The Marseille Contract (1974) YTS

Reviewed by CinemaSerf 6 / 10

Unfortunately, none of Messrs. Caine, Quinn and Mason

Unfortunately, none of Messrs. Caine, Quinn and Mason are on very good form here. Nor do they have much of a script to work with in this rather clunky crime drama. It is Quinn ("Ventura") an official at the US Justice Department, who has been trying for years to thwart the activities of drugs baron "Brizard" (Mason) but the man proves somewhat teflon! As a last resort, he hires an unknown assassin to finally stop his nemesis. It turns out though, that the man he has inadvertently hired in none other than his old pal "Deray" (Caine). Set amongst some gorgeous Parisian and Alpine scenery, we now play out this cat and mouse game. Aside from a rather lacklustre storyline, there is also pretty little actual action to entertain us here either. Caine is absent for petty much the entire first third of the film; Mason makes for quite a good baddie - but just features all to sparingly in what rapidly becomes a rather procedural drama enlivened only by a few of the scenes from Quinn. It is an OK watch - but not a film you are likely to recall.

Reviewed by got_the_feelin 6 / 10

Charming thriller, without many thrills. Could have done better!

As a fan of Micheal Caine and of action thrillers from the seventies I was looking forward to watching this film. I'd listened to the wickedly funky soundtrack by Roy "Get Carter" Budd, and spent a while tracking down a copy of the film on VHS.Firstly i'll deal with the good points. Marseille is a good location to film a thriller, think of French Connection 2 for example, and it is well used. I'm in love with the Citroen DS, especially in black, so I was pleased to see them used throughout the film. There's a playful "cat and mouse" car scene, which was later copied in a more OTT style by John Woo in MI:2! There are a few interesting killings. Caine looks very seventies cool.Now for the not so good points. Budds soundtrack although is efficient, it is too efficient for my liking, i'd like to hear more of it in the film. The music never really gets going. There are a couple more chase scenes thrown in for good measure, but they are boring. The acting is very very average, as is the film.In my opinion I think that the director should have made a decision to go with either A) A gritty, hard hitting thriller. Or B) A more tongue in cheek, stylish caper movie. This film has both qualities at certain points within the movie, but it doesn't have the mix right. This is a shame because it could have been much better, perhaps a bigger budget was needed, who knows.So to sum up, if Michael Caine in various seventies fashions such as roll neck sweaters, giant aviator sunglasses, a smoking jacket with cravat and the odd kipper tie floats your boat, this is the move for you!

Reviewed by dougeroo1 7 / 10

I like this movie, a good seventies action flick

Unlike some others, I really like this movie. As an American, I appreciate the Paris locations, which are well chosen. I like the Alfa Romeo Montreal that Michael Caine's character drives, an exceedingly rare and attractive model. I feel the dialog is clever and natural, and at times funny ("funguoo you!). It's interesting to see Pierre Salinger, the American statesman, in a small role and doing it well. I feel you need to look at "The Destructors" as a group of vignettes, individually well done.While player motivations are sometimes a bit unclear,and some subplots lead nowhere, most of the main scenes are well presented. Younger people used to the slam bang action and quick scene cuts of newer movies may call it dull, but those who appreciate fine actors like James Mason, Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine may see this as a diamond in the rough. If you have a chance, catch this film on cable or at a theatre that plays older films, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

The Marseille Contract

1974

Action / Crime / Drama / Thriller

The Marseille Contract

1974

Action / Crime / Drama / Thriller

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Movie Reviews

Unfortunately, none of Messrs. Caine, Quinn and Mason

Charming thriller, without many thrills. Could have done better!

I like this movie, a good seventies action flick

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