Search - Crossplot on DVD

Great thriller in the Charade tradition

A. Jezard | UK | 04/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful, over-looked film made by star Moore between The Saint and The Persuaders. Actually, the technical credits are similar to both these series, and it seems at times like a longer episode of either of them at times, but that's no bad thing. The plot is standard "39 Steps" territory -- innocent man on the run from cops and villians. However, it's done in a great 60s style, reminiscent of "Charade" and "Arabesque". OK, it's not quite in that class (it does look as if it was shot for TV), and some of the back projection is decidedly ropey, but it's a thrilling ride back through the sort of adventure series and films the British used to make well in the past and sadly don't make any more. If you liked the old ITC series of the 60s, or Moore in his prime, then this is a great reminder of how good they could be at their best. And don't forget to watch out for the helicopter chase -- it's a corker that would grace a film with a much bigger budget. The UK cast is great, too. Watch out particularly for Francis Matthews (the voice of the original Captain Scarlet and Paul Temple on TV)."

Roger Moore at his best

Esperanza Reynolds | Miami Lakes, Florida | 02/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recently, we read Roger Moore's book "My Word is my Bond" and thanks to this excellent biography of all the work accomplished by Roger Moore, we became familiar with movies we had never seen by our favorite... Bond, James Bond. So, we are trying to see all his films.



In Crossplot, Roger Moore stars with Claudie Lange, who plays the part of a model by the name of Marla Kugash, in what is a prelude to a Bond movie.



The movie is filmed in London, providing wonderful scenery from that lovely city as the stars encounter all sorts of troubles. Roger Moore plays the part of a Marketing executive who is always after the ladies. He tries to get one of his ladies into an ad campaign but finds himself involved with Marla Kugash, whose picture is planted in his portfolio by total strangers who want him to find this model for them because they fear she overheard a plot they have concocted to eliminate a high ranking official.



As with Bond films, the action is packed, the suspenseful plot is riveting and the filming is gorgeous as we travel through the manicured country side of England. Seeing Bernard Lee play a part in this movie was rather fun for he was the character "M" from 1962 through 1979, playing in many of the films during Roger Moore's time as James Bond.



Thanks to Roger Moore's book, My Word is my bond; we have found this movie which we did not know existed. Reading Roger Moore's book has opened the door to a new way to enjoy these films because we know the tid-bits of information that would otherwise go unnoticed, making the film more interesting and enjoyable.



If you enjoy film history, read the book and keep a list of the movies mentioned by Moore. See these through the eyes of the actor, sometimes director, and you will find yourselves immersed in a world of fun travel opportunities. Don't miss it!



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Post `Saint' escapade . . .

trebe | 08/30/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This 1969 feature was Sir Roger Moore's first film after finishing his long running role as Simon Templar on the television series `The Saint'. Crossplot, has many `Saintly' influences as producer Robert S. Baker, director Alvin Rakoff, and writers Leigh Vance and John Kruse, were all involved in the series. Filmed at Elstree Studios, with Moore as a co-producer, the film very much has the look and flavor of a Saint adventure, only without Simon Templar.



Roger Moore is Gary Fenn, a good natured and fun loving London advertising executive. Due to some deception, Fenn is bent on locating a missing Hungarian model, one Marla Kugash (Claudie Lange), for an advertising campaign. Without knowing it, the lovely Miss Kugash is a key figure in a criminal conspiracy, and there are those who would like very much to find her, and keep her from revealing what she may know.



The story has twists and turns that lead to unexpected places, and though the journey may not always make sense, it's fun to follow along with Fenn and Kugash. The action highlight features a helicopter chasing a vintage roadster across the countryside, with predictable results. Claudie Lange's comic ability, charm, and chemistry with her leading man, make the film worth watching. Marla's Aunt, a television director, is played by Martha Hyer. Bernard Lee, `M' in the James Bond films, appears with Sir Roger, the future Bond to be, for the first time.



Not a great film by any means, but worth a look if you like Roger Moore, or British light adventure comedies. The double-sided disc contains both letterbox and fullscreen versions. Crossplot is subtitled, scored by composer Stanley Black, and the title credits song `I'll Find My Love' is sung by John Rowles.

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For Roger Moore fans only

N. Lorch | Woodridge, IL | 06/22/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not a particularly good movie, but not particularly awful either. It has some delightfully silly/cheesy moments, and if you are a Roger Moore fan you will definitely get a kick out of it."