The Drowning Pool

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The Drowning Pool ★★ 1975 (PG)

Newman returns as detective Lew Harper (after 1966's “Harper”) to solve a blackmail case. Uneventful script and stodgy direction, but excellent character work from all the cast members keep this watchable. Title is taken from a trap set for Newman, from which he must escape using most of his female companion's clothing. Adapted from Ross MacDonald's novel about detective Lew Archer. 109m/C VHS, DVD . Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Anthony (Tony) Franciosa, Murray Hamilton, Melanie Griffith, Richard Jaeckel; D: Stuart Rosenberg; W: Tracy Keenan Wynn, Walter Hill; C: Gordon Willis; M: Charles Fox.