24 Hours to Kill

Very much a film of its time. Mid-60s, exotic location, imported American stars, glamorous European women and unconvincing fight scenes. I thought I might last ten minutes watching this whilst putting up the Xmas decorations but I ended up watching the whole thing. The reason for that was the excellent direction by Peter Bezencenet and a great turn by the always watchable Michael Medwin. Considering how well directed this film is, I'm surprised to find that Bezencenet only directed four films, and only one after this film.

At two hours (including commercials) it did feel a little on the long side. But the locations, the dresses, the sharp suits, hairstyles and the oblique plot makes for worthwhile viewing.

Despite the exotic location, tried-and-tested leading actor and bevy of beautiful European actresses, 24 HOURS TO KILL is a real chore to sit through. It's a spy thriller produced on the cheap by Harry Alan Towers, shot in Beirut when it was still considered an exotic holiday destination (although that perception was to change, somewhat considerably, in the 1980s!).

The main actor is former Tarzan Lex Barker, who appears as a pilot whose holiday is cut short when he becomes involved in a conspiracy storyline involving fellow crew member Mickey Rooney. What follows is a slightly Bond-style with lots of location photography, glamorous women appearing in bikinis, and a handful of fist fights to keep things rolling along. Unfortunately it's all rather stately, slow, and uninvolving, with little to recommend it other than the scenery. It's one of those films you end up forgetting about just five minutes after watching.

When a passenger plane makes an emergency landing in Beirut, the pilot, Jamie Faulkner (Lex Barker) and his crew become caught up in criminal activity. Faulkner quickly discovers that his co-pilot (Mickey Rooney) is involved, and that his fellow crooks have reason to be extremely angry with him.

24 HOURS TO KILL is a rather slow-paced "thriller". There are several points where it seems as though something intriguing or exciting is about to happen, only to result in the opposite.

Barker does his best with the tepid material, while Rooney spends his time looking pensive and suspicious by turns. Modern action film-lovers will find few enthralling moments here. It's not terrible, just don't expect a James Bond movie...

Really good movie except the Production Flaws!

First Rate plot a 60's Bond movie without a Bond!

Biggest mistake was not Getting John Barry or anyone to put a soundtrack behind it. Really needed tension in soundtrack to get a viewer on edge.

50's Tarzan wasn't going to do it The girls except Marla Rhom more suited for Bonds girl. The other eye candy were fashion model we're ok as Bond Girls Slezak is too likeable as the villain. He as his girls too! Chauffeur "Rohm" should have been Bonds girl Rooney does good job as pathological liar

Any script Writer looking for a plot to redo?

Need different locations while Film used Excellent Ancient scenery as back drop, it's been ruined by civil war.

Had all the elements failed execution.

A passenger plane is forced to make an emergency landing in Beirut. The plane needs 24 hours to make repair. Norman Jones (Mickey Rooney) gets entangled with a murderous smuggling ring.

The movie is a bit of a mess. The directing is weak. The opening landing should be a lot more exciting. I guess the lady screaming into the cockpit is suppose to be that. I don't like Norman and I don't really care about his predicament. The only truly compelling aspect is seeing this city, this culture, and this country before it gets destroyed by the civil war. Maybe it serves as a reminder of the time and place.