**_Realistic alternative to 60’s James Bond_**
An Australian detective (Rod Taylor) is sent to London to bring back the High Commissioner (Christopher Plummer) for a possible crime in 1951, but he’s involved in delicate peace talks for the UN, not to mention dealing with a leaker and assassination attempts.
“The High Commissioner” (1968) is also known as “Nobody Runs Forever” and works well enough if you’re interested in a way more believable, dialogue-driven substitute to the 007 flicks with Sean Connery. Clive Revill is entertaining as a grumpy butler while suave Calvin Lockhart is notable as an American involved in the diplomatic proceedings.
Exotic-looking Daliah Lavi stands out on the feminine front. Her character is involved in an unconvincing romantic sequence, which wasn’t in the 1966 novel (the creators obviously wanted to spice up the story for moviegoers). Camilla Sparv and Lilli Palmer are also on hand.
There’s something too mechanical about the movie. The director described himself as a “hired hand” and brushed it off as “okay.” I wouldn’t pay top dollar at the cinema to see it, but it’s enjoyable enough for home entertainment if you’re in the mood for a talky 60’s big city drama/thriller with lots of political intrigue and a quality cast.
This was the first of two movies featuring Aussie detective Scobie Malone; the other came out in 1975 and was titled “Scobie Malone,” minus Rod Taylor in the role.
It runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot at Pinewood Studios, west of London, as well as in the city, including Wimbledon. There are also shots of Sydney and the opening sequence appears to have been shot in the Outback.
GRADE: B/B-
