Over his incredibly fruitful and lengthy career in Hollywood, Clint Eastwood has not only starred in but directed some of the biggest motion pictures of our time. In 1971, the creative took his first step towards becoming a revered and recognized filmmaker with his psychological thriller, Play Misty for Me.
The feature would go on to receive critical praise and pave the way for Eastwood to ebb and flow in front of and behind the camera and now, you can catch the title as it’s streaming on Netflix.
Play Misty For Me
Along with starring and helming, Clint Eastwood also co-penned the screenplay for Play Misty for Me alongside Jo Heims and Dean Riesner.
Filled with love, lies, lust, and danger, the plot follows Dave Garver (Eastwood), one of the biggest radio show hosts on the air. Although he’s been in a committed long-term relationship with his girlfriend (Donna Mills), Dave finds himself growing bored with their connection.
The Perfect Thriller?
Seeking a little thrill and action, Dave goes out to a nightclub where he meets a woman named Evelyn Draper (Jessica Walter) with whom he sleeps with.
Hoping to keep things to a one-night stand, Dave gets the surprise of his life when it turns out that the woman isn’t just an anonymous hookup but a super fan obsessed with Dave’s work—to the point that she’s called into his show repeatedly asking him to play the song “Misty.”
Clint Eastwood and the rest of his team pen and execute the perfect thriller in Play Misty for Me as Dave’s life spins out of control with Evelyn turning more and more dangerous by the minute.
Jessica Walter In Play Misty For Me
Not the only big name in his directorial debut, Clint Eastwood nabbed a knock-out cast for Play Misty for Me.
Many will recognize Jessica Walter’s name from her run as the alcoholic and hysterical family matriarch, Lucille Bluth in the comedy favorite, Arrested Development.
The actress has also appeared in a slew of other recognizable titles, including the beloved animated comedy Archer, and built a legacy on the stages of Broadway and beyond.
Donna Mills Also Stars
Likewise, Clint Eastwood’s on-screen girlfriend in Play Misty for Me, Donna Mills, has a rich background in on-stage productions as well as soap operas including Love is a Many Splendored Thing, Knots Landing, and General Hospital.
More recently, her appearances in feature-length productions include titles such as Origin, Nope, and Joy.
Clint Eastwood’s Directorial Debut
Clint Eastwood’s directorial debut was a financial hit at the box office, raking in $10.6 million against its $950,000 production budget.
By this time in the star’s career, he had already appeared in a multitude of films, solidifying himself as one of the biggest names of the time. With this in mind, his turn to directing in Play Misty for Me was a huge one, and it’s no surprise that audiences came out in droves and responded positively.
The feature was also a hit with critics, specifically Walter’s performance which nabbed a Golden Globe Award nomination.
Play Misty for Me Streaming On Netflix
After the success of his first time behind the helm, Clint Eastwood would go on to lend his directorial vision to dozens of projects including The Outlaw Josey Wales, Million Dollar Baby, Flags of Our Fathers, American Sniper, and so many more.
Up next, the filmmaker and actor will bid adieu to the business that has embraced him for so many years with his final project before retirement, Juror No. 2. See where it all began as Play Misty for Me is now streaming on Netflix.