On the Run

My review was written in December 1983 after a screening at Anco theater on Manhattan's 42nd St.

"On the Run" is an old-fashioned, entertaining 1982 Aussie action picture for which there seems no discernible audience. B-movie fans will eventually catch up with the simple pleasures of this well-made but minor opus after its unheralded current theatrical release.

Surefire (but antiquated) formula rests upon the power of a cute young waif to soften a crusty, self-absorbed man. Protagonists this go-around are Paul Winfield as Harry, a U. S. escaped convict living in Australia who has to care for young Paul (Beau Cox), an orphaned boy from New Caledonia who only speaks French. The two are thrown together (in action-chase format) when Harry's employer, international hit man Payette (Rod Taylor), who is Paul's uncle, threatens to kill the boy when he witnesses a killing.

Travelling amidst scenic sites in the environs of Sydney, twosome is befriended by a dwarf car salesman en route to an exciting climax staged atop a mountainside pinnacle.

Acting by Winfield is firstrate and should ensure U. S. tv interest in this vehicle. Cox is endearing as the youngster, but Taylor is not very convincing as the ultra-ruthless killer. Equal billing problem is neatly solved by placing Winfield and Taylor's names on screen in the form of a cross before the title card. Tech credits are adequate for a low-budgeter, Mende Brown's first feature film after producing the Anthony Quayle-hosted syndicated series, "The Evil Touch", a decade earlier.

On the Run - Starring Paul Winfield, Rod Taylor, and Beau Cox. This is a very intense film.and Winfield is outstanding, as always he carries the film. The story concerns Harry (Winfield) who takes care of the estate belonging to his boss. One day, a Social worker brings to the house a young boy (Cox), she explains he is an orphan and that Harry's boss is the lad's Uncle. When the boss (Taylor) returns home, he feigns concern for the lad and leaves him in Harry's care as he has some "business" to take care of. Harry is reluctant to be involved with the boy, and worse yet, the nephew speaks only French, which Harry cannot speak. When some violent men come looking for his boss and kill two pet dogs, Harry shields the boy and when his boss returns some unexpected developments occur, Harry has a change of heart. Now Harry must use his wits and some of his boss's cash to protect the youngster from harm, and try to extricate himself from an ever tightening web of violence. Some extremely exciting edge of your seat moments. Also contains some humor and touching moments. Notably, the developing relationship between the boy and Winfield is very well done. Viewers will be very satisfied with this unusual entry into the film legacy of the late Paul Winfield, whom I consider to be one of the finest black actors of his day. Other Winfield films include: Sounder, Twilight's Last Gleaming, and White Dwarf