PEEPER

US, 1975, 87 minutes, Colour.
Michael Caine, Natalie Wood, Kitty Winn, Thayer David, Liam Dunn.
Directed by Peter Hyams.


Entertaining, but probably fails to enthuse the private-eye addict or the fan of genre parodies. Characters, setting (LA, 1947), complicated plot, lighting and photography pay homage to the thriller. From the Bogart-spoken credits, through Michael Caine's narrative and the bumbling incidents, there is facetious parody. ln fact, Michael Caine did this kind of thing better in his Harry Palmer films. And there have been too many good examples of 40's thrillers from the 70's which make this offering seem very slight. Compensations are Natalie Wood's charm and Liam Dunn's befuddled lawyer. Still, an enjoyable time-passer.

1. The significance and focus of the title on the private eye? The status of private eyes in the US? In American films? The conventions and audience response?

2. Traditions of private eye films, the stars of the 1940s, style? Their being used again and remembered in the seventies? This film in comparison?

3. Wide screen, drab colours, locations of the 1940s, detailed atmosphere of the period? Important?

4. Crime drama types, expected behaviour? How authentic here?

5. Detail of narrative and plot, momentum of the plot, nature of the mystery and the investigation?

6. The character of the Peeper himself? His narration of the events in the first person? Style and quality of his narration, commentary – humour and irony? His character developed, English background, work in LA, skill and courage, cowardice?

7. The people involved, mystery father, family, background of murders, the thugs following, the police?

8. The mystery of the two daughters? Twists of plot and dramatic momentum?

9. The family: the sinister uncle, the bed-ridden mother, the two daughter and their effect on the hero?

10. The interfering lawyer? Mystery, bumbling, humour, yet the revelation of his important function?

11. The thugs in pursuit? Murderous threats, violence?

12. The fights, the visits, the house, the searches?

13. The ship and the denouement on the ship? Convincing – humorous and dramatic? What was revealed as the truth? The hero’s final commentary?