User reviews

Even though he co-wrote the screenplay for "The Big Sleep," William Faulkner reportedly admitted that he never understood the plot. It would have been fun to turn him loose on "Gumshoe" which by comparison makes "The Big Sleep" seem like an exercise in clarity. Albert Finney stars as a bingo caller and aspiring comic who advertises himself as a private eye. Lured to a hotel room, he's handed a parcel containing a thousand pounds, a gun and some photos. Why? He has no idea and neither does the audience. But it does lead to an encounter with a self-styled hit man and a dead body in his bedroom. Why? Again, no one has a clue. Eventually, the mystery centers on a drug-addicted fat man, Finney's obnoxious brother played by Frank Finlayson, shipments of arms to Africa and a weird book store which is managed either by a nymphet or a thug. Throughout the confusion, much to his credit, Finney acts as if it all makes sense. In fact, his performance is thoroughly entertaining. Which "Gumshoe" would be if it was only comprehensible.

An excellent cast does its utmost, but the results can be characterized as uneven at best. This movie had many clever ideas, and should have saved half of them for another film. It also alternates uncomfortable between laughing at its characters and laughing with them. Still, there are several brilliant scenes that will reward those with the tenacity to stick with it, especially in the film's last third. My rating -- 6/10.