The Honey Pot

Longer than it needs to be and it tries to be overly clever, but overall The Honey Pot is decent. Rex Harrison really seemed to remind me of Peter O'Toole here and a young Maggie Smith gives a decent performance along with Cliff Robertson. Not the best murder mystery I've seen, but not the worst either.

Charming, witty mystery may not have an especially original (or unpredictable) plot, but is more than compensated for by wonderful performances all round, especially Smith, Celi, Robertson, Hayward and Harrison's delightfully fey turn as the eccentric host (echoes of Higgins!). Mankiewicz's stylish direction (and some gorgeous set and costume design) helps the film through some initial sluggishness and overall the film delivers on all fronts.

Merits 'cult film' status, as its strengths are really strong. Harrison, Smith and set design are on top form here. Criticisms of its length and excessive dialogue are too harsh. Some issues with other actors, though -- quite deserved.

Nice twists but it did require quite a bit of exposition by Rex Harrison's voiceover. Movie got progressively better once it became a murder mystery instead of a con setup. Maggie Smith does a great job. Fav scene: Smith meeting with Harrison in his room (though I'd have thought she'd figure things out while talking to him).