The Last of Sheila (1973)

Today Matt & Todd dive into one of the great under‑sung gems of 1970s cinema: the 1973 ensemble whodunnit mystery‑thriller The Last of Sheila, directed by Herbert Ross.Featuring a stacked cast of Hollywood heavy hitters:Richard BenjaminDyan CannonJames CoburnJoan HackettJames MasonIan McShaneRaquel WelchMovie producer Clinton Greene invites a group of industry friends aboard his luxury yacht, the Sheila, for what’s supposed to be a pleasure cruise. When they arrive he reveals that he has also spun up an elaborate parlor game: a mystery scavenger hunt where each guest is assigned a “secret” the others must uncover. As the game unfolds it is clear that there is more to this group that meets the eye.With a screenplay co‑written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, this film is filled with sharp dialogue and Hollywood satire. It is a great twisty murder mystery, a classic of the genre that still feels as clever as the first time we saw it.This episode contains full spoilers, including the ending, so make sure you watch The Last of Sheila before listening. Trust us—you’ll want to experience the reveals for yourself.