ira levin deathtrap be one of those mystery film in the tradition of sleuth that would be very easy to spoil give any real examination of the plot of the film . therefore i will be brief in say it concern a play and one man who be a famous mystery playwright and another man who be a promising writer and the playwright wife who be much young and sexy than the role should have be and and one german psychic along for the ride . director sidney lumet and no stranger to film and be quite good for the most part in create the tension the film need to motor on . the dialog be quick and fresh and and witty . michael caine excels in role like these . christopher reeve be serviceable and actually grows on you the more you see him act . irene worth stand out a the funny psychic . how about dyan cannon . love how lumet package her posterior in those real tight fitting pant and have her wear possibly the snug top around and but she be terribly miscast in this role a role which should have be give to an old actress and one certainly less seductive . but why quibble with an obvious attempt to bribe it male viewer when nothing will change it now . deathtrap be funny and sophisticated and witty and and classy . the mystery have some glaring flaw which do detract somewhat and and i be not wholly satisfy with the end and but watch caine and reeve under lumet direction with levin elevate verbiage be enough to ensnare my interest and keep it captive the entire length of the film .