I’m sure you’re familiar with detective Sherlock Holmes, a subject of many novels, television shows, and movies. Without a Clue decided to take a different route and make Dr. Watson the main character with Holmes only helping him. It’s one of those delightful eighties British comedies you can watch any time. The cast couldn’t have been better with Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley playing off each other. They had great chemistry, similar to the one Caine had with Steve Martin in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
I just have to mention that you don’t have to know anything about Sherlock Holmes in order to enjoy this movie. There will be a bit of mystery, a bit of slapstick, and a whole lot of wholesomeness. As someone who enjoys raunchy comedies, I have to tell you that didn’t stop me from laughing out loud a couple of times. Of course, since this is a detective story, there will be a strange case that our duo must solve before the time runs out.
Without a Clue is one of those hidden gems waiting for you in the bright waters of the eighties. This is also a lavish period movie with everything that comes with that premise. The sets look excellent along with costumes and props. However, it’s the atmosphere that I enjoyed the most. This blend of excitement, lighthearted humor, and mystery will charm the fuck out of you.
Sherlock Holmes and his best friend Dr. Watson just helped the police catch two notorious thieves. And while they appear to be in very good relations, the truth couldn’t be farther from that. Soon their relationship comes under even more pressure just as the British government asks for their help in a major case. Printing plates have been stolen and whoever has them could potentially print himself as much money as he wants…
Now, I don’t think it’s a spoiler that I told you the main twist of this story. After all, I had to say something to get you to check out this terrific movie. However, I won’t reveal anything else not to spoil your viewing pleasure. To make things even funnier you should know that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was actually a physician, just like Dr. Watson. I think this adds another layer to the story as you can imagine him snickering at some of the plot twists in Without a Clue. It also puts into perspective the Guy Ritchie movies about Sherlock.
Finally, if you’re looking for something similar, I recommend you check out three more Thom Eberhardt movies. The first one is Night of the Comet, a cult classic starring Catherine Mary Stewart and following events after a strange meteor shower. The Night Before stars young Keanu Reaves and is one of those one-wild-night movies. And Captain Ron is a feel-good classic with Martin Short and Kurt Russel. As you can see all of them are recommended by Subversive Rabbit.
Director: Thom Eberhardt
Writers: Gary Murphy, Larry Strawther
Cast: Michael Caine, Ben Kingsley, Jeffrey Jones, Lysette Anthony, Paul Freeman, Nigel Davenport
Fun Stuff: Both Caine and Kingsley have said that: “these were the exact roles they wanted to play in the exact way they did.”
Rating:
IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096454/
