Silent Partner, The (1978)

Silent Partner, The (1978)

“One night when you come home, you’ll find me inside waiting, and that will be the night you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

Synopsis:
A timid bank clerk (Elliott Gould) engages in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a thief (Christopher Plummer) disguised as a department store Santa.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Canadian Films
  • Cat-and-Mouse
  • Christopher Plummer Films
  • Elliott Gould Films
  • Heists
  • Susannah York Films

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary refers to this independent Canadian film as a “terrific sleeper”, noting that it possesses some “offbeat characters, [interesting] plot twists, [and] delicious surprises.” However, while Gould gives a good performance — Peary argues it’s “his best… since The Long Goodbye” — his character is too stupid to root for: why would he take such unnecessary chances with a psychopathic thief, when it’s not even his money at stake?

The most satisfying aspect of the film is seeing Christopher Plummer as an evil, cross-dressing Santa Claus.

Redeeming Qualities:

  • Christopher Plummer as the thief

  • Fine location shooting

Must See?
No. While this is a nifty little thriller in its own way, it’s not essential viewing.

Links:

3 thoughts on “Silent Partner, The (1978)

  1. The reason Miles takes chances is because he is a thief as well, and is after all the money. Miles and Reikle are two sides of the same coin, Miles steals Reikle’s girlfriend as well as his share of the cash, and they even conspire to bump off a major character and dispose of the body together in spite of being rivals. It’s just a matter of how far one will go to beat the other. It’s plainly filmed, but absorbing in its twists and morality. I’d say sleeper is a nice way of describing it, although it’s probably now a cult movie.

  2. First viewing. Not a must.

    A little popcorn thriller that’s a little silly, really. Where did Peary get the word “terrific”?

  3. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    A cracking thriller with splendid performances and decent direction. The plot kept me guessing; an under rated gem that is forgotten now.

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