They Might Be Giants (1971)

In a Manhattan psychiatric hospital a man, convinced he is Sherlock Holmes, is treated by a female doctor who happens to be named Watson.

Director:

Anthony Harvey

Writers:

James Goldman (play), James Goldman (screenplay)

Stars:

George C. Scott, Joanne Woodward, Jack Gilford

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
George C. Scott	...	Justin Playfair
Joanne Woodward	...	Dr. Mildred Watson
Jack Gilford	...	Wilbur Peabody
Lester Rawlins	...	Blevins Playfair
Al Lewis	...	Messenger
Rue McClanahan	...	Daisy Playfair
Ron Weyand	...	Dr. Strauss
Oliver Clark	...	Mr. Small
Theresa Merritt	...	Peggy
Jenny Egan	...	Miss Finch
Jane Hoffman	...	2nd Telephone Operator
Michael McGuire	...	Telephone Guard
Eugene Roche	...	Policeman
James Tolkan	...	Mr. Brown
Kitty Winn	...	Grace

Storyline

They Might be Giants chronicles the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in modern-day New York City. The fact that Sherlock Holmes is a psychotic paranoid and Dr. Watson is a female psychiatrist fascinated by his case is almost beside the point. Dr. Watson follows Holmes across Manhattan and is, against her better judgment, drawn into the master detective's world of intrigue and danger. This is a sweet, goofy and fairly romantic film that asks the questions "Whose reality is right...and does it really matter?"

---

Plot Keywords:

sherlock holmes | new york city | psychiatrist | telephone operator | mental patient | 

---

Taglines:

When they reach out for each other... they touch every heart... with warmth, charm and laughter!

---

Genres:

Mystery | Comedy | Romance

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 February 1972 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Der verkehrte Sherlock Holmes

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title is derived from Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote." Quixote tilted at windmills because he was sure they were giants. In this movie, Justin states that Quixote was crazy to be convinced that windmills are giants. But to wonder if "they might be giants" - that's another matter.

---

Goofs

When Scott and Woodward are riding in a taxi, from his angle the cab is stopped; from her angle the cab is moving.

---

Quotes

Mr. Small: Will there be... danger?

---

Connections

References Adventures of Don Quixote (1933)

User Reviews

Before there was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest...

In 1976, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST(1975) was nominated for 9 Academy Awards, winning 5 in all the major categories. But 5 years earlier, another film tackled mental illness (all be it in a different manner) in it's own unique way. This film was THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS(1971). Now many would argue that Cuckoo's Nest was a superior film, and they would probably be right. They Might Be Giants was shot on a miniscule budget, and was cut down for release by studio exec's. In a further insult, the same studio exec's refused to support the Director's bid for a wide release. It's a shame too, because it featured one of the most overlooked comic performances in film history. George C.Scott plays Justin Playfair, a retired judge who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes. And he does it perfectly. Right down to the subtle gestures and mannerisms. In one of films best scenes, Playfair arrives in a local Mental Institution for an evaluation. A struggle breaks out with the patient before him (a mute, who refuses to reveal even his name) and it's up to Holmes to save the day. And Save the day he does. The Dialogue in this scene is brilliant. Some of the best I've ever heard. And it's all Scott. Not only does he get the man to talk, he guesses his name! The supporting cast is excellent as well. Joanne Woodward is the perfect foil as Dr Watson, Jack Gilford as Wilbur Peabody, and the rest of the New York actors are real, and delightfully eccentric. The end of the film with the "March to find Moriarty" is a classic. Listen to the music in this scene, it's great! So if you liked Cuckoo's nest, check this one out...you won't regret it!!