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The Big Sleep Details

1977 DVD Certificate 15.gif Watch Online Certificate 15.gif (TBC)
  • Rated:
  • 50
  • from 677 members

A faithful remake of the 1946 original in which private eye Philip Marlowe finds himself involved in murder, blackmail and violence when hired to protect a General's young daughter. Read more

Starring Robert Mitchum, Harry Andrews, Richard Todd, Colin Blakely
Director Michael Winner
Genres Drama

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The Big Sleep

A faithful remake of the 1946 original in which private eye Philip Marlowe finds himself involved in murder, blackmail and violence when hired to protect a General's young daughter.

Starring Robert Mitchum, Harry Andrews, Richard Todd, Colin Blakely, Sarah Miles, Richard Boone, James Stewart, Oliver Reed, Candy Clark, Joan Collins, Edward Fox, John Mills
Director Michael Winner
Studio CARLTON VISUAL ENTERTAINMENT LTD
Run time DVD: 1 hr 35 mins
Watch now: 1 hr 39 mins
Certificate DVD: DVD Certificate 15.gif, Watch Online: Watch Online Certificate 15.gif (TBC)
Genres Drama
Language English
Hearing-impaired English
Released DVD: 22 May 2000
Watch now: 28 May 2009
Production year: 1977
Watch now Subscribe and watch this as part of an unlimited package.
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (3) of The Big Sleep

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  • The residue of Chandler in Winner's remake of The Big Sleep might just con audiences unfamiliar with the novels and who... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Straight remake of the 1946 film, curiously and ineffectively set in London.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Big Sleep

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  • 5 out of 6 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 1 star

    Winner's Dog's Dinner

    After viewing Michael Winner's remake of 'The Big Sleep' tonight I can only say it is a merciful release to us all that Michael has taking up food writing.

    I never thought I'd have anything to thank The Sunday Times for but keeping Mr. Winner out of the film studios is surely worth an award of some kind!

      • bluebear from Midlothian
      • Posted 14 Jan 2004 21:41

  • Most recent members' review of The Big Sleep

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    Not Farewell, My Lovely

    I rented this movie because I remembered it, among other things, for a great turn by Robert Mitchum as famed fictional detective, Philip Marlowe. In fact I was thinking of the far superior Farewell, My Lovely, filmed only a few years before this Michael Winner slumberfest. My mistake. The Big Sleep sees Robert Mitchum reprise his role as Philip Marlowe, private detective. This time he’s investigating a case of blackmail on behalf of a retired general, played by James Stewart, who it seems is not long for this world. Before long Marlowe finds himself dealing with shady pornographers, sinister casino racketeers and two apparently loopy sisters. Mitchum can roll through this kind of thing with his eyes shut and be thoroughly entertaining to boot. Winner, on the other hand, is completely unequal to the task. He completely fails to pay the considerable cast any favours. What should be a diverting slice of seedy pulp fiction, transplanted from its American roots to a 70’s England, is made so humdrum it really does feel like just another day at the office for Marlowe. Winner completely fails to inject any kind of tension into the film. As a result, you never believe Marlowe is in any kind of peril, either physical or psychological. The femme fatales are all brushed aside rather too easily. Even Marlowe’s cocksure demeanour becomes little more than gentle observation. The central character’s humanity is never tested, never in doubt. This is Philip Marlowe, comfortable detective. The sedate English suburban setting does little to help the pace but once again the director fails to take advantage. Even the most journeyman director would use the scenes spent in central London to hint at the dangers lying in wait for our hero. Winner instead makes the place seem so quiet and sleepy that you want to pick up the phone and book a restaurant table! I don’t take a personal dislike to Michael Winner – that’s too easy and besides, he practically cultivates his buffoon image – but the man really should never have been allowed anywhere near a camera. Anyone put off Mitchum by this boring film should immediately hire the original Cape Fear along with Night of the Hunter to see what the man could really do. With this cast and this story we could be looking at a four star movie here. Sadly, with Winner at the helm it’s just a waste of good honest DVD plastic.

      • A customer from London, England
      • Posted 18 Oct 2005 01:04

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Rating breakdown

677 Member ratings
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116
  • 50
86
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76
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72
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81
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44

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      • A faithful remake of the 1946 original in which private eye Philip Marlowe finds himself involved in murder, blackmail and violence when hired to protect a General's young daughter....