Double jeu

Following his turn as the infamous Simon Templar but before the likes of Lord Brett Sinclair and 007, Roger Moore starred in the little-known Crossplot. A hugely entertaining late 60s Bond-esque clone that plays like a feature-length ITC drama crossed with a Hitchcockian thriller even if the writing is nothing special and often exceptionally convoluted. Still, the film has an undeniable charm to its antics, largely thanks to Moore's natural panache and delightful cast; on a personal note seeing Francis Matthews in anything delights me greatly. Ripping along at a breakneck pace, Crossplot is certainly a product of its time but with noble ambitions by director Alvin Rakoff, an upbeat Barry-esque score by Stanley Black and hilarious moments of havoc, the film is a mild-mannered mini triumph from Moore's then ongoing bid to play 007.

Crossplot rattles along at a breakneck pace and is a smart, ingenious and enormously entertaining adventure film. Roger Moore is great in a pre-Bond role as an advertising executive who hires a beautiful Hungarian girl to pose for some modelling shots. What he doesn't realise is that she has eavesdropped on an assassination plot and is the target of some killers.

The film reminds me a lot of a John Buchan novel, brought up to date in the swinging sixties. Moore runs from the villains and takes every conceivable route to escape their grasp, fleeing in a classic car, deliberately causing havoc at a wedding, and finally tracking his prey to the scene of their planned atrocity. It's a fast-moving ride!

The film has never been available on video in the UK, and I'm pretty sure that it's never been released in the States. Come on guys, what are you waiting for? Get this movie released! It's a corker!

Although I know that this film not meant to be like a prelude to Roger Moore playing James Bond, it sure looked like one...though the Bond role would come several years later. Like Bond, there are lots of hired killers, a murder plot involving a head of state as well as lots of adventure and a sexy woman. But unlike Bond, this character played by Moore is NOT so perfect. He often gets the snot beaten out of him, gets framed for evil stuff he never did and bumbles his way into all this! The results are fair--worth watching but a trifle too long.

When the film begins, like Bond you see Gary (Moore) in the arms of a sexy woman. Unlike Bond, however, he has a day job and soon realizes he must leave for work...leaving a very frustrated woman behind! You then learn that Gary is a playboy who works for an advertising firm. He's late for a big meeting and doesn't take time to go through his materials. And so, when he presents a big advertising campaign to the bosses, he suddenly discovers someone has substituted a woman for the model he had in mind. But the big boss (Bernard Lee of all people) is thrilled when he sees a picture of this mystery woman and insists they sing her asap. The problem is no one seems to know WHO she is! So, like a private eye, Gary goes in search of her--which is exactly what some unknown people want. They want him to do all the work and find her for them. Because she apparently knows something that could get her killed...or at least they think she knows something and they are more than willing to silence her for good.

In addition to going on just a bit too long, my biggest complaint was the extensive use of cheap and unnecessary rear projected scenes. For example, instead of going to a horse race, this is projected behind Moore and he acts in front of this screen. This is sloppy and it clearly looks as if he's acting in front of a screen...which is weird, as they later DID do a horse racing scene on site! Regardless, several times they employed this...and each time it was sloppy. There also is a VERY sloppy helicopter stunt that just looks bad. Overall, the film is worth seeing...but not nearly as good as a Bond flick.

This film, basically a vehicle for Roger Moore, is a 90 minute television-style action adventure film. Roger Moore plays an advertising executive who utilises an Eastern European girl in a promotional campaign who just happens to be sharing a house with spies and unwittingly discovers their darstadly plot. This now provides a perfect opportunity for Roger Moore to slip into his Simon Templar/James Bond persona and save the day.

This film lies somewhere between an extended Saint episode and an early James Bond movie, but as Roger Moore was the best James Bond, (as we all know), this film is nevertheless enjoyable just for his suave, Mr smooth 1960's London swinger acting. The original Austin Powers.

Nothing exceptional, however this film is reasonably enjoyable in a mild mannered way. You could certainly do worse.

This really wasn't a good movie.

Roger Moore in his pre-James Bond days, one can easily see him taking on Bond here. It is reminiscent of Pierce Brosnan waiting his turn for the role.

I've always enjoyed Moore's other roles. He was always charming. He is here too. Unfortunately, the script is weak.

There's lots of late-60s hair, fashion, and context here. For that, it is an interesting look back.

But if one is seeking high drama, a good caper, or anything particularly intelligent, this is not your movie.