New York Expreß

A New York psychiatrist , Dr. Bartholomew Snow (Rock Hudson) is inveigled by General Prat (Jack Warden) and his operatives into treating a disturbed scientist whose discoveries are fundamental to the Cold War effort and who is held in a secret location necessitating a blindfold for the shrink on route , but sinister surprises lurk in the dark. He then engages in a thorny espionage with noted scientist (Alejandro Rey) wanted by certain foreign powers, later on , international terrorists intervene , Hudson soon finds himself caught in the middle and out of desperation, he joins with the boffin's showgirl sister , Vicky Vincenti (Claudia Cardinale) who also happens to be a brave and fiery woman, both of whom attempt to retrace his steps and save the day . As Bartholomew stubbornly retraces his route by means of clues and sounds to discover the actual source of the original location. Then a trailing cop (Brad Dexter) and his chief (Robert F. Simon) enter the fray . Living Dangerously . . . And loving every minute of it!. Bullets and Brunettes...in a Blind Alley 15 miles wide, 2,000 miles long and 20 high...and time running out !. Deadly...Dangerous...The Game is...Blindfold...The less you see...the longer you live...when you're wrapped in the danger of Blindfold..Behind the Blindfold is the greatest security trap ever devised. A blind alley paved with deadly danger!

An acceptable and twisted thriller/comedy with explosive conflict of world-shattering espionage , including suspense , intriguing events , twists and turns . It displays a charming cast , but the uneven filmmaking falters in film that wavers from mystery , thriller, action-packed to comedy . It contains inappropriate slapstick scenes and some fights in Terence Hill/Bud Spencer style seem incongrous . Main ans support cast are pretty well . Rock Hudson gives a sympathetic acting in his usual style as a psychiatrist treating patients with emotional problems who's solicited by government agents in connection with a former one. While Claudia Cardinale as his beautiful partner is extremely sympathetic and really gorgeous.they are finely supported by nice and familar secondaries providing stunning interpretations , such as : Jack Warden , Guy Stockwell, Brad Dexter , Anne Seymour , Alejandro Rey, Hari Rhodes, Vito Scotti , Angela Clarke , Mort Mills , Robert F. Simon. And brief apperances , almost extras , from Bruce Glover , Charles Horvath, Roy Jenson , Chuck Roberson, Norman Alden, among others.

It displays lively and thrilling musical score by veteran composer Lalo Schifrin . Colorful cinematography in Technicolor by the splendid director of photography by Joseph MacDonald . Shot on location in Ocala, Florida , New York City, and Universal Studios California . The motion picture was uneven and professionally directed by Philip Dunne , though he seems to have trouble sustaining it , lapsing into thudding comedy and silly action. Distinguised screenwriter Dunne had also made ten movies in the former decade before his career came to an almighty stop with this mediocre but at times decent thriller. Dunne was one of the founders of the American Screen Writer's Guild and along with director William Wyler and John Huston, he formed the Committee for the First Amendment to protest the procedures of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Dunne was an expert writer , getting some successes , such as Anne of the Indians , Sinuhé, the Egyptian , The Robe , Martin the Gaucho , Pinky , David and Betsabe , The Ghost and Mrs Muir , Demetrius and the Gladiators , Lydia Bailey . And he directed some movies as Blindfold , El inspector , Wild in the Country , 10, calle Frederick , Three Brave Men , Hilda Crane , The view from Pompey's Head . Blindfold(1966) rating : 5.5/10. Acceptable and passsable flick, but neither notable , nor extraordinary , but mildly decent . The pic will appeal to Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale fans .

"Blindfold" is based on a 1960 novel of the same title by Lucille Fletcher. Not having read the book, but from what little I could find out about it, my guess is that it was a straight mystery story of espionage, crime and action. In other words, no comedy. This film is billed as a comedy first, and with its opening and script it's obviously intended to be that. Rock Hudson's New York psychiatrist, Dr. Bartholomew Snow, is about to lose fiancé number six and get number seven. Where the action and skullduggery get a little heavy, one might begin to wonder about this; but then a light touch appears. So, there are things like a mule to ride through a swamp, mannequins that serve as decoys, and such.

Some reviewers saw similarity to Hitchcock thrillers. I'll grant a little bit of a touch of Hitchcock, but it would be a far stretch to compare this with the likes of "North by Northwest." One thing that stood out is this film's bit of satire. The scenes with Dr. Snow trying to get through the various American security and intelligence agencies and running into brick walls are funny.

Most of the characters have something about them that doesn't appear too serious, so the humorous undertone of the film is always apparent, even in the kidnapping and interrogation scenes. So, this never gets to the point of a griping mystery or very exciting action thriller. The romance aspect is almost an afterthought. There isn't much chance for that to take hold with all the scurrying about that goes on.

The screenplay seems a little choppy or disjointed in a couple of places. The cast are all good, but no one stands out as above average. Anne Seymour, as Dr. Snow's receptionist and secretary, Smitty, provides half the humor. She seemed to have an air of enjoying or having fun making the movie. The action or thrill scenes are okay and somewhat interesting, but really quite lame or tame compared even to the standard fare.

This isn't a film to watch if one is looking for lots of laughs or a comedy to enjoy. Or if one wants an edge-of-seat mystery or fast and furious action thriller. Rock Hudson and Claudia Cardinale are in other films that have very good comedy. And Bruce Willis or Tom Cruise would have a slew of edge-of-seat action films one might choose. But, for a rainy afternoon or relaxing evening, fans of these actors at least might enjoy this film.

Here are the best lines in the movie.

Dr. Bartholomew Snow, on the phone with fiancé number six, "She said what? She said all psychiatrists are nuts, did she? Well, let me tell you something about your mother..." She hangs up.

Smitty, "Oh, um, you'll like Mr. Fitzpatrick - typical Madison avenue syndrome." Dr. Snow, "I'll make the diagnosis, Miss Smith." Smitty, "Yes, doctor."

Dr. Snow, with maudlin music in the background, "Miss Smith - just because I have suffered several disappointments, you seem to be under the impression that I am intolerably shallow. On the contrary, it is precisely the warmth of my emotions that causes all these... difficulties. Mine's a... tender spirit... Eager for love.... Easily Wounded." Smitty, who has been working on records at her desk, "Yes, doctor. Just don't bleed on the rug."

This is a pleasant mystery thriller with some light comedic moments and as such is typical of a lot of movies made in the same period of the middle to late sixties, most with one word titles such as this one has. Partly inspired by the popularity of the stylish "Charade" of a few years earlier, and more obviously influenced by Hitchcock, this is a mixed group of films with often middle aged or lesser known actors in the lead. This one has a biggie: Rock Hudson. He plays a psychiatrist with the wonderfully slick, Hollywoodish name of Bartholomew Snow, who gets in trouble up to his ears and, more to the point, eyeballs, when one of his patients turns out to be a prominent scientist who's being trailed some rather unsavory characters.

Hudson's ably supported by the luscious Claudia Cardinale, and the two make a very attractive couple. Also good is the late Jack Warden in a key role, and Guy Stockwell as a man who stutters. There's really no need to go much further into the plot except to say if one is in the mood for stylish, anodyne entertainment, this is a good one to catch. It has good credentials, too: directed by Philip Dunne, from a Lucille Fletcher story, photographed by the legendary Joe MacDonald. Though not on the Hitchcock level, the movie exudes class. While I wouldn't call this a brilliant film, it never insult the viewer's intelligence.

I saw this movie many years ago and yet I have never forgot it. If it comes out on DVD I will probably buy it since Rock Hudson, Claudia Cardinale, and Jack Warden did good characterizations. The sets and music add to the suspense. The movie moves along and has some interesting moments like when Rock Hudson tries to relocate the place he was taken blindfolded. Interesting how geese and people laughing sound similar. This one is rarely on TV so rent it if you can or buy it.

Strongly influenced by Alfred HItchcock's spy thrillers ("north by northwest" " the man who knew too much"...etc) ,"Blindfold " shares with them the same vagueness as far as the political stakes are concerned. There are villains who kidnapped a scientist ,period.Sometimes ,the viewer does not know who the villains are anymore.And the movie shows some humor ,when it seems everything is unauthorized and when the cop lies down on the psychiatrist's coach.Besides the movie is proof positive that mules are clever .Claudia Cardinale keeps her slightly hoarse voice (apart from Italian,she is also fluent in French) and her pairing with Hudson is odd,but why not?The movie is never dull and although it is far-fetched to a fault -Hudson finding the way back to the House - it's good entertainment .

But if you have not seen Hudson's precedent movie -one of his favorites- " Seconds"(Frankenheimer) ,made the same year,you'd better choose that one.