Istanbul Express

In 1968, Gene Barry costarred in the first Columbo TV-movie, written by the famous team of Levinson and Link, and directed by Richard Irving. The same year, he also made this TV-movie, which had the same writers and director. Did Gene have a studio deal?

That one was a classic, this one is not. What's good: beautiful Senta Berger and Mary Ann Mobley! I wish they both had more scenes! There's great location shooting, especially in Venice. Gene is his usual suave self. What's lacking: no sense of urgency; not much action; and while Mary Ann, in particular, wears some fabulous 1960's outfits, the movie is never steamy. (To be fair, it was a TV movie). It's in the Euro-spy period, but not as intriguing and fun as many of the European films were. Still, relax, don't expect a lot, and it's OK. The last 20 minutes do seem to drag rather badly to me. I think the plot is too gimmicky; story needed more love interest; Senta not used enough (Mary Ann either); and for a spy flick, it was weak on the action side. Still: Senta and Mary Ann in their prime, are wonderful to see! Plus, John Saxon is excellent. As usual.

I was hoping for a better production, seeing in the cast the presence of Senta Berger and Werner Peters. But the script is very "thin", so the movie is the same. John Saxon has never been a great actor, so his presence does not surprise. A boring story in the spirit of James Bond, incredible and predictable.

Gene Barry became world famous by the television series in the 60s "Burke's Law", where he was the womanizing detective who always got his man but for some reason always happened to very odd crimes in weird circumstances, like a kind of James Bond without the violence and extreme crooks but with a slightly more morbid slant instead. This film is like one of those 45-minute TV-shows but made into a full feature and set on a thrilling journey through Europe to Istanbul with complications, of course, he even misses his train at one risky station, ending up a failure in Istanbul and almost getting killed for it. All Burke's girls are with him on this journey and he kisses them all, and of course there is a lot of champagne and whisky and lobsters and what not for the smoking luxury.

It's great entertainment, though, and especially the music is terrific. The plot is clearly fashioned somewhat on Bond's "From Russia with Love" and also "Casino Royale", but there is no plagiarism, only variations. You don't object to anything, especially not against the only crook in the plot, who is the lovely Senta Berger; so it's a nice thriller to pass an evening with never to see again, - like just another of those Burke girls.

This is quite a passable tale of international intrigue that could maybe have done with a better lead. Gene Barry doesn't quite cut is as the art dealer-cum-agent sent on a mission to attend an auction in Istanbul that is selling stolen, top secret, papers. His adventures - mainly on the train - see him beaten up, drugged and generally being mean to as he has to garner the clues that will unlock the funds to enable him to bid! The story doesn't hang about; there is plenty to keep it interesting though at times Richard Irving's direction is a touch episodic - there appears to be plenty of spaces for ad-breaks - but the ending has a couple of twists to pat you on the back for sticking with it.

I first saw this movie on WTBS (Turner Broadcasting System) back in the early infancy of Cable Television and WTBS. It has stuck with me all of these years. Fortunately my oldest son was able to get a copy of the movie recorded off of the television and I keep it well protected! With Gene Berry, John Saxon, Senta Berger and even the Engineer "Moustache" it was well acted.

This was a great crime drama based on the Istanbul Express (with John Saxon as the Security Officer for the Train, Cheval) but the story also carried onto other locations as the story progressed. I enjoyed it immensely (it has a great plot) from start to finish and as I stated, it stuck with me through the years. I don't know if it ever went to print, but I think that this would be well received by the viewing public and lovers of the Film NOIR after nearly 50 years from it's debut. Made in 1968 for television I think it should be revisited and given every consideration for print availability. They are always looking for these classics, this is one !! (If it did go to print, I would pay an exceptional price for a copy.)