They Only Kill Their Masters

They Only Kill Their Masters is a 1972 American mystery drama directed by James Goldstone and written by Lane Slate. The film boasts an exceptional cast, with James Garner, Katharine Ross, and Hal Holbrook in leading roles.

Set in a quiet seaside town of Eden Landing, California, the plot weaves a complex tale that revolves primarily around the character of Police Chief Abel Marsh, masterfully portrayed by James Garner. Abel, a recent transplant from Boston, finds himself propelled into a world seemingly out of step with the rest of the world, filled with small-town sensibilities and an accommodative pace of life. However, tranquility quickly gives way to mystery as a series of incongruous murders strikes Eden Landing, hardening the soft edge of rustic charm that typifies the town.

James Garner's portrayal of the chief of police, Abel Marsh, forms the backbone of They Only Kill Their Masters. Abel is a wise, witty, and world-weary character that relies on intuitive wisdom to navigate the complexity of the mystery that has enveloped his town. Garner brings the character to life with his trademark style, combining dry wit with adept characterization that captures the attention of audiences from the start and holds it throughout the entire movie.

Abel is faced with the puzzling case of a murder in which the prime suspect is a Doberman Pinscher named Murphy. The scenario spirals further into enigma when evidence points towards the canine belonging to a recently deceased woman. To uncover the truth, Abel embarks upon a journey that plunges him into an intricate web of deceit, secrets, and escalating danger.

Katharine Ross, playing the enigmatic Kate Bingham, adds a captivating layer of intrigue to the narrative. Ross's character, a divorced woman who returned to Eden Landing to claim her deceased sister's dog, weaves an aura of mystery around her as Abel is drawn towards her. Kate's allure is heightened by her withholding nature and by the sense of ambiguity that envelops her character's true nature. Ross delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, melding conflict, charm, and ambiguity into a truly fascinating character.

Hal Holbrook, in the role of Dr. Warren Watkins, allows for another fascinating aspect of the plot. He is the go-to vet and seems to hold the keys to many secrets. His character is multifaceted and unexpected, leaving audiences to question the extent and nature of his involvement in the town's dark underbelly.

They Only Kill Their Masters masterfully ensures that suspense is not solely carried by human characters. The Doberman Pinscher named Murphy conveys an almost spectral presence throughout the film, representing the enigma at the heart of the mystery and playing a crucial role in the intrigue and tension that builds up as the plot progresses.

The overarching theme of the movie is essentially a murder mystery, but there are layers of social commentary woven in, involving politeness masking hypocrisy, the isolation inherent in small town life, and the undercurrents of forbidden relationships, creating a thoughtful contrast to the murder investigation that propels the narrative.

They Only Kill Their Masters successfully fuses suspense, mystery, murder, and romance against a backdrop of small-town dynamics and a concoction of intriguing characters, both human and canine. The sprinkling of comic moments throughout the film further accentuates the appeal of the story. Offering a blend of murder mystery and dry humor, the film creates an atmosphere that is peculiar and engrossing.

At its core, They Only Kill Their Masters is a thought-provoking commentary about the deceptiveness of appearances and the secrets and lies often lurking beneath the surface of idyllic communities. With a compelling cast, tantalizing storyline, and compelling character development, it remains a seminal work in the annals of mystery cinema from the early 70s. From its title alone, this film promises intrigue and suspense, and it most certainly delivers.