Masquerade

The Honey Pot is a delightful comedy mystery that seems destined to be under-appreciated. On the surface, an updating of Ben Jonson's Volpone, the plot twists in unexpected directions, confounding the viewer until the very end. While the mystery itself takes some time to get started, I found the film thoroughly entertaining due in great part to the witty dialogue of masterful Jospeh L. Mankiewicz and the colorful characterizations delivered by a wonderful cast led by Rex Harrison, Cliff Robertson and Maggie Smith. The dialogue also reaches some interesting depths towards the end of the film when Harrison's character makes some thoughtful reflections about time. As others have pointed out, the plot involves a lot of talking and takes its time to unfold, but this is part of the charm of the story. It is perhaps less about the mystery itself than the amusing interactions among a set of opportunistic and sly characters plotting against each-other. Performances are all around superb. Rex Harrison is exquisite as the cunning and charming orchestrator of the intrigue. Cliff Robertston is flawless as the quick-witted McFly/Mosca, executing his master's plan with intelligence and humorous servility. Just as delightful are Maggie Smith as the not-so-innocent nurse bringing a moral conscience to the story, Susan Hayward as a brash and aging American millionairess and Edie Adams as a rather crude Monroesque movie star. Perhaps a little too slow and not exciting enough for most audiences, The Honey Pot is neverthess worth the time of those interested in sophisticated and humourous dialogue, unusually creative mystery, and engaging performances.