• A camera-zoom heavy Cold War 1970’s spy film—pales in comparison Day of the Jackal  (also 1973) or Three Days of the Condor but an interesting picture nonetheless. It does feel like John le Carr.
  • The two leads- Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon (aided by a talented Paul Scofield) back for a little 10 year reunion after 1963’s masterpiece The Leopard
  • A great shot at the 39 minute mark—dust in Vienna (shot there and DC/Virginia) right when the street lights turn on with Lancaster’s broad shouldered back facing the camera.

the cat and mouse spy narrative takes us from location shooting in Vienna to DC/Virginia

  • A story of cat and mouse, dueling spies—but mutual respect between the two. Lancaster aptly cast as the wily veteran with a few tricks left up his sleeve and Delon as the talented, handsome but peculiar up and comer with cats in his apartment
  • Long chases like French Connection– Lancaster’s athleticism pays off- even at this age

Long chases like French Connection– Lancaster’s athleticism pays off- even at this age

  • Nihilistic and cynical- appropriate ending for the two spies and Winner quickly takes us to the final credits abruptly. Well done
  • Recommend but not terribly close to the top 10 of 1973- closer to the fringe