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Here are some customer reviews of Play Misty for Me : I saw a rerun of "Coach" recently and there was none other than Jessica Walter playing Craig T. Nelson's pushy, possessive Agent. That reminded me of her chilling performance is this legendary "fatal attraction" thriller and made me wonder why she never became anything more than a Character Actress. Much of this film is hopelessly dated and unintentionally funny: from Clint Eastwood's hip-hugger pants to a fellow DJ taking a "toke" on a joint. And Donna Mills' haircut is a 70's horror ! But the scenery in Carmel is gorgeous and adds to the ambiance. As for Eastwood, he proves to be a better Director here than a Star: it takes him too long to realize that Walters' Evelyn Draper is unhinged at best. Only after the "Dirty Harry" type conclusion do we see the Clint we all know and love. Glenn Close's characterization in "Fatal Attraction" was more subtle and her descent into madness was gradual...Walter becomes nuts very quickly...spouting obsenities and insults galore. But "Misty" retains its impact, even 30 years later. This movie is a fascinating look at the classic "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" formula. It's set against the beautiful backdrop of Carmel, Eastwood's home town, and is, in my opinion, one of the most frightening films in its genre. Fans of Fatal Attraction should take a look at this movie. It's a much more believable, and much scarier, portrayal of a one-night-stand gone wrong. Eastwood may be the star but Jessica Walter has a field day as one really loony lady! So much of this film parallels the Michael Douglas/Glenn Close hit that the viewer might consider their movie a REMAKE. That said, the movie is worth a look if only to compare the two. An added plus is the use of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" during a romantic moment between Eastwood and Donna Mills. I don't remember anything like that in "Fatal." This was the first film which Clint Eastwood directed and in which he also stars as Dave Garver, a DJ at a radio station in Monterey. We soon learn that he has had an uncertain relationship with Tobie (Donna Mills) to whom he is reluctant to make a commitment because he enjoys his independence. At one point, he becomes involved with one of his frequent callers, Evelyn (Jessica Walter). She is an attractive but smothering woman who requires a full-time commitment after a casual sexual encounter, as in Fatal Attraction. Garver refuses, becoming progressively more irritated with Evelyn's persistence. That is probably one of the reasons why he considers a reconciliation, perhaps even a semi-permanent relationship with Tobie as he also explores career opportunities in a much larger radio market. By now, the obviously psychotic Evelyn pesters him with several calls each day. In fact, she stalks him, desperately afraid to "lose" what she never really had in the first place. When Evelyn finally realizes what her situation is.... Not a great film, Play Misty for Me is nonetheless a carefully crafted and entertaining drama which offers a number of memorable scenes within the "cool" life of a bachelor DJ in one of the loveliest areas in the entire United States. The performances by Eastwood and Walter are first-rate, as are those of John Larch (Sergeant McCallum) and Clarice Taylor (Birdie) in supporting roles. The plot is plausible and relatively straightforward. As directed by Eastwood, the moments of terror are especially effective. Comparisons with Fatal Attraction are probably inevitable but not especially useful. (The tone and pace of the two films are quite different.) They remain two "old friends" with whom I enjoy spending an evening every once in a while. Play Misty For Me is worth seeing if only because Clint Eastwood doesn't just glint and fire for once. He actually has to act(and direct), and is surprisingly good at both! As a popular California disk jockey, Clint engages in what seems like a harmless one night stand with fan Jessica Walter. However Donna Mills, as Clint's ex-girlfriend, pops up and their rekindling ignites Walter's rage. Although vital to the plot, Mills's and Eastwood's screentime together is a drag on the suspense. As the odd woman out, Walter lacks the deviate, cunning nature that a villian is supposed to posess. Perhaps it's her puppy dog eyes and aw shucks! nature that made me feel sorry for her instead of root against her. And the ending of Play Misty For Me is abrupt and disappointing. All in all though, Clint's directorial debut isn't bad. Moreover, his willingness to temporarily toss his cowboy hat and holster the .44 Magnum shows that there's brains behind that brawn.

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