Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > Deathtrap (1982)
Deathtrap
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Deathtrap (1982) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 12 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
7.0/10   3,909 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 7% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Sidney Lumet
Writers:
Ira Levin (play)
Jay Presson Allen (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Deathtrap on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
19 March 1982 (USA) more
Tagline:
Join us for an evening of lively fun...and deadly games. [UK Theatrical] more
Plot:
A Broadway playwright puts murder in his plan to take credit for a student's script. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
6 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Xmas DVD inspirations including The Muppet Xmas Carol
 (From BoxWish. 15 December 2008, 4:16 AM, PST)

Novelist Levin Dies at Age 78
 (From WENN. 15 November 2007)

User Comments:
Wickedly Witty, Super-Twisty more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Michael Caine ... Sidney Bruhl

Christopher Reeve ... Clifford Anderson

Dyan Cannon ... Myra Bruhl
Irene Worth ... Helga ten Dorp
Henry Jones ... Porter Milgrim
Joe Silver ... Seymour Starger
Tony DiBenedetto ... Burt - the Bartender
Al LeBreton ... Handsome Actor
Francis B. Creamer Jr. ... The Minister (as Rev. Francis B Creamer Jr.)
Stewart Klein ... Himself
Jeffrey Lyons ... Himself
Joel Siegel ... Himself
Jenny Lumet ... Stage Newsboy
Jayne Heller ... Stage Actress

George Peck ... Stage Actor
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Ira Levin's Deathtrap (UK) (complete title) (USA) (complete title)
more
Runtime:
116 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The final scene in the film was shot on the actual set of the Broadway production of "Deathtrap" which was running at the time the movie was made. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
[the actor on stage delivers an unintelligible line]
First Audience Member: It's the worst play I've ever seen.
Second Audience Member: I can't believe Sidney Bruhl wrote it.
more
Movie Connections:
Spoofed in In the Can (1990) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
22 out of 25 people found the following comment useful:-
Wickedly Witty, Super-Twisty, 8 April 2005
8/10
Author: gftbiloxi (gftbiloxi@yahoo.com) from Biloxi, Mississippi

When DEATHTRAP was first released, the poster--reproduced on the cover of this DVD--offered a graphic akin to a Rubik's Cube. It is an appropriate image: originally written for the stage by Ira Levin, who authored such memorable works as ROSEMARY'S BABY and THE STEPFORD WIVES, the play was one of Broadway's most famous twisters, and under Sidney Lumet's direction it translates to the screen extremely well.

DEATHTRAP is one of those films that it is very difficult to discuss, for to do so in any detail gives away the very plot for which it is famous. But the opening premise is extremely clever: Sidney Bruhl (Michael Caine) is the famous author of mystery plays, but these days he seems to have lost his touch. After a particularly brutal opening night, an old student named Clifford Anderson (Christopher Reeve) sends him a script for a play he has written. It is called "Deathtrap," and Sidney recognizes it as a surefire hit. Just the sort of hit that would revive his career... indeed, a hit to die for. And when Clifford visits to discuss the play, events suddenly begin to twist in the most unexpected manner possible.

Like Anthony Shaffer's equally twisty SLEUTH, DEATHTRAP is really a story more at home on the stage than the screen--to reach full power it needs the immediacy that a live performance offers. Still, under the expert guidance of director Sidney Lumet, it makes a more-than-respectable showing on the screen. Much of this is due to the cast, which is remarkably fine. Michael Caine gives a truly brilliant performance, Dyan Cannon is funny and endearing as Sidney's relentlessly anxious wife, and Christopher Reeve gives what might be the single finest performance in his regrettably short acting career. If you can't see it in a first-rate theatrical production, this will more than do until one comes along.

Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Deathtrap (1982)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Why Cliff Whyyy? *spoiler* sinister_80
giant wheels in the ceiling jerkatron
Widescreen? Andy-362
How did the play end? Arseweb
was this a deleted scene??? angellvr123
Beginning Music polarbear_teacake
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Dial M for Murder Barton Fink The Shining Clue The Muppets Take Manhattan
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Comedy section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.