THEY ONLY KILL THEIR MASTERS
US, 1972, 98 minutes, Colour.
James Garner, Katherine Ross, Hal Holbrook, Harry Guardino, June Allyson, Peter Lawford, Tom Ewell, Ann Rutherford, Christopher Connolly.
Directed by James Goldstone.
They Only Kill Their Masters: Curiosity sustains the murder mystery and makes it an ever-popular entertainment form. After you quickly realize the dog did not do it in this film you are kept guessing until the end and realize you missed the few clues given earlier. This is a typical lightweight mystery, set in a typical Californian town, featuring James Garner in his typical deadpan, humorously serious policeman role. If you like the ingredients, you will be satisfied. Several old (old-looking and sometimes fat as well) 40s and 50s stars like Peter Lawford, Tom Ewell, June Allyson, Edmond O'Brien and Ann Rutherford appear - Katherine Ross provides modern glamour. Undemanding.
1. Why are murder mysteries popular? The story, the characters, the puzzle? Why do audiences like to get involved? How successful a murder mystery was this? Did it get audiences involved? How?
2. Critics complained of the sordid atmosphere. How sordid was the atmosphere -especially the Watkins couple? However, murder is sordid. Therefore this must be presented as well? How valid is this?
3. How did the film make its impact? Its use of mystery and clues? of 'red herrings'? What of its use of old stars for making an impact on audiences? The value of having so many stars? The strength of their cameo roles to make the film stronger in impact?
4. How was the focus on the dog in the title misleading? The irony of the dog saving the woman? What emphasis was placed on the dogs in the film? How well were they used?
5. Comment on the value of the clues - the photos, the burning of the house etc. ? The suspicions of various people? Were the clues fair?
6. How important was the town for the film? The name of Eden Landing? And its overtones? The small-town atmosphere. the shops. the police, the vet, everybody knowing each other's business etc.? Murders within the framework of this atmosphere?
7. How enjoyable were the police and their investigations? The 'folksy' atmosphere of the office etc.? The wisecracks etc.?
8. The emphasis on animals and the vet? The tone that this gave to the film? How attractive a figure was Abel Marsh? As a hero for the film? James Garner's style? The laconic hero? His ingenuity in solving the murder? Audience identification with him? As typical Arnerican hero? His strengths and weaknesses?
9. Was Kate an attractive heroine? Was the romance credible? Suspicion of her as the murderess?
10. Comment on the rather bizarre characters of Mrs. Watkins, of Mr. Watkins, of Lee Campbell. How did these contrast with the ordinary atmosphere of the town? Overtones of decadence? The sordid atmosphere of murder? was there enough explanation of Dr. Watkins defending his wife? Why did she commit the murder? Was there any insight into her character?
11. How did the dialogue with its wit and precision help the enjoyment of the film? Was it merely an entertaining story? or do such films give insight into motivation and character of people?
