God, it's been twenty years. Give me this victory.
This film of Fred Zinnemann, adapted from the novel by Emeric Pressburger, begins with gripping newsreel footage of the Spanish civil war and imperceptibly switches from real people to actors. Thereafter I'm afraid, it is all rather lifeless. It is not exactly helped by the monotonous score of Maurice Jarre and the curse of post-synchronisation. Most of the supporting cast including Paolo Stoppa, Christian Marquand, Raymond Pellegrin and Daniela Rocca have acquired American accents. I find this not only irritating but alienating and if it fails to annoy fellow viewers to the same degree then I envy them. As for the plot, twenty years after the end of the Spanish civil war police chief Vinolas, the excellent Anthony Quinn, has made it his mission to capture the Manuel of Gregory Peck who fought for the Republicans and is still a thorn in the authorities' side. When Manuel's mother is taken seriously ill Vinolas has her moved to hospital and uses her as bait to entice Manuel. Add to the mix Father Francesco played by Omar Sharif, here using his soulful gaze to great effect, who becomes unwittingly involved by his desire to the right thing and you have the elements of the drama. I'm glad to say that after a very slow start the film really gathers momentum as Gregory Peck takes centre stage. His is a brilliant characterisation and he gives one of his best post-Oscar performances. The range and excellence of Fred Zinnemann's output guarantee his place among the first rank of directors but can this be classed as 'essential' Zinnemann? In the humble opinion of this reviewer, no. It is the riveting presence of Mister Peck that carries the day and makes this film worthwhile.score 7/10
brogmiller 21 April 2020
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw5663155/34850
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