Hey, guys!
Welcome to another entry for Thursday Movie Picks.
It’s a series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves, so if you want to join the party, head over to her blog! It’s pretty easy: check out each week’s topic and come up with 3 to 5 movies that fit the theme.
Let’s talk about some movies featuring amateur sleuths!
#1 The Ruby in the Smoke
I will forever be sad that the BBC only adapted the first two Sally Lockhart books. Billie Piper was wonderful as the titular heroine who ended up solving a bunch of cases!
#2 Enola Holmes
What better pick for this post than Enola Holmes? Sherlock’s little sister is portrayed outstandingly by Millie Bobby Brown and solves the case of the missing Marquess in this film.
#3 Rear Window
Finally, Rear Window. This list just wouldn’t be complete without one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most famous films. I adore Grace Kelly and she’s a sight for sore eyes in this one. Together with an incapacitated James Stewart she tries to solve what they assume to be the murder of a neighbor.
What’s your favorite film featuring amateur sleuths? Let me know in the comments!
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘, Tumblr, Goodreads, Letterboxd or Instagram!
The Punk Theory 
I love, love, LOVE Rear Window!! It’s my second fave Hitchcock (after Saboteur-Rear Window is objectively a better made film but I have a soft spot for Saboteur because of Priscilla Lane and its Statue of Liberty climax) The use of the claustrophobic space that confines Jimmy Stewart is so expertly exploited. Jimmy, Grace Kelly (this is the film that uses her special allure to its maximum advantage). Wendell Corey and the fab Thelma Ritter could not possibly be better.
As far as your other two, I’ve heard of Enola Holmes but I don’t have Netflix so haven’t had the opportunity yet to see it.
Sally Lockhart is an amateur sleuth series I’m unfamiliar with, I’ll have to check it out always looking for new series to read, so obviously I haven’t seen the film.
I chose a girl detective too plus a couple of films I’ve seen within the last year that fit.
Nancy Drew: Detective (1938)-A brief Warner Brothers series (this was followed by: Nancy Drew…Reporter, Nancy Drew…Trouble Shooter and Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase-all released in 1939) starring Oscar nominee Bonita Granville as the intrepid and curious young Nancy who sniffs trouble and cannot help investigating. That usually leads her into endless difficulties, but she always manages to solve the mystery in the end!
Hue and Cry (1947)- “The Blood and Thunder Boys” are a neighborhood group of kids in a partially bombed out section of post-WWII London. They suspect the boss of the village gang is directing his cohorts to their various criminal enterprises by manipulating stories in a popular kid’s paper “The Trump” (an actual kid comic of the time). Determined to stop the crooks they set out to solve the mystery of the leader’s identity and turn him over to the cops! Considered the first of the British Ealing comedies.
Who Killed Mary What’s ‘Er Name? (1971)-When a local prostitute is slain in a rough, rundown part of town, the police and neighbors react with little more than a shrug. Outraged, retired boxer Mickey Isador (Red Buttons), who knew the woman slightly, decides to try and find the killer. With the aid of his daughter, he pokes around the gritty dilapidated slum looking for answers, nearly getting himself offed in the process. Low-budget film captures the ramshackle decay that had infected many parts of New York City in the late 60’s/early 70’s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed Rear Window – Grace Kelly simply was a vision oin that one.
And you gave me more inspiration for my to-watch list! 😅
LikeLike
I also picked Rear Window. I just adore that film!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mentioned Enola as well! What a fun movie that one was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay we match on Rear Window! I adore that movie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve only seen Rear Window (which is a popular pick right now) as I haven’t seen the rest but I heard Enola Holmes is just wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Millie Bobby Brown is so delightful in Enola Holmes, it’s worth watching for her performance alone.
LikeLike
Enola Holmes seems like a popular pick. I may have to bump it up my watch list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s quite a lovely film, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! 😀
LikeLike
Glad we matched on Rear Window. Enola Holmes is a fabulous choice, love that movie and the character.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! I hope there will be more Enola Holmes films in the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Wrapping it up for April | The Punk Theory