Rating: 
Summary: Classic Who-Dunnit
Review: I saw this movie when it came out as a youngster, and I'd been looking for it ever since. This is one of those movies nobody has ever heard of that somehow slipped through the cracks. It is full of stars and mystery. There is a clue in every scene, but you'll have to watch it more than once to catch them all. This one's a jigsaw puzzle with the pieces turned over, but ten times the fun.
Rating:
Summary: The DVD looks great.
Review: I've always loved this film--a clever, sharp-tongued, and very satisfying puzzle--and I hung on to my old VHS copy for years just praying for a DVD to come out. Now it's out, and it looks great! I'm frankly not sure what the viewer from Michigan is talking about in chapter 18--if you mean the silhouette that moves right at the line (note I'm very carefully not giving any context) "let me get this over with," that exact same thing *is* in the VHS version (you can just see less of it without the rest of the widescreen). It's not a mistake. I've been comparing my tape and DVD, and I'm entirely satisfied.
Rating:
Summary: CLEVER, FUNNY, AND JUST FABULOUSLY SCRIPTED!
Review: If you love mysteries and are tired of the brainless detective films being released on a regular basis these days, you OWE it to yourself to watch this taut yet darkly sardonic thriller! The Agatha Christie type script (Death on the river Nile, for instance, where many plausible clues are dropped for attentive members of the audience) is nothing if not supremely intricate and as much of a guesser as I am, the film has me riveted every time I watch it. With the possible exception of Welch, who may be guilty of being somewhat deadpan as the glam queen, almost every other actor comfortably nails his role. Great timing. Despite the relatively dry DVD (nothing special in the "special features") I highly, highly recommend this fabulous feast of film. Buy it, for you will watch it more than once for sure.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and intriguing murder mystery from the 1970s
Review: Sheila Green is killed by a hit-and-run driver following a lavish party. A year later, and still no one arrested for his wife's death, movie mogul Clinton Green invites 6 guests to his yacht in the Mediterranean but not for the usual rest and relaxation. You see, each of the 6 guests was at that party one year ago, and it's possible one of them may be hiding something about that night, and Clinton may know who.... This is a a great, under-acknowledged murder mystery, filled with many film stars of the 1970s: James Coburn as the devilish mogul Clinton Green; Richard Benjamin as Tom, the has-been screenwriter; Joan Hackett as Lee, Tom's wife; Dyan Cannon as Christine, the busy head of a talent agency; James Mason as Philip, a reknowned movie director; and Ian McShane and Racquel Welch as the married couple, Anthony and Alice. And, they all have fun with the incredilby detailed script by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. Both Sondheim and Perkins were known to love murder mysteries and intricate puzzles, and it shows in the crafting of the surprising twists and turns of the script. What's even more intriging is that you get involved in trying to solve the mystery yourself. All the clues are there, and if you pay close attention, you can figure it out. But one of the more interesting surprises is the theme song, "Friends" sung by Bette Midler. (One of her trademark songs This is a fun movie that really draws you in and keeps you until the very end.
Rating:
Summary: A fun and intriguing murder mystery from the 1970s
Review: Sheila Green is killed by a hit-and-run driver following a lavish party. A year later, and still no one arrested for his wife's death, movie mogul Clinton Green invites 6 guests to his yacht in the Mediterranean but not for the usual rest and relaxation. You see, each of the 6 guests was at that party one year ago, and it's possible one of them may be hiding something about that night, and Clinton may know who.... This is a a great, under-acknowledged murder mystery, filled with many film stars of the 1970s: James Coburn as the devilish mogul Clinton Green; Richard Benjamin as Tom, the has-been screenwriter; Joan Hackett as Lee, Tom's wife; Dyan Cannon as Christine, the busy head of a talent agency; James Mason as Philip, a reknowned movie director; and Ian McShane and Racquel Welch as the married couple, Anthony and Alice. And, they all have fun with the incredilby detailed script by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. Both Sondheim and Perkins were known to love murder mysteries and intricate puzzles, and it shows in the crafting of the surprising twists and turns of the script. What's even more intriging is that you get involved in trying to solve the mystery yourself. All the clues are there, and if you pay close attention, you can figure it out. But one of the more interesting surprises is the theme song, "Friends" sung by Bette Midler. (One of her trademark songs This is a fun movie that really draws you in and keeps you until the very end.
Rating:
Summary: An Evening with Dyan, Richard, and Raquel.
Review: The first wonderful thing about "The Last of Sheila" directed by Herb Ross is that it's a who-done-it of the first order. The writing by Tony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim is masterful and packed with insider Hollywood dish. The cast is second to none and all working at the top of their form. There are a few particular standout performances. James Mason gives us his restrained all in the pivotal roll of Phillip. He adds in the process this film to his long and distinguished list of credits. Raquel Welsh brings out for our appreciation the famous Raqui figure but also in this, her follow up to her first great roll in "Kansas City Bomber", she shows a little more of her range than most expected or allowed her at the time. Joan Hackett as Lee is touching and brilliant in one of the best rolls of her too short career. The incendiary Dyan Cannon inhabits Christine and with her raucous laugh steals the show from everyone with her thinly veiled "Sue Mengers" Agent to the stars turn. "Somebody get me a glass of water and two Lesbians!" She is pure joy to watch.
The second wonderful thing about "The Last Of Sheila" is that they took the time to ask Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon and Raquel Welsh to do the directors commentary.
This is one of the best commentaries I have heard. It's as if Dyan, Raquel and Richard have just dropped by for a few hours, a few drinks and a walk down memory lane. They reveal in their insightful recollections what fun it was to make "The Last Of Sheila" and in the process show their intelligence, wit and wisdom about the art and business of filmmaking. At one point delighted in the sparkling humor they are both igniting in each other Dyan suggests they do a T.V. show together. Richard suggests the title of "Please Watch Us". Not a bad title, and I would be there with bells on. Raquel shows a deep understanding and humor of her early career and gives some real insight into her developments as and actress. "I would play her stronger now. Not so timid." She says of her roll as Alice. It really is all quite cozy and fun. Hats off to these three wonderful talents for lending so much to the enjoyment of this film. "The Last of Sheila" is a classic film that I hope will find a new fan base due to this sparkling new DVD presentation.
Rating: 
Summary: Clever and Amusing, and Justice Really Triumphs
Review: The Last of Sheila is a clever, witty, complicated murder mystery written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins. A movie mogul's wife is killed in a hit-and-run accident. A year later he gathers six friends, one of whom he suspects of being the driver, for a Mediterranean week on his yacht. There'll be sun, fun, games to play and puzzles to solve. The payoff for the mogul will be the identification of his wife's killer. Unfortunately, the mogul is murdered shortly after the games begin. If you enjoy murder, puzzles and clever writing, you'll enjoy this. If you're amused by Hollywood and its pretensions, you'll also like it. The guests include a mediocre film writer (Richard Benjamin) and his rich, alcoholic wife (Joan Hackett), a has-been director (James Mason), a loud agent (Dyan Cannon), and a voluputous and dim movie queen (Raquel Welch) with her tough, sycophant husband (Ian McShane). James Coburn plays the mogul. Mason is excellent among an excellent cast. He's thoughtful, a little seedy, crafty. Cannon nails her role as the self-involved but funny agent. Coburn focuses the movie. He's charming, dynamic, nasty. The DVD transfer is fine although I found the audio a little variable, especially at first. The commentary by Benjamin, Cannnon and Welch is interesting and helps sort out the clues. Sondheim and Perkins play scrupulously fair with the audience. There are clues all over the place. Some clues identify the nastier aspects of the guests, some help with the games being played, some help guess the method of the murders (there're more than one), and some will lead you to the murderer. You need to stay alert. What is particularly clever is the way the murderer gets justice.
Rating: 
Summary: A Tale of Two Versions?
Review: The Last of Sheila is a fun, if overrated film, that sports a great title, terrific cast, and beautiful locations. Written by Psycho Anthony Perkins himself, with help from wonderful Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim, I was unfortunately overtaken by the hype and expected a little too much, therefore I was slightly disappointed upon first viewing. The more I thought about it though, the more I realized how much I liked it. The plot is a unique rendition of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians, which deals with several entertainment industry insiders who are invited aboard the yacht of prankster James Coburn for a weekend of "fun & games." Unfortunately, Coburn has a secret about each and every member aboard. Apparently someone will go to great lengths to keep their secret just that...or is it for something else? Perhaps Coburn himself has taken the game too far. Or maybe we haven't heard the last of Sheila.... The Last of Sheila is a twisted little film that starts off slow but quickly picks up. Pay attention early on because the clues are everywhere and the killer could be anyone, including Sheila herself. It did what Scream did many years later with the "Everybody's a suspect" formula. There are so many twists and turns, it will be difficult to figure them all out, so don't even bother. It all works brilliantly for a chilling mystery that fits each and every scene into the puzzle, and even has a clue in the title!!!! How many mysteries can you say that about? The cast is fantastic. Dyan Cannon is terrific as usual in her role of a loud, obnoxious casting agent who just lost 30 pounds. Rachel Welch is the sexpot actress, a role she has down to perfection, and James Coburn is creepy as the director who wants to make a movie about Sheila, or perhaps something a bit more. They are joined by Richard Benjamin, Joan Hackett, James Mason, Ian McShane, and Yvonne Romain, among others. The Last of Sheila is recommended for mystery lovers, film buffs, or fans of the cast. Everyone else should give it a try too. Agatha Christie would have been proud! It's a lost classic that deserves to be seen!!!
Rating:
Summary: Finally - the DVD of this wonderful brainteaser of a film
Review: The Last of Sheila is a love or hate for most folks. I fall into the love category. A GREAT cast beautifully embodies the twisted, neurotic hollywood-types in this whodoneit or even whodonewhat for that matter. The screenplay is full of incredibly witty, sharp dialogue and it layers puzzle upon puzzle until the very end. Then - one last joke at Hollywood's expense before the final credits. Coburn, Benjamin, Cannon and Mason are particularly excellent here. Some flashback twists might get confusing, but keep watching - it pays off beautifully. Oh, and Bette Midler's closing credits number is just the perfect iceing on this multi-layered, very dark chocolate cake. Just excellent!
Rating:
Summary: SHEILA is the most intelligent film I've ever seen!
Review: THE LAST OF SHEILA is a perfect movie for anyone who feels like thinking -- but be warned: to follow the plot, you'll have to pay close attention! You may even find yourself watching scenes several times, to make sure you understand the story. The script is witty and intelligent, and the plot is impossibly clever. When you're finished watching it the first time, you'll want to watch it again right away! Every frame contains a "clue" to the mystery, which you'll appreciate more once you know the solution. Don't be misled -- this isn't a "heavy" movie (the ending will remind you not to take it too seriously!). You'll have a lot of fun. Of course, the characters are necessarily cold, so you won't get too attached -- although you'll love Dyan Cannon! James Coburn is positively chilling, and Raquel Welch adds some unintentional humor with her awkward perfomance -- I watched her scenes over and over, just to laugh! However, her acting -- and the hilariously dated clothes and attitudes of the 70s -- are the only weak spots in a terrific film. THE LAST OF SHEILA deserves more attention from movie fans. Just watching will make you feel intelligent -- and it's a must-see for any Sondheim admirer!
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