In 1968, Gene Barry costarred in the first Columbo TV-movie, written by the famous team of Levinson and Link, and directed by Richard Irving. The same year, he also made this TV-movie, which had the same writers and director. Did Gene have a studio deal?
That one was a classic, this one is not. What's good: beautiful Senta Berger and Mary Ann Mobley! I wish they both had more scenes! There's great location shooting, especially in Venice. Gene is his usual suave self. What's lacking: no sense of urgency; not much action; and while Mary Ann, in particular, wears some fabulous 1960's outfits, the movie is never steamy. (To be fair, it was a TV movie). It's in the Euro-spy period, but not as intriguing and fun as many of the European films were. Still, relax, don't expect a lot, and it's OK. The last 20 minutes do seem to drag rather badly to me. I think the plot is too gimmicky; story needed more love interest; Senta not used enough (Mary Ann either); and for a spy flick, it was weak on the action side. Still: Senta and Mary Ann in their prime, are wonderful to see! Plus, John Saxon is excellent. As usual.
That one was a classic, this one is not. What's good: beautiful Senta Berger and Mary Ann Mobley! I wish they both had more scenes! There's great location shooting, especially in Venice. Gene is his usual suave self. What's lacking: no sense of urgency; not much action; and while Mary Ann, in particular, wears some fabulous 1960's outfits, the movie is never steamy. (To be fair, it was a TV movie). It's in the Euro-spy period, but not as intriguing and fun as many of the European films were. Still, relax, don't expect a lot, and it's OK. The last 20 minutes do seem to drag rather badly to me. I think the plot is too gimmicky; story needed more love interest; Senta not used enough (Mary Ann either); and for a spy flick, it was weak on the action side. Still: Senta and Mary Ann in their prime, are wonderful to see! Plus, John Saxon is excellent. As usual.