In the shadow of Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons, Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater cohorts cranked out Journey Into Fear, a comparatively quick and economical spy thriller starring good buddy Joseph Cotten.
Though Cotton is solely credited with writing the screenplay (based on Eric Ambler’s novel), it was actually a collaboration with Welles, who also produced and is featured in a small but amusing supporting role as Colonel Haki, head of the Turkish police. But despite Welles’ involvement on both sides of the camera, it’s ultimately Cotten who makes the movie engaging.
He plays Howard Graham, an American arms engineer doing business in Istanbul with wife Stephanie (Ruth Warrick) in-tow. After a failed attempt on his life by a mysterious assassin, Colonel Haki explains Howard’s been targeted by a Nazi named Muller (Eustace Wyatt), who ordered the hit to delay Howard’s efforts to rearm Turkey’s navy. The colonel then puts him on-board a steamer ship bound for Batumi (where he and Stephanie were originally scheduled to reach by train).
 |
| Howard discovers the Special Of The Day ain't so special. |
Journey Into Fear begins with a masterful pre-title sequence that not-only introduces Banat, it sort-of reminds me of Welles’ legendary single-shot opening to 1958’s Touch of Evil. The basic story is interesting, anchored by Cotten’s great performance. He convincingly conveys an everyman totally out of his element. The momentum (and interest level) wanes a bit during some of the ship scenes, some of which seem designed to pad-out an already brief running time. However, once all the characters are established - and their intentions revealed - the film culminates in an exciting climax.
While no masterpiece, Journey Into Fear is an enjoyable, efficient little spy flick with a few nifty twists.
EXTRA KIBBLES
3 ORSON WELLES MERCURY THEATER RADIO BROADCASTS - Dracula, Treasure Island and A Tale of Two Cities.
No comments:
Post a Comment