The Cassandra Crossing (1976)
March Or Die (1977)
Mayerling (1968)
The Haunting Passion (1983)
The Man In The Iron Mask (1977) ///
The Cassandra Crossing (1976) Unknowingly infected with a lab-created virus, a terrorist escapes on a train packed with uneasy stars spinning a confusion of subplots. Thriller proves a convoluted mess, though technical skill sees isolated thrills and Jerry Goldsmith conjures up a fine score.
March Or Die (1977) Sombre foreign legion adventure, as haunted Gene Hackman hardens soldiers to face ferocious Arab battle. Dry tone blunts impact, though lively Terence Stamp & tenacious Catherine Deneuve provide colour amid some impressively staged action, and themes of cultural abuse & anti-war fatalism.
Mayerling (1968) Lush production values lend impressive scale to tragic love story between willful Catherine Deneuve and agitated Omar Sharif. Politics of fading Austro-Hungarian Empire and court intrigue provide engaging context. Lacks intensity despite committed performances.
The Haunting Passion (1983) Emotionally isolated from retired football star husband, Jane Seymour is seduced by a ghostly presence in new coastal house. Unfussy production nicely conjures menacing, alluring atmosphere and resonant ending, despite threadbare effects and flimsy development.
The Man In The Iron Mask (1977) Lively, attractively produced adaptation with a superior cast realizing the swirls of court intrigue and manipulation. Breezy pacing spices up drama while Richard Chamberlain is persuasive as twins vying for the French throne and Jenny Agutter provides grounded emotion.
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