Penny Gold

It's a British murder mystery movie. It's not bad, though it's also not great; it tells a good story, though without being particularly engaging. Though modestly satisfying, the content feels less grabbing and noteworthy than the basics of the film's craft. Filming locations are fine and fetching, and set design and decoration no less so. I appreciate Jack Cardiff's direction, his keen eye for arranging shots and scenes, and for that matter the scene writing contributes a suitable level of tension and mystery to any given moment. I think the cast is fairly solid - yet with that having been said, what stands out the most to me about 'Penny Gold' is the appearance of Francesca Annis. Beautiful, smart, and charming in her own right, Annis is given an opportunity to demonstrate welcome range and nuance, not least of all for rather having two roles here instead of just one. If there is a singular reason to watch this feature, Annis is it, as her performance is frankly commanding.

I'm divided on John Scott's score, as some themes seem very fitting for the mood of a given scene, while in many other instances it's overly playful - for example, during the opening credits, as police examine and move the body of a murder victim. Characters are given just enough personality and varied motivations to feel real, and breathe some life into the narrative. I think the movie is well made - and, happily, in the last third of the length a spark of thrilling vigor is summoned that revitalizes the picture, constituting all the terrific value that 'Penny Gold' has to offer. This last stretch, leading into the climax and ending, is sharp and brilliant, and significantly boosts my overall opinion. I just wish that the rest of the feature were so absorbing, for the first two-thirds just don't make much of an impression. The result is that the title feels uneven; it's enjoyable, but just not quite as stimulating a cinematic experience as one would hope.

Recommendable above all for utmost fans of the cast, or of British murder mysteries, there's nothing so dazzling about this as to make it an essential must-see. It's not that there's any one specific fault about it - although the very, very end is a tad contrived - only that too much of the runtime passes by without actively getting one's attention. Still, when all is said and done it's ultimately entertaining, and worthwhile on its merits. You don't need to go out of your way for 'Penny Gold,' but if you happen upon it, it's a decent way to spend 90 minutes.

The British film industry was dying on its feet when this film was made in the early seventies.The fact that it was directed by Jack Cardiff speaks volumes.Anyone can see the basic premise of the plot after only about 10 minutes.So there isn't a lot of suspense merely an interest as to how the plot unravels.Booth seems to be doing an imitation of Jack Regan but despite the car chase and the rough handling of suspects this is no "Sweeny".Penelope Keith is seen in a small role before her rise to fame.This is the sort of film that was far more at home on the TV screens than on the cinema screen.At the end of the day this is little more than a potboiler.

This had all the ingredients to be a great film, but sadly it ultimately falls a bit short of the mark.

It follows the investigation into a young woman's murder in the opening scenes, and the pursuit of a priceless stamp which seems to be connected to her death - the Penny Gold.

There's a excellent cast, including the gorgeous Francesca Annis in the lead role, and also James Booth as a rumpled detective who soon gets on the case.

The story does become a bit muddled and unfocused, although things pick up a bit towards the end as the deception is finally uncovered.

Apart from Francesca (who plays a set of identical twins here), the best part of the film for me was all the location filming, unusual for a British film from this era. It's wonderful to see the streets of Windsor and Eton as they were in thr early 70s, as well as Pinewood's Heatherden Hall and grounds.

It certainly helps to give the film so realism and grittiness, and it must have felt quite fresh and moddish at the time.

But, considering the prestige of the director, this is sadly where the film falls a bit flat - the direction just doesn't create much suspense or real tension, and fails to translate quite an intriguing and twisty story to the big screen.

Having said that, it certainly has lots of early 70s charm, and it's fun spotting all the famous faces and locations. The ending, when you get there, is clever and worth waiting for too.

This could have been made at Merton Park ten years earlier, but for it being in colour, the graphic description of the injuries suffered by the murder victim and the annoying 70's-style music score by John Scott. Several other reviewers have commented on the fact that it is possible to see the final 'twist' coming almost as soon as the credits are over; although part of the fun is working out the 'how' and 'why' since the 'what' is already so obvious.

Shot in wintry London locations (particularly at and around Windsor), it's attractive to look at; but considering that it was directed by Britain's top Technicolor cameraman of the forties & fifties, it's constant reliance on zooms comes as a letdown.

Francesca Annis gives quite a performance as a pair of identical twin sisters, Delphi and Diane. They are complete opposites in personalities and lifestyles. When Diane is murdered, everybody is a suspect especially Delphi who deals with rare stamps. The film is satisfactory even with a stellar cast. They filmed on location in England. Jack Cardiff tried his hand at directing. The film is a decent effort. The mystery does have some twists especially at the end of the film. I wished the film had a better ending. I would have liked to know what happened to the main characters in the aftermath. James Booth plays detective in the film. I enjoy seeing other British actors and actresses like Nicky Henson, Joss Ackland, Una Stubbs, a young Dame Penelope Keith before she became a television star.