Cast
View All
Steve Martin
as Rigby Reardon
Rachel Ward
as Juliet Forrest
Alan Ladd
as (in "This Gun For Hire") (archive footage)
Carl Reiner
as Juliet's Butler / Field Marshal Wilfried von Kluck
Barbara Stanwyck
as (in "Sorry - Wrong Number") (archive footage)
Ray Milland
as (in "The Lost Weekend") (archive footage)
Ava Gardner
as (in "The Killers" / "The Bribe") (archive footage)
Burt Lancaster
as (in "The Killers") (archive footage)
Humphrey Bogart
as (in "The Big Sleep" / "In a Lonely Place" / "Dark Passage") (archive footage)
Cary Grant
as (in "Suspicion") (archive footage)
Ingrid Bergman
as (in "Notorious") (archive footage)
Veronica Lake
as (in "The Glass Key") (archive footage)
Bette Davis
as (in "Deception") (archive footage)
Lana Turner
as (in "Johnny Eager" / "The Postman Always Rings Twice") (archive footage)
Edward Arnold
as (in "Johnny Eager") (archive footage)
Crew
Director
- Carl Reiner
Producer
- William E. McEuen
- David V. Picker
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Mystery/Crime cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Carl Reiner brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $9.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1746 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 232 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Out of the Past, which focuses more on action than character development, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Pulp Fiction and Pickpocket explore similar territory, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 21, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Budget: $9,000,000
- Revenue: $18,196,170
