PLAY MISTY FOR ME (1971)

 The recent death of beautiful and talented actress Jessica Walter prompted another viewing of this exciting, stylish thriller. In spite of being imitated by so many subsequent films, primarily FATAL ATTRACTION (1987), this picture holds up very well and still packs quite a punch.

Clint Eastwood made his debut as a director and also stars as Dave Garver, a radio DJ who spins records on the night shift at a station located in Carmel-by-the-Sea in California. Listeners are able to call him and request tunes. A woman with a soft, breathy voice frequently calls and says: "Play Misty for me", referring to the classic jazz number by Errol Garner. One night, Dave meets this woman, Evelyn Draper (Walter), at a bar. He learns that Evelyn arranged for the meeting to occur. The two have a sexual encounter, which Dave believes will be a one night stand. He's trying to rekindle a relationship with a former girlfriend, Tobie Williams (Donna Mills). But Evelyn becomes obsessed with Dave and begins stalking him. She begins showing up at his home uninvited, and even interrupts a business meeting. Dave finally manages to get rid of her, or so he thinks. But Evelyn decides to go after Tobie.

This well paced, well acted film transcends genres. It seems to be an Americanized version of an Italian giallo thriller, and it can also be seen as a precursor to the slasher films that began in the late 1970's. At the same time, it has extended romantic and musical sequences that somewhat take the focus away from the escalating tension and violence of the story. There is a wonderful sequence with Eastwood and Mills walking along the beach and through the gorgeous wooded area near Carmel while the soundtrack plays Roberta Flack's hit song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. And there is a scene that takes place at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival which is a lovely time capsule and great fun to watch. Some viewers might say these scenes slow down the film. I would say, rather, that they calm the film down, a clever device that makes the impending violent actions even more surprising and effective. 

When these actions occur, they are quick and visceral. Evelyn turns out to be not only an annoying stalker, but also a murderous sociopath. She would have to be described as a completely one dimensional character. That isn't a problem, because that one dimension is all she needs to become a memorable villain. Miss Walter very convincingly turns into a female Michael Myers, jumping out of nowhere into the camera frame, screaming at the top of her lungs, and plunging knives into various cast members. Evelyn's stunning beauty, and the natural beauty of the film's location, both contrast strongly with the mounting atmosphere of darkness, obsession and dread that envelope the life of Dave Garver. And all because he had a one night stand with the wrong gorgeous stranger. We would all do well to consider that the guest who refuses to leave may also be packing a knife.

Also featuring John Larch, Jack Ging, Irene Hervey, James McEachin and Clarice Taylor. Director Don Siegel has a cameo as a bartender.

Rest in peace, Jessica Walter.

Clint Eastwood and Donna Mills share a romantic moment in PLAY MISTY FOR ME.

Two shots of lovely Jessica Walter in PLAY MISTY FOR ME.