Rod_Z

I really must disagree with the earlier comment - whilst this might not be at the forefront of cutting edge comedy, i can think of many so called "comedies" that in no way raise as many laughs as this one does..and after all, isn't that the idea of a comedy - its aim is to make you laugh, this might be at the lower end of the sophistication ladder but it sure raised some belly laughs from me..not everyones cup of tea as they say, and the "crude" accusation cannot be denied - but i give it B+ for effort..Anthony Cotton and Sarah Moffett the co-writers also star in the show, and although it looks like it has died a death on the little seen BBC3 I hope its given a chance at a life beyond the backwater of digital limbo...

I so concur with the previous review - this is a TERRIBLE movie, badly acted, produced and appears to have been made with the most minuscule budget imaginable....Avoid unless you suffer from severe insomnia, this could do the trick....F.Murray Abraham must have been really short of work to have got involved, at least he got a trip to Peru. I see Gwyneth Gibby directed - also responsible for the dreadful "Nightfall" and "Black Scorpion" so it wasn't a mistake... The plot - such as it is - Involves an American photojournalist (Cyril O'Reilly) on assignment in South America to cover a visit from the pope, enter revolutionary guerilla's, despotic leader and an active volcano! This could have been at least entertaining in the right hands, but sadly misses on all fronts..

I first saw this film many years ago when a teenager and remember being riveted by Robert Mitchums character (and a little scared!)surely one of his best performances - The whole film has a magical quality to it and reverberates between drama, pathos and even humour..Charles Laughton surely would have gone on to direct more excellent films, this being his only directorial effort, but what an effort. Everything from the stunning black and white photography to the acting from an excellent cast make this a joy...Why Oh Why did they attempt to remake this with Richard Chamberlain.....There is NO comparison see this and realise what perfect filming is all about... (And Lilian Gish as well!)