The Borgia Stick

After the present-day funeral of Don Murray (as Thomas "Tom" Harrison) and Inger Stevens (as Evelyn "Evie" Finch), we flashback to see their story… The attractive married couple is set-up in suburban New York by a Mafia-like organization called "The Company" (explained in the script as a more modern term for "The Syndicate"). Mr. Murray (once Andrew "Andy" Mitchell) was recruited due to some embezzlement problems, and Ms. Stevens (once Ellen Coogan) was into drugs and a street gang. Basically, Murray's job is to launder money while Stevens provides bedside manner...

Trouble begins when Murray decides he wants the life he is pretending to lead. Envying neighbor Barry Nelson (as Hal Carter) and his growing family, Murray declares his love for Stevens and desire to have children; moreover, Murray wants to leave "The Company". As you might imagine, this isn't going to be easy. Stevens frighteningly refuses. Then, Murray's cover is threatened when a man from his past arrives on the scene. Sensing the man (whom you'll recognize as Ralph Waite from "The Waltons") is a threat, Murray must report him to "Company" leader Fritz Weaver (as Anderson)...

"The Borgia Stick" is a well-produced NBC-TV movie from 1967. Its quality and success helped return made-for-TV dramas to popularity; a 1950s staple, the TV drama had been replaced by theatrical films. But, by the late 1960s, the television-produced "Movie of the Week" was a ratings winner. Murray and Stevens are excellent; they are allowed a lot of natural, sexy chemistry. Producer Richard Lewis, writer A.J. Russell, and director David Lowell Rich would have been a winning team, if "Emmy Awards" had their categories intact. The crew re-teamed for "A Lovely Way to Die" (1968).

Some combination of this crew of New York City filmmakers might have familiar with a certain afternoon TV thriller - or, they must have used the same agency. For whatever reasons, they employed (at least) six "Dark Shadows" (circa 1966-1968) TV players in not only "The Borgia Stick" but also "A Lovely Way to Die". That's more than producer Dan Curtis allowed in the average episode of the supernatural serial. Herein catch (then) "DS-regulars" Hugh Franklin and Dana Elcar along with semi-regulars or bit players Conrad Bain, House Jameson, Barnard Hughes, and Ed Crowley – all in living color.

******** The Borgia Stick (2/25/67) David Lowell Rich ~ Don Murray, Inger Stevens, Barry Nelson, Fritz Weaver

I saw this film in the late '60. It was made about four decades before Enron. I would have liked to do a plot summary but just don't recall it that well. What I do recall was that the subject matter was quite scary when the McGuffin was finally revealed at the end. Inger Steven and Don Murray were a typical suburban couple caught up into somethings way beyond their understanding. The story revolved around them not having any idea about what it was that they knew. And what did they know? Organized crime having so much money decided to buy into or buy up legitimate corporations and businesses. That wasn't unusual because that seems to be the way of the world in many quarters, but this story had unique twist, i.e., the crime families were going to buy up utilities, railroad, water, etc., to eventually monopolize them. It seemed to me that in the film they discussed that there eventually would be shortages either real or contrived. When that happened, they would be able to set or control the prices of necessities to any amount they wanted and no one could do anything about it. In 2008, the Borgia Stick has proved to be more fact than fiction except that the organize crime people today wear more expensive suits and attend the right schools. It was a great film that need to be out on DVD.

I, too, remember watching this as a teenager from the 60's. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its viewing and has stayed with me all of these years. A not-to-be-missed thriller if it ever is released. This movie is as good as any I have seen recently and better than most. It lacked the blood and guts of today, but left a lasting impression because you used your imagination. Viewers who enjoy thrillers, spy movies, intrigue with twists and turns would be pleased with this choice. If I remember correctly, it was in black and white, but that would only add to its appeal today. Inger Stevens was a great and multi- talented actress who is sadly missed. I searched high and low to find a copy of this exciting movie to share with friends, but without any luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to request a release?

Why oh why is this not available for purchase. It exceeds anyones' wildest idea of tension,mystery and drama. The concept of the everyday man being caught in a web of intrigue has been done may times but never better than this.The cast is superb and Fritz Weaver excels .Can someone find this movie and release for all to see. I only caught it one night many years ago by chance but the experience was without parallel.Surely who ever made this or owns the rights can see the untold gratitude of so many people to repeat their pleasure and for those who have not seen it to witness a taught story with incredible twists and turns,imitated since but never bettered.Don Murray and the late Inger Stevens portray sensitively and unbelievingly ,initially ,the couple caught in this Web and Barry Nelson contributes valiantly.Someone out there do your stuff

I was one of the few that had seen this movie when it came out in 1967. I was 14 years old when it came out and can only remember bits and pieces now. I have looked on and off for forty years to see if it was ever re-released. It never was to my knowledge. This movie made such an impression on me that has lasted four decades. I don't know who is in charge of releasing this to DVD, but it should be done and done quickly. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat till the very end. What a great movie. To all those who missed out, I'm sorry for you. The only way we will ever see this great flick again is to put pressure on the movie and TV industry to release it.