1 It's Jessica Walter's movie all the way...
I'm surprised, not one negative review out of over 40. As a huge Clint fan (and a huge 70s movie fan) I do like this movie. However, that said, it could have been a lot better. It's great to see Clint in street clothes, but his direction seems tentative (too slow) at times, at others, muddled. Though the Monterey Jazz scene is one I like, it's dilutes the power the movie has built up to this point. I would have liked to have seen Clint include this scene in a way that adds to the flow rather than detracts from it. The love scene is in there to allow the entire Roberta Flack sung 'The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face' to be included without edit. This was a mistake. I love that song, but this scene is just gratuitous filmmaking, pure and simple. Besides, Donna Mills isn't that pretty, then or now. Plus her acting (at least in this movie) is weak, probably the only person in the movie who looks unsure of herself and her role. As far as Clint's acting, well... In one way, I want to say that he just phoned this in. On the other hand, I enjoyed his laidback performance. But, as critics once upon a time said, is it acting? I'm not so sure. For me, Clint's best movie, and best acting, is/was 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot' (1974). This movie is much better than 'Play Misty for Me'. The characters are much more memorable, and the script, by Michael Cimino (who also directed) is first rate. If you liked Clint in this, see 'Thunderbolt and Lightfoot'. It's not only the best Clint movie you've never seen, it's THE BEST MOVIE you've never seen. 'Play Misty for Me' is most notable for Jessica Walter's performance. She is SCARY in this movie. Her performance is the best reason to see this movie. Without her presence, this movie would not have worked. She should have become a star after this movie. It's a real shame that she's only (really) remembered for this role.
2 Stylish thriller
Clint Eastwood stars as radio disc jockey Dave who has an obsessed fan named Evelyn (Jessica Walter). She calls the station every night and asks Dave to "play 'Misty' for me." They meet and have a one-night stand, and then Dave is ready to return to his old girlfriend, Tobie (Donna Mills). Evelyn has other plans, however. Obsessed with Dave, she begins stalking and threatening him.
"Misty" was quite a unique thriller back in 1971 (It was the inspiration for the movie "Fatal Attraction") and is still effective today. The story is believable, intense, and fast-paced, with a few very violent moments that are guaranteed to make you jump. Walter is outstanding as the deranged woman, Eastwood is convincing as the sexy DJ, and Mills does a good job as his romantic interest. The movie was filmed in lovely Carmel with its secluded beaches and crashing surf, and features the song, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
This was the first film that Eastwood directed and it is really good. The DVD has some very interesting commentaries by the three stars. I recommend it to those who like romantic thrillers with mature stars, a compelling script, and lots of creepy atmosphere.
Kona
3 Some phonecalls can be hazardous to your health
Clint Eastwood directed and starred in this movie about a smooth-talking disc jockey who has a brief fling with Jessica Walters, then finds that she's like cellophane on your fingers: he just can't shake her off. He is all cool and superficial and teflon, until he wakes up to the reality that Walters, who stalks him by phone and in person, is not going to go away.
The film has its flaws, the plot is not that intricate and is horrifyingly predictable (and predictably horrifying), but the acting partially counters those weaknesses. If Jessica Walters' character ever smiles at you, run away, and don't stop running. The end result is a movie whose lessons (e.g., flings can be very expensive) and mood are more memorable than it's story.
4 Elegant, era-defining thriller
Play Misty for Me sees Clint Eastwood (who also makes his directorial debut here) play a DJ at a west-coast jazz radio station. One night he attracts the attentions of a female admirer whom he duly beds. Big mistake. The girl turns out to be a total psycho, and the consequences of one night's rumpy-pumpy are described in full. Recognise the concept? Of course you do, it's Dangerous Liaisons with less graphic violence and more charm. OK, some of the early 70s schtick dialogue occasionally grates ("How was your coffee?" "Too much!") but all-in-all I enjoyed this trip back to 1971 with all the trimmings.
What I like about Play Misty for Me is that it doesn't try to scare the audience into submission like its bunny-rabbit-bothering counterpart; it has plenty of suspense but relies more on Hitchcockian tension than heart-attack-inducing shock tactics.
Clint Eastwood has a great look in this movie (the sideburns alone are worth the admission fee), some of the music is first rate and the rocky California coastline (much in evidence here) is a perfect counterpoint to the unpleasantness of the main plotline, the jagged rocky cliffs mirroring perhaps the mental state of the lady stalker.
This is by no means the towering masterpiece that Dirty Harry was, but a seductive little thriller that fits snugly onto the Highly Recommended shelf.
This is my second-favourite Clint Eastwood movie after Dirty Harry, and if you're planning on a Clint Eastwood movie night I would recommend these two and perhaps The Beguiled as a third choice.
5 Play Misty Again and Again
I first saw this movie in the 70s shortly after it was released. I was fascinated with the mystery of it, and I loved the haunting beauty of the Carmel CA coastline. But as a big jazz fan I especially loved the Dee Barton musical score. I could, and have, watched the movie over and over again just for the music. It has been a perpetual favorite of mine ever since, having worn out the VHS copy long ago and replaced it with DVD. Now won't somebody please release the soundtrack on CD?
6 Fatal Attraction before Fatal Attraction
Play Misty for Me is Clint Eastwood's first movie as a director/actor and he does a fine job with it. Released in 1971, this movie is Fatal Attraction before fatal attraction.
Eastwood plays a local popular disk jockey in a relatively small town who is a bit of playboy as well. His girlfriend, whom he loves, left him because he can't keep it in his pants long enough. One night Eastwood runs into an attractive woman in a bar played by Jessica Walter and of course he winds up in bed with her. The problem for Eastwood is the woman becomes more and more crazily obsessed with him and can't get rid of her. She shows up at not only is house unexpectedly, but other places as well. Things really start to boil over when his girlfriend comes back to town and he wants get back with her. The crazy fatal attraction just gets even crazier and scarier at this point.
Overall, this is a well done, entertaining, and at times, suspenseful movie. Eastwood did a fine job in debut as a director.
7 The Original Fatal Attraction
Done before Fatal Attraction and done better by Eastwood. Unfortunately, this film has not withstood the test of time as well as Fatal Atraction albeit the 70's slang, clothing, music, etc. Still, one feels much more sympathetic with Eastwood's character then Michael Douglas because he doesn't have a wife and child in tow. I remember seeing this when it first came out as well as another great film that Eastwood starred in: The Beguiled. Play Misty for Me is a great thriller for a Saturday evening. Check it out!
8 Good debut directorial!
Play Misty meant the forst movie of this talented folm maker. This one is a tense psychological thriller which opened the inspiration sixteen years later to Fatal atraction, Jessica Walter (Nominated as best dramatic actress in 1971 for the Golden Globe), gives a surprisingly role as never before , as the outrageous lover who literally remains obsessed with Dave Garver (Clint)a nigttime disc jockey who loves the jazz and receives all kind of calls by phone.
His affair is obviously unexpected , but it will lead to several bitter headaches and disturbing situation.
Well thriller , and stills keeps its expressive force.
9 What Clint Eastwood called,"The original 'Fatal Attraction'"
I first saw "Play Misty for Me" in the theatre way back in the early 1970's.Remember it well.It was a triple feature at the drive-in when tickets were around two bucks.That's something you don't see anymore,triple features,drive-ins and movie tickets for two bucks.Saw it recently on home video and the picture has held up rather well.Clint Eastwood plays Dave Garver, a late night DJ at a Jazz radio station in Carmel,California,(remember he was elected mayor there in 1986 in which he served a two year term in office). Jessica Walter gives a terrific performance as Evelyn Draper who is a big fan of Garver's radio program..Donna Mills is also very appealing as Garver's girlfriend Toby.It features fine cinematography by Bruce Surtees and a good score by the late Dee Barton.In an interview in 1988,Eastwood referred to "Play Misty for Me" as the original 'Fatal Attraction'".This was shortly after that picture came out and became a big hit.(Glenn Close was nominated for Best Actress for her role.She didn't win but she should have though.)"Misty" was made 16 years earlier and I thought it was just as good.The DVD edition has some interesting extra features too.
Some trivia for you,Steve McQueen considered the role of Dave but changed his mind.Eastwood made a long distance phone call to Roberta Flack to ask her permission to use her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in the film.Shortly afterward the tune became one of the biggest selling hits of the 1970's.In the top fifty best selling songs of the entire decade according to "Casey Casem's American Top Forty Countdown".Unfortunately "Misty" was not a hit at the box-office.It was a hit with many critics though.The screenplay was written by the late Jo Heims.She was a secretary at Eastwood's production company Malpaso.It was co-written by the late Dean Riesner who co-wrote the screenplay for "Dirty Harry".Eastwood's friend and mentor and frequent Director Don Siegel has a cameo as Murphy the bartender.A few months later the two went on to make "Dirty Harry".And,"Play Misty For Me" was Clint Eastwood's directorial debut.And,a very impressive one indeed.A preview of things to come.
10 Buy "Misty for" Yourself
Not only was this a SCARY, disturbing thriller, it was beautifully crafted and very well cast. Even the musical score played a part in the film (hence part of the title - "Misty") and Roberta Flack's romantic ballad "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". But with music aside, this movie did not have an ounce of predictability the way many thrillers have. Instead it presented originality, suspense, drama, and wonderful acting and directing all in one complete package. This movie even took at artistic view at the backdrop and scenery (set along the beautiful Monterey/Carmel, California coast). By incorparting all these elements made this film a true complete work of art.
11 A good one.
A good example of how despite a dated wardrobe and filming style, a good movie will always be a good movie. Sure, there's some first time director oddities here and there and it's not right for everybody but overall a good one.
12 psycho-thriller
This movie is a fascinating look at the classic "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" formula. It's set against the beautiful backdrop of Carmel, Eastwood's home town, and is, in my opinion, one of the most frightening films in its genre. Fans of Fatal Attraction should take a look at this movie. It's a much more believable, and much scarier, portrayal of a one-night-stand gone wrong.
13 Classic Film
Clint Eastwood stars and makes his directorial debut in one of
the best thrilers of the 70's. Eastwood plays Dave Garland a night jazz DJ Who has penchant for womanzing gets involved with a
woman who is a big fan of his radio show and keeps requesting the
classic tune "Misty" almost every night. Everything was innocent
when they first met at dave's faverite bar then after one night of passion Dave decides to break off the affair not knowing this
woman has delvloped quite a fixation him and makes his life one
living nightmare. Everything from showing up at his home at
unusual hours tauntiing him over the phone slashing up his housekeeper and nearly stabbing him in bed. The ending was a blast when dave goes one on one with the psycho after finding out she has his girlfriend held hostage. After being cut several times with a knife dave give her a solid right cross to the face that sends the woman over the guard rail falling to her death over rocks and water. Clint Eastwood does a remarable 2 jobs
in both acting and directing you can see clearly why the man is legend in contemporay filmmaking.
14 Night of the Hunted
This was the first film which Clint Eastwood directed and in which he also stars as Dave Garver, a DJ at a radio station in Monterey. We soon learn that he has had an uncertain relationship with Tobie (Donna Mills) to whom he is reluctant to make a commitment because he enjoys his independence. At one point, he becomes involved with one of his frequent callers, Evelyn (Jessica Walter). She is an attractive but smothering woman who requires a full-time commitment after a casual sexual encounter, as in Fatal Attraction. Garver refuses, becoming progressively more irritated with Evelyn's persistence. That is probably one of the reasons why he considers a reconciliation, perhaps even a semi-permanent relationship with Tobie as he also explores career opportunities in a much larger radio market. By now, the obviously psychotic Evelyn pesters him with several calls each day. In fact, she stalks him, desperately afraid to "lose" what she never really had in the first place. When Evelyn finally realizes what her situation is....
Not a great film, Play Misty for Me is nonetheless a carefully crafted and entertaining drama which offers a number of memorable scenes within the "cool" life of a bachelor DJ in one of the loveliest areas in the entire United States. The performances by Eastwood and Walter are first-rate, as are those of John Larch (Sergeant McCallum) and Clarice Taylor (Birdie) in supporting roles. The plot is plausible and relatively straightforward. As directed by Eastwood, the moments of terror are especially effective. Comparisons with Fatal Attraction are probably inevitable but not especially useful. (The tone and pace of the two films are quite different.) They remain two "old friends" with whom I enjoy spending an evening every once in a while.
15 THIS IS A REAL CHILLER....
This is the original stalker movie, the template for others later on. Clint Eastwood made an incredible directorial debut with this movie, and everyone in it is superb. Jessica Walter is marvelous as the obsessed one-night stand girl who gets dumped in favor of the long-time relationship between Eastwood and Donna Mills and goes off the deep end in a big way. JW is breathtaking, and one can understand why Eastwood was attracted to her...BIG mistake! There are many shocking moments throughout the movie, and you literally never know from one moment to the next, when something horrifying will happen...it keeps you in suspense all the way. The San Franciso woman, Madge Brenner, who offers Eastwood a job, comes up to meet with him; their meeting takes place in a local restaurant and is one of the more stunning moments...Madge Brenner, the woman meeting with Eastwood, is perfect as the older woman (check out the hairdo; coiffed so hard it would take a hurricane of Category Five on the Saffir-Simpson scale to move one single hair! We're talking MAJOR hair spray...) trying to be "hip" and "groovy"; and actually says (this gives me goosebumps, it is so embarassing) "Yes, Mr. Garver, Let's talk show...I picture something LOOSEY GOOSEY, Monterey Pop, Unstructured type of thing..." All the drama is set against one of the world's most beautiful locations, Carmel, California, and it is magnificent. Another highlight is the Monterey Jazz festival, and the rendition of "Willie and the Hand Jive" the music moves many audience members to literally dance in the aisles; you wish you were there! The machinations and obsessions of Jessica Walter culminate in a heart-stopping climax, and this really is superb; even many years later, it still has incredible power to grab you and involve you in the story...
16 The original Fatal Attraction
Years before Fatal Attraction Mr. Eastwood stared in and directed (his directing debut) this thriller!
One night with the wrong woman unravels the world for Mr. Eastwood's character (not his usual tough guy) and it turns into a cat and mouse game of deadly stocking. This will keep you wrapped up in the story to the end!
17 Into The Mist
Play Misty For Me is Clint Eastwood's directorial debut and it is an entertaining thriller about obsession that is a precursor for films like Fatal Attraction. Mr. Eastwood plays against type as a DJ Dave Garver, who works at a jazz station in Carmel, CA (The town where Mr. Eastwood would become the real life mayor ). Mr. Eastwood is usually the strong, silent type who seeks revenge or is an enforcer. In this film, he is a sensitive ladies man, who reads poetry on the air and plays jazz music. He is also the victim. He has what he thinks is a one-night affair with Evelyn Draper played by Jessica Walter. Evelyn claims that there's no strings attached, but that turns out to be the farthest thing from the truth. She stalks Garver, showing up unannounced at his home, at a bar he frequents and in one instance tries to kill herself in his bathroom. In the meantime, Garver is trying to get back together with his former girlfriend Tobie played by a young Donna Mills. Evelyn trashes Garver's house and almost kills his housekeeper, Birdie (Clarice Taylor) and is taken away by the police and put into an asylum. Garver thinks it's over, but Evelyn gets out of the asylum and there is one last chilling scene involving scissors and a knife. Mr. Eastwood uses the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula to great effect in the film, with wide shots of the rolling surf and picturesque sunsets. There is one odd montage in the middle of the film which is like a music video set to Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", in which Tobie & Garver roam through the landscape and end up in a secluded pond. The use of the two year old song in the film actually propelled it to number one on the charts and made a star out of the relatively unknown Ms. Flack. There is also a scene from the Monterey Jazz Festival with actual performances by Johnny Otis and Cannonball Adderley. The actors all give credible performances. Even though Mr. Eastwood is playing the sensitive type, he still exudes his famous cool. Ms. Mills is luminous and she is just fragile enough to be a victim. Ms. Walter is perfect as Evelyn. She plays the part of a psychotic, unhinged, scornful woman just enough over the top to be scarily believable, but not too over the top to become cartoonish. The film is a strong debut for Mr. Eastwood as a director and despite some dated material, the film holds up as an effective thriller.
18 Saw this for the first time. Edge of your seat thriller!
Here is a film I have heard people talk about. So finally I decided to watch it for the first time ever and on DVD. I will not spoil the plot for you. But this film stars Clint Eastwood with the cast of Donna Mills and Jessica Walter. You will also see the lovely Clarice Taylor in a pivotal role. You may remember her from NBC's "The Cosby Show" tv series as "Grandma Huxtable". She was also in THE WIZ (1978). Donna Mills has never been so tender. And you will here the hit song, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", sung by Roberta Flack. On this DVD in the Bonus Materials Setion, is a 50-minute 2001 featurette "Play It Again...A Look Back At Play Misty For Me" with interviews by Clint Eastwood, Donna Mills and Jessica Walter. Another featurette titled, "The Beguiled, Misty, Don and Clint" discusses the work of Clint Eastwood. Another interview is Clint Eastwood on the greatness of DVD preserving film. There is a photo montage while the tune "Misty" is playing. This film was shot on location in Carmel, California.
19 Clint's Romantic Side
How often do you see Clint Eastwood show his sensitive side? Most of his movies are filled with action and suspense which are sometimes violent. But "Play Misty for Me" has romantic and suspensful plots. A jazz DJ named Dave, he meets a fan named Evelyn at a bar he has an affair with only to find that she is obsessed with him and won't let him out of her sight. Meanwhile, he is trying to patch things up with his girlfriend Tobie, who left the relationship because of her insecurity. He still holds a torch for her and wants to make things happen for them.
Jessica Walter, who plays Evelyn, does a great performance on the character showing how obsessed a fan giving the illusion of something that doesn't exist. She wants a relationship to form with her fan but he makes it clear to her that he doesn't love her. She goes so far as to attack his maid, Birdie, stalk him at his house, and even hurt herself to stay in his place.
Donna Mills, who plays Tobie, shows innocence and affection, unlike her deviant character in the soap opera Knott's Landing.
The scene I liked in the movie was when they were in the forest taking a hike and making love as Roberta Flack was singing "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". It is a romantic scene shared between the actors.
This movie is a kind of movie one can curl up to on those lonely nights.
20 How Romantic!
Wowie Kazowie...this woman is really devoted!
Evelyn is a Fantastically WACKO! obsessed woman in love with a Sensitive Radio DJ played by the ever charming and irresistable Mr. Eastwood.
Despite the slow scenes with the lead male's actual girlfriend in the story...this is still FULL OF ACTION! And sure to Please!!
GREAT DATE FLICK!!!
21 clint on top form
Superb directorial debut from Clint Eastwood.This is a tremendous thriller with a riveting performance from Jessica Walter as the slightly unhinged Evelyn Draper.Clint slowly winds up the tension throughout, building towards the shattering climax.The disc also contains a fascinating and pretty comprehensive look at the making of the film.
22 Still suspenseful after all these years!
Clint Eastwood starred and directed this `1971 fatal attraction.' Eastwood is a late-night DJ that has one fan that just can't get enough of him. The film is based on a true story of a women stalker whose flair-ups are scarier than Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. Watching this film I found myself wishing she would just go away. She drove me crazy! The character of Evelyn Draper was develop and portrayed very well by Jessica Walker. She is very suffocating and what a temper. The way Walker stalks Eastwood would frighten anyone! There's enough suspense for any viewer. It's not the caliber of Fatal Attraction (#15 on my Top 20 Films), but if Fatal is the benchmark, and there are a lot of similarities like, girl meets guy in bar, girl stalks him, girl cuts her wrists, the restaurant scene, man's regret for crossing the line and the confrontation. What's the best line in the movie? When Eastwood turns to the police sergeant McCallum and said, "what she needs is psychiatric help," and McCallum replies, "really!" Play Misty for Me is an excellent film. This film is rated R, due to graphic violence and sex.
23 The First Time Ever I Saw This Film
Eastwood stars and directs this psycho/stalker thriller about a radio DJ who has what he thinks is a no-strings attached sex encounter with one of his callers (who always says "Play 'Misty' for me" when she calls him up, hence the title) which turns out to be more than he bargained for. The movie kept me on the edge of my seat, and despite (or maybe because of) the hysterical performance of Jessica Walter as the woman scorned, it did manage to create and sustain a mood of suspense.
One thing: what the heck were the two montage sequences doing in the film? They were so out of place and really detracted from the atmosphere. The movie could've really done without them, although I didn't mind seeing a nekkid Clint Estwood pawing away at a nekkid Donna Mills in a forest while Roberta Flack sings in the background.
Classic scene: psycho-woman Jessica Walter gets into one of many fights with Eastwood's character and screams at him "You're nothing! You're not even good in bed! I just felt sorry for you!"
24 "SWORDPLAY a plenty!"
Get out there and buy this movie for your collection - no matter what your preference is or what you age might be!
This one's a live wire!
FAR SUPERIOR to the flawed [but also good] "Fatal Attraction" - a torrid tale about a late night, bedroom-voiced DJ - [He provides music and comfort the sleep-deprived], and a quite disturbed [Lithium anyone?] Lady - an excellent Jessica Walter who has just the right bite as our stalker [in pre-stalker days]! Mr. Eastwood [debut] directed and starred as the somewhat numb love-interest, but as he is aptly told in the movie - "If you live by the Sword........"
Nasty moments aplenty, including very sharp knives and body-parts - by today's standards? "PG"
But it's really Miss Walter's movie - a tremendous [and tongue-in-cheek] performance.
"Play Misty For me" is quite close to the, later original Anglo TV basis for "Fatal Attraction" - makes a great companion-piece.
[Now for something slightly more sophisticated {kinkyish} try Verhoven's "The Fourth Man" - Oh, those one night stands.......when will they learn?!]
25 A One Night Stand Gone Wrong
"Play Misty for Me" was Clint Eastwood's debut film as a director. He shrewdly had old friend and colleague, veteran director Don Siegel, who directed him in his box office winner "Dirty Harry," along as a potential backup if needed, giving him a role as bartender of the haunt the actor frequents as male lead in the film. Eastwood's idea to film "Misty" in his hometown, scenic Carmel in Northern California's Monterey Peninsula, was an excellent choice. It gave cinematographer Bruce Surtees an opportunity to take advantage of the visual beauty of the area, which he does with abundance, making the film a scenic pleasure to watch. Eastwood, a noted jazz lover, also shrewdly takes advantage of filming opportunities at the annual Monterey Jazz Festival. Playing a disc jockey in the film, we see time frames based on the number of days to the upcoming festival, which Eastwood plugs frequently. Lots of excellent firsthand shots of the festival are seen, while certain artists are observed showcasing their musical talents.
As for the plot, the story line is credible, sharply on point. Eastwood meets Jessica Walters one night at Siegel's bar after he has finished doing his show. He walks her home, learning she is the faithful fan who keeps requesting the Errol Garner classic, "Misty." When she makes herself available, he hesitates, revealing he is hung up on someone, namely Donna Mills, then away pursuing her art career in Sausalito. Walters responds that there is nothing wrong with them making love with no attachments, after which Eastwood agrees to what he wrongly believes is a one night stand.
Eastwood is ultimately smothered by the persistent and mentally disturbed Walters, who surprises him by showing up unannounced at his home shortly after their sexual escapade with a bag of groceries in her arms, declaring her intention of fixing him dinner. He tries repeatedly and vainly to shake her, his romance with Mills being jeopardized in the process. He even loses an opportunity to develop a musical program concept for an interested producer, Irene Hervey, after Walters, wrongly believing she has interrupted a date, launches a savage verbal assault on the other woman when she finds them lunching at a local restaurant. Eventually a frenzied Walters attacks and hospitalizes Eastwood's cleaning lady, Clarice Taylor, with a knife, after which both are hospitalized, in Walters' case being involuntarily confined for her mental problems.
Just when Eastwood believes he is rid of Walters for good he receives a call from her. She reveals she is at San Francisco Airport awaiting boarding of a flight that will take her to Honolulu, where a job awaits her following her release from the mental facility. Eastwood declares there are no hard feelings on his part, asks how she is feeling, and wishes her well.
As he goes back to playing records, agreeing to play Walter's last request, her favorite tune, "Misty," Eastwood begins reflecting on the lines from the poem Walters recited for him before ending their call. It was from Edgar Allen Poe's "Annabel Lee." Mills has told him that her new roommate is named Annabel. When he calls Mills the phone is answered by Walters, who has tied up Eastwood's girlfriend. She tells Eastwood she is waiting for him. Eastwood puts on an old tape and leaves the studio for Mills' Carmel Highlands residence and a fatal showdown with Walters, who intends to kill them both in her fitful rage.
This brutally realistic film paved the way for later movies displaying stark sexual realism such as Michael Douglas' two triumphs, "Fatal Attraction" and "Basic Instinct." My only qualm is that the violence could have been toned down in the case of the knife attack on Clarice Taylor without losing any drama or story impact. All in all, however, this is a gem combining a strong story that moves briskly with the dramatically beautiful scenery of one of the world's most captivating areas.
26 Play Misty for me
You have to see this movie again. The reason I say again is because most of us BabyBoomers did see this years ago. It is as scary now as it was then. It's just the idea this could happen to anyone.
So pick it up again and enjoy you BabyBoomers and sit back and enjoy the past.
27 Has Gotten Better With Age
Well I have reviewed several Steve McQueen movies, but I like Clint even better..I have around 30 of his flicks and am trying to get his entire catalog. This is an awesome addition. The extras are what makes this DVD,and that is not at the expense of the movie..it is GREAT too. But there is a probably 30 minute interview with the cast including Clint that is really good and done very recently. They tell about all the technical stuff and lots more about how the movie came about and Clint's directing etc. There is the usual trailer and several more perks. The quality is right on..and the sound is good, but suffers a little from the lack of technology back then. As for the movie..well I loved it when it first came out. But I think it is equally as good now, a real psychological thriller! Clint is a little more laid back in this one, and not as macho. But of course he is the ladies man too! Jessica Walter is superb as the deranged lady friend and all the supporting actors are very good. A great movie that has suffered none in 30 years!
28 Play that Funky Jazz White Boy....
Clint Eastwood made an impressive directorial debut with 1971's Play Misty For Me. He plays a popular Carmel, California disc jockey named Dave Garver who keeps getting requests to ' play Misty for Me" (as in Errol Garner classic Misty)--from an extremely sexy voiced female listener. After a fight with his girlfriend Tobie (Donna Mills), D.J. Dave meets Evelyn (Jessica Walter) in a singles type bar. She's the woman who's been requesting Misty. They wind up in bed with the understanding it's not going to lead to a relationship. But Evelyn is a very disturbed and psychotic woman. Even when Dave patches things up with Tobie, Evelyn won't leave him alone.
Yes, you might call this the original Fatal Attraction. It's a much better film though. Eastwood's Dave Garver is a Smooth Operator, a selfish womanizing cad. It's worth noting that Eastwood the director does not give Eastwood the actor vanity project type starring roles. Often he plays quirky, somewhat dark and flawed characters in the film's he directs. While his DJ character in Misty doesn't deserve an almost murderous psychotic woman stalker in his life, he is certainly partly responsible for how the situation began. In contrast, the character Michael Douglas plays in Fatal Attraction is mostly exonerated of wrong doing when he is portrayed by a psycho. Several scenes are almost identical in both films (both women wind up slitting their wrists as a ploy for sympathy and understanding). . Family values are over-emphasized in the ridiculously overly political correct Fatal Attraction.
Play Misty for Me is not a perfect film and there's a couple of awkward sequences that simply don't work at all in the film, but Eastwood recovers from such scenes and makes some very good, and mature directorial choices as the film progresses. In a nutshell: Eastwood's performance is a little stiff and un-even; Carmel locations are beautifully photographed; there's a scene set at the real Monterrey Jazz Festival, The taught direction, the beautifully photographed Carmel locations ; a scene set at the real Monterrey Jazz festival, Jessica Walter's harrowing, memorable performance and the tasty jazz on the soundtrack more than make up for Eastwood's un-even performance. Roberta Flack's The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face quickly moved to the top of the charts after the film was released (it's featured in the film).
Look fast and you'll see director Don Siegel appearing as a bartender. In fact the story is that the first scene Eastwood shot as a director was the one with Siegel (who directed Eastwood in some of his best films including Dirty Harry, Escape from Alcatraz, Coogans Bluff and the Beguiled.) and supposedly after 11 takes he then told the cameraman to put film in the camera. The idea for the script was by a former Malpaso production company secretary (Jo Heims) which was turned into the shooting script by Dean Riesner who worked on the Rawhide tv series and Coogan's bluff. Eastwood finished the film ahead of schedule and about $50,000 under budget.
ON DVD
Play Misty for Me is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The film does show some tell-tale signs of it's age and there are a few noticeable blemishes and visible grain on the print. The colors look slightly over-saturated in a style that's more late 1940's then 1970's but it's a very warm intentional look. As with most 1970's films, close-ups in particular are not crisply detailed and have a slight soft focus look to them. This is often the fault of older film-stock.
Black levels have been adjusted but some blacks appear grayish during night scenes and colors get washed out.
Over-all this DVD version of the film is much improved over previous video versions, with sharpness increased and graininess decreased throughout it's presentation.
Yes the audio on the disc is presented in 2.0 mono. It is one of the best sounding mono-soundtracks I've ever head and the Monterrey Jazz Festival sequence sounds so clear and crisp it's as if it was in stereo. There's very little distortion or noise. Some of the dialogue was obviously looped and has a different sound quality in some scenes than in others but that has to do with how it was originally recorded. This was a very low budget film remember.
29 One of Clint's best!
This is a great thriller! I totally love this movie. Clint Eastwood at his best! This is about a late night radio DJ who has a secret admirer. When he finally meets her, hoping for a one night stand, he finds an obsessive monster.
30 A Clint classic finally on DVD!
This is a dynamite film - period. Predecessor to thrillers such as "Fatal Attraction," this is one of Eastwood's best films (as far as I'm concerned). But what makes the DVD version so good (besides the image quality) is that it has lots of extras, such as interviews with Eastwood, Donna Mills and Jessica Walter about how the film was made, what went on behind the scenes, etc. This is also one of the best Clint Eastwood DVDs out there, because it has so much interesting bonus material included. Ditch the VHS and get the DVD!
31 An Exciting Movie!
This was a very exciting and scary movie. Our hero,Clint
Eastwood,plays the role of a radio disc jockey on a popular
radio program. He has an avid listener who always requests that
he play a song named "Misty". Our hero Eastwood has a one night
stand with the fan. After Eastwood declines to carry the relationship any further the fan becomes psychotic. She harasses
Eastwood on a continuing basis. His girlfriend even draws the
attention of the psychotic fan. The movie becomes frightening
for the disc jockey. He begins to fear for his safety. The movie
is nonstop action and very scary. It will keep you on the edge of
your seat. Buy this movie and watch it.
32 Eastwood's Debut Behind The Camera
Clint Eastwood made his directorial debut with this 1971 suspense/thriller, "Play Misty for Me," in which he also stars as Dave Garver, a late night radio disc jockey for a small station in Carmel, California. During his show, he opens the phones to take requests, at which times a frequent caller-- a woman named Evelyn (Jessica Walter)-- always asks for the same tune, "Misty." Her obsession, it turns out, is not with that particular record, but with Garver, who is currently sorting out a relationship gone bad with a young artist, Tobie (Donna Mills), but which may be on the mend in light of the fact that Tobie has just returned to town after a lengthy absence in the wake of their breakup. In the interim, Garver has become entangled with Evelyn, a fan he soon discovers gives new meaning to the term "fanatic."
Eastwood invades Hitchcock territory with this film, which it turns out was indeed a harbinger of the course his career would take from this point on, that of directing and starring in his own movies. With this one, it's apparent that he had that special touch from the beginning; he knows unequivocally what he likes, what works and how to deliver it. The only weakness in the film (if you can even call it a weakness), would be the use of longshots during a couple of scenes between Garver and Tobie that take place on the coast. It adds a scenic vista for a backdrop, but listening to the dialogue with the actors in the distance gives it a dialogue-added-later feeling. It's a minor flaw, however, that takes nothing away from the overall impact of the film, especially as Eastwood establishes a deliberate pace that allows the tension to mount throughout.
It would seem that for an actor to direct himself would be a monumental undertaking, especially the first time, but Eastwood proves here what has been corroborated over the years and with his films since, that he is his own best director. And it's a club to which few actor/directors belong, which puts him in the elite company of Welles, Branagh and most recently, Ed Harris (with "Pollock"), just to name a few of the select. As Garver, a minor celebrity whose biggest fan turns out to be his worst nightmare, Eastwood is thoroughly convincing, and though this may not be one of his most memorable roles, it is certainly well acted, and delivered with that subtle Eastwood charm.
Jessica Walter combines just the right amount of beauty, charm and menace for her role of Evelyn, which just may be her most memorable performance ever. She creates a character who is smoothly confident, if slightly vulnerable, and prone to instantaneous bursts of psychotic anger. It's an honest portrait of an extremely disturbed individual with the ability to conceal the true nature-- and danger-- of her mental state. Exceptionally well realized by Walter, Evelyn could be the older sister of Stephen King's Annie in "Misery," a role for which Kathy Bates received an Oscar for Best Actress some twenty years after Walter inhabited the body of Evelyn.
The supporting cast includes John Larch (Sergeant McCallum), Jack Ging (Frank), Irene Hervey (Madge), James McEachin (Al Monte), Clarice Taylor (Birdie) and Don Siegel (Murphy). A film that will have you on the edge of your seat by the end, "Play Misty for Me" withstands the test of time and works every bit as well today as when it was originally released. A tale from the dark side, it's engrossing entertainment that may give you second thoughts about that casual acquaintance you've just invited to your house for dinner. Eastwood chose a perfect setting for his film, using one of the most beautiful spots along the California coast as a background against which to contrast the grisly events of the story. It all adds up to a wild ride for the audience, and an auspicious debut for Eastwood as the Man Behind the Camera.
33 Before Glenn Close there was Jessica Walter
Clint Eastwood kicks off his directorial debut with a flying start. As late night DJ Dave Garver, he repeatedly gets requests from a seductive female(Jessica Walter) to play Errol Garner's "Misty." He soon meets her in his favorite nightspot he frequently plugs on his program. He sleeps with her; but by morning they have decidedly different ideas about where this is heading. He intended a casual affair, she dives headfirst into his life and he can't get her out. He begins to realize that her mental state is debatable. Things get complicated when Eastwood gets involved with a former girlfriend. The knife scenes in this movie are fast and furious, and I would compare them to "Psycho." Jessica Walter, for my money, is the scariest female psycho we've yet seen. Sixteen years later, "Fatal Attraction" adopted this formula, even having the nerve to directly lift some scenes. Unlike Michael Douglas, Clint Eastwood is single and openly states he's not looking to complicate his life--Michael Douglas is married with a child, and encourages his nemesis more than Clint Eastwood does. I think Clint is much less deserving of the punishment that follows. I watched this on a first date with the wonderful woman I'm now engaged to, so at least we have a happy ending!
34 Great Directorial Debut For Eastwood
Play Misty For Me,starring Clint Eastwood,(also the first film he directed)is an excellent movie,and quite suspenseful at times.Eastwood plays a radio disc jockey named Dave Garver,who has a one night stand with the wrong woman,Evelyn Draper.(Jessica Walter)She turns psychotic when he doesn't want to take their relationship any further,and proceeds to make his life very miserable.I won't say any more about the plot.Eastwood is very good as Dave,as is Jessica Walter as Evelyn,and Donna Mills as Tobie,the woman Dave really wants to have a relationship with.The rest of the cast is good,too.The California locations were great and the music soundtrack was excellent.Overall,an excellent movie.
35 Eastwood's Time Capsule
First I'll tell that this is a very entertaining movie. Great plot, acting, suspense and so on. Jessica Walter's performance deserved an oscar. I still see her in my sleep - waving that knife around - just like she looks on the video jacket cover.
The reason I really enjoy this movie is it just wreaks of 1971. I just love looking at the hair, the clothes, the decore. Not to mention the music. From Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" to the cool jazz of the Monterey Jazz Festival. This film totally reflects what was up in Carmel, California in the early 70's. This film was very much overshadowed by another Eastwood film that also came out in 1971 called Dirty Harry. Maybe you've heard of it. In Dirty Harry, during the opening bank robbery scene, Clint walks in front of a movie theatre playing, you guessed it, "Play Misty For Me."
This is a somewhat forgotten movie these days, so if your sitting home on some rainy Saturday night, just do me a favor and Play Misty For Me.
36 Very Watchable and Compelling
I saw a rerun of "Coach" recently and there was none other than Jessica Walter playing Craig T. Nelson's pushy, possessive Agent. That reminded me of her chilling performance is this legendary "fatal attraction" thriller and made me wonder why she never became anything more than a Character Actress. Much of this film is hopelessly dated and unintentionally funny: from Clint Eastwood's hip-hugger pants to a fellow DJ taking a "toke" on a joint. And Donna Mills' haircut is a 70's horror ! But the scenery in Carmel is gorgeous and adds to the ambiance. As for Eastwood, he proves to be a better Director here than a Star: it takes him too long to realize that Walters' Evelyn Draper is unhinged at best. Only after the "Dirty Harry" type conclusion do we see the Clint we all know and love. Glenn Close's characterization in "Fatal Attraction" was more subtle and her descent into madness was gradual...Walter becomes nuts very quickly...spouting obsenities and insults galore. But "Misty" retains its impact, even 30 years later.
37 Walter's Star Turn
I saw this movie again last night after many years and was pleasantly surprised that it still stood up so well. Jessica Walter's performance is creepy and compelling, and Eastwood is suitably baffled and unsettled by the way events unfold. An impressive directorial debut from Eastwood in which the star, at least partly, plays against type. Well worth seeing.
38 Talk About Your "FATAL ATTRACTIONS"
Eastwood may be the star but Jessica Walter has a field day as one really loony lady! So much of this film parallels the Michael Douglas/Glenn Close hit that the viewer might consider their movie a REMAKE.
That said, the movie is worth a look if only to compare the two.
An added plus is the use of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" during a romantic moment between Eastwood and Donna Mills.
I don't remember anything like that in "Fatal."
39 Breathtaking
As a fan of Donna Mills I must say, she deserves more movies like this one. Everything fits in this movie. Great cast, great story, the atmosphere... typical 70ies fashion and film art. It couldn't be better. You'll enjoy every minute of passion, crime, suspense and much more !
40 Change of character does Eastwood good
Play Misty For Me is worth seeing if only because Clint Eastwood doesn't just glint and fire for once. He actually has to act(and direct), and is surprisingly good at both! As a popular California disk jockey, Clint engages in what seems like a harmless one night stand with fan Jessica Walter. However Donna Mills, as Clint's ex-girlfriend, pops up and their rekindling ignites Walter's rage. Although vital to the plot, Mills's and Eastwood's screentime together is a drag on the suspense. As the odd woman out, Walter lacks the deviate, cunning nature that a villian is supposed to posess. Perhaps it's her puppy dog eyes and aw shucks! nature that made me feel sorry for her instead of root against her. And the ending of Play Misty For Me is abrupt and disappointing. All in all though, Clint's directorial debut isn't bad. Moreover, his willingness to temporarily toss his cowboy hat and holster the .44 Magnum shows that there's brains behind that brawn.
41 Bullseye!!!
For his first film as a director, Clint Eastwood scores a bullseye in this Hitchcockian thriller whose reputation was only enhanced with the release of the imitative and inferior "Fatal Attraction" almost two decades later. Eastwood handles the action with a confidence to envy, and delivers one of his finest performances as the arrogant, womanizing DJ stalked by the homicidal Jessica Walter (in a performance that deserved notice from a fella named Oscar). Some of the dialogue given to Donna Mills is dated, but otherwise this remains a startlingly good suspense film (with breathtakingly beautiful scenery) and proof that, long before "Unforgiven," Eastwood was a director of great skill and courage. The courage is apparent in his williness to do the film at all. After all, who would have expected him to have made anything but a western his first time behind the camera?
42 Makes Me Misty
Eastwood's debut film is rich in horror and in scenery. As he follows and anticipates the wake of destruction wrought by a narcissictic sociopath, the director/actor captures California's Monterey Peninsula in all of its pristine beauty. Jessica Walter puts Glenn Close to shame as a gal who won't hear "no" (Evelyn Draper). Eastwood is perfectly distant as the anti-establishment jazz-radio DJ, Dave Garver. The best jazz music of the early 70s, along with Roberta Flak's soulful rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," accompany beautiful shots of beaches, sunsets, and cypress trees. If you've been looking for a film version of those groovy orange-and-brown photographic greeting cards from the 70s (the ones where the gal with a shag haircut is standing on the beach in her poncho holding a daisy, and her beau is wearing striped bell bottoms and a paisley poet's shirt) with a twist--a very scary twist--then this is your movie. Special Bonus Scene: a swingin' lovefest at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
43 This "Fatal Attraction" forerunner rocks!
It's your basic situation of Eastwood meeting one of his fans, getting to know her, and not making his signals clear to her, such as he is still hung up on his last girlfriend (played by the VERY lovely Donna Mills). This fan (Jessica Walter) does not take that well, thus beginning the stalk phase of the movie. I'm not one who easily scared or startled by movies, but I just about jumped out of my chair when Walter attacked Eastwood's housekeeper. This is a must-see for anyone who likes this genre of films.
