An author becomes embroiled in murder and intrigue in the Mediterranean while ghostwriting the autobiography of an ageing actor with a murky past.
One of the more interesting teams in the British post-New Wave period was that of the three Michaels – star Caine, writer/director Hodges, producer Klinger – who failed to hit their former Get Carter(1971) pay dirt with this, their second outing.
Nevertheless, the sheer knowing coolness of this bizarre comedy thriller bears watching, and certainly deserved a better box-office reception in its day.
The central theme involving the hiring of a ghostwriter is explored with wit and style, as Hodges deploys his camera cleverly through Maltese locations, and the uncompromising plot makes excellent use of Hollywood icons Mickey Rooney and Lizabeth Scott.
Mickey King
Michael Caine Preston Gilbert
Mickey Rooney Ben Dinuccio
Lionel Stander Princess Betty Cippola
Lizabeth Scott Liz Adams
Nadia Cassini Miller
Al Lettieri Mysterious Englishman
Dennis Price Sotgio
Amerigo Tot Marcovic
Leopoldo Trieste Jim Norman
Robert Sacchi Chambermaid
Ave Ninchi
Director
Mike Hodges
Video
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Nevertheless, the sheer knowing coolness of this bizarre comedy thriller bears watching, and certainly deserved a better box-office reception in its day.
