Without a Clue

source: Without a Clue

Without a Clue (1988) directed By Thom Eberhardt is amusing, consistently very funny, impeccably acted Comedy/Crime/Mystery. The greatest mystery remains why this movie is so overlooked? This is a comedy that has got all the right elements, took the beloved classics of mystery genre, looked at them from different angle and retold them in the most enjoyable way. Two of the great modern actors were perfect as beloved characters that were created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and became real for millions of fans. In the movie, though, we are presented with the situation that it was Dr. Watson who not only had documented his celebrated friend's most famous cases but who actually had the outstanding deduction, analytical, and observation skills and had solved the great mysteries of his time. Dr. Watson also had the writing talent and created his alter ago, the eccentric detective, Sherlock Holmes. The stories of Holmes' adventures had become wildly popular. Dr. Watson hired the local actor named Reginald Kincaid to impersonate the legendary detective. Kincaid (Michael Caine) certainly looked the part but by his own confession, he couldn't detect horse manure if he stepped in it! In addition to that, he was drunkard, womanizer, and a gambler. As played by Caine, he is absolutely hilarious and very charming. The best and funniest scenes belong to him. How he was trying to figure out the meaning of the evil Professor Moriarty's name is one of all time's funniest scenes. I've been fascinated by Caine's versatility for many years. If there is an actor who can play practically any role, be dramatic, moving, chillingly scary or comically brilliant and always convincing and joy to behold - it is Caine. Ben Kingsley (not a Sir at the time but Oscar Winner already) was also exceptionally good as easily irritated but brilliant, brave though greatly underrated Dr. Watson. As a huge admirer of two gentlemen from 221B Baker Street, London, I am happy to recommend the film to any fan. I believe that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would've enjoyed it. He had a wonderful sense of humor which shines through all Sherlock Holmes stories even the darkest ones and I believe he would've appreciated the idea of Holmes and Watson switching roles.

I consider best and worst tags ridiculous in the sense that, in the real world, people like or detest many things equally. However, everytime I happen across this movie I find myself amazed that I wasn't even aware of it during its release, why it was never widely discussed, and most of all how much I enjoy it. The acting, writing, and sets are all perfect. I consider a must see film. Perhaps it is my comedy "best."

This movie is hilarious. If my house burned to the ground and I could save only a handful of items, this is one I'd go back in the house for : ) There are some movies that are so classic and/or funny that you just have to have your own personal copy to watch over and over again, and movies you watch over and over and learn all the lines from. This is one of those movies. Ben Kingsley and Michael Caine make the perfect team in this film. Michael Caine's role as Holmes is so ridiculous but played so deadpan that it's a total crackup. The film is also exceptionally well crafted and directed, to include the sets, costumes, etc. It's a period piece, and every detail is in place. Get this movie on DVD and share it with friends and family.

I am not using superlatives lightly, but this film is definitely the best Sherlock Holmes spoof that could possible exist in past, present or future. It is not only a very precise and accurate observation of the Sherlock Holmes heritage, it is at the same time very, very entertaining. Even if you don't know much about Holmes, you'll enjoy yourself. The story itself, and the idea behind it, are brilliant. One of the strengths of the story is, in my opinion, that it does not just concentrate on the spoof part, but gives you an entertaining mystery in the traditional Holmesian style as well. The atmosphere created by the "supporting" arts (score music, set, costumes, etc.) fits the film 100%. The cast list speaks for itself. Caine and Kingsley are at their best and their styles - minutely adapted to their characters - complement each other perfectly. And each and every one of the supporting actors is top-class. If you are a fan of Michael Caine and/or Ben Kingsley and/or Sherlock Holmes you HAVE TO see this movie. If you are neither of the above, go hide under the stairs and be ashamed of yourself.

It's nice to be able to put forward my brief view on an extremely under-rated piece of comedy. I have seen many reviews about this film which do not do it justice, and believe that the scriptwriting, and the comic acting by the two stars, especially Caine deserve a lot more credit. I am not a huge Michael Caine fan, although i do enjoy films like Alfie, and Educating Rita, but I thought his comic timing in this film was superb. There are so many examples of inspired throw away lines, that Caine gives inspiration too. Eg, the Holmes opens the study door after attempting to disprove his lack of intelligence to find the house keeper is stood there with a bottle in hand who announces in full Scottish Drawl 'he's been at it again' at which Caine close the door and states 'i've never liked that woman' This line is not inherently funny, but Caine injects it with a wit which eludes most stars. Moments like these, ('progressing nicely') establish Caine in my eyes as a hugely talented comic actor, who, unlike many comedy stars follows the golden rule of playing comedy straight. See his other inspired comic appearance in Dirty Rotton Scoundrels where he acts Steve Martin off the screen, funny though Martin is. I would love to see more of Michael Caine in this sort of role.

A much overlooked film of comic perfection, Without a Clue is a hidden gem of a movie that shows beyond doubt the true talents of its main actors, Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley. While not the funniest movie of all time, it is in its entirety both heart-warmingly humorous and adorable in its simplicity. The relationship between The two main characters is stunningly portrayed, and the gentle humour throughout is speckled with enough laugh out loud moments, touching character interactions and great supporting roles, as to leave the viewer with nothing but love for the movie and it's stars. Both Caine and Kingsley are great actors, but in pairing the two together, this movie shows their skill in a completely new light. The comic timing is flawless, and while neither men have had too much experience of comedy, you would never know it from their portrayal of the bumbling Sherlock Holmes and the genius Dr.Watson in this turnabout story of the traditional sleuthing pair. Where so many other movies have failed to put a worthy spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legacy, the chemistry of it's actors and the sharp but not too wieldy script, make this a must see for any fan of Sherlock Holmes, or any student of comedy. This movie is living proof that funny doesn't have to slap you in the face in order to grab your attention, and where many other films deemed as comedy classics may find their place in the your memory, this one will find a place in your heart.

"Without A Clue" might be called "Without A Trace," as it sunk upon its 1988 release much like a set of five-pound-note engravings at the bottom of Lake Windemere. Hopefully the new DVD release, albeit pan-and-scan, will give people another chance to catch this terrific send-up of fiction's most celebrated detective. This is the film that dares reveal Sherlock Holmes is a fraud, an out-of-work actor named Reginald Kincaid (Michael Caine) pulled out of the gutter by a desperate crime-solving doctor named Watson (Ben Kingsley) who needed to produce someone to play the part of this invention of his. Dr. Watson, you see, didn't want the initial notoriety of his sleuthing successes. He desired admission to a medical college that would frown on such things. Now he wishes he wasn't so successful in playing Kincaid off as Holmes; Kincaid's a drunken womanizing blaggard grown too big for his britches, whining that Watson doesn't treat him at all times with the respect his borrowed robes command. "I am the one the public really cares about," Kincaid/Holmes sniffs. "Are we talking of the same man who once declared the late Colonel Howard had been bludgeoned to death by a blunt EXCREMENT?" "Is it my fault if you have such poor handwriting?" The lines aren't all polished gems, but they complement a pair of nice comic performances by Caine and Kingsley that keep spirits merry as the game goes afoot. Also well-done is the understated late Victorian period detail and some strategic nods to the Holmes canon like the presence of Mrs. Hudson the housekeeper and the Baker Street Irregulars, all of whom are in on the Kincaid/Holmes secret. There's choice digs at Holmes' notoriety throughout, like a fellow who gives some meaningless eyewitness testimony to Holmes before a rapt hometown crowd who break into applause when Holmes tells Watson: "Make a note of it." Watson's slow burns here and elsewhere reward repeat viewings. With Henry Mancini doing the score and director Thom Eberhardt effectively working in a light Ealing tone, this film plays like some great lost Peter Sellers comedy, except Sellers would never share the screen so easily with another as Caine and Kingsley do here. Eberhardt also did good work in another film that went past too many people, "Year Of The Comet;" it's a shame we didn't see more of him. This would be a classic if the mystery at the heart of the story was more developed, and there are a pair of unnecessary killings that distract momentarily from the light tone. I'm not wild about all the supporting performances, but Jeffrey Jones is a very funny Lestrade as he chases Holmes around an abandoned house on his hands and knees, Watson having told his partner first to do his usual sleuthing routine so Watson himself can root around unobserved. Lysette Anthony is sexy and effective as the potential romantic interest, inspiring Holmes to try and solve the case without Watson, as well as look in keyholes when he's not supposed to. He's less successful attempting elementary deduction when he spies a man he takes for a reporter just back from the subcontinent. "I'm a barrister and I've never been to India in my life," the man answers. "But you do read the Times." "Of course." "Aha!" You don't need to be an Arthur Conan Doyle fan to enjoy "Without A Clue," though it helps. This is the best kind of parody, no less riotous and cutting from being a work of true love.

This is one of Michael Caine's funniest performances and he and Ben Kingsley worked quite well together. The supporting cast is top-notch as well. Jeffry Jones as LeStrade is very good and Peter Cook has a fine supporting turn. As for the premise-that Holmes was a front for Watson, given the fact that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was himself a physician and that he grew so sick of Holmes he tried to kill him off, I suspect he would have enjoyed the whole thing enormously. Twists and turns throughout, as a good mystery should and enough comedy to keep you laughing. Some interesting twists at the end. Poor LeStrade! Recommended.

Sherlock Holmes is the greatest detective to live. Unfortunately he is only a creation of Dr Watson who is the true great detective. Forced to give life to his creation Watson hires actor Reginald Kincaid to play the part in real life. However when the pair are asked to investigate the theft of £5 note printing plates they find themselves up against Moriarty and in greater danger than they expected. It sounds like a terrible idea – other films that have messed with the Holmes story have not done well – but this comes off quite nicely. The switch of characters is funny in itself and there are plenty of nice jokes and set pieces. The plot itself is full of holes and never grips as a mystery for one minute - but it is more than sufficient to support a comedy spoof. The real enjoyment comes not from the plot however but from another factor. The two main actors are superb and it's their class that lifts the film well above the material. Caine is excellent and is visibly enjoying himself while Kingsley also looks at ease with his co-star. Support from Jeffrey Jones and Paul Freeman is good, but really the lead duo make the film work so well. Overall, it is not a good mystery and it is not what you'd call hilarious – but the casting helps raise the bar a bit to create an enjoyable lightweight film.