Suspense and Action Played to the Hilt

Rating: 8/10 (29 May 2001)

Anyone who takes this movie seriously has got to have a bad case of adultitis. This is typical Alistair McClean with all the plot twists and set ups that are completely unbelievable, but if you are not expecting anything more it is one of the most enjoyable of action flicks. I recently saw it in letterbox on TCM in a good print and with good sound. The Godwin score, very Shostakovitch in tone, is one of the most exhilarating ever composed for a film with it's march tempo theme punctuating each great escape. The cinematography is rather dark and sullen, but that is part of the atmosphere of the film. Richard Burton was coming off a downsided career and turns in a typical Burton intense portrayal. Clint Eastwood is perfect for the stupefied American who isn't quite sure what he got himself into (a bit of sly comedy at the end when he tells Burton he'd prefer to be left out of the next jaunt). Mary Ure was unknown and remained virtually unknown, but puts a nice twist on her characterization as the female accomplice. All the cast is excellent and the direction by Brian Hutton who also directed "Kelly's Heroes" is taught and moves forward at a breakneck pace with only a few lulls. All in all, a ride on a movie roller coaster one can't deny is very well put together.