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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something Rotten In The State Of MI5, April 12, 2011
One of the most underrated Espionage thrillers in the spy canon, Director Sam Wanamaker's 'THE EXECUTIONER'-1973 finally gets a proper digital release by Columbia DVD-R and available by Amazon.com. Since the subject matter and feel of the film looks like it belongs back with the spy movies from the mid sixties, Wanamaker's opus looks fresh and gripping as ever showing that you don't need the rapid fire intensity of the modern day Jason Bourne films or the new James Bond incarnations. George Peppard is at the top of his form as John Shay, an MI5 operative who is double crossed and relentlessly pursues the double agent in their midst who is selling out to the Russians. Anymore plot information would spoil the viewing experience, suffice it to say that the screenplay by Jack Pullman twists and turns like a coiled snake till along with Peppard, you don't know who to trust. The film is peppered with a great cast including Judy Geeson, the slimy Charles Gray, Oscar Homolka, Keith Michell, and a surprise performance by Joan Collins who was always better with good material but its Peppard's show all the way with an incredible, gritty portrayal and his best role ever. Produced by Ray Harryhausen alumnus Charles H. Schneer, an ethereal music score by Ron Goodwin , crisp cinematography by Denys Coop, it emerges as one of the best Spy movies ever made and one of Wanamaker's most underrated films. Click the add to cart button and see how good an espionage film is when all the ingredients gell. The transfer is flawless in a beautiful 2.35 widescreen aspect ratio and highly recommended.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
British espionage melodrama, June 13, 2011
Dating from 1971, The Executioner is a British espionage melodrama, in the tradition of The Ipcress File or Funeral in Berlin. The emphasis is on plot and intrigue, although there are also some powerful action sequences, culminating in a climatic gun battle. George Peppard plays a lower-level functionary who apparently discovers a Soviet agent in British intelligence, but his superiors inexplicably respond by exonerating the suspected spy. The visuals, which range from London to Athens, are impressive, and the direction is outstanding. The supporting cast includes Joan Collins and Judy Geeson, both of whom handle their roles well. There are even some surrealist touches, such as the play of lights when the action moves backward and forward in time. This film was underrated at the time of its release, and deserves more recognition.
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4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasant Spy Thriller!!, July 23, 2003
By A Customer
This review is from: Executioner [VHS] (VHS Tape)
George Peppard and Joan Collins star in this pleasant spy thriller set largely in London.It's a must see!!
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