
The Big Sleep
Seen it?1978 | 100 min | Crime, Mystery
Why it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (57% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 5.9 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime fans and anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved L.A. Confidential or Gone Baby Gone, start here.
- The mood
- Tense, gritty.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Made in 1978: an older pace and style.
Private eye Philip Marlowe investigates a case of blackmail involving the two wild daughters of a rich general, a pornographer and a gangster.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
57% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
5.9 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 61K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
L.A. ConfidentialFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime story.
A Walk Among the TombstonesWeeknight WatchAnother crime story, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Gone Baby GoneFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed crime story.
The Clovehitch KillerSunday Safe BetAnother mystery, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Fast CharlieSunday Safe BetAnother crime story, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Winner
- Robert MitchumPhilip Marlowe
- Sarah MilesCharlotte Sternwood
- Richard BooneLash Cansino
- Candy ClarkCamilla Sternwood
- Joan CollinsAgnes Lazelle
- Edward FoxJoe Brody
- John MillsInspector Carson
- James StewartGeneral Sternwood
- Oliver ReedEddie Mars
- Harry AndrewsNorris