Competent adaptation of a Durrenmatt novel entitled "Trapps" where a weird group of lawyers, judges and even a hangman reunites in a far and deserted mansion to prosecute common people for their crimes (even if the defendant has no idea of what crime he is judging for). American traveller (Segal) falls in the trap and a surrealist judgement begins. Great cast in a movie that is not a movie about murder, mistery or "who is the murder?" classic line but is really a poignant question about guilty in ,modern times. Worth to see! I give this a 7 (seven).
2 Reviews
Tightly Constructed Murder Mystery
bbrebozo10 February 2002
This is one of the best murder mysteries ever made. A bunch of old retired British lawyers decide to play a "game" and put a stranded young American tourist on trial for murder. The plot raises fascinating questions about murder and morality. And will the old Brits actually execute their guest if they convict him? Just when you've recovered from one plot twist, they drop in another one, and the surprise ending is BRILLIANT! The acting is exceptional, with legendary British actors such as Robert Morley and Trevor Howard playing off against a young George Segal (now legendary himself) as the naive American tourist. This great, great film seems to have completely disappeared after its routine rotation on HBO twenty years ago. It deserves wider and more current distribution.
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