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Without a Clue (1988) 6.8
A drunken Sherlock Holmes is really just a cover for the real detective - Dr Watson. Director:Thom E. Eberhardt |
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Title: Without a Clue (1988)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Michael Caine | ... | ||
| Ben Kingsley | ... | ||
| Jeffrey Jones | ... | ||
| Lysette Anthony | ... |
Leslie Giles
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| Paul Freeman | ... | ||
| Nigel Davenport | ... |
Lord Smithwick
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Pat Keen | ... | |
| Peter Cook | ... |
Norman Greenhough
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Tim Killick | ... | |
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Matthew Savage | ... |
Wiggins
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John Warner | ... |
Peter Giles
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| Matthew Sim | ... |
Mrs. Giles
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Harold Innocent | ... |
Lord Mayor Gerald Fitzwalter Johnson
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George Sweeney | ... |
John Clay
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Murray Ewan | ... |
Archie
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Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
This is a Sherlock Holmes story with a difference. Here Dr Watson is the ace detective and has been using an actor to play the part Holmes. Holmes is a drunken actor and gets on Watson's nerves. When Watson tries to go it alone, he doesn't have much success, so he is forced to let Holmes take all the credit once more. Written by Rob Hartill
Taglines:
He's got his hat, He's got his pipe...but he hasn't got a clue! See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
21 October 1988 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Sherlock and Me See more »Box Office
Gross:
$8,539,181 (USA)Company Credits
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company contact information
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
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Watson: Astounding observation, Inspector. We must discuss it.
See more »
(uncredited)
Music by Thomas Hastings and lyrics by Augustus Montague Toplady
Sung by Mrs Hudson (Pat Keen) at the theatre
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The opening sequence of the movie is inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock Holmes story "The Red-Headed League." In the story, Sherlock Holmes captures John Clay and his accomplice, Archie. John Clay even calls out at one point, "Jump, Archie, and I'll swing for it!" See more »Goofs
When "Holmes" returns home after Watson's apparent death, the shadow of the house number on the inside wall, and other shadows, indicate strong sunlight from a certain angle. He then goes outside and the doorway is not lit that way at all. Also, the width of the panes around the house number doesn't match the shadow. See more »Quotes
Inspector Lestrade: You're alive!Watson: Astounding observation, Inspector. We must discuss it.
See more »
Crazy Credits
With apologies to the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson See more »Soundtracks
"Rock of Ages"(uncredited)
Music by Thomas Hastings and lyrics by Augustus Montague Toplady
Sung by Mrs Hudson (Pat Keen) at the theatre
See more »
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.