Harper Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cool but down-on-his-luck private eye chews gum, dodges punches, and stumbles into a kidnapping case involving a dead millionaire, a wheelchair-bound widow, and way too many suspects who are all somehow connected yet barely make sense.

🍿 Harper: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Missing Millionaire

Private investigator Lew Harper is hired by Elaine Sampson, a wealthy and disabled woman, to find her missing husband, Ralph. Ralph disappeared after arriving in Los Angeles from Las Vegas. Elaine suspects he’s with another woman due to his history of drunken binges.

Investigating the Suspects

Harper interviews several people connected to Sampson, including his private pilot, Allan Taggert, and his flirtatious daughter, Miranda. He also seeks information from Fay Estabrook, an aging alcoholic and former starlet, and Betty Fraley, a lounge singer with ties to the criminal underworld. The investigation quickly turns complicated, with a web of potential suspects and conflicting motives.

Kidnapping and Ransom

The case takes a turn when Elaine receives a ransom note demanding $500,000 for Ralph’s safe return. Harper deduces that Ralph has been kidnapped. The ransom drop goes awry, resulting in a man’s death and the money’s disappearance, intensifying the mystery and raising the stakes for Harper.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As Harper delves deeper, he uncovers a smuggling operation and various betrayals. He suspects that Taggert, Betty, and her brother Eddie were involved in the kidnapping. After a series of dangerous encounters, Harper confronts Taggert, only for Taggert to be shot by Albert Graves, Sampson’s attorney.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lew Harper (Paul Newman): A cynical and witty private investigator hired to find a missing millionaire, navigating a web of deceit and dangerous characters.
• Elaine Sampson (Lauren Bacall): The wealthy, disabled wife of the missing millionaire who hires Harper, but harbors her own secrets and resentments.
• Albert Graves (Arthur Hill): The Sampsons’ lawyer and Harper’s friend, who is secretly in love with Miranda and involved in the kidnapping plot.
• Allan Taggert (Robert Wagner): Ralph Sampson’s private pilot and Miranda’s boyfriend, who is involved in the kidnapping and ultimately revealed to be the killer.
• Betty Fraley (Julie Harris): A drug-addicted lounge singer involved in the kidnapping, who betrays her partners and attempts to flee with the ransom money.
• Fay Estabrook (Shelley Winters): An overweight, alcoholic former actress and astrologer who provides Harper with a lead in the case.
• Miranda Sampson (Pamela Tiffin): Ralph Sampson’s seductive daughter who has cold relationship with her stepmother and is casually involved with Allan Taggert.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lew Harper: “The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise.” – Harper’s cynical view of the world when talking to his friend about success and morality.
• Lew Harper: “New type.” – Said in response to Elaine Sampson when she expresses surprise that a detective would refuse a drink before lunch.
• Lew Harper: “Hired by a #$@$% to find scum.” – Harper sums up the morally questionable situation and the unsavory characters involved.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Harper Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Harper’! Paul Newman’s portrayal of Lew Harper is just iconic – the gum chewing, the witty remarks, everything. The scene where he’s getting beat up in the alley but still manages to crack jokes? Priceless! I became invested, even though some of the plot threads were a little confusing. It’s a perfect blend of classic noir and 60s cool, and the ending left me with questions in a good way.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic neo-noir detective stories”
  • “Those who appreciate Paul Newman’s performances”
  • “Viewers interested in 1960s cinema and culture”
  • “People who like morally ambiguous endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Though somewhat convoluted, ‘Harper’ offers a compelling mystery buoyed by Paul Newman’s charismatic performance and a strong supporting cast. The film adeptly captures the atmosphere of 1960s Los Angeles, providing a stylish and engaging neo-noir experience.
• The New York Times: “‘Harper’ is a solid detective story with a twisty plot and memorable characters. Paul Newman shines as the cynical yet charming private investigator, navigating a web of deceit and dangerous encounters in search of a missing millionaire.
• Los Angeles Times: “A stylish neo-noir that succeeds on the strength of Paul Newman’s performance. The mystery keeps viewers engaged as Harper unravels a web of deceit involving the wealthy and eccentric.

Audience Reactions

Paul Newman’s performance is charismatic and captivating, cementing his status as a true movie star.: Viewers appreciate the film’s twisty plot, intriguing characters, and stylish atmosphere.

The film’s blend of neo-noir and 1960s sensibilities makes it a unique and memorable cinematic experience.: Fans praise the witty dialogue, strong performances from the supporting cast, and the film’s overall sense of cool.

Overall Consensus: ‘Harper’ is generally regarded as a stylish and engaging neo-noir, elevated by Paul Newman’s iconic performance and a twisty, intriguing plot. While some find the story convoluted, most agree that it’s a worthwhile entry in the detective genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Newman was not the first choice for the role of Lew Harper; Frank Sinatra was initially considered.”
• “The film is based on the novel ‘The Moving Target’ by Ross Macdonald, but the character’s name was changed from Lew Archer to Lew Harper because the studio didn’t have the rights to the Archer name.”
• “William Goldman, who wrote the screenplay, later used it as teaching material in his screenwriting seminars.”
• “Conrad Hall’s cinematography makes heavy use of vibrant colors, contrasting with the typical shadows of classic film noir.”

🖥️ How to Watch Harper?

Harper (1966) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service or online retailer for current availability and pricing. DVD and Blu-ray copies can also be found at major retailers and online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Harper, you might like these similar films:

• The Big Sleep (1946): Classic film noir featuring a cynical private investigator navigating a complex case filled with shady characters and double-crosses.
• Chinatown (1974): A neo-noir masterpiece set in Los Angeles, with a private detective uncovering a dark conspiracy amidst wealth and corruption.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): A revisionist take on the Philip Marlowe character, showcasing a more cynical and disillusioned private eye in a changing world.
• Kiss Me Deadly (1955): A dark and violent film noir featuring a hard-boiled detective caught up in a dangerous case involving a mysterious box.

🛒 Harper Related Products

• Harper (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience Harper like never before with the Criterion Collection’s stunning Blu-ray edition. Featuring a pristine transfer, insightful commentary, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, this is the ultimate collector’s item for fans of the film.
• The Moving Target (Lew Archer Series): Dive deeper into the world of Lew Archer with Ross Macdonald’s original novel, ‘The Moving Target’. Explore the complex characters and intricate plot that inspired the film, and discover the nuances that didn’t make it to the screen.
• Paul Newman: The Cool Hand Collection (DVD): Celebrate Paul Newman’s legendary career with this comprehensive DVD collection. Featuring some of his most iconic roles, this set is a tribute to one of Hollywood’s greatest actors and a perfect addition to any movie lover’s collection.
• Harper Movie Poster Print: Add a touch of classic Hollywood style to your home decor with this high-quality ‘Harper’ movie poster print. Featuring the iconic image of Paul Newman as Lew Harper, this poster is a stylish tribute to a beloved neo-noir classic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Harper features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Harper Main Title” – performed by Johnny Mandel
• “Livin’ Alone” – performed by Julie Harris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jeannie C. Riley – Harper Valley P.T.A.

Ever wondered what the fuss was all about in Harper Valley? Check out Jeannie C. Riley’s iconic performance of the song that started it all, it’s super catchy, and you’ll see where the movie got its groove from.

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