Detective privato... anche troppo

Right from the start, I wish to say that this is a wonderful film. I caught it on cable television here in Tokyo several years back. Like so many others remarked in their own circumstances, the film just "accidentally" presented itself. Willing to give it a chance, I kept it on for a few minutes. When I heard Michael Jayston's comically sarcastic comments in the opening scene, and the magical Topol "hiding" in his office, I was certainly hooked.

Hal Wallis produced, Carol Reed directed. If that weren't good enough for most film buffs, add John Barry to the list of those involved in this gem of a film. That's right, the same Barry who scored all of the great Bond films. You can hear his signature strings and brass right from the panoramic opening title sequence of London from the air.

"Everything's got to be earned."

The story is laid out as an explanation, a highlighting of the history of a couple to a private eye hired to investigate an alleged infidelity. Very cleverly done.

"Who's Aldous Huxley?"

The film touches on those precious difficulties couples face when both partners stem from different backgrounds. As an American living here in Tokyo for many years, I can deeply empathize with the situation portrayed in the film.

"I don't much care for Tuesdays."

Mia Farrow is captivating as the young American living in London. Michael Jayston is marvelous as the upright British accountant. As the "Public Eye", Topol is as addictive to the viewer as his character is to macaroons.

"He who locks his door locks his heart."

London is featured in all its bygone glory. I was impressed with the raw freshness of the street scenes. These are slightly reminiscent of the work of Richard Lester and his "mod" style of filming actual Londoners in action, such as in "The Knack" or "Help". Here, Barry's scoring of "The Public Eye" made these whimsical scenes a pure treat. Nothing less than soul moving cinematic moments are in store for you.

There is a charming, nice touch thrown in: a tip of the hat to Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and their work in Hammer Films.

I understand it is difficult to get a copy of this film. The fact that it was shown on Japanese television at least, means that good prints exist and are out there. Luckily, I was able to record it when it was shown again in that same week.

"The Public Eye" or as it is also known, "Follow Me", is a truly marvelous film. See it.

Addendum: A little bird told me the above version, recorded from Japanese TV, is online at Google Video.

I have seen this movie twice, have been searching for it ever since. The music is so incredible, I still sing it in my head and play it on the piano from memory, but its fading fast, it has been twenty years since I saw it. I am so looking forward to getting the video if only someone could help find it.

I remember seeing this movie in Bombay, India almost 25 years ago and could never forget this sensitive movie, If anyone has any info about getting this movie please let me know Thanks.D

I am looking to "borrow" a copy of this film...been looking for years now! Anyone with information please message me, I'd very much appreciate it.

I have not seen this little gem in many years, but it had a haunting quality, with many good life lessons, on appreciating the good things in your life, and not taking love for granted. An old theme but played differently here. A romantic movie for sure. Good one for couples, young and old to see...problem is, finding it, unless you are lucky enough to see it on late night TV.

A rare film to find, despite the level of the cast and crew, and a brilliant sound track.

From time to time I like checking IMDb on some of my favourite directors, actors, writers, or even some adaptations from stage to screen. It's funny how some titles from some great artist have fallen into oblivion.....and FOLLOW ME! is a clear example of how unfair this is. Carol Reed, Mia Farrow, Topol, John Barry, Peter Shaffer,...so what went wrong? Nothing, sometimes it just happens. TV stations never show the movie, no DVD release and time goes by and nobody remember this little gem. It doesn't mean that the movie bombed in the box office or anything like that. Furthermore, the movie played OK that year.

Thanks God I was lucky to watch this movie in youtube and just let me say that when the movie ended I was grinning from ear to ear. It's not the best movie of all time; it's not the movie that changed my life...but at the same time I understand Belinda and the way she thinks love and marriage must be. It is a well done film that tells a simple story....and Carol Reed knew how to tell ordinary stories and make good films on them.

It's a beautiful love story with excellent locations of London and with a superb job by the three leading actors, especially Topol who is just wonderful in this movie. What a surprise to know that Topol had another leading role after The fiddler on the roof. I always thought that he never got one after the musical.

Mia Farrow (not one of my favourite actress I must say)is perfect for the role thanks again to her physical appearance. She looks so sad at times, wondering around London that she is totally credible on her role.

The script by Peter Shaffer based on his play works perfectly on the screen thanks to director Carol Reed and the use of beautiful locations all around London. Oh, don't you love how London looks in the early 70's? I do! And what about the music? Some people have criticized it...well, it's a beautiful tune with different variations through the movie. Sometimes it sounds like perfect for a James Bond movie. And the song "Follow" I didn't like it at the beginning but after watching the movie it was in my head for days and now it's a favourite of mine.

I am so happy that both Mia Farrow and Topol were awarded in my home country for this movie. Difficult task to get the San Sebastian International Festival award for both leading actors of a movie. But I suppose the International Jury just fell in love with the story as well as the audience. As a reviewer mentioned before there is a lot of dialogue in the film and you can find some of the most beautiful lines ever said in a movie. The dialogue between Belinda and the detective at the end of the movie in the garden is just wonderful. It makes you cry and smile at the same time.

So my final advice you can guess......it's worth it! If almost 95% of the users on IMDb describe FOLLOW ME! as a gem, they can't be wrong