Michael Caine was 23 years old when he began making films in 1956. Within a decade he had reached star status with such films as "Zulu" of 1964, "The Ipcress File" of 1965 and "Alfie" of 1966. He would continue to have big hit films for the next two decades, and several beyond that. But, his hits were interspersed with some lesser films. A number were average and some even below average.
"Black Windmill" is one of the first of his so-so movies. The film is based on a 1973 novel, "Seven Days to a Killing," by British novelist Clive Egleton.
The idea of the plot is a good one, and the film has a cast of fine actors. But the screenplay is poor. The film direction and editing are weak and appear to leave holes in places. The story is very slow and Caine's, character, Maj. John Tarant, is weak and poorly scripted. His performance is even less than mediocre, at least through the first two-thirds of the film.
This movie had the potential to be a griping spy and crime thriller. But, the poorly written story and lack of energy among most of the cast quickly tire an audience. It's a strain to rate this film even six stars, which I give on the strength of two performances. Donald Pleasance is very good as the hypersensitive, nearly schizoid MI-6 chief, Cedric Harper. And John Vernon is very good as the hardened criminal plot leader.
"Black Windmill" is one of the first of his so-so movies. The film is based on a 1973 novel, "Seven Days to a Killing," by British novelist Clive Egleton.
The idea of the plot is a good one, and the film has a cast of fine actors. But the screenplay is poor. The film direction and editing are weak and appear to leave holes in places. The story is very slow and Caine's, character, Maj. John Tarant, is weak and poorly scripted. His performance is even less than mediocre, at least through the first two-thirds of the film.
This movie had the potential to be a griping spy and crime thriller. But, the poorly written story and lack of energy among most of the cast quickly tire an audience. It's a strain to rate this film even six stars, which I give on the strength of two performances. Donald Pleasance is very good as the hypersensitive, nearly schizoid MI-6 chief, Cedric Harper. And John Vernon is very good as the hardened criminal plot leader.