THE HOLCROFT COVENANT is lesser-known Robert Ludlum adaptation that sees Michael Caine playing the unsuspecting heir of a Nazi fortune who finds himself mired in conspiracy and murder. The film itself is rather episodic and has hardly any action and thus not much in the way of life, but the saving grace is the presence of director John Frankenheimer who directors with his customary skill and professionalism. He turns what could have been a farcical effort into something more than watchable, with enough twists to keep the viewer engaged with the on-screen proceedings. It's nice to see Caine playing a more ordinary hero than most while the supporting cast includes Anthony Andrews, who is very good playing against type, alongside Euro stalwarts like Mario Adorf and Michael Lonsdale. Cheesy and dated at times, and occasionally boring, THE HOLCROFT COVENANT is one to enjoy if you're in a more forgiving mood.
Review of The Holcroft Covenant
