Penny Gold

Jack Cardiff is an academy award winning cinematographer (for 1947's "Black Narcissus") but is an uneven director (Though his 1960 film "Sons and Lovers" garnered him an Oscar nomination). In this film, he moves away from the viewfinder of the camera and into the seat of the director's chair.

The DVD Cover provides this synopsis for the film: This dramatic indie thriller, set in the intriguing world of high-stakes stamp collectors, is directed by acclaimed British cinematographer Jack Cardiff. A detective (James Booth) is assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in the shadow of Windsor castle. In the course of his inquiry, he stumbles onto a plot to steal a rare and valuable stamp called the Penny Gold--and encounters a woman who appears to be the dead girl's lovely but dangerous evil twin (Francesca Annis).

This description paints the film in a better light than it actually is, which is obvious since it comes from those trying to market the picture on DVD.The film's narrative has the quality of something one may see on a made-for-TV program rather than something one would consider "theatrical." While the set up and initially beginnings of the mystery are captivating, the rest of the film is dreadfully dull and uninteresting. The story is totally unfocused as we are presented with scenes, such as random flashbacks, that seem totally out of place and irrelevant.

The mystery itself is not at all that mysterious as the audience can predict its outcome from the very beginning and thus makes the film a big build up to nothing.

There are a few good traits, such as the wonderful location shots of Windsor Castle and the surrounding rural areas (courtesy of Mr. Cardiff), and a well-photographed car chase (which, unfortunately, seems out of place).

The DVD was a blind buy given its cheap price of merely $4 (most online DVD stores carry it between $4-$6), but I certainly wouldn't pay a cent more. The film, admittedly, is attractive at that price but it is suggested you save up your money for more quality films.

Not recommended except those who are fans of Jack Cardiff or those who don't mind squandering $5 to add a title to your collection.

The British film industry was dying on its feet when this film was made in the early seventies.The fact that it was directed by Jack Cardiff speaks volumes.Anyone can see the basic premise of the plot after only about 10 minutes.So there isn't a lot of suspense merely an interest as to how the plot unravels.Booth seems to be doing an imitation of Jack Regan but despite the car chase and the rough handling of suspects this is no "Sweeny".Penelope Keith is seen in a small role before her rise to fame.This is the sort of film that was far more at home on the TV screens than on the cinema screen.At the end of the day this is little more than a potboiler.

Everyone is dying to get their hands on a priceless stamp, a Penny Gold.

It's a very watchable murder mystery, it is very much of its time, and I love that aspect of it, great cars, great fashion and some terrific location shooting. Plenty of suspense, loads of twists, expect the unexpected.

The best aspect of this film, Francesca Annie, she's a terrific talent, and dare I say it, incredibly beautiful, she has always had such enigmatic presence, I thought she made this film.

It's not a quality movie, it's a bit humdrum, but absorbing enough,w out for Joss Ackland and Penelope Keith.

One big twist I wasn't expecting, enjoyed. 6/10

This could have been made at Merton Park ten years earlier, but for it being in colour, the graphic description of the injuries suffered by the murder victim and the annoying 70's-style music score by John Scott. Several other reviewers have commented on the fact that it is possible to see the final 'twist' coming almost as soon as the credits are over; although part of the fun is working out the 'how' and 'why' since the 'what' is already so obvious.

Shot in wintry London locations (particularly at and around Windsor), it's attractive to look at; but considering that it was directed by Britain's top Technicolor cameraman of the forties & fifties, it's constant reliance on zooms comes as a letdown.

Despite obviousness of many plot elements within this work directed by renowned cinematographer Jack Cardiff, it is quite possible to enjoy the film for its merits that include expected polished camera-work and lighting, but also superlative design, plainly a result of competent research, and atmospheric settings about Windsor Castle, to the benefit of a somewhat unfocused crime melodrama involving murder in the normally staid world of philately. Action opens in a flat close by the Castle with a young woman, fresh from a shower, being bludgeoned to death, over two dozen blows to the face making her corpse essentially unrecognizable, and when Detective Inspector Matthews (James Booth) launches an investigation he learns that the deceased was one of a pair of decorative and identical twins, performed by Francesca Annis, the surviving sister, Delphi, employed by their guardian, a prominent stamp collector, with the titular item, a piece of enormous value, being target of a plot to steal it, this somehow connected with the homicide. Filmed at London's Pinewood Studios complex and on location in the vicinity of Windsor Castle, including the House on the Bridge Restaurant atop Windsor Bridge, the windows of which offer an agreeable view of the Royal edifice (enjoyed here at lunch by Matthews and Delphi), the film suffers from credibility factors and an oddly structured use of flashbacks, but a John Scott score is reasonably effective (there is a seamless inclusion of police sirens!), and Cardiff leads his players well. There is not a weak portrayal from among the cast, with even the monochromatic Annis being largely believable, Booth and Nicky Henson providing strong turns as the case investigators; Joss Ackland gains acting honours as Jones, supervising police official in the matter.