The Last of Sheila (1973) User Reviews

Games Of The Very Rich

[Lechuguilla · 8/10 · 7 May 2008]

Exotic locales on the French Riviera form a beautiful setting for this highly complex whodunit story about six Hollywood movie insiders who agree to participate in a reality-based game to celebrate the life and tragic death of Sheila, another Hollywood insider, whom they all knew.

The game's host, Sheila's multi-millionaire husband Clinton Green (James Coburn), has devised six pretend pieces of gossip; the idea is for the participants to guess everybody's secret. As one participant says: "That's the thing about secrets; we all know stuff about each other; we just don't know the same stuff; how did (Clinton) find out? Sheila, probably." The game winner gets top billing in Clinton's forthcoming movie: "The Last Of Sheila".

The script's underlying premise is ingenious, and the story is quite well executed. The plot has more twists and turns than a corkscrew. Every scene is important in some way. The identity of the killer is not at all easy to discern. Indeed, my guess was wrong.

The film has an ensemble cast, and they all give convincing performances. I especially liked James Mason and Dyan Cannon. Color cinematography is topnotch, and includes some difficult camera shots of and on a luxury yacht. My only complaint about this film is its relative lack of suspense. I could have wished for more spooky chills. For a murder mystery, the tone is just a tad too playful.

Inadequate suspense aside, this is a terrific movie that will appeal to mystery lovers especially. It's got some classy characters and dialogue, great visuals, fine performances, and a riveting plot.

A Muddled Mystery

[reelreviewsandrecommendations · 6/10 · 27 November 2022]

On the first anniversary of his wife's death, wealthy film producer Clinton Greene hosts a week-long get-together aboard his yacht, the Sheila; named in honour of his late love. His guests include actresses, directors and screenwriters- all of whom were present the year before when Sheila kicked the bucket. Greene, an avid parlour-gamesman, informs his guests that the week's entertainment will be the 'The Sheila Greene Memorial Gossip Game,' in which everyone is assigned a secret which they must keep from the others. Soon, it transpires that Greene's sinister competition is based more on fact than fiction, and there may be a murderer among his guests; facts which transform the proceedings into a crazed game of cat and mouse where the stakes are life or death.

Written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, Herbert Ross's 'The Last of Sheila' is a camp mystery comedy that holds entertainment value, though is really rather convoluted. Inspired by real life scavenger hunts Perkins and Sondheim would arrange for their friends in the late 60's, the film takes elaborate steps to concoct a narrative seeped in intrigue and suspense, but overwhelms with its attempts to mystify; coming across as needlessly- rather than satisfyingly- cryptic. Unlike the best whodunnit mysteries, the film's twists and turns seem arbitrary when they're not predictable, and are frequently both.

Perkins and Sondheim's characters are also problematic, with most being unlikable and dimly illustrated caricatures of little to no depth (an issue only heightened by the performances from the cast, which vary in quality). While the camp comedy works for the most part, a lot of it feels forced, and despite some clever lines of dialogue and a few suspenseful sequences; one is left rather disappointed by the time the credits roll. Had Perkins and Sondheim tightened up the core mystery and added dimension to some of the characters, they could have had a fine film on their hands; instead of the mildly amusing, slightly banal one 'The Last of Sheila' turned out to be.

Shot in Nice, the cinematography from Gerry Turpin is surprisingly mediocre, considering the beauty of the surrounding area. Turpin's approach is too straightforward, lacking flair and seeming flat and uninspired. 'The Last of Sheila' is the kind of film that requires stylish, unconventional cinematography in order to match the camp, mysterious and borderline over-the-top subject matter; Turpin's work is sadly lacking in this regard.

As is Edward Warschilka's editing, which is loose and haphazard, dooming the film to the realm of the unevenly paced. John Jarvis's set decoration isn't lacking, however, with his work being rich and highly detailed. The locations are brimming with intricate knick-knacks and props, seeming most authentic and intriguing. Joel Schumacher's costume design is also of note (and arguably more interesting than his directorial features later in life), while Billy Goldenberg's score is atmospheric and thrilling.

'The Last of Sheila' features an all-star ensemble cast of varying degrees of quality. While James Mason, Dyan Cannon and Ian McShane deliver measured, intelligent performances, the rest are a mixed bag. Raquel Welch phones it in completely, while James Coburn goes wildly over-the-top, and is actually very entertaining (and probably the most appealing aspect of the film). For their parts, Joan Hackett and Richard Benjamin seem uneasy to be involved with proceedings and unsure of how to approach their roles; leaving little impression on the viewer whatsoever.

'The Last of Sheila' is a muddled movie that doesn't quite make it, an underwhelming though amusing mystery-comedy that doesn't make many waves or break any new ground. Featuring an all-star cast and a screenplay from Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, the film should- and could- have been much more intriguing and humorous than it is. Though there are some bright spots in the screenplay and from the cast, it's mostly an underwhelming, convoluted caper that is easy to watch and easier to forget.

A Personal Reflection On "The Last Of Sheila"

[Citymars · 7/10 · 19 June 2002]

In 1973, at age 17, I walked into a movie multiplex (three theaters under one roof) in a neighboring city with little more on my mind than to kill a couple of hours before an appointment. I'd never heard of "The Last of Sheila" and therefore had no preconceived notions about it, but the starting time was right. I then had the rare and happy experience of seeing a movie I knew absolutely nothing about -- and loving it.

I subsequently dragged my friends to see it and was even inspired to host a "game" of my own (similar to the movie's central event) in my small home town. Granted, central Illinois is not as glamorous as the south of France, but we made do.

So the other night (many miles away and nearly 30 years later) when I saw the videotape at the neighborhood rental store I was almost reluctant to rent it and risk ruining a good memory. Would the movie hold up?

I have to say that while no longer quite so passionate about "The Last of Sheila" (or anything, for that matter), I'd still recommend it.

"The Last of Sheila" is, first of all, wonderfully of its period. The cast includes Richard Benjamin (Portnoy's Complaint), Dyan Cannon (The Love Machine), James Coburn (In Like Flint), Joan Hackett (Support Your Local Sheriff), James Mason (The Mackintosh Man), Ian McShane (Pussycat, Pussycat I Love You), and Raquel Welch (Myra Breckinridge). Add an early Bette Midler hit song and you have a quintessential early 1970's experience!

The screenplay is by film actor Anthony Perkins and musical theater lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim. Combine the sophisticated intricacy of Sondheim's song lyrics with Perkins' long association with macabre cinema and you have the tone of "Sheila": witty, complex, dark and ironic.

I remember a magazine article from the time about Sondheim's passion for games and how it influenced the screenplay. This movie is like a game the viewer can play -- but don't expect to win. This is a fun, fast moving murder mystery with lots of clues and lots of red herrings, and its perhaps best just to sit back and pay attention to the scenery and bon mots.

One can forgive some lapses (personally, I cringe when Raquel opens her mouth) as overall the film is so interesting.

Conversely, I have to put in a plug for the lovely and vulnerable Joan Hackett, who is virtually unknown today but who is one of my favorite actresses from the era. If you've never seen her work, I recommend this film as well as "Will Penny" and "Support Your Local Sheriff." As Leonard Maltin says "Hackett had a special quality - along the lines of a Jean Arthur or Margaret Sullavan - that was simultaneously truthful and enchanting."

Citymars (6/19/02)

Classic 70s!

[glgioia · 11 March 2003]

This is a perfect example of mature entertainment for its day, made in the deep dark days of the mid 1970s when the F word was rarely heard in cinema not shown in Times Square. Saw this one in the drive-in; yes the drive-in when I was a wee lad with my folks. I don't understand why it isn't better known, but most people I'm sure have never heard of it. It's a good one. Macabre, clever murder mystery with a cast you can sink your teeth into. The clothes, lingo and attitudes are so pathetically 70s; I sometimes find it hard to believe I'm actually this old when I watch something like this. Most of the action takes place on a yacht anchored off of the Italian Riviera, and to me it has always had twisted adult Gilligan's Island feel to it all. The scenes in the monastery are good old fashioned creepy. Find me a director who can do any of this now, without showing bare tetons or dismembered alien corpses, and I'll eat my bellbottoms.

Very 70s

[bkkaz · 7/10 · 18 September 2022]

The Last of Sheila is not a bad movie. It's basically an Agatha Christie mystery reworked with some pompous rich twits, idle between film projects. The movie is very 70s, which is to say the filmcraft is nothing special. Lots of zoom lens and plain cinematography where the lighting seems the same regardless of scene or setting. The clothes and hairstyles suggest everyone has just given up.

The cast isn't bad. James Mason is the biggest name, followed by Raquel Welch, which gives you a good idea of what we're working with here. James Coburn -- playing a John Huston-like megalomaniac with some hints of actual humanity -- was never quite in Mason's sphere, but he's enjoyable in his relatively brief scenes. That leaves the rest. Dyan Cannon was always a mystery to me. Never beautiful enough to be a leading lady and never talented enough to be a major actress, yet she managed to appear in some big 70s films and even marry Cary Grant not long before he passed. All that almost makes for a movie in and of itself.

Another 70s mainstay, Richard Benjamin, turns up here. He always plays Richard Benjamin, which is a kind of Alan Alda meets Woody Allen. He's married to Joan Hackett, who was always better in lite comedies. If you're a fan of Deadwood, you'll be happy to see Ian McShane turn up, though basically as a ponce.

The mystery here isn't bad. It's very Christie-like in that the clues don't add up to anything one could reasonably induce a solution from. It's all just motion and distraction until the climax, where of course there will have to be an expository denouement to try to explain it all. In this one, there's a bit of satire to give it more purpose than just eating up time, so that gets it an extra point.

A classy puzzle

[rickglasgow · 10/10 · 8 May 2004]

This is not a movie for those who like their fare to be obvious. Coming from the pens of Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, it is a witty, erudite little puzzle that expects you to pay attention and work with it. It's also a delightfully acerbic look at the Industry and those who work in it.

The cast in the main rises to the challenge Coburn is in fine form as the manipulative Clinton; the late Joan Hackett reminds you, what we lost as an actress in the part of Lee and James Mason, exudes charm as Phillip. Raquel Welch is perhaps at sea a bit in some of the scenes compared to Ian McShane as her husband and the wonderful Dyan Cannon and Richard Benjamin. Herbert Ross directs what is a complex story with a deft touch right up to the denoument - which is brilliant and has a great pay-off line.

The dvd version has a commentary with Cannon, Benjamin and Welch. However, Welch sounds as though she recorded alone and really doesn't offer much insight into the whole project except for comments about her wardrobe and the fact that she didn't understand the plot, but that was ok as she says because her character had little understanding of what was going on either.

Fun mystery

[gbill-74877 · 7/10 · 5 August 2021]

A Hollywood producer whose wife was killed in a hit and run brings six people together for a week on his yacht, and plays a little game with them. A card is passed out to each of them with a piece of gossip, e.g. "You are a shoplifter," and each evening in port, after being provided a clue, the guests are meant to figure out who is holding one of the cards. The goal of the game is to figure out everyone else's card, while not revealing one's own. Not surprisingly, there is something a little sadistic in the game, with the producer having used real secrets about the guests, but having doled them out to different people.

James Coburn is solid as the producer, and James Mason, Dyan Cannon, and Richard Benjamin all turn in fine performances as guests (I wish I could say the same about Raquel Welch). There are lots of barbs in the dialogue as the characters banter with one another. Without spoiling anything, I love how the game doesn't play out in such a linear way. There is a game within the game, and some fun twists, even if they do get a little complicated. The only thing is, I'm not sure the motivation of the killer made complete sense, given what the killer already knew. The identity of the child molester and how little is made of that fact is a little disturbing too. That said, it's a fun film and I loved the subversiveness of the ending.

"I like any game where you don't have to move." ... "You don't have to for this one--if you're smart enough."

[moonspinner55 · 9/10 · 14 January 2001]

Superb, darkly and wickedly comic whodunit from screenwriters Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins, with all the pieces right there for you to place. Cunning James Coburn is the movie producer and game-aficionado who invites to his yacht the failed screenwriter (Richard Benjamin), his alcoholic wife (Joan Hackett, in a sympathetic performance), the catty agent (Dyan Cannon, more wired than ever before), the starlet (Raquel Welch, looking a bit dazed), the starlet's husband (Ian McShane) and a director down-on-his-luck (James Mason, the calm-head who pays attention to the details). The only trouble with "The Last of Sheila" is that the first-half, involving a hilarious personality game, is so clever, we want more of it; the murder-mystery second-volley is an acting showpiece, but not quite as engaging. Still, these characters are a wonderfully tainted, self-absorbed lot, and Cannon's mini-breakdown after someone almost offs her is a wild bit of hysterical showing off. I also admired Welch's scene at midnight on the top deck, talking about stealing a coat (she's very seductive and charming, though she continues to whisper her dialogue throughout the film and fails to make the strong impression each of her co-stars do). The character conflicts and the reasoning behind who-does-what-to-whom doesn't bear a great deal of scrutiny (and even after several viewings, I'm still not clear on that business regarding the cabin keys); however, the picture is extremely entertaining, a verbally exciting match-of-wits by a group of Hollywood hopefuls and burn-outs. ***1/2 from ****

Good

[preppy-3 · 7/10 · 21 October 2002]

Interesting movie of super-rich James Coburn trying to find out who accidentally killed his wife Sheila. He gets the 6 most likely suspects and invites them for a weekend of "games". But the games are cruel and someone turns up dead. Then this turns into a whodunit.

The script is fantastic (written by Anthony Perkins (!) and Stephen Sondheim (!!)). The dialogue is believable and there are many ingenious twists and turns. There's also a great cast at their peak--except for Raquel Welch and Dyan Cannon. Both are incredibly beautiful but Welch has never been good and Cannon is way too loud and shrill.

Keeps you guessing to the very end. Also it's fun to see James Coburn enjoying himself in a role. And it all ends with a Bette Midler song!

Best Who Dun It I Ever Saw

[irishcoffee630 · 10/10 · 13 July 2003]

I can not speak more highly of this movie as it has to be the best film who-dun-it ever conceived. James Coburn invites a group of Hollywood has been types on his yacht in the south of France to find out who killed his gossip columnist wife Sheila, a year before at a wild party. He sets up murder puzzle games, one every night, to find the culprit and to entertain the guests, but the games get out of control and real murders begin. The clues in this movie are really unique as you the viewer play along to find out the murderer. I have seen this film 3X and am still in awe that I missed so many clues....right before my eyes. Never guessed the killer either and I am a mystery buff and usually can. The cast is great.There are so many funny and bitchy lines in this movie they come from every direction. My favorite line: James Mason (a TV commercial director filming a dog food commercial) talking to his wife on phone "I am sorry dear but I must hang up a cast member is peeing on my leg." And he doesn't mean one of the pooches! Beautifully filmed and an all around A++++ film.

Who cares?

[mmthos · 6/10 · 14 November 2020]

I remember as a kid, reading the rave reviews and seeing the title on a marquee on Hollywood Blvd, and thinking "I wish I could see that!" (precocious child, too young) Well I've finally seen it, and now know what I wasn't missing.

"Clue" type caper overseen by James Coburn as the Captain, while the rest of the cast of various and sundry Hollywood types chase across the South of France searching for info about the last moments of the captain's girlfriend Sheila, who was killed in a hit and run auto accident, under suspicious circumstances, back in Bel-Air, California.

Some beautiful and quirky locations, some bits that work, most don't. Script is painfully arch, writers seem so full of themselves, that, at the end of every would-be witty line, you can just feel the ooze of their self-satisfied smirk. Hate that! Sondheim has a tendency toward that in general, though he usually manages to mostly keep it in check. Not here. Unfortunately, Tony Perkins never got the chance to redeem himself, if he wanted to (this is his only writer's credit)

Everyone's type-cast, which is actually appropriate here, but cliche' characters are given cliche' lines that you will anticipate every time and every line. I felt for Dyan Cannon's obnoxious character's need to deliver a bon mot everytime she opened her mouth ( I was glad that she was thrown overboard off the yacht they all were cruising on), but no question, Dyan did a full-out job of embracing the obnoxiousness, and made the best effort to put some life into this limp. lifeless thing.

As it turns out, I never did see the last of Sheila. About 3/4 of the way, the print posted on youtube switched inexplicably to a Spanish movie, as if someone had changed the channel. I didn't really care.

Deliciously dark humour blends well with mystery

[aromatic-2 · 10/10 · 7 March 2000]

Great performances, marvelous dialogue and a deliciously dark sense of humour makes this one loads of fun for repeated viewings. The ensemble cast works very well together, and the brain candy never stops. And the payoff is well worth waiting for. Never has a song punctuated the final scene so well.

A fun cat-and-mouse romp

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 26 February 2022]

Fans of Rehearsal for Murder and Sleuth will want to check out The Last of Sheila, a fun cat-and-mouse mystery involving James Coburn, Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon, Joan Hackett, James Mason, Raquel Welch, and Ian McShane. The film starts out a year after James Coburn's girlfriend "Sheila" died mysteriously, and he invites all their mutual friends to a week-long party on his yacht. Of course, he has an ulterior motive, and from the first day, he strives to make his guests feel very uncomfortable.

Admittedly, this is not nearly as good as Rehearsal for Murder, but that movie is pretty much in a class by itself. This one feels like a 1970s tv-movie, so with the music and camera angles, it feels dated. I was completely caught off-guard by the twists and turns of the plot, though, so Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins wrote a very mysterious script. While I wasn't happy with the very end, it was very entertaining up until that point, so I'd recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.

Pedestrian Puzzler

[kenjha · 5/10 · 20 October 2008]

A movie mogul invites a group of Hollywood-types to his yacht for a week of fun and games, with the motive of outing the person who killed his wife a year earlier. Nothing interesting happens during the first half of the film. Then there's a murder and things perk up a bit, but it's too little too late. The script by Perkins and Sondheim is meant to be clever but is too contrived for its own good. The all-star cast is impressive, with Mason turning in the most notable performance. Welch looks fabulous, Cannon seems to be high on something, and Coburn is all teeth. Veteran director Ross does not help matters with his gimmicky camera work.

murder mystery doesn't get any better than this!!!!

[darrenjarjar · 20 June 2004]

"the last of sheila" an amazing collaboration of two of entertainments finest .. anthony perkins ("psycho") and stephen sondheim (composer) this witty and very tongue in cheek homage to both the murder mystery genre and the cut throat world of movie making. the films looking a little dated but holds up even now as being one of (if not THE best) who done its ever filmed. a very clever story this one, with many plot twists and red hearings. keeps you guessing the whole time your watching and gives an amazing climax with some very unexpected conclusions (though on later viewings its hard to see how these clues were missed) filmed entirely on location in the south of France (including the studio stuff) and with a stellar cast of characters most notably Joan Hackett (a personal favourite in the acting cannon) this intelligent piece of filmaking will prove a very entertaining experience. the plot is clever, the script is genius, i wouldn't like to give too much of the story away, as you may not of seen this film. basically the story goes as follows: Clinton Green (Hollywood film producer) has invited 6 guests to join him aboard his luxury yacht in the south of France, a year after his wife was killed in a hit and run accident back in Hollywood. the guest include Joan Hackett as "Lee" wife of screenwriter "Tom" Richard Benjamin. English director "Philip" James Mason, actress "Alice" Raquel Welch and husband/manager "Anthony" Ian Mcshane and last but not least Dyan Cannon as Hollywood agent to the stars "Christine". all have been a big part of Clintons life and that of sheila his dead wife. Clinton a master game player has been planning some fun evenings for his 6 guests and its not long before the fun begins but someone is using the game to their own advantage and its not long before a death takes place...... if you've never seen this movie, then i strongly advise you to check it out next time its shown on TV or rent it on DVD or video. the cast is to die for ,plot is fantastic and the locations are a joy to see. Herbert Ross who has directed this amazing movie is also responsible for steel magnolias another movie favourite of mine. He is both stylish and very creative in his approach to directing and i believe "THE LAST OF SHEILA" to be one of his finest achievements.

A Fun Puzzler That's Going To Require Your Close Attention

[rwint · 7/10 · 7 July 2001]

Entertaining mystery that looks like it was modeled after a Agatha Christie novel. Grinning (or is that leering) Coburn invites six 'friends' to his yacht for a weeklong game of "I've got a secret" The game though becomes too personnel, eventually leading to murder. Problem is the characters respond to a murder like it's just a bad headache, which is actually part of the fun. These people( who are all from show business) really ARE jayded, which may help explain the stories final twist. Has sharp banter and a good cast. Cannon especially stands out as a oversexed Hollywood nympho. Lots of fun, but very intricate. This will require total attention by the viewer, otherwise you are liable to miss something.

Letter perfect...

[majikstl · 10/10 · 24 February 2005]

THE LAST OF SHEILA is a brilliantly clever little thriller that tries and succeeds beautifully in combining the best of both the bitchy Hollywood self-satire and the traditional whodunit. Written by the unexpected pairing of actor Anthony Perkins and composer Stephen Sondheim, the two apparently indulged their love of game playing while mining their obvious firsthand knowledge of backstage backstabbing too. The resulting film is cleverly glib in an ALL ABOUT EVE way, yet unfolds in a complex fashion that clearly shows us that the collaboration between Perkins and Sondheim was more than just a merry whim.

On the one hand, the film is an insightful, if cheerfully mean-spirited look at jet-setting Hollywood types for whom the social and the professional are as hopelessly intertwined as the noodles on a plate of spaghetti. SHEILA is about game playing, both as a social diversion and as means of manipulating and controlling other people's professional lives.

Even without the subsequent bloodletting, the film has a wonderful set up for smart, psychological entertainment. A film producer, played with marvelous malice by James Coburn, plans to celebrate the anniversary of his wife's untimely death by inviting a band of B-list Hollywood talent aboard his Mediterranean yacht for a week of parlor games which indulges both his desire to play master puppeteer and his need to find egos to crush. The ingredients of "The Sheila Greene Memorial Gossip Game" are simple: six players with six dirty little secrets to discover and the result is an elaborate port-hopping game of Clue.

Of course, somewhere along the line, someone rewrites the rules, gore results and the survivors are left to play murderous musical chairs in the proverbial drawing room. To say more would be strictly tabu. Suffice it to say that the film is one that warrants repeated viewing, even after -- especially after -- the revelation of who is the killer. For one thing the cast of suspects and/or victims has been nicely selected. There are Alice and Anthony (Raquel Welch and Ian McShane) as "a not untalented young actress" and her hustler husband, Philip (a world-weary James Mason) as a has-been director, Christine (a boisterous Dyan Cannon) as an ambitious agent and Tom and Lee (Richard Benjamin and Joan Hackett) as a hack writer and his socialite wife. But more than a wonderful cast, the film is generously packed with clues and strategic red herrings that demand repeated investigations by the discriminating viewer. Between the crisp and stylish direction of pro Herbert Ross and Sondheim and Perkins mischievous script, virtually every line of dialogue and visual reference is designed to help the viewer play detective. So, in the spirit of the movie -- and taking a clue from the film's title -- I have cleverly (I hope) hidden within this review the identity of the killer.

Nice Ensemble Mystery

[MRavenwood · 7/10 · 7 February 2006]

This is one of those dormant treasures. Few people today have heard of or remember this movie, but it was well-received in its day. Set in the south of France on a yacht, a bunch of Hollywood types go for what they think will be a fun week with a wealthy partier who is the widower of a woman killed in the opening scene. The remainder of the flick is a twist-and-turn whodunnit with lots of secrets and good costuming. The gorgeous Raquel Welch is a little more ingénue than she needed to be, but provides a sharp contrast to the beautiful, blustery Dyan Cannon, who claims she put on 30 pounds for this role although you'd be hard-pressed to tell since she's simply head-turning in a string bikini in several scenes. The most appealing guy is James Coburn, as the host of the ocean-going party who does a good job playing the jovial host with a dark side. The costuming is amazing if you figure that this film plays pretty well to your eyes today and was made in 1973. The hair styling is a bigger give-away than the clothes. Put this one in when you want to think and engage with the movie.

Very entertaining.

[philiponel · 9/10 · 13 November 2000]

This very fun movie made me so nostalgic for the 70's. Excellent who-dunnit. Dyan Cannon is perfect as the brassy, free-wheeling wild blonde; I don't know why she was not more famous--good actress, excellent comedienne, beautiful. For the first time ever, Richard Benjamin actually acts. James Mason is wonderful. Many very very funny moments. Raquel Welch is terrible--all she can do is be pretty. James Coburn as the captain who plans the crafty game onboard ship is a wonderful diabolical schemer. Too bad Tony Perkins and Steven Sondheim didn't write some more sreenplays. I loved this to death.

Good Enough to Make You Wish It Was Better

[Con-Deuce · 6/10 · 16 March 2017]

In "The Last of Sheila", movie producer Clinton Green invites six of his friends to join him on his yacht in the south of France for what is ostensibly to play one of his "games". The game starts with Clinton handing out cards to each of the six participants. Written on each card is a secret about one of the other six people and the object of the game is to figure out which secret belongs to whom. Things go awry when Clinton is murdered and it's up to the guests to figure out who the culprit is. They undercover the fact the Clinton's invitation was for more than just to play a game.

The setup of "The Last of Sheila" is promising and after a bumpy, confusing start, things actually get going about halfway through but Herbert Ross' direction feels unfocused and unsure which is surprising. This may be due to the difficulties he encountered while filming (the actors and crew apparently were getting nauseous filming on the boat and a set had to be built). In addition, the film doesn't take advantage of the lush locales like Hitchcock did in "To Catch a Thief" and it has been inexplicably photographed with a dusty, dry look that makes everything look drab. This type of movie requires tight direction with a lush touch like the kind that Sidney Lumet provided a couple of years later with "Murder on the Orient Express". The setup feels rushed. We're not entirely sure what everyone's relationship is to one another even after they all get onto the boat. The writers (Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins) may have done this intentionally thinking it added to the mystery but coupled with Ross' muddled direction, it makes the early scenes a bit a mess. But the film eventually starts to come together and seeing the cast trying to figure out what's up is done well. The finale is a bit of a letdown though. The reveal is good and satisfying but only three of the six participants are present and this feels like we've been cheated. On the plus side, the actors are all very appealing with Richard Benjamin, James Mason and especially Dyan Cannon being the standouts. "The Last of Sheila" could have been better but as it is, it is certainly watchable and never boring.

A forgotten gem.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 27 December 2018]

The Last of Sheila is a totally engaging, intriguing, and all round entertaining whodunit, it features some wonderful actors, beautiful locations around the French Riviera, and a truly memorable ending.

The setup is such a clever one, the plot is really rather intricate. What surprises me most is just how intensely dark it is, if you watch closely you'll see some rather bleak clues, darker then it appears on the surface.

Plenty of beautiful people, Dyan Cannon, Raquel Welch and Richard Benjamin, but the acting all round is excellent.

Some witty lines, all well delivered. It is very much of its time.

Cleverly done, a favourite. 9/10

Disappointed

[garyldibert · 6/10 · 30 January 2014]

TITLE: THE LAST OF SHEILA opened in theaters on June 14 1973 and the runtime was 120 minutes

STARRING: The Last of Sheila is a 1973 mystery film directed by Herbert Ross, written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, It stars Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon, James Coburn, James Mason, Ian McShane, Joan Hackett, and Raquel Welch. The original music score was composed by Billy Goldenberg. The song "Friends," sung by Bette Midler, can be heard during the final scene of the film and the end credits.

SUMMARY: On a one-week Mediterranean pleasure cruise aboard the yacht of movie producer Clinton Greene (Coburn), the guests include actress Alice Wood (Welch), her talent-manager husband Anthony (McShane), talent agent Christine (Cannon), screenwriter Tom Parkman (Benjamin), Tom's wife Lee (Hackett), and film director Philip Dexter (Mason). The trip is, in fact, a reunion. With the exception of Lee, all were together at Clinton's home one year before, on the night a hit-and-run accident resulted in the death of Clinton's wife, gossip columnist Sheila Greene. Once the cruise is under way, Clinton, a parlor game enthusiast, informs everyone that the week's entertainment will consist of "The Sheila Greene Memorial Gossip Game." The six guests are each assigned an index card containing a secret -- or, in Clinton's words, "a pretend piece of gossip" -- that must be kept hidden from the others. The object of the game is to discover everyone else's secret while protecting one's own. Each night the yacht anchors at a different Mediterranean port city, where one of the six secrets is disclosed to the entire group. The guests are given a clue, and then sent ashore to find the proof of who among them holds the card bearing that night's secret. The game for that night ends when the actual holder of the subject secret discovers the proof. Anyone who has not yet solved the clue receives no points on Clinton's scoreboard for that round. Following the revelation of the first card, "YOU are a SHOPLIFTER," suspicion begins that each guest's card does not contain "pretend" gossip but in fact an actual, embarrassing secret.

QUESTIONS: Why doesn't Clinton return home? Why didn't they call authorities? What did the card say? Who was the card intended for? Why is there is an increasingly growing paranoia? Is the game being played is actually just a portion of a more elaborate puzzle.

MY THOUGHTS: To me this was one of those movies that had stars that kept you interested in but the lack of action and drama made it hard to stay interested in. I thought Dyan Cannon did a good job in her role as Christine. Some of the other stars worth mentioning in their roles was James Coburn in his role as Clinton Greene. In addition, Joan Hackett in her role as Lee. I bought this movie because of Raquel Welch and I was disappointed in how her talent and beauty was used in this movie. She was in a bikini once and that was it. When you have a star, like that, you need to expose her more and they didn't. Base on the movies lack of action and drama along with the way they misuse Raquel Welch I give this movie 6 weasel stars.

Fascinating Murder Mystery

[rlamybarlow · 10/10 · 17 March 2002]

Very 70's film, but a very, very clever murder puzzle mystery. Familiar cast of faces, and lots of clues, games, questions, and red herrings. Like James Coburn says in the movie, you will be able to figure it out if you just stay put.

Fashions by Joel Schumacher too!!

An excellent choice for murder mystery fans.

Sondheim and Perkins wrote a modern Agatha Christie yarn...

[Doylenf · 6/10 · 29 August 2006]

Any fan of Agatha Christie will recognize her format in the plot outline of THE LAST OF SHIELAH. Have some old codger (JAMES COBURN) invited five disparate personalities aboard his yacht for a game of "Clue" (although he doesn't tell them that), let the bold accusations and one-liners go back and forth between these sophisticated show biz people, have one of them murdered, get a room full of suspects for the final quiz--and voila, you have THE LAST OF SHIELAH, with most of the loose ends neatly tied up--almost. But for some, there will still be some head scratching going on when the finale comes and it's not a bad idea to view this one again.

And why not? It's so full of sarcastic or bitchy lines (most of them, courtesy of DYAN CANNON who plays the boldest dame), with others getting a fair share of some ripe digs too--RICHARD BENJAMIN, JOAN HACKETT, RAQUEL WELCH, IAN McSHANE and JAMES MASON.

It's one of those contrived mystery who-dun-its that keeps you guessing until the end, but the puzzle is fun while it lasts.

Summing up: Smart, funny, stylish entertainment.

didn't like the characters

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 29 September 2018]

It's a year after Sheila Green's death from a hit-and-run accident. Her wealthy husband Clinton (James Coburn) invites a group of friends to his yacht, Sheila. He gives them a game to play. Each person is given a secret and they're given clues one after another to uncover one player's secret.

This is an old-fashion whodunnit mystery. This is Agatha Christie without Agatha Christie. I find it hard to connect with any of the characters. There is no real protagonist. Maybe Richard Benjamin is the lead but I don't like his character. I don't like any of the characters and it becomes a chore to follow most of them. I don't care that much about the outcome. For mystery puzzle lovers, this may be an interesting game.