Watch The Silent Partner
- R
- 1978
- 1 hr 46 min
-
7.4 (7,916)
The Silent Partner is a gripping thriller from 1978, starring Elliott Gould, Christopher Plummer, and Susannah York. It's a heist film with a twist, featuring an intricate plot that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The story follows a timid bank teller named Miles Cullen (Elliott Gould), who works at a mall in Toronto. One day, while counting the money in his drawer, he notices that a bank robber, who has disguised himself as Santa Claus, is trying to rob the bank. Quick-thinking Miles manages to discreetly hide a large sum of money, and the robber leaves with a much smaller amount than he intended.
However, Miles soon realizes that the Santa Claus robber is actually a former colleague named Harry Reikle (Christopher Plummer). Harry becomes increasingly aggressive and threatening towards Miles, demanding that he hand over his hidden stash of cash. Unwilling to hand over the money or go to the police, Miles concocts a plan to outsmart Harry and keep the money for himself.
Meanwhile, a woman named Julie Carver (Susannah York) enters the picture, caught in a complicated love triangle between Harry and Miles. As events quickly spiral out of control, Miles is forced to make split-second decisions in order to stay alive and keep the money.
The Silent Partner is a masterclass in suspense and tension-building. The plot is expertly crafted, with numerous plot twists and unexpected turns that keep the viewer guessing until the very end. The film's use of foreboding imagery and unsettling music only heightens the sense of unease that permeates every scene.
The performances from the three main actors are excellent, with Elliott Gould giving a nuanced and believable portrayal of a man pushed to his limits. Christopher Plummer is equally formidable as the menacing Harry Reikle, while Susannah York brings a touch of vulnerability and depth to her character.
Director Daryl Duke shows an expert hand at pacing and framing, with several standout sequences that are both visually stunning and emotionally harrowing. The mall setting is expertly utilized, giving the film a uniquely claustrophobic feel that adds to the tension.
Overall, The Silent Partner is a must-watch for fans of thrillers and heist films. It's a gripping, intelligent movie that allows the viewer to experience the thrill of a heist while also grappling with complex moral questions. Highly recommended.
The Silent Partner is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 74.