"The Riddle of the Sands" tells the story (set in 1901 Europe) of two English chums, Carruthers (Michael York), a clerk in the Foreign Office, and Davies (Simon MacCorkindale), a yachtsman. Davies comes to discover that something sinister involving the Germans may be transpiring, and draws his reluctant friend into the mystery. They work, and work hard, to be discreet while observing the characters with whom they come into contact. Serving as a mild distraction for Davies is the enchanting Clara (Jenny Agutter, at her loveliest), daughter of a German seafarer named Dollmann (Alan Badel).
The source novel by Erskine Childers is considered by buffs to be a prototype for the modern spy thriller, and the film certainly seems quite respectful. It was a dream project for debuting young filmmaker Tony Maylam (who wrote the screenplay with John Bailey); Maylam went on to do the American slasher "The Burning" next. (Definitely an interesting choice for follow-up project.) Period recreation is effective, the storytelling capable, and director Maylam proves capable of generating suspense. One standout sequence has Carruthers and Davies travelling by dinghy to a remote German island through the fog, with only Davies' navigational genius to guide them. The music score by Howard Blake is simply wonderful, combining a real majesty as well as an ominous quality.
The performances are uniformly excellent, with York and MacCorkindale believable as old buddies. Agutter is radiant and appealing, just like always. Badel leads a superb European supporting cast also consisting of Jurgen Andersen, Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel in "The Empire Strikes Back"), Hans Meyer, Wolf Kahler (Dietrich in "Raiders of the Lost Ark") as the Kaiser, Olga Lowe, and Ronald Markham.
"The Riddle of the Sands" doesn't seem to be too popular 40 years later, but it does deserve to be better known. As was mentioned, it's more about suspense (and atmosphere), rather than much in the way of action set pieces. Overall, it's worth a look for lovers of the espionage genre.
One of the last few films to be financed by The Rank Organization.
Seven out of 10.
The source novel by Erskine Childers is considered by buffs to be a prototype for the modern spy thriller, and the film certainly seems quite respectful. It was a dream project for debuting young filmmaker Tony Maylam (who wrote the screenplay with John Bailey); Maylam went on to do the American slasher "The Burning" next. (Definitely an interesting choice for follow-up project.) Period recreation is effective, the storytelling capable, and director Maylam proves capable of generating suspense. One standout sequence has Carruthers and Davies travelling by dinghy to a remote German island through the fog, with only Davies' navigational genius to guide them. The music score by Howard Blake is simply wonderful, combining a real majesty as well as an ominous quality.
The performances are uniformly excellent, with York and MacCorkindale believable as old buddies. Agutter is radiant and appealing, just like always. Badel leads a superb European supporting cast also consisting of Jurgen Andersen, Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel in "The Empire Strikes Back"), Hans Meyer, Wolf Kahler (Dietrich in "Raiders of the Lost Ark") as the Kaiser, Olga Lowe, and Ronald Markham.
"The Riddle of the Sands" doesn't seem to be too popular 40 years later, but it does deserve to be better known. As was mentioned, it's more about suspense (and atmosphere), rather than much in the way of action set pieces. Overall, it's worth a look for lovers of the espionage genre.
One of the last few films to be financed by The Rank Organization.
Seven out of 10.