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In the beginning...of HBO, Deathtrap was one of the few movies they had/showed. One of my sisters suggested I watch it (once I got cable), and I enjoyed it - over and over again.

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HBO has a lot to answer for. I don't think I saw Deathtrap until relatively recently - I certainly didn't remember seeing it. Sleuth, on the other hand, was in regular rotation on the BBCs and ITV channels over the years. Can't even begin to count how many times I've seen it.

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Terrific post. Upon rewatching Sleuth recently the "jumped-up pantry boy" line knocked me out of the movie for a minute. I'd never realized Morrisey took that line from a film. It also made me feel quite old.

Speaking of which, I saw Deathtrap on Broadway in 1981 with my mom and the St. Mary's Rosary Society - all nice religious ladies with our parish priest in tow. When the reveal of Sidney and Clifford's relationship came they all walked out except me and mom. Mom was a good Catholic but more of a devoted mystery fan.

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I love this anecdote, Rosemarie!

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Ah, remember when Mozza had taste? Those were the days. And I'm not surprised by the reaction - if it was ‘81, there's a good chance it was the Farley Granger run?

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Yes, Farley Granger. I was already a Strangers on a Train fan by that time so was thrilled to see him in person.

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I watched both of these in the last decade and enjoyed them very much. I wish Christopher Reeve had more chances to show his range. He was good in Noises Off... and Street Smart, but neither are terribly memorable films.

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Me too. I love Noises Off, but mostly because I have a soft spot for farce done well (which is really tough). Reeve should have been a much bigger deal than he was.

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