Third Man Out

Chad Allen is perfectly cast as Donald Strachey, a slightly haggard and totally "out" gay PI who lives with his Brooks Brothers hubby, Timmy (played by Sebastian Spence). Set in Albany, New York, of all places, Strachey investigates the attempted murder of gay activist John Rutka (Jack Wetherall), who has made enemies by "outing" still-in-the-closet VIPs.

The film's final ten minutes transform what had been a mildly interesting story into a blockbuster whodunit that even Agatha Christie would be proud of. It's been quite some time since I have watched a film wherein the plot twists were so startling and stunning. The film's writers give you the clues you need to solve the puzzle. But those clues are so subtle that the probability that you will latch onto them is slightly greater than zero. It's worth every bit of the viewers' time to endure a tangled, serpentine plot, and some minor plot holes, one of which could have been corrected by the use of a different camera angle.

The somewhat muddled plot conceals a substantial theme. But again, that theme does not appear until the final ten minutes. This is the kind of film you have to stay with, to appreciate its significance.

Apart from the great story, "Third Man Out" exudes a classy, cosmo-chic style, reminiscent of 1940's crime noir, by way of the sultry jazz sounds of "In Heat, In Love" and "Martinis By Moonlight". At appropriate intervals, shadowy induced suspense punctuates the trendy atmosphere, consistent with what viewers would expect, for a whodunit.

The film's cinematography, especially the lighting, is excellent. Production design and costumes (love those black suede jackets) render high quality visuals. Overall, acting is adequate. And some of the dialogue sparkles: "You know, I'm starting to wonder if maybe life isn't always so black and white, in Kansas maybe, but not here in Emerald City".

Despite a slightly tangled plot, "Third Man Out" is a terrific film that can be enjoyed by viewers, gay or straight, who revel in stylistic murder mysteries.

Well done movie, with some great acting. This movie, will keep viewers on the edge of their seat for part of the movie, first time through. You'll want to view it a second time, to pick up a few more clues, and just plain out enjoy the acting. I felt that the content of the 'publisher' in the story could have been just about anything controversial. It was about outing men that appear to only be straight in society. If it was not so "push the gay envelope, to appear normal" I would have enjoyed it more, and would have rated it 10 stars/excellent. The lead actor is gay, and he and his lover do a great job as showing gay men, as everyday normal people. Everyone will love that, straights/gays alike. I now look forward to the next film ... Shock to the System.

The story seemed somewhat hackneyed and predictable, filled with the staples of the genre, but that struck me as more intentional than accidental. The dialogue was awkward at times, but I enjoyed the performances. The production values are good, and the music helps carry the story during its weaker moments. Overall it seemed like a reasonably good pilot for a series. I'd enjoy seeing where they could take this, once the actors and writers had a chance to settle into their roles.

The biggest weakness I found was determining how seriously to take it. It seemed to ricochet between overly-earnest and tongue-in-cheek. But overall I enjoyed it and would look forward to seeing more.

(Keep your eyes open for interesting gas prices.)

Based on the novel by Richard Stevenson, "Third Man Out" presents a flawed but interesting mystery. Where gays have often been presented as flat characters in mysteries, and only as either victims or villains, "Third Man Out" attempts to show a broader picture of being gay while also revealing the seedy underside of the "normal" heterosexual community. There are some weak points in the plot as the film attempts to hide from the viewer who is responsible for the threats, and a few minor characters don't seem invested in the movie. However, I think Chad Allen and Jack Wetherall portray their characters well, and make the movie a worthwhile viewing experience.

I watched this film simply because First Wave's impossibly handsome Sebastian Spence was in it. I wanted to see what other roles he might play. His character here is completely different from Cade Foster, and completely charming. The plot has as many twists as an Agatha mystery novel, constantly keeping you guessing, and pulling the rug out from under you when you think you have finally figured it all out. However, it is also a thriller. The protagonist, Chad Allen as private eye Donald Strachey is neither tough nor particularly intelligent, though his body ripples. I was on the edge of my seat worrying about what would happen to him next.

It is a movie about gay people, exploring all kinds of issues from blackmail, to outing, to spying, to HIV, to gays in the military, to sexual abuse. The main pair of characters have a loving, domestic monogamous relationship. It is nice to see a gay couple portrayed realistically. Sex is not the #1 priority for most gays. They are both clean cut, pleasant and sympathetic. At times Spence reminded me of Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace. The lead gay couple don't take drugs, go to orgies or commit suicide as seems mandatory in so many other movies about gays.

There is a touch of frontal male nudity, and a short tasteful scene of a male-male couple in bed caressing gently. It is not a sleasy film despite some of the subject matter. There are also photos of the bad guys engaged in S&M.

This is a film unlike any other. I never could guess where it was going next. It is delightfully entertaining, every last minute of it.