27 समीक्षाएं
Yul Brynner is "The Double Man" in this 1967 spy film also starring Britt Ekland, Clive Revill, Moira Lister, and Lloyd Nolan.
Brynner is Dan Slater, a CIA agent who travels to Austria after the death of his teenage son in a skiing accident. It's been written off as an accident, but Slater isn't convinced. He asks a former undercover agent (Clive Revill) for help, but ends up doing most of the investigating himself and soon realizes that this was no accident. But to what end? Slater stays in Austria hoping to figure out what the plan is, and who has initiated it and why. He eventually meets Gina (Ekland) after several attempts at meeting her on the slopes. Gina had seen his son on the lift.
The plot is soon revealed, leading to a dangerous confrontation.
Pretty good, with an excellent performance by Brynner as a cold, hard man who shows no emotion and perhaps feels none. Also, the scenery is gorgeous, as is Britt Ekland, at the height of her beauty here.
Someone here mentioned that the glossy spoofs are better remembered today, and perhaps that poster is correct. However, I don't think there's too much remarkable here. It's a serviceable film with a very intrusive music score.
See it for Brynner's performance.
Brynner is Dan Slater, a CIA agent who travels to Austria after the death of his teenage son in a skiing accident. It's been written off as an accident, but Slater isn't convinced. He asks a former undercover agent (Clive Revill) for help, but ends up doing most of the investigating himself and soon realizes that this was no accident. But to what end? Slater stays in Austria hoping to figure out what the plan is, and who has initiated it and why. He eventually meets Gina (Ekland) after several attempts at meeting her on the slopes. Gina had seen his son on the lift.
The plot is soon revealed, leading to a dangerous confrontation.
Pretty good, with an excellent performance by Brynner as a cold, hard man who shows no emotion and perhaps feels none. Also, the scenery is gorgeous, as is Britt Ekland, at the height of her beauty here.
Someone here mentioned that the glossy spoofs are better remembered today, and perhaps that poster is correct. However, I don't think there's too much remarkable here. It's a serviceable film with a very intrusive music score.
See it for Brynner's performance.
- Theo Robertson
- 22 नव॰ 2011
- परमालिंक
- dbdumonteil
- 2 फ़र॰ 2011
- परमालिंक
A ruthless CIA agent arrives at an Alps ski paradise to track down his son's deadly accident he thinks is really murder, and finds himself in a complex web of intrigue.
Well-staged, quite surprising minor Cold War espionage with magnificent snow-bound photography and exciting action sequences, hampered by bursts of gratuitous violence and an unpleasant hero.
Well-staged, quite surprising minor Cold War espionage with magnificent snow-bound photography and exciting action sequences, hampered by bursts of gratuitous violence and an unpleasant hero.
- Smalling-2
- 13 जून 2000
- परमालिंक
A pretty solid little spy thriller; it's never as intelligent as the "Ipcress File", but it's far superior to its two sequels, for example. No great shakes here, but the combination of an intriguing story, great cinematography, good Brynner performance(s) and Schaffner's adequate direction leads to a thoroughly passable time-filler.
Passable spy thriller that's a disappointment considering the talent on display. While it isn't a dud, there's nothing particularly outstanding about it and it emerges as a fairly routine and forgettable film.
There are some enjoyable aspects to the film however. I admired Yul Brynner for delivering a lead character that was so uncompromising, cold and ruthless while he was hardly an admirable hero he was believable and convincing and therefore more interesting as a character. I'm sure if this film were made today the character would've had some more 'likable' elements inserted into him during the film.
The weakest aspect is Ernie Freeman's dreadful score cornball and overdone, regularly undermining the potential suspense in key scenes.
For mine, while the film itself isn't particularly noteworthy, in a broader context it has a curious interest. Despite being made by a major studio, having a major star and a director who delivered many top-notch films in this period (especially a certain ape film made the same year), it didn't make much impact at the time and is totally forgotten today, even for a film made four decades ago. Why is this? I actually think it would be much more remembered if it had been filmed as a flashy, goofy spy film that is now considered to be representative of late 1960s film style and culture the likes of which were spoofed in the Austin Powers films. For example, while imo 'In Like Flint' is a dreadful film, clearly inferior to TDM, because of its glossy and spoofy style I can see how its much more remembered and referenced today.
Of course, TDM could've still been remembered on the basis of sheer quality but apart from Brynner's performance, it just doesn't have enough of it.
There are some enjoyable aspects to the film however. I admired Yul Brynner for delivering a lead character that was so uncompromising, cold and ruthless while he was hardly an admirable hero he was believable and convincing and therefore more interesting as a character. I'm sure if this film were made today the character would've had some more 'likable' elements inserted into him during the film.
The weakest aspect is Ernie Freeman's dreadful score cornball and overdone, regularly undermining the potential suspense in key scenes.
For mine, while the film itself isn't particularly noteworthy, in a broader context it has a curious interest. Despite being made by a major studio, having a major star and a director who delivered many top-notch films in this period (especially a certain ape film made the same year), it didn't make much impact at the time and is totally forgotten today, even for a film made four decades ago. Why is this? I actually think it would be much more remembered if it had been filmed as a flashy, goofy spy film that is now considered to be representative of late 1960s film style and culture the likes of which were spoofed in the Austin Powers films. For example, while imo 'In Like Flint' is a dreadful film, clearly inferior to TDM, because of its glossy and spoofy style I can see how its much more remembered and referenced today.
Of course, TDM could've still been remembered on the basis of sheer quality but apart from Brynner's performance, it just doesn't have enough of it.
- Marco_Trevisiol
- 7 मार्च 2007
- परमालिंक
The Double Man beat much of the competition into the Alps, when movies were helping to glamorise skiing holidays. While The Pink Panther had a ski lodge segment, The Double Man anticipates the cable car action and snowy settings of Where Eagles Dare and On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Interesting to note that the director would soon be working on the iconic Planet Of The Apes.
Added to the admirable location work are the international cast. There are no stars besides Yul Brynner, but there are several actors I have a lot of time for. Clive Revill in particular adds a solid emotional punching bag for Brynner. His intense and downbeat performance is in contrast to his usual extroverted and comedy roles. Anton Diffring was too often cast as Nazi baddies, but could easily deliver menace without a uniform. He starred in several classic horror films of the period, like Circus of Horrors and The Man Who Cheated Death. A young Britt Ekland amply provides glamour here, before she broke it big as a Bond girl.
I grew up watching this movie on TV and always tuned in for the cast, the twisty plot and especially the music. It's a little OTT in places but frantically catchy, pumping up the excitement even when there's little of it on screen. The special effects work is subtle and really convincing in selling the central twist...
I'm very pleased to see that at least this is out now on DVD in Germany, with an English language voice track option.
Added to the admirable location work are the international cast. There are no stars besides Yul Brynner, but there are several actors I have a lot of time for. Clive Revill in particular adds a solid emotional punching bag for Brynner. His intense and downbeat performance is in contrast to his usual extroverted and comedy roles. Anton Diffring was too often cast as Nazi baddies, but could easily deliver menace without a uniform. He starred in several classic horror films of the period, like Circus of Horrors and The Man Who Cheated Death. A young Britt Ekland amply provides glamour here, before she broke it big as a Bond girl.
I grew up watching this movie on TV and always tuned in for the cast, the twisty plot and especially the music. It's a little OTT in places but frantically catchy, pumping up the excitement even when there's little of it on screen. The special effects work is subtle and really convincing in selling the central twist...
I'm very pleased to see that at least this is out now on DVD in Germany, with an English language voice track option.
Dan Slater (Yul Brynner) is a high level CIA official. His son dies in a ski accident in the Alps. He suspects foul play and goes to investigate. It leads to waitress Gina Ericson (Britt Ekland) and he suspects a trap. Of course, the Russians have actually laid out a trap.
This is mostly a lesser espionage movie. It's helped by Yul Brynner's stoic performance and the European ski resort location. There isn't a great deal of action. It's definitely not Bond. It's also not that realistic. It exists in a lot of middling middle. It's functional.
This is mostly a lesser espionage movie. It's helped by Yul Brynner's stoic performance and the European ski resort location. There isn't a great deal of action. It's definitely not Bond. It's also not that realistic. It exists in a lot of middling middle. It's functional.
- SnoopyStyle
- 15 दिस॰ 2020
- परमालिंक
- rmax304823
- 26 अप्रैल 2012
- परमालिंक
Although this is not a memorable film, I found it entertaining. Yul Brynner stars as a CIA man who is told that his son has died in a skiing accident in Austria. He, therefore, heads off to Austria to investigate if it really was an accident or something more sinister. A young Britt Ekland is the female lead who he seeks information from because she was one of the last persons to see his son alive. Various character actors of the time (made in 1967)such as Clive Revill, David Bauer, Ronald Radd and Moira Lister appear and the movie jogs along at a nice pace. There are some lovely location shots of the Austrian Tyrol and Yul does a good job in the lead role. Well worth a look!
Yul Brynner stars in this espionage drama about a CIA man conducting his own private investigation into the death of his son in an Alpine skiing accident in Austria. What he doesn't know, but soon finds out is that the son's death was all part of a ruse by the Russian KGB to get him over to Europe where he is to be captured and put to death and replaced by a duplicate to infiltrate the CIA and crack American security. If successful this prototype will be used for other people in the USA and our allies in The Double Man.
Unwittingly part of the plan is an old friend of Brynner's, Clive Revill and his Austrian wife Britt Ekland. Revill runs an international school there and was once in the espionage business, but now out of it and glad to be. He's not sure he can hack it, but in the end has to make a Solomon like choice.
During the middle and late 60s spy movies were a glut on the market due to the success of James Bond. The Double Man isn't the best or the worst of them. Yul Brynner's fans will approve.
Unwittingly part of the plan is an old friend of Brynner's, Clive Revill and his Austrian wife Britt Ekland. Revill runs an international school there and was once in the espionage business, but now out of it and glad to be. He's not sure he can hack it, but in the end has to make a Solomon like choice.
During the middle and late 60s spy movies were a glut on the market due to the success of James Bond. The Double Man isn't the best or the worst of them. Yul Brynner's fans will approve.
- bkoganbing
- 25 सित॰ 2015
- परमालिंक
"The Double Man" comes out of the rash of 60's cold war thrillers and James Bond wannabes, yet it is better than most of the period. Fine performances by Brynner, Clive Revill, Anton Diffring, and Lloyd Nolan, and some excellent cinematography involving the Austrian Alps by Denys Coop give the film a solid boost. Franklin Schaffner's direction gives the film a tight, efficient pace. The biggest positive here is that cast and director treat what could have been tongue-in-cheek material (in lesser hands) in a serious manner, lending weight and intelligence to the film. The only drawbacks are the occasional plot-hole and the non-acting of co-star Brit Ekland (here only for window dressing). Otherwise, "The Double Man" is good entertainment for spy movie fans everywhere!
A good director, a pro cast, fantastic locations and solid cinematography. The bad: terrible music, lack of action, listless plot, an overly complicated scheme, less than interesting climax. Icy spy Yul seems to be emulating Charles Bronson: sullen and non-communicative. Britt Ekland has a thankless role and gets beat up. More of a mystery than a spy/action film.
- jameselliot-1
- 23 सित॰ 2019
- परमालिंक
Yul Brynner plays his "The King and I" persona in this preposterous and predictable spy vs spy semi-thriller from the cold war 1960's. The supposition is that the KGB can produce, with plastic surgery, a look-alike CIA agent who will supplant the real agent. He will have the same height, accent, appearance and rotten demeanor. Never mind the different finger prints. How many times have we seen that? Taking place in the Austrian Alps, there are way too many scenes of skiing and partying. The CIA agent (Brynner), rude and snarling at everyone, is lured to the area with the suspicious death of his son by an apparent skiing accident. Of course it's a trap! Britt Ekland plays a nice dupe with her contribution to the plot being somewhat fuzzy other than her good looks. Throughout the movie, the question is who can you trust, but by the end of the movie, I didn't care. Apparently, if you're a CIA agent, you can shoot people and then just fly back home without even worrying about even a local police investigation. And if the KGB knows that you are CIA, aren't you then already compromised?
Just like its leading man Yul Brynner, "The Double Man" is a decently lean, direct and hard-hearted late 60s spy melodrama. A steadfast Brynner simply commands the screen, even when no dialogues are spoken, his psychical presence and glare can knock you down. Here he plays CIA agent Dan Slater who heads to a ski resort in the Tyrolean Alps after the reported accidental death of his son, but he believes it wasn't an accident and unknowingly to him his arrival is actually part of a cunning Cold War ploy. It's a well-handled and good-looking (thanks to the scenic cinematography of picturesque snowy backdrop) presentation, as the plot is thick on intrigue and investigation, as it slowly builds upon its brooding framework. There's nothing particularly exciting about it, as the thrills are few and minor and it's overly talky. However the structure is persistent, as the exchanges have a moody intensity and Brynner carries it along nicely with all that chasing and shadowy scheming going on behind the scenes. The ludicrous twist when it comes isn't much of one, because of the clues that are given. Really it only complicates matters, but this works for its stone cold approach. Franklin J. Schaffner's taut direction is grounded and practical in style, as he lets the story's conflicts evolve and the cast take control. The ever-beautiful Britt Ekland plays an important piece to the plot's stirrings and there's excellent support from the likes of Clive Revill, Anton Differing, Lloyd Nolan and Moira Lister. Also dominating was the instrumental music score. Sometimes it worked, other times it was on overload.
- lost-in-limbo
- 20 फ़र॰ 2015
- परमालिंक
- jbridge-1991
- 15 मई 2022
- परमालिंक
I regularly forget this film in the Franklyn Schaffner's filmography, I don't know exactly why.... I watched it only three times in forty years and always forget it, and there is no reason why because it is a really tense and taut spy thriller drama, far better than many of those made during the sixties, James Bond parodies or complex thrillers where no one follows anything. Here, it is not so complex but on the contrary riveting at the most, with a jaw dropping Yul Brynner's performance. An excellent doppelganger scheme film, as also was THE MAN WHO HAUNTED HIMSELF, for another story using the same doppelganger element. The best proof that with the same ingredients you can invent and give many different recipes - films in that case.
- searchanddestroy-1
- 6 जन॰ 2025
- परमालिंक
The film has suspense , tension , emotion , mystery and specially in its final a little bit of violence . Following the death of his son , in the Austrian Alps , ¨The Key Man¨ , a high ranking officer in the CIA called Dan Slater (Yul Brynner) , has to face off the most daring plot ever concocted by the secret agents of two worlds : East and West , during the Cold War . In Austria he decides to investigate and step by step finds out that the death of his son was no a skiing accident . A retired , prior undercover operative , Frank Wheatley (Clive Revill) , whom he had hoped would watch out for his son helps Dan seeks out the real killers . By the way , Dan meets socialite Gina (Britt Ekland , though Ulla Jacobsson was offered first this role) , the companion of rich and mature Mrs. Carrington (Moira Lister) , who puts him on the alright trails o perhaps fake clues . Eventually , rare inconsistencies begin appearing leading Dan to conclude that Russian secret service led by Col. Berthold (Anton Diffring) attempting a mysterious kidnapping .
Suspenseful movie packs thrills , intrigue , frantic action , twists and turns . This complex piece of espionage is notable for its snow-capped scenery and its thrilling intrigue from start to finish . Interesting as well as amusing screenplay from Alfred Hayes and Frank Tarloff based on Henry Maxfield's novel titled "Legacy of a Spy". However , the movie's script was similar to the then recently released Spy with my face (1965) and its TV counter-part The agent of T.I.A. : The Double Affair (1964) . Although the picture has various ingredients for entertainment , the screenplay is also complex , including inexplicable incidents , the plot has gaps , in spite of it results to be pretty fun . Nice acting by Yul Brynner as cold and emotion-less agent , a top-notch performance who steals the show and gorgeous Britt Ekland's first major movie role . Support cast is pretty good such as Lloyd Nolan as Major Edwards who assigns him the dangerous mission , Clive Revill as undercover agent , Moira Lister as wealthy Mistress and Brandon Brady as Russian agent . Special mention for Anton Diffring in his ordinary German face and cool , clipped diction , as he replaced an actor who dropped out ; here Anton plays magnificently a Russian operative who attempts to substitute starring with a double of its own in order to obtain a mole in the highest echelons of the CIA agency . Diffring was a character actor who worked continuously in movies due to his aristocratic style , making him ideal for typecasting in British and later American films as Nazis and other vile , despicable roles , what was ironic about his typecasting as a Nazi is that he fled Nazi Germany in 1939 .
Lively and enjoyable musical score by Ernie Freeman , including catching sounds throughout . Colorful cinematography by Dennis Coop , shot on location in wonderful outdoors as the mountain range vista seen in the film is the Tyrolean Alps situated in the state of Tyrol in western Austria . Good aerial scenes and spectacular snowy landscapes carried out by the late aerial cameraman John Jordan who died whilst working on Catch 22 (1970) . It was released before the snow-laden James Bond movie On her Majesty's secret service (1969), Jordan worked on both these spy movies . Lavishly produced by Hal E Chester , he was a juvenile actor , then a producer of low-budget movies in Hollywood, before he moved in 1955 to Britain, where he set up his own production company to take advantage of the lower costs of filming ; over the next 15 years he turned out a wide range of pictures, which often featured American stars such as Mickey Rooney, Dana Andrews, Paul Newman and Yul Brynner . The picture was well directed by Franklin J. Schaffner . He made excellent motion pictures such as "The Planet of the Apes", "Patton, " "Papillon" , ¨"Nicholas and Alexandra" , after the flop of his film titled " Islands in the Stream ", in which went on to coincide with the actor of "Patton" , George C. Scott , he decided to embark on a project more commercial and successful as "The Boys From Brazil" ; however , ¨Sphinx¨ ,¨Lionheart¨, ¨Si Giorgio¨ were other box office failures . Rating : Better than average , worthwhile watching .
Suspenseful movie packs thrills , intrigue , frantic action , twists and turns . This complex piece of espionage is notable for its snow-capped scenery and its thrilling intrigue from start to finish . Interesting as well as amusing screenplay from Alfred Hayes and Frank Tarloff based on Henry Maxfield's novel titled "Legacy of a Spy". However , the movie's script was similar to the then recently released Spy with my face (1965) and its TV counter-part The agent of T.I.A. : The Double Affair (1964) . Although the picture has various ingredients for entertainment , the screenplay is also complex , including inexplicable incidents , the plot has gaps , in spite of it results to be pretty fun . Nice acting by Yul Brynner as cold and emotion-less agent , a top-notch performance who steals the show and gorgeous Britt Ekland's first major movie role . Support cast is pretty good such as Lloyd Nolan as Major Edwards who assigns him the dangerous mission , Clive Revill as undercover agent , Moira Lister as wealthy Mistress and Brandon Brady as Russian agent . Special mention for Anton Diffring in his ordinary German face and cool , clipped diction , as he replaced an actor who dropped out ; here Anton plays magnificently a Russian operative who attempts to substitute starring with a double of its own in order to obtain a mole in the highest echelons of the CIA agency . Diffring was a character actor who worked continuously in movies due to his aristocratic style , making him ideal for typecasting in British and later American films as Nazis and other vile , despicable roles , what was ironic about his typecasting as a Nazi is that he fled Nazi Germany in 1939 .
Lively and enjoyable musical score by Ernie Freeman , including catching sounds throughout . Colorful cinematography by Dennis Coop , shot on location in wonderful outdoors as the mountain range vista seen in the film is the Tyrolean Alps situated in the state of Tyrol in western Austria . Good aerial scenes and spectacular snowy landscapes carried out by the late aerial cameraman John Jordan who died whilst working on Catch 22 (1970) . It was released before the snow-laden James Bond movie On her Majesty's secret service (1969), Jordan worked on both these spy movies . Lavishly produced by Hal E Chester , he was a juvenile actor , then a producer of low-budget movies in Hollywood, before he moved in 1955 to Britain, where he set up his own production company to take advantage of the lower costs of filming ; over the next 15 years he turned out a wide range of pictures, which often featured American stars such as Mickey Rooney, Dana Andrews, Paul Newman and Yul Brynner . The picture was well directed by Franklin J. Schaffner . He made excellent motion pictures such as "The Planet of the Apes", "Patton, " "Papillon" , ¨"Nicholas and Alexandra" , after the flop of his film titled " Islands in the Stream ", in which went on to coincide with the actor of "Patton" , George C. Scott , he decided to embark on a project more commercial and successful as "The Boys From Brazil" ; however , ¨Sphinx¨ ,¨Lionheart¨, ¨Si Giorgio¨ were other box office failures . Rating : Better than average , worthwhile watching .
- kapelusznik18
- 17 जून 2015
- परमालिंक
I watched this movie in the wee hours of the morning and probably should not have done so as I was not too sure who was the survivor in the end. I do not like to have a movie end that way, but the location scenes were very good and makes me want to return there again.
Cannot an American movie be made without the overkill of the "barroom brawl" smash and bang portion that, in my opinion, ruins the whole movie. Someone has to come crashing through plate glass windows, destroy mountains of dishes and glassware and demolish a whole kitchen or other room for "sensationalism". This cheap addition makes me not like whatever else (good story, good acting, beautiful scenery) may be in that movie. Americans are destructive orientated and I guess we thrive on the addition of this junk.
Cannot an American movie be made without the overkill of the "barroom brawl" smash and bang portion that, in my opinion, ruins the whole movie. Someone has to come crashing through plate glass windows, destroy mountains of dishes and glassware and demolish a whole kitchen or other room for "sensationalism". This cheap addition makes me not like whatever else (good story, good acting, beautiful scenery) may be in that movie. Americans are destructive orientated and I guess we thrive on the addition of this junk.
Most Bond films have a 15-minute segment in which Bond senses a trap, but intentionally walks into the trap in order to learn what he is up against. The Double Man expands that 15-minute segment into a feature length film, with all the details of how and why the trap is being set. Yul Brynner plays a cold, brooding spy, decades before Daniel Craig would give James Bond a similar characterization.
The Double Man is an enjoyable ride down the Alps, but don't get drawn into those plot holes that make you lose an edge. Alas, if director Franklin Schaffner could only have found a Bond-like swimming pool scene for Britt Ekland, the movie's rating would have been much higher.
The Double Man is an enjoyable ride down the Alps, but don't get drawn into those plot holes that make you lose an edge. Alas, if director Franklin Schaffner could only have found a Bond-like swimming pool scene for Britt Ekland, the movie's rating would have been much higher.
- Gregory_Anton
- 14 जन॰ 2021
- परमालिंक
Artificial and Stiffly Plotted Cold War Spy Film with an Obtrusive and Obese Musical Score. Yul Brynner is the Bald and Unblinking, Unloving and Hard-Hearted CIA Agent.
The Movie is Dull at times and every Outdoor Shot is Snowy and Showy Determined to make its Mountainous Ski Resort Part of the Plot. The Film Plods along at an Excruciating Pace and when Something does Happen it is Over Quickly and back to the Boredom.
After a Multitude of Silly Shots of Crowds holding Skis and Poles moving On and Off Lifts, the Last Act finally breaks Loose with some Movement but this is Undermined by yet Another Ski Slope Travelogue. Thankfully this one is at Night and We get a bit of Colorful Flares, Whoopee.
Britt Ekland is here for some Eye Candy and Her Character is Given Something to do, but Ultimately it's Not Much. Brynner is There to Find Out about His Son's "Accidental" Death and the Reveal is a Surprise if every Reviewer on the Planet hasn't Spoiled it by now.
Overall, the Trend of 1960's Bonding of Espionage and Film is Evident once again and Followers and Fans of the Genre might want to take a Look at this one from a Completest Point of View, but Others Can Miss this Without Missing Much.
The Movie is Dull at times and every Outdoor Shot is Snowy and Showy Determined to make its Mountainous Ski Resort Part of the Plot. The Film Plods along at an Excruciating Pace and when Something does Happen it is Over Quickly and back to the Boredom.
After a Multitude of Silly Shots of Crowds holding Skis and Poles moving On and Off Lifts, the Last Act finally breaks Loose with some Movement but this is Undermined by yet Another Ski Slope Travelogue. Thankfully this one is at Night and We get a bit of Colorful Flares, Whoopee.
Britt Ekland is here for some Eye Candy and Her Character is Given Something to do, but Ultimately it's Not Much. Brynner is There to Find Out about His Son's "Accidental" Death and the Reveal is a Surprise if every Reviewer on the Planet hasn't Spoiled it by now.
Overall, the Trend of 1960's Bonding of Espionage and Film is Evident once again and Followers and Fans of the Genre might want to take a Look at this one from a Completest Point of View, but Others Can Miss this Without Missing Much.
- LeonLouisRicci
- 15 जून 2015
- परमालिंक
- mark.waltz
- 29 मई 2022
- परमालिंक
Yul Brynner was an impressive and powerful screen presence, moving like a panther, scowling like one as well from under his intent brow. He really laid it on, and it generally works. But here is the problem: this film is about 'duplicating' him. The Soviets, aided by the East Germans (Anton Diffring not as a Nazi officer this time but as a Stasi officer, same thing), intend to replace Dan Slater, Assistant Deputy Director of the CIA (played by Brynner), with a double. The double (played by Brynner, naturally) has the same accent and the same walk, is the same size, and has had plastic surgery to have the same face. But of all the people in Hollywood who could not be duplicated, Yul Brynner must be the top. So how silly can you get? This kind of story might work with one of those identikit actors, who are especially popular in Hollywood at the moment actually, but somebody as weird as Yul Brynner?! And the story gets sillier. Because there is cute 34 year-old Britt Ekland. I had forgotten what a looker she really was in those days. Naturally there has to be 'the girl' in every such story, so credulity is stretched even further to fit her in, despite the fact that she is not really part of the story and has to be squeezed between the floorboards (that's because the story is set in the Austrian Tyrol, where all the chalets are wooden), so that Anton Diffring and his team can blend in with the locals and also so that some people can combine the film production with a skiing holiday (a joke? or real?). Shades of Leni Riefenstahl and the mountain films of the twenties and thirties such as STORM OVER MONT BLANC! This film is made all the more objectionable because of the terrible music score by Ernie Freeman. In the late sixties it was considered trendy to fill every moment of a thriller when people weren't speaking with blaring trumpets and trombones in a kind of hep ersatz jazz, the theory being that this would heighten the tension while people were walking up staircases (supposed to be ominous, with goodness knows what fate awaiting them at the top) or approaching looming buildings which might contain goodness knows what villains. More likely it made people hold their ears or run screaming from the cinema in search of a doctor. The film was directed by Franklin Schaffner (best known for PLANET OF THE APES the following year, 1968, and his next film, PATTON, two years later in 1971; his film SPHINX of 1981 was no great shakes, see my review), who should have known better, and who at least saved it from being terrible, so that it remained merely bad. Moira Lister has great fun being a spoilt rich hostess who throws parties and tries to seduce toy boys. Clive Revill is good at being a hangdog former British spy who can't take it any more, and cannot even make himself pick up a gun, although finally he regains his courage of course and does pick up one lest he let down a friend. Lloyd Nolan plays the head of the CIA from a wheelchair and whines: 'How could Dan go off somewhere without telling me where?' Some CIA! A cable arrives addressed to Dan Slater, Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC, we see it on screen but no one at the CIA bothers to read it and it is handed to Brynner as if it were a Christmas card. Sure, that's how it works in Washington. But this is a serious matter: will the dastardly communist Yul Brynner return to America and betray all the secrets of the USA to the sour-faced Russian who has instructed the eager Diffring? Or will the patriotic Yul Brynner save the day by stopping him? As the bad Brynner says to the good Brynner during a gunfight: 'There cannot be two of us.' Is a glass half full or half empty? Is a movie half good or half bad? Five stars will leave you wondering about that.
- robert-temple-1
- 13 दिस॰ 2011
- परमालिंक
I started to watch this film then suddenly there was this awful din! Then I realised it must be the Mexico Brass Band and String Quartet warming up in the background. I strained my eyes, but no! They were nowhere to be seen. What could it be? Then I realised it was the background 'music' that is there supposedly to enhance a film- but this 'music' was in the foreground obviously in an attempt for the musicians to have a Number 1 hit in Greenland. But to the film..... with Yul Brynner sensibly wearing a hat to keep out the cold from his ever balding head looked as though he was missing his six other 'Magnificent' comrades and wistfully glanced towards the mountains in the hope that they would be skiing down to join him. Britt Ekland looked pretty, but her bottom lip is a little to thick for my taste, and Anton Diffring looking naked without his German Uniform. However, Clive Revill always is a cracking character actor. I gallantly tried to watch the wooden plot that has been done many times before in various guises, but I just couldn't hack the music so it was..... click! Goodbye!