The 1972 film Sleuth is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the mystery genre, notable for its between two titans of acting, Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine . Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz in his final film role, the screenplay was adapted by Anthony Shaffer from his own Tony Award-winning play . Plot and Production Highlights

: The story follows a flamboyant mystery novelist (Olivier) who invites his wife's lover (Caine) to his estate. What begins as a game of cat-and-mouse quickly devolves into a series of intricate, psychological, and potentially lethal tricks.

: As of early 2026, the film is largely absent from major streaming platforms in the US due to complex rights issues often cited as being tied to Bristol-Myers Squibb.