with an oversized hypodermic to the rallying cry of "I hope the loonies win!" That expresses the sympathies of the film nicely. --Jim Gay
2.
George C. Scott and Joanne Woodward play a highly unusual couple in this black comedy.
He's a mental patient named Justin, who thinks he's a latter-day Sherlock Holmes. She his psychiatrist, who just happens to be named Doctor Watson... Dr. Mildred Watson.
Soon she's playing along with Justin's delusions, in hopes of finding a cure. Her interest becomes more than professional, however, when she starts to fall in love with her patient.
Will she still be able to help him? And is there really some fishy business going on for Justin and Watson to uncover?
3.
"A joy to watch! A witty film!" - Kathleen Carroll, NY Daily News
Wealthy, retired judge Justin Playfair (George C. Scott) has a most peculiar eccentricity: he believes he is Sherlock Holmes. Betrayed by his scheming brother, "Holmes" comes under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Mildred Watson (Joanne Woodward). As Watson follows Holmes through Manhattan on a search for his elusive nemesis Moriarty, the unlikely pair are drawn into a world of danger and intrigue. Together, they discover an uncommon reality - and a most magical love.
Three years after the film The Lion In Winter, director Anthony Harvey and Academy Award-winning screenwriter/playwright James Goldman reunited for this classic romantic comedy co-produced by Paul Newman. They Might Be Giants is presented in a special expanded version, now featuring additional footage not seen in the original theatrical release.
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