This film is most remembered by the cameo appearances of several stars under heavy make up which proposes a little game in trying to identify them (Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas). However, and that aside, "The List of Adrian Messenger" stands as an entertaining thriller for those of us who enjoy the genre.
The story goes with a series of apparently unrelated accidental deaths, until someone -the guy in the title- suspects they are somehow linked and starts to investigate the case; when he perishes in an airplane crash his work is taken over by a friend of his a retired police inspector.
The plot is interesting and, aided by an excellent black and white photography, director John Huston creates a sordid and most appropriate atmosphere and sustains tension and interest all along.
George C. Scott is very good as the investigator and Dana Wynter adds the feminine presence. The rest of the cast is acceptable and even. Make up masks were alright for the early 60's but they are definitely poor if you compare them with today's techniques.
Just forget the "discover the star game" and enjoy a decent and unpretentious thriller most amusing for fans of the genre. By the way, Robert Mitchum is the easy one.
The story goes with a series of apparently unrelated accidental deaths, until someone -the guy in the title- suspects they are somehow linked and starts to investigate the case; when he perishes in an airplane crash his work is taken over by a friend of his a retired police inspector.
The plot is interesting and, aided by an excellent black and white photography, director John Huston creates a sordid and most appropriate atmosphere and sustains tension and interest all along.
George C. Scott is very good as the investigator and Dana Wynter adds the feminine presence. The rest of the cast is acceptable and even. Make up masks were alright for the early 60's but they are definitely poor if you compare them with today's techniques.
Just forget the "discover the star game" and enjoy a decent and unpretentious thriller most amusing for fans of the genre. By the way, Robert Mitchum is the easy one.