I think this film must have rated as cool when it emerged, in 1965. Mind you, I was born 12 years after that year, so what do I know of swinging London?

Caine plays Harry Palmer, an “insubordinate” person who tries to find out the whereabouts of a man, and who’s killing people, while cooking and playing Mozart.

While Caine’s performance is cool, the direction and cinematography is what makes this film; and possibly the fact that Portishead has snatched John Barry’s leitmotif for their third album…

The contrasts in film, the lighting and the camera-angles are quite Hitchcock-esque. The views from London, the outdoor-shots are definitely worth it all, along with the Received Pronunciation of The Queen’s English. In contrast with this, Caine’s English comes along as bratty in the extreme.

All in all, the story and plot are simple in the extreme. Very spy vs spy. The feel of the film is the good bit, and it’s only worth watching to see the form; as for the story, it’s quite stiff.

“I’ve brought you a replacement for Taylor.”

“Hm? What’s he like?”

“He’s a little insubordinate, but a good man. Sergeant Palmer.”

Old skool, dry Brit humor (humor?) and Harry Palmer styling in full effect. Be sure to view this film at least once in your lifetime.