Third Man Out Reviews

• The Third Man meets Beautiful Thing

  
  By A3GKU0NILLHDWQ on 2006-08-02
  This is one of the most satisfying "gay" films I've seen since "Beautiful Thing," and one of the best mystery-married pairings since John and Sherlock, or should I say Nick and Nora. It's the story of Donald Strachey, tough guy P.I. with a shady past and a sweet tooth for guy pal Sebastian Spence. It's a good story, not a great one, with a sultry jazz score and topical references to such controversial subjects as celebrity outing and pedophiliac priests. What makes it work is the unconventional casting of Chad Allen (who is gay himself, but whose somewhat beat-up good looks don't conform to cinematic stereotypes of gay--although one character dubs him "Nancy-boy Drew") as Strachey, who just happens to be very happily married to Timothy (played by Sebastian Spence, who is apparently straight, and maybe that's why his character overdoes the nelly a bit). Allen, as Strachey, is developing very nicely as an actor, and he's more interesting looking now than he ever was as a child. In "Third Man Out," he gets solid support from QAF's Jack Wetherall and Sean Young. Apparently, this is the first in a series, based on the novels by Richard Stevenson and set, contrarily, in Albany, rather than in New York City or San Francisco. Hopefully, it will prove popular enough with its intended audience that other books in the series will also be filmed. Apart from the rather pedestrian direction (by Ron Oliver) and a couple of too obvious twists in the plot, "Third Man" is entertaining throughout.
  
  
  
  

• A worthy effort

  
  By AN94IX8X02FCA on 2006-08-24
  Having read the original novel "Third Man Out," I have to agree that the screenplay for the movie version was reasonably well adapted. Since I wasn't a huge fan of the book, "reasonably well adapted" to me means that 90% of the book was changed. The movie is loaded with gritty sex and violence that the novel was just missing. Occupations were changed (in the case of one character, from a meteorologist to a singing, puppet-wielding, male Shari Lewis wannabe), motives were changed, personalities were beefed up or changed, scenes were added, a distasteful, unnecessary, and preachy subplot was completely deleted, and the story was transplanted from an obviously early 1990's setting to a vaguely 30's-era seeming present day. None of these are complaints, mind you; everything has been improved. Dramatically.
  
  Unfortunately, whoever adapted the screenplay neglected to change the atrociously bad ending. It negates scenes which took place earlier in the movie, tries to make a point and fails, and is altogether best left unviewed--stop your DVD player about fifteen minutes before the end if you want a satisfactory viewing experience. Without spoiling anything, the twist itself was fine--clever, actually--but various characters' reactions to it were so untrue to life as to be almost offensive. When a character in a movie makes a grand speech at the end that causes other characters to hang their heads in shame, you at least expect the speech to make an ounce of sense and to have any persuasive power whatsoever. Instead, my reaction (to both the book and the movie) was a simple, "Uh huh. Right." Actually, the movie's version of the ending was even worse than the book's, for various reasons.
  
  That, however, is the only reason for a 4-star instead of a 5-star review, and even I wouldn't expect anyone to completely change (or leave out) the ending when adapting a book into a screenplay. The acting is stellar from all of the principals (particularly Chad Allen) and most of the peripherals (I enjoyed the young hotel desk clerk especially), the direction is top-notch and the production values are impressive. I am greatly looking forward to the next Strachey movie.
  
  The only extra on the DVD is a featurette which is actually well worth viewing, particularly for the relevant comments of Chad Allen, who makes more sense than I've ever heard a Hollywood actor make in my life.
  
  

• "I tell you, someone is trying to kill me!"

  
  By A2EEUQ81DTY7G3 on 2006-08-15
  Having just read an interview with Morgan Fairchild in the local gay press about her role in the newest Donald Strachey thriller Shock to the System, it's a real treat to watch the first Strachey film now just released on video and starring the talented and out gay actor Chad Allen.
  
  Based on one of the early novels by Richard Stevenson, Third Man Out is a gorgeously campy homage the forties noirish thrillers - except that there's one twist - the handsome, hunky detective is decidedly gay and lives a respectable suburban life with his boyfriend and love of his life Timmy Callahan (Sebastian Spence), they're even in the middle of renovating their home.
  
  Things get nasty when Strachey is called upon to protect John Rutka (Jack Wetherall), a local gay activist, who runs a webzine dedicated to outing important people, particularly hypocritical politicians. Someone is trying to murder Rutka and although Strachey is initially hesitant to help the man out, he is eventually convinced Rutka is telling the truth when he turns up dead.
  
  Director Ron Oliver keeps the action and suspense flowing, cleverly shuffling around characters, clues, red herrings and various plot machinations. In one instance, suspicion falls on Rutka's younger boyfriend Eddie (Woody Jefferies) as he was seen walking past just as a firebomb was thrown at Rutka's house. Strachey also mistrusts Rutka's sister (Sean Young), who is out to inherit most of her brother's property.
  
  But in typical noir style, the narrative builds as clues and missteps are piled on top of each other and Strachey eventually discovers a furtive pornographic blackmail plot. Keep in mind, Strachey always has his lovely boyfriend to come home to, and it's a refuge, away from the harsh realities he must deal with on a daily basis.
  
  Third Man Out as a slick, gritty feel, heightened by its very gay sensibility and for a television movie on a fledgling television network, the production values are outstanding. Allan is a perfect choice to play Strachey and he totally inhabits the character's penchant for grittiness and sometimes even using violence and threats to get the necessary information. He's a good-looking and sexy, yet totally tough detective, who never shies away from the truth.
  
  Although its prime function is to entertain, Third Man Out also finds room for social comment - the politics of outing, the problems of gay men trying to live in a straight society, the hypocrisy of those in positions of power and sexual abuse by the certain members of the clergy, are all addressed.
  
  Ron Oliver and writer Mark Saltzman have made thrilling and sophisticated movie and I'm sure the series will only get better. Kudos, however, must also go to the talented Allen who imbeds this character with a definitive likability and is able to make the story really work. Mike Leonard August 06.
  
  
  

• A Stylish Film Noir Blending Suspense, Humor, and Insights into Gay Life

  
  By A328S9RN3U5M68 on 2006-09-09
  Ron Oliver is to be commended for bringing this first story from the Donald Strachey Mysteries by Richard Stevenson (screenplay by Mark Saltzman) to the screen. This first story is so well written, directed, acted and filmed that it can only give us hope that the other novels in the Donald Strachey series will be forthcoming.
  
  The story is a modern detective story that takes place in Albany, New York and is complete with realistic characters, a fine plot well paced, and a number of twists and turns that keep the audience not only entertained but glued to the screen. The difference, here, is that the detective Strachey (Chad Allen in an impressive performance) happens to be a gay man, well adjusted, living with his wholesome and tender partner Timmy (Sebastian Spence). The action involves a gay activist John Rutka (Jack Wetherall) with a penchant for outing political figures whose agenda is not friendly to the community. He likewise lives with a healthy life partner Eddie (Woody Jeffreys) and the two seem targeted for death by apparent candidates for Rutka's next outing computer magazine. Strachey is engaged to protect Rutka despite initial, partner-supported feelings that Rutka disrupts closeted men's lives too ruthlessly. But take the case on he does and he proves to be not only smart but wise while remaining a lovable detective. The plots thickens and surprises are everywhere just as good detective mysteries should have. But along the way the film takes the time to make some cogent statements about the clergy and politicians and other significant matters that raises this movie to a fine level of social consciousness.
  
  The cast is excellent and the love scenes are beautifully presented. There is even some beefcake (Matthew Rush as the 'Dik Steele' porn star in the buff) and club scenes to lighten the action. The film includes a superb featurette with Ron Oliver discussing how the film made it to the screen and includes for once some healthy conversation from openly gay actors who are enlightened about their roles. Though obviously a 'gay film', the story and production are so strong that any audience will find this a fine mystery! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 06
  
  

• Classy first installment in gay detective series

  
  By A3DVS9Y4Z1HIDJ on 2006-08-11
  "THIRD MAN OUT: A Donald Strachey Mystery" (2005) stars openly-gay actor Chad Allen, as the Albany NY gay private eye made popular by the series of novels by Richard Stevenson.
  
  In this first in a series of HERE!TV made-for-cable films based on the series, Donald is hired by John Rutka (Jack Weatherall, who was Uncle Vic in Showtime's "Queer As Folk" series), a controversial gay activist known for "outing" closeted gays who publicly oppose equal rights. Rutka has received numerous death threats based on his work, and hires Strachey for protection following his hospitalization for a gunshot wound. However, Strachey finds out that Rutka orchestrated the shooting, to try to call attention to the more serious threats he has received, and drops the case for deceiving him. The next day, Rutka is announced as the victim of a kidnapping and murder, where the body was burned so badly that dental records and the gunshot would were the only things that identified him. Stunned by the news, Strachey vows to help Rutka's surviving lover solve the mystery of his death, concentrating on three individuals who were likely to be "outed" by him in future months, and would therefore benefit by his being silenced.
  
  Having read the original book, I thought tha screenplay adaptation was excellent, and the movie was well-acted and produced. The director intentionally gave the piece a 1930's "film noir" feel, as a homage to his appreciation for the "Thin Man" series of that era. Allen is believeable in the role, and the chemistry is good with the actor who plays his life partner. Veteran character actor Weatherall is perfect as Rutka, as are those in supporting roles. Porn star Matthew Rush has a cameo as an informant. Rated R for sexual content and nudity, extras on the DVD are limited to trailers and a "Making of" featurette. I give it a full five stars out of five.
  
  
  
• Ok, excuse me while I go "out" my dog.
  By AFZU6XDO5L75R on 2007-05-27
  "Third Man Out" proves to be a pretty good movie packed with "film noir" moments and a lot of mystery, suspense and drama. The best part of this film is without doubt, it's star actor Chad Allen, who gives a wonderful performance as "Donald Strachey". Strachey is a gay private detective hired to find who has been threatening a notorious member of the gay community noted for outing prominent people living a double life. When he refuses the case and the notorious John Rutka is reported to have been murdered, Strachey is compelled to solve the crime in spite of his personal disdain for the deceased. To do so, Strachey must protect hundreds of extensive files Rutka kept on high profile individuals he felt were a threat to the gay community. All hell breaks loose when he and his lover become the target of those who had a motive to kill Rutka and are seeking to destroy any evidence which might place them at the top of the list of suspects.
  
  I was intrigued throughout the film to stick with it and find out "who dunnit". Never really a dull moment in this first gay mystery movie. The acting was very well done by almost every one of the nearly all-gay cast. A little overacting on the part of Sebastian Spence, who plays the part of Strachey's boyfriend. Not a bad performance, but probably not best suited for the particular role of the more feminine character. This was a role for which I felt the writing could have been more realistic. Allen's character was perfect, macho and more "straight natured" which fit him to a tee. His acting was flawless. I felt the scripting for the character of Rutka to be written a bit sloppy, and the combination of John Wetherall (Rutka) and Woody Jeffreys as his gay lover Eddie, to be a bit strange, but somehow it worked in spite of that. All in all, the actors all gave a great performance considering the script they were given to work with. There were a few things here and there that I was personally not impressed with, such as one unnecessary political reference that I found very distasteful, a little too much flame in the script for Strachey's lover Timmy, and a few unbelievable lines that I felt could have been much more convincingly written. There was the tattoo that changed from one arm in one scene, to the other arm at one point in the film, and I think a little more attention should have been given to detail throughout. All in all though, this is a great movie, very well done, and a first for gay media. Not your typical "coming-out" theme, or dime a dozen gay film topics. It was a nice twist making a GAY police drama, and I personally enjoyed viewing it. If you like suspense and mystery, you are gonna like this film.
  
  There is also a great DVD extra for your viewing. It is a featurette with behind the scenes interviews with the cast. It is well worth watching and fills in a few details you may miss the first time you watch the film. This screenplay is Loosely adapted from the novel "Third Man Out", and the first of a series of Donald Strachey films. I will be watching for the next one. Hopefully it will be a little better written and directed than the first, BUT that being said, I highly recommend this movie. Just don't go overboard with your expectations. It's not the best mystery flick you've ever seen, but the gay theme behind it, gives it a nice flair, and the acting of Chad Allen makes it well worth watching. A great mystery that will keep your attention and dispense a few surprises along the way.
  
  
• Worth a look
  By A2X29H96X7C3XJ on 2006-12-01
  This film has been well reviewed by several others which led me to buy it in the first place. I found the cast to be very solid, but although the story line deserves praise for the credible--and very likable--characters and their relationships, over time, the plot fades and ultimately finishes without much credibility. Moral ambiguity is pretty much a staple in police dramas like "Law and Order" these days, but somehow the writer didn't pull it off in this film. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like here--especially the actors--and I would certainly give the next installment a try.
  
  
• Disappointing!
  By A2UZI69Y8N2OFR on 2007-03-09
  Since I am a huge fan of M/M romance and erotic gay I was looking forward to this movie. It was very innocent and it was sex by innuendo (which I do not appreciate) They gave us nothing in the bedroom, except they went under the covers and fade to black. It was a good murder mystery. They tried to make the detective hard and gritty but it did not work for me because of the pretty house, his pretty 'wife' the pretty neighbourhood. It was really a gay Nancy Boy Drew Murder Mystery. I wish I had not bought the DVD.
  
  
• AN ENTERTAINING WHO DONE IT, WITH A WONDERFUL GAY COUPLE !
  By A1J5CDYEEMVSVJ on 2007-03-18
  I normally review books exclusively, but I'm making an exception for this fine film. Not having read the book this film is based on, I can't compare the two, but on its own this movie certainly entertains.
  
  This is the first in a planned series of films, about out detective Donald Strachey, and his loving partner Tim. Donald is hired by a gay muck-raker, John Rutka, after he's been shot in the leg. Rutka fears someone he has publicly outed is responsible, and wants them stoped before it's too late.
  
  The production values, so lacking in most gay films, are top-notch, and the script is well paced, never allowing the story to drag. The direction is crisp and the performances are well rounded and three dimensional.
  
  It is so refreshing to see a truly loving and strong gay relationship portrayed on screen, and the relationship here is the real foundation of the film. Chad Allen as Donald and Sebastian Spence as Tim are to be commended for their fine work. They make a very impressive and heartwarming team. I'm ordering the second installment, SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM, now !
  
  
• Promising
  By A2UCUFH8V92O98 on 2007-10-01
  I was curious about Chad Allen's new movie and decided to buy the movie based on earlier reviews I had read. I liked the movie, but found a number of things disturbing. The plot had many twists and kept me guessing, but I found the movie to be a bit depressing, although not every movie has to be a feel good experience. This is quite a different kind of gay movie and a lot more realistic than most that I have seen.
  
  
• Queer-Noir is Born!
  By A1USMGI4Y51DG9 on 2006-09-25
  If you're craving a soapy queer fix now that Queer as Folk is no longer lathering it up, then the Queer-Noir private eye thriller Third Man Out is sure to soothe your ache. The plot may be a bit serpentine and the dialogue stretched at the corners to cover maximum political ground, but Chad Allen's nuanced and sexily hard-boiled performance easily compensates for these shortcomings. As Private Eye Donald Strachey, Allen comes off as Spenser crossed with Columbo with a dash of Brian Kinney tossed into this enticing mix.
  
  Though Ron Oliver's direction isn't flashy, it's very appropriate for a noir flick set in Albany. Like Richard Stevenson's books--on the pages of which Donald Strachey was conceived--this film is about character and concept and the tension between these two dramatic elements. Stevenson was one of the first writers to infuse the pragmatic, ultra-masculine private eye genre with an unabashedly gay aesthetic. A perfect synthesis of these two influences, Third Man Out gives us a detective who shares waltzes and moonlight martinis with his hubby, drives a banged up Toyota Tercel and can lay bad guys flat with an unsparing right hook.
  
  Third Man's production values are outstanding for a cable film. Keeping Richard Stevenson's Albany setting was a smart move by Here! network, as so many well intentioned films go astray when they aim for glitzy settings and end up with cheap Canadian photocopies.
  
  The only flaws worth citing were: a couple of actor Sebastian Spence's scenes (during which he portrays Donald Strachey's husband as a cross between C3PO and Uncle Arthur from Bewitched) and a heavy-handed score (with good feature songs that are sandbagged by some very obtrusive "tension and suspense" instrumentals).
  
  What most delighted me about Third Man was the thrill of watching a genuine and polished noir flick which was, in every respect, thoroughly but naturally queer. While Third Man isn't Brokeback Mountain, it is a milestone in its own right. It's a well executed, enjoyable film about a hard-boiled detective who wears bad ties and breaks out in a blushing grin when his boyfriend kisses him on the cheek.
  
  
  
• this is an amazing movie
  By A1MULA6YXIKLIP on 2006-09-27
  This has to be one of my favorite gay-themed movies that I've recently bought. I was glad to have bought this because I had two bad movies in the mix with this one for my last purchase. It was a sigh of relief. The character that Chad Allen plays, Donald Strachey, is done wonderfully. He has this tough side that he uses for work as a P.I. dectective, but then when he comes home to Timothy, his partner, and becomes this sweet, caring, thoughtful, loving man that wants to just separate his work from home life.
  By taking on the task of protecting John Rutka, an outspoken gay activist, he soon realizes that some people aren't really who they say they are. He comes to find out that the type of person John Rutka is is really a man that believes that people should be honest about their sexuality, and doesnt see the harm in outing people when they haven't done so already themselves. We see that some politicans, tv actors, and a priest are really gay themselves, but do everything in their power to keep that part of them a secret and really just away from the press.
  I'm so glad that I bought this movie, you should defidently go and purchase this movie, it's worth your while. A++++
  
  
• Entertaining gay themed detective story
  By A3VIOCJZ22JZXT on 2006-10-30
  After seeing years upon years of detective shows, like "The Thin Man" , "Peter Gun", "Burke's Law" , "Columbo" or "CSI", it is very interesting to see a very gay interpretation of this genre.
  
  Chad Allen holds the center of attention as he tries to sort out the murder of his client, a journalist who specializes in 'outing' celebrities, priests, and politicians. Chad is supported in his work by a sophisticated and handsome life-partner, played by Sebastian Spence. This couple discusses the odds and ends of the detective's case over nightclub dancing and frequent martinis. Their clever banter and deliberation reminded me of Nick and Nora Charles in the "Thin Man" series.
  
  Because Chad Allen conducts most of the investigation and engages in most of the action without his partner, he reminded me of the old "Peter Gun" type of detective, getting beat up by thugs, rounded up by the police, and shot at periodically as he gets closer to the "truth".
  
  The client, played very well by Jack Wetherall (the superb uncle with AIDS in Queer as Folk), is on multiple hit-lists due to his ability to collect information on the man-on-man sexual activities of local politicians, Catholic priests, and entertainment celebrities. I found it interesting that the character played by Wetherall was regarded extremely poorly by Allen and his crowd. Politicians who vote against gay-rights legislation yet enjoy a hidden gay sex life should be exposed, in my opinion. Thus I sympathized with the character played by Wetherall.
  
  The theme of pedophile priests was also present but not really as well developed as the 'outing' aspect of the story.
  
  If there is any weakness, it is a screenplay whereby all the gay suspects spill their nelly beans when Chad Allen says "boo". Like in "Perry Mason", the suspects tell-all when the least bit of pressure is applied. One fellow secretly films all the sexual adventures in his hotel and sells the dirt on his clientele, yet he gives Allen all the information he needs when Allen threatens to smash a porcelain desk elephant.
  
  There is much masculine eye-candy in the film also. Woody Jeffreys plays Jack Wetherall's handsome young lover while muscle bound porno star Matthew Rush plays a porno star (go figure!) and provides the only full frontal nudity in the film.
  
  Overall it is a fun film, a gay satire on all the pseudo-sophisticated detective stories we watched as kids.
  
  
• Great Time for a Gay mystery
  By A14KSJFSWQ7YKX on 2007-01-27
  I liked the couple and the house problems. It makes the Gay family more realistic. Chad Allen did an amazing job as the detective.
  
  
• Loved the movie
  By A4S105H3YNL1X on 2007-03-20
  Loved this movie over all...weak in spots but it was all made up with the second movie. Buy it and add it to your collection today!
  
  
• Taking time out, for "Third Man..."
  By A27FR2C67JPDRS on 2007-03-23
  I'm not familiar with the book that this movie is based on, so I can't make a fair comparison of the two. This film, though not the same caliber as "Brokeback Mountain" and "Maurice", is still a decent addition into the genre of gay films and a fairly decent mystery film.
  
  Much of the film's success certainly is due to the likeablity of Chad Allen as Donald Strachey, a private eye who is hired by a loathesome man who's life is spent outing politicians and celebrities on his website. When the man turns up murdered, Strachey is unwillingly drawn in to the mystery of his death.
  
  QAF's Jack Wetherall does a fair job as the murdered man Strachey is originally hired to protect. Sean Young appears (barely) in a role that can't be considered more than a cameo role. And Sebastien Spence, as Donald's lover Tim, strives just a little too hard to prove that he's a friend of Dorothy---little white dog in tow each time he's in their apartment is just a little too much for me.
  
  The director could have upped the suspense factor a little and, if needed, tinkered more with the storyline and characters. Overall, however, its a decent movie. Now that the second of an apparent series is out, it will be interesting to see it and compare the two. Let's hope the director strives to improve on what could be an entertaining franchise. Worth a look.
  
  
• Which is more odious: A man who outs closeted gay hypocrites or drug company CEOs? Strachey helps us decide
  By A2GCHG6U8HTVIT on 2007-04-19
  Which would be worse if you're a gay detective based in Albany, New York...slugged in the kisser by an irate blonde who doesn't care for the photos you took of her husband or being called "Nancy-boy Drew" by the corrupt and catty manager of a hotel who secretly films the doings of some of the guests? Donald Strachey (Chad Allen) doesn't much care for either, but this is nothing compared to what he is about to get involved in. Fortunately, Strachey is a happily married man, or as close to it as a gay man can be. His partner, Timmy Callaghan (Sebastian Spence), is a smart, affectionate political assistant to an elected New York state assemblywoman. Strachey's latest case brings him a client that both he and Timmy are repulsed by.
  
  John Rutka (Jack Wetherall), an aging, self-righteous gay demagogue, publishes a cable expose program called The Rutka Report. In it he outs closet gays, especially well-known married public homophobes who promote family values and sponsor anti-gay legislation while secretly making nighttime visits to highway rest stops and wearing their leathers at, ah, small, intimate parties. After someone breaks into his home and shoots him in the leg, Rutka goes to Strachey for protection. Strachey turns him down. Outing people, Strachey and Timmy agree, is one of the lowest forms of human activity. But the need for Strachey to earn an income changes their minds. Even though Strachey has to hold his nose, he takes on the job. It's not long before a charred corpse turns up and is identified through dental records and that gunshot wound by the cops as Rutka. Strachey took the man's money; now he's determined to find the man's murderer. There are three prime candidates, one of whom Rutka was going to pick as the cover-boy for his next broadcast. From Rutka's files, Strachey identifies Ronnie Linklater, the host and star of a hugely popular children's television show who enjoys using his hand-puppets in unusual ways; Bruno Slinger, a powerful, anti-gay Congressman who thinks B&D without a little pain for his partner is for sissies; and a person Rutka identified only as "the ultimate hypocrite." From there, Strachey doggedly goes through piles of Rutka's documents, financial records and computer files. Along the way he visits sleazy motels, a Catholic church, a hospital and a funeral; he encounters Rutka's body-building partner, Rutka's foul-mouthed sister, an exercising granny who puts moves on him, and various tough guys who push him around and pistol whip him. He leaves one of them limping, after Timmy gets beaten up, by using a power nailer to plow a nail into the guy's foot. Strachey also visits a porn call-in site where the owner, Dik Steele, for a fee will talk to heavy breathing call-in chumps. Even Strachey looks put off a bit at the operators posing as Steele...balding, chubby males and grannies with deep voices, all pretending to be Dik Steele in the throes of ultimate passion. Kind of like internet sites. The conclusion carries a powerful and unexpected twist which some may like and some may not.
  
  Third Man Out is the first of what may be a series of Canadian cable movies featuring Chad Allen as Donald Strachey. The second, Shock to the System, was broadcast in 2006. It seemed to me that with Third Man Out, director and writer Ron Oliver was still in the process of finding the right balance between message and mystery. Oliver and Allen deal with a lot of issues here, some head on, some in passing, everything from hypocrisy, AIDs and the costs of AIDs medicine, the ethics of outing, gay relationships and on and on. For me, all these messages began getting in the way of the mystery, which I thought was well-constructed with clever false leads, good characters and a disturbing conclusion. With Shock to the System, I think Oliver found the formula that works...make sure you put the mystery first and keep the messages low-key. For readers, the Donald Strachey mysteries by Richard Stevenson, all eight of them, are worth buying. The plots are strong and Strachey makes for a believable, sometimes cocky private eye. They are solid mysteries that happen to feature a gay private detective; they're not simply gay mysteries.
  
  This is obviously a made-for-TV movie. Everything has that clean, careful TV look. The main characters do fine acting jobs but some of the secondary roles lack a little skill. There is one bonus feature, "Coming Out with the Cast and Crew," which I didn't watch. It comes down to this: Whether you enjoy the plot may depend on whether you see the ethics of outing as the same moral equivalent of being the CEO of a drug or insurance company. Tough call.
  
  
• Police show
  By A2JSUWO6SHAH4R on 2007-07-12
  Great movie line with great actors. It is nice to watch gay based flick with out all the 'sex' issues in your face. In this movie there is still a couple of nice shots of the male body in its glory, but very tastefully done.
  
  
• Pretty Good
  By A2A4MD6B5J9ICG on 2006-11-18
  It was a pleasure to see a gay Character in a non-traditional role, who did so well. They kept the skip real and included everyday aspects of a e relationsghip; the being together, the looking out for each other, you name it. Great Movie PLease see it.
  
  
• He's gay, he's a detective - 1940's gumshoe meets the 2000's gay man
  By A4XFOO76EOYPC on 2007-02-17
  I LOVE murder mysteries - and this is a nice example of a competent piece of work and an enjoyable mystery to watch.
  I LOVE gay-themed movies that show being gay is normal. And for that I liked this film, but it's not the only reason. Good acting, good story, believable relationship portrayal. Is this more believable because Chad Allen is GAY? Could be - whatever it is this is a good watch.
  I did like Chad Allen in this - he played it straight (not in the sense of denying he was gay), showing being married to the same sex is ok (which it damned well is), and you do all the normal stuff like renovating your home and loving your partner, openly dining in a nice restaurant and (horrors) dancing with them on the dance floor in public actually touching and looking like you are loving it.
  
  The atmosphere created within the movie with lighting and the story treatment reminds me of the old detective movies - and this is done deliberately. It has the feel of a 1940's detective story - with old fashioned foot work, fists at midnight (and all the other hours of the day) and quirky. The modern touch is added with the introduction of the male partner instead of the female moll. Loving it, I really am.
  
  If I am going to criticise - the ending of the detective story part was weak for me. It annoyed me quite frankly. But hey, that is just a small part of the satisfying whole. The ending of the movie is like a satisfied sigh.
  
  This is part of a series and the next one "Shock to the System" develops the characters and the storyline improves. In the next one you get to see the relationship mature, both the on-screen portrayal AND the obvious compatability of the main characters. Well worth a watch - I pull it out when there is nothing else I want to see...it satisfies, so does "Shock to the System".
  
  It is proving to be a nice series, and worth spending the time exploring.
  
  
• Good story line.
  By A3CNHCUIPTOG3Y on 2007-03-14
  I liked the story line. Didn't show a gay man in the sterotypical role. We need more movies that show us as normal gay couples. I really liked the movie, good drama but could have been better if Hollywood would put more money into movies like this.
  
  
• NO TRANSLATION REQUIRED
  By AL1WBEKIEPUPE on 2007-08-06
  Down through the years, I've been an intense fan of the Detective/Mystery "Film Noir" type of film. The very early: "Thin Man" films have always been favorites of mine. Up until viewing "Third Man out" which is based on a Donald Starchey novel, I've always had to translate the Detective/Mystery film that I was experiencing into my own particular lifestyle. Not with "Third Man out". It required NO translation on my part; it is a film that I can understand completely--a gay detective, a story about the murder of a rather radical gay activist with suspects ranging from closeted government officials, church hierarchy to the man's own partner. Added to this is a wonderful sound tract, a smoked filled night club with martinis, a "cool" jazz singer, a plot with many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, unsavory nasty looking characters, the question if it is right thing to do to "out" hypocritical powerful individuals or not and MOST OF ALL, wonderfully acted lead roles that are filled with very appealing actors.
  
  Chad Allen is simply great as a very tough gay detective that only shows his "soft side" in dealing with his partner as played so marvelously and with lots of humor by Sebastian Prince. In fact, all of the actors in this film are wonderful. I particularly liked Jack Wetheral (the uncle in "Queer as Folks") as the "gay activist".
  
  I truly loved this film and have ordered the next one!
  
  
  
• Gay Detective Swings Wide
  By A9TG2NFA614S9 on 2007-07-08
  Third Man Out is a low-budget flick on DVD about a gay private eye in Albany New York, who gets entangled in the murder of a gay activist who is outing well-known people in the community. The activist has made a number of enemies. The flick has a lot of clichés, phony-sounding dialogue, some frontal nudity, hackneyed situations, weak acting, and occasional stabs at humor. The detective is of the hard-boiled variety who bullies confessions out of witnesses. This movie may be a break-through for future gay crime dramas that have more artistic merit. It's a diverting piece of fluff for a rainy afternoon if you're short of good books to read.
  Nine Lives Too Many
  The Daemon in Our Dreams
  The Rice Queen Spy
  
  
• wonderful surprise
  By A2GS87UAMOXW02 on 2007-11-24
  This novel turned out to be a wonderful surprise. From page one it was obvious that Richard Stevenson has an excellent command of the English language. I'd given up reading much fiction lately because the level of capability of the storyteller (not to mention the careless editing) to write simple, clear sentences along with a good plot was obviously too much to expect.
  
  Even better, further reading revealed a plot well plotted, text well and truly stripped of excess verbiage, great characters, humour in unexpected places, and a very interesting storyline that was not clichéd. What more could one ask?
  
  
  
  
• Donald Strachey
  By A2X4WZHD1Q17T1 on 2008-01-10
  The first of the Donald Strachey series and I have to say, really great movie. Third Man Out introduces us to the First Gay Private Investigator Donald Strachey played by Chad Allen. A very moving and indepth story with many subplots all connecting to the major theme of this story. The cast was well picked with nice surprises. Enjoy this film and then check out Shock to The System.
  
  
• a little shaky but overall wonderful
  By A7H5R4AIXYVRX on 2008-03-06
  I love this series of films so far. The acting is a little sub-par in a few places, but I am gobsmacked with the relationship between Donald and Timmy. I think they are lovely, witty and charming.
  
  I really enjoy the idea that these films are about gay people but aren't about being gay. I appreciate that while they aren't scared to show romance and intimacy, they don't feel the need to be pornographic to do it.
  
  I like Third Man Out, but I thought the next one was better. I definitely recommend this series.
  
  
• Good story - poor acting
  By A2PJFEM9YTI89N on 2006-09-16
  I never read the novel, but it seems as if the story could be sort of interesting. The bad thing is that the acting in this movie is mostly poort. Chad Allen is by far the best actor in the group, but it just seems so "Murder She Wrote" at times that you just have to laugh at how the actors deliver their lines.
  
  
• Gay Detective Mystery
  By A17BMKNH9MA3CT on 2006-11-04
  I hope that more of this series will be published on DVD for those of us who cannot watch them on the broadcasters network - being in the UK and all. Not often you get to watch a gay detective movie.
  
  
• Third Man Out
  By A1WNGARFUGJJMY on 2006-11-06
  This movie has a list of very good actors . By including Outed Gay actor Chad Allen in the lead you can almost guarantee quality. This movie moves swiftly and does not bog down in any part. A well crafted tale based on a novel.I can only hope more of this series of books is made into a movie such as this.
  
  
• A little disappointing...other than Chad Allen...
  By A283RV05QVUTVI on 2007-01-20
  who is great and who almost (almost!) saves this film from the realm of not-quite-makin'-it.
  
  I can't quite put my finger on it, except the plot, interesting and full at first, spins farther and farther out of control until it completely disintegrates at the end.
  
  I was also annoyed at the brown-ish hues and fake-feeling nostalgic nods to the early 1930's, super-imposed on the present day. This film tries to be something it's not. It didn't work for me.
  
  And it's too long with too many twists and unnecessary characters who behave in really strange and annoying ways.
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed Chad Allen and his character and the scenes with his husband, which were clearly a joy for him to film. The featurette (on the DVD) with the director and primary actors is also noteworthy, and possibly more interesting than whole portions of the film.
  
  So, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. This is a film worth seeing for the ambitious and, at times, successful moments and characters, and simply for Chad Allen. Plus, there will be another movie, and we'll hope it only gets better. My guess is it will.
  
  

• Shock to the System: A Donald Strachey Mystery
• Dante's Cove
• Dante's Cove - The Complete Second Season
• Another Gay Movie
• Shelter