The Film Rainy Sundays Were Made For

Rating: 8/10 (6 June 2004)

I grew up with this movie. It forms part of my basic makeup. I have seen it so often I think I may actually have been in the movie in another life.
The most expensive movie of it's time, it makes its mark by squeezing as much derring-do out of the stirring book as possible, bringing in major stars (Eastwood, Burton, bundles of great British actors and actresses) and throwing all of it into a wonderfully ridiculous plot, involving triple-crosses and misinformation for everyone in sight.
Some great, great action sequences (the cable car, the bus escape), some wonderfully wooden dialogue down at ye friendly local hostelry "zum wilden Hirsch", and some great work by the stuntmen(seeing Burton was more than a little overweight by then, I still find it a long stretch to imagine him doing more than staying in the pub).
The plot itself is not really important, they just don't make movies like this any more! To believe it, get hold of the disc and watch the original "making-of". A more portentous piece of self important nonsense you are not likely to see, but that is what gives this whole thing such charm.
Throw in a by now quasi-anthemic soundtrack (whoever has seen this film can never forget the opening sequence as the Junkers come puttering towards the camera) and you have boys' heaven.
8 out of 10!