Holiday in Spain (1960) had the original title "Scent of Murder." It was billed as SOM on the TCM program guide but the opening credits are for HIS. I have watched about 2/3 of it on TCM so far this afternoon while doing laundry. Denholm Elliott plays a photographer in Spain who sees a vehicle try to run down a young woman. Elliott becomes convinced her life is in danger and he begins pursuing her across Spain in a taxi cab piloted by Peter Lorre. Without doubt, the great color scenery of Spain is the real star of the movie. We even get to see some "running of the bulls" footage. Early in the movie, Elliott has the line, "this taxi hasn't seen this much action since the Battle of the Marne." That is a historical reference to an incident in WW1 in 1914 when the French army requisitioned all the taxis in Paris to transport their troops to the First Battle of the Marne. Viewers in 1960 might have gotten the reference but it's doubtful any today would. Mike Todd made this movie and his then wife Elizabeth Taylor is supposed to have an uncredited walk on scene at the very end. If you stick with this movie it's definitely worth watching and the fantastic cinematography and scenery is an added pleasure. Denholm Elliott is a likable enough hero and Peter Lorre is always interesting to watch.
Review of Scent of Mystery
