The Last of Sheila

A year after his wife Sheila was killed by a hit-and-run driver, the wealthy film producer Clinton Greene invites several friends aboard his yacht for a week-long party built around an elaborate mystery game. The puzzle is designed to expose secrets and weaknesses among the guests, because Clinton believes one of them is responsible for Sheila's death and intends to identify the culprit. What begins as a diversion becomes increasingly real and dangerous as a plan for revenge unfolds.

Herbert Ross directed the film, the third of the thirteen features he made, following Play It Again, Sam and preceding Funny Lady. The screenplay was written by Anthony Perkins and Stephen Sondheim, and Ross also produced. The cast includes James Coburn as Clinton Greene, Richard Benjamin and Joan Hackett as Tom and Lee Parkman, Dyan Cannon as Christine, James Mason as Philip Dexter and Ian McShane as Anthony Wood.

Released in June 1973 by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film runs 120 minutes and combines crime, drama, mystery and thriller elements. It took about 2 million dollars worldwide, a modest return for a star-heavy studio release. On IMDb it holds 7.2 out of 10 from around 10,000 votes, while on TMDB it stands at 6.9 out of 10 from a much smaller 173 votes. A critics' rating of 7.2 out of 10 from 21 reviews places it roughly level with the wider audience score on IMDb.