when deathtrap be first release and the poster reproduce on the cover of this dvd offer a graphic akin to a rubik cube . it be an appropriate image represent originally write for the stage by ira levin and who author such memorable work a rosemary baby and the stepford wive and the play be one of broadway most famous twister and and under sidney lumet direction it translate to the screen extremely well . deathtrap be one of those film that it be very difficult to discuss and for to do so in any detail give away the very plot for which it be famous . but the opening premise be extremely clever represent sidney bruhl ( michael caine ) be the famous author of mystery play and but these day he seem to have lose his touch . after a particularly brutal opening night and an old student name clifford anderson ( christopher reeve ) send him a script for a play he have write . it be call deathtrap and and sidney recognize it a a surefire hit . just the sort of hit that would revive his career . indeed and a hit to die for . and when clifford visit to discuss the play and event suddenly begin to twist in the most unexpected manner possible . like anthony shaffer equally twisty sleuth and deathtrap be really a story more at home on the stage than the screen to reach full power it need the immediacy that a live performance offer . still and under the expert guidance of director sidney lumet and it make a more than respectable show on the screen . much of this be due to the cast and which be remarkably fine . michael caine give a truly brilliant performance and dyan cannon be funny and endear a sidney relentlessly anxious wife and and christopher reeve give what might be the single fine performance in his regrettably short act career . if you can not see it in a first rate theatrical production and this will more than do until one come along . gary f. taylor and aka gft and amazon reviewer .