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The Public Eye

Original title: Follow Me
  • 1972
  • G
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
911
YOUR RATING
Mia Farrow and Topol in The Public Eye (1972)
ComedyDrama

When a strait-laced British accountant marries a free-spirited American, he starts trying to change her. His wife doesn't keep regular hours, so he suspects an affair and hires a detective (... Read allWhen a strait-laced British accountant marries a free-spirited American, he starts trying to change her. His wife doesn't keep regular hours, so he suspects an affair and hires a detective (Topol). The wife notices she is being followed, and maintaining their distance she and the... Read allWhen a strait-laced British accountant marries a free-spirited American, he starts trying to change her. His wife doesn't keep regular hours, so he suspects an affair and hires a detective (Topol). The wife notices she is being followed, and maintaining their distance she and the detective explore London for 10 days in a game of follow-the-leader without ever exchangi... Read all

  • Director
    • Carol Reed
  • Writer
    • Peter Shaffer
  • Stars
    • Mia Farrow
    • Topol
    • Michael Jayston
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    911
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Carol Reed
    • Writer
      • Peter Shaffer
    • Stars
      • Mia Farrow
      • Topol
      • Michael Jayston
    • 26User reviews
    • 14Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins total

    Photos10

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    Top cast26

    Edit
    Mia Farrow
    Mia Farrow
    • Belinda
    Topol
    Topol
    • Julian Cristoforou
    Michael Jayston
    Michael Jayston
    • Charles
    Margaret Rawlings
    Margaret Rawlings
    • Mrs. Sidley
    Annette Crosbie
    Annette Crosbie
    • Miss Framer
    Dudley Foster
    • Mr. Mayhew
    Michael Aldridge
    Michael Aldridge
    • Sir Philip Crouch
    Michael Barrington
    Michael Barrington
    • Mr. Scrampton
    Neil McCarthy
    Neil McCarthy
    • Parkinson
    David Battley
    David Battley
    • Writer
    • (uncredited)
    Ernest Blyth
    • Party Guest
    • (uncredited)
    Gabrielle Brune
    Gabrielle Brune
    • Lady Crouch
    • (uncredited)
    Pauline Chamberlain
    Pauline Chamberlain
    • Woman at Concert
    • (uncredited)
    James Cossins
    James Cossins
    • Party Guest
    • (uncredited)
    Lucy Griffiths
    • Bertha
    • (uncredited)
    Joan Henley
    Joan Henley
    • Dinner Guest
    • (uncredited)
    Gladys Henson
    Gladys Henson
    • Old woman weighing dog
    • (uncredited)
    David Hutcheson
    • Dinner Guest
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Carol Reed
    • Writer
      • Peter Shaffer
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews26

    6.9911
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    Featured reviews

    yennta

    Well, I did watch it all the way thru

    but fast-forwarded quite a lot. Somewhere there's a Roger Ebert review that is right on the money and hilarious. It was called "The Public Eye" when I saw it on Sundance channel. It was endlessly talky, and I think it might have been a stage play. It was a kind of paint by numbers fey love story. Mia Farrow who's often beautiful and wistful was skeletal and actually scarier than she was in Rosmary's baby. Especially when she danced! These were the deadliest of stock characters, the stuffed shirt husband, the waifish sincere sensitive free spirit, and Topol as the earthy Real Person who helps everybody find him and herself. Ebert described him as Zorba in a lab coat. Dumb dumb dumb. Why did I watch all the way thru? "Cause I'm old and got to look again at the tail end of the 60's?
    9hew1

    What a delicious movie

    It's almost criminal that this lovely sweet film isn't available in any medium. Topol is hilarious. Mia Farrow is sweet and childlike. It isn't an action film; it's a character study and, as such, reveals the attitudes, emotions, and desires of the characters slowly and gently, allowing the viewer to savor the developments. One of the biggest stars is the city of London itself. It plays a major role and does it beautifully. Peter Shaffer of "Amadeus" fame shows how well he can reveal the essence of his characters. I don't really understand how anyone could see it and not love it. I can hardly wait for someone with insight and sensitivity to get this out on DVD!
    klaatu1976

    Number 4 All Time Personal Favorite

    This film is no big name blockbuster, but it's undeniably my fourth most favorite flick of all times. The picture's whimsical feeling and dreamy musical score make it a must see for any B movie buff. Liberal Belinda's (Mia Farrow) growing impatience towards Charles' (Michael Jayston) stuffy attitude towards marriage's expectations set the scene for a delightfully entertaining comedy-drama. Julian Cristoforou (Topal) delivers a hilarious look at an impartial party's view on troubled life in the home place. I was fortunate enough to videotape the feature from television years ago in anticipation of it never making it to manufacturers release. I always had a soft spot in my heart for the underdog films, and in my opinion this one never garnered the kudos it rightly deserves. A definite 10 out of 10 !!
    silvergalore

    A sentimental hit

    I remember seeing this movie in Bombay, India almost 25 years ago and could never forget this sensitive movie, If anyone has any info about getting this movie please let me know Thanks.D
    sunabeee

    Great Movie,with enticing song.

    I have seen this movie twice, have been searching for it ever since. The music is so incredible, I still sing it in my head and play it on the piano from memory, but its fading fast, it has been twenty years since I saw it. I am so looking forward to getting the video if only someone could help find it.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This was the last film to be directed by Sir Carol Reed.
    • Quotes

      Charles: Well, do you think that would work? Following her around London like a pet dog.

      Julian Cristoforou: Well, Orfeus tried to lead his girl out of hell by not looking at her. Let Belinda lead you by not speaking. Do you think that's so silly? How many people would become married, in fact as well as law, if they just shut up and looked and listened and heard each other's heartbeats of the daytime?

    • Connections
      Featured in Ironside: Shadow Soldiers (1972)
    • Soundtracks
      Follow Follow
      Music by John Barry

      Lyrics by Don Black

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    FAQ14

    • How long is The Public Eye?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 21, 1972 (West Germany)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Ljubavna prica jednog detektiva
    • Filming locations
      • Hyde Park, London, England, UK
    • Production company
      • Hal Wallis Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 35m(95 min)
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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