"They Might Be Giants" movie scene George C. Scott--the Scarlet Pimpernel

"They Might Be Giants" (1971) is a whimsical and appealing movie starring George C. Scott and Joanne Woodward. Scott stars as Justin Playfair, a former judge who now sincerely believes he is the great detective Sherlock Holmes. His greedy brother wants to have him declared insane, so that he can take-over his estate. To this end he employs a psychiatrist (Woodward) by the name of Dr. Mildred Watson, to certify that Playfair is delusional. However, once Dr. Watson meets-up with Scott's character, he becomes convinced that she is THE Dr. Watson. "Holmes" is obsessed with finding Professor Moriarity, and as Mildred follows Playfair around New York, she gradually becomes involved in his world.

In this scene from the movie, Justin Playfair has begun to have doubts that he really is Sherlock Holmes. A sympathetic librarian (Jack Gilford) demonstrates to him how we all have our secret delusions about ourselves. And that it doesn't make us "crazy".

"They Might Be Giants" was released by Universal Pictures and directed by Anthony Harvey, screenplay by James Goldman (from a play by the same name). It includes a sentimental and touching musical score by John Barry. This is another great film that seems to be consigned to oblivion by the move to DVD. The late 1960's and into the 1970's there was an explosion of wonderful creativity in Hollywood. Some really great and daring films were made. Sadly, a thoughtful and appealing little film like this would never get made today. If you have a chance, see if you can find this film somewhere. It truly shows how great movies were once, and what drek passes for "entertainment" today.

• Category

  • Film & Animation

• License

  • Standard YouTube License