Mister Jerico

I'm sure I remember first watching this film in a cinema on holiday in probably Blackpool or Scarborough in 1970 or 1971 when I was 10 or 11 as the second feature below a lovely family entertainment film called "The Amazing Mr Blunden", although my memory could be playing tricks as they hardly seem complementary. Recalling it with affection, I nevertheless decided to track it down and rewatch it again, but as so often with revisiting childhood memories, with the experience or even slight cynicism of older age, it doesn't quite stand up to scrutiny.

What struck me over the title sequence was the plethora of parties who worked with star Patrick MacNee on his then recent hit show "The Avengers", including the writer, director, producer and musical director, even the titles themselves are in the familiar Avengers font. I was almost anticipating a cameo from Diana Rigg or Linda Thorson for good measure. The story is light as befits MacNee's acting style, he's a globetrotting con-man who with his girl-watching little side-kick, Marty Burns, seeks to part mega-rich Herbert Lom's tycoon from his money over a valuable diamond he wants to possess. This all takes place in the Mediterranean sun, so we get to see lots of shots of fetching young girls in mini-skirts and bikinis (usually with Burns' eyes following them as they stroll by) and MacNee out of his Steed-tweeds and instead lolling about in lilac floral shirts, unmatching canary yellow slacks topped off with a cravat. His rival for the stone is Connie Stevens in let's say a variety of guises and with some minor twists and turns they both at least partially achieve their goal.

I found it easy, watchable, if very dated entertainment. MacNee and Stevens are good value and Lom plays with his usual aplomb, although I could have done without the casual sexism displayed towards women throughout. Written by Avengers regular scripter Philip Broadley, I preferred the late Brian Clemens edgier and more imaginative screenplays for the show. I gather this was a pilot for a non-existent TV series and can see why it didn't take off but it might have made for a pleasant diversion on a rainy day in a UK holiday resort, back in the day...which is where I came in...

I was an extra in this movie . I didn't do much just walked about in the background I was a bit star struck. The first one I did .. I was in Malta and the scene in the airport. I've never seen it so if anyone has a copy I would love to see me at about 20 Patrick Mcnee was a really nice man and spent time chatting to us all. Wish I bought a copy then, but didn't, did a few other films whilst I was in Malta and involved in am dram Patrick mcnee didn't speak his lines, so I think the whole thing was dubbed, or put in later I remember I got paid £7 for a days filming... back then it was good money all my friends were earning £7 a week

Super fun film, though on paper the plot can seem a bit redundant, watching it was actually really entertaining and I didn't get the twists till the end. It was really cool to see all the vintage styling and furniture etc too. Good acting and music. I enjoyed the whole film. Some parts are a bit unrealistic like the gun fire and why Russo would even work with a well known con man to begin with or tell him all his secrets but hey, that's Hollywood for you!!! Haha!

A little bit won't satisfy him That's why he takes from everyone As they pass by him Yes, they're pleased they know Mr. Jericho Beware my friend I'm warning you Behind that smile lives a devil You can't tell He hides it well But deep inside him, he revels in the game he plays The lion's share is what he's after But you forget before the wine And midnight laughter Soon as he says, "Hello "My name's Mr. Jericho"

I was pretty amazed to see here a product pulled by the whole - at least nearly - the AVENGERS series crew. See for yourself; Pat McNee, Julian Wintle producer, Laurie Johnson for the musical score, Philip Levene as writer, Brian Clemens screenwriter...Only the ladies such as Diana Rigg and Linda Thorson missed of course, even as simple cameos...Such a shame. This adventure story could easily have been a pilot for a series...The whole light swindle story, atmosphere which reminds CATCH A THIEF show starring Bob Wagner, is pretty obvious for this era, late sixties...A good time waster for old timers as me. And I also forgot Sid Hayers, the director, who also participated in the AVENGERS odyssey...All my youth suddenly emerged.