A bland film starring Anthony Quinn as a US narc in Paris trying unsuccessfully to take down ruthless drug lord James Mason. He brings in hit-man Michael Caine to do the job. Although there's plenty of action, the movie is really too drab to be recommended. Director Robert Parrish tries every camera angle imaginable in an effort to breathe life into this hokum. Quinn dominates the first half of the film with a very forceful performance as the world weary government man and Caine takes over for the second half. They're both terrific, but Mason is really miscast. Who ever thought he'd make a convincing drug peddler? Clearly it's a tip of the hat to THE FRENCH CONNECTION's dapper drug pusher Fernando Rey. The oddball supporting cast includes Alexandra Stewart, Maurice Ronet and, in a cameo, former JFK crony Pierre Salinger (as Quinn's crusty superior).
Review of The Destructors
