User Reviews

Rod Steiger is "Hennessy" in this 1975 drama also starring Lee Remick, Trevor Howard, Richard Johnson and Eric Porter. Hennessy is an explosives expert living in Belfast who no longer believes in violence, even to the point of refusing to supply the IRA with explosives. He soon reverts to his former opinions when his beloved wife and child are killed in crossfire between the British army and rioters. From that point on, his agenda is his own, and he heads for London with the idea of blowing up the whole of Parliament when the Queen and her family come to address the body. He seeks out the widow (Remick) of an IRA agent and hits her up for a place to stay while he steals gelignite, practices impersonating a member of Parliament he has zeroed in on and arranges to have the bomb made. Both the IRA and the British Special Branch are on to him, and both want him stopped - the IRA because it realizes what the backlash will mean.

Given recent times, this drama takes on a timeliness it did not have when it was first released and probably got lost among the plethora of international espionage films. Rod Steiger is always a surprise, as he could overact with the best of them (The Big Knife) or underplay beautifully, as he does here. His Hennessy is dead inside and quietly determined to achieve his goal via an intricate plot. Beautiful Lee Remick is wasted star power here but lovely nonetheless as a lonely widow who has already lost someone to the cause and wants nothing to do with it. Richard Johnson is terrifying as Hollis, a rogue member of the Special Branch who doesn't care who he beats to a pulp and whose property he destroys to get the information he needs. Trevor Howard, as his boss, gives his role a measured dignity and coolheadedness - and with Hollis on his team, he needs it.

All in all, very absorbing.

Back in 1975, when this controversial political thriller was released, critics were quick to call it "implausible", "unbelievable" and "far-fetched". But since then, the western world has had a few wake-up calls. The 9/11 terrorist attacks; the Madrid bombings; hunt-campaigners breaking into Parliament and hurling powder pellets onto the Prime Minister; the suicide bombings on the London Underground.... to name but a few. In retrospect, Hennessy may have been made at a time when the top-brass of Britsh and American governments and armies thought themselves invulnerable, but looking at it from a modern perspective this is a chillingly possible tale. It is not even slightly far-fetched or implausible.... this is a genuinely unsettling, suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller.

Northern Irish explosive expert Niall Hennessy (Rod Steiger) lives a peaceful life in Belfast with his wife and daughter. He has IRA contacts, including the dangerous and wanted Tobin (Eric Porter), but Hennessy repeatedly refuses to get involved in their violent activities, even refusing to provide them with small amounts of gelignite. However, one day during a street riot the British Army inadvertently open fire on the rioters, and in the confusion Hennessy's wife and child are killed. Distraught, Hennessy heads for London with the aim of revisiting his loss on the English capital. His unthinkable plot is to blow up the Royal Family and the members of parliament in the House of Peers. Fearing a backlash and an influx of extra soldiers in Belfast, Tobin sets out to stop Hennessy. Also, Special Branch detective Inspector Hollis (Richard Johnson - who also came up with the film's story) races against time to prevent Hennessy's explosive scheme.

As in The Day Of The Jackal, the audience knows from the outset that Hennessy's horrifying plot is doomed to fail.... but also like The Day Of The Jackal, this film still generates terrific excitement. Hennessy, as essayed by the excellent Rod Steiger (in one of his most subtle, least hammy roles), is a very sympathetic figure and it is only because his revenge plot is so terrible that we do not want him to succeed. Hollis, the cop out to stop him, is very convincingly played by Richard Johnson, and there are further notable performances from Lee Remick as the widow of a one-time IRA saboteur and Trevor Howard as Hollis's over-confident, under-cautious superior. Director Don Sharp, whose films are usually mediocre at best, is in uncommonly good form, serving up a thriller of considerable tension and topicality. In today's vulnerable society, films of this kind remind us of the perilous position we're in at the mercy of embittered extremists.... and Hennessy is one of the best of its type.

Oh dear a Hollywood thriller featuring the Provisional IRA that was made at the height of the troubles . Let me guess whose side the film might be taking ? "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" you state with self righteous smugness . Well there's women and children being raped to death by Jihadists' in the Caliphate as I write this . Anyone consider them to be freedom fighters ? The only thing terrorists offer people is the freedom from freedom . But you can guarantee that Hollywood will delude themselves that if someone has an Irish accent , a Kalashnikov and a pile of semtex there's no way he can be classed as a "terrorist" , so imagine my surprise that I came across a very even handed portrayal of Irish terrorism

The plot is simple and features an Irishman Niall Hennessey whose wife and daughter are killed in a riot in Belfast and wants to take his revenge by blowing up the Queen's state opening of parliament . This is seen as a step too far by the Provisionals so set out to eliminate Hennessey

The idea of the IRA going after a rogue player however is not as far fetched as it seems . Sure it's all down to self preservation . As real life events would later prove the IRA's failed assassination plot of the Prime Minster and her cabinet in 1984 with the Brighton bombing destroyed any intermittent dialogue between the British government and the IRA for several years . Wipe out the Royal family and British government is just asking for trouble because the retaliation and fall out would totally alienate the Provos from any political carrots being offered so yes the motives and credibility as seen here ring absolutely true

HENNESSEY is a rather familiar thriller of one man finding himself alone and on the run from both sides but this isn't necessarily a criticism . When the film does make vaguely political statements then it does tie itself up a little bit . For example a news report states sectarian differences are put aside for the youths killed in the riot , but I can tell you a small minority of people living in Republican or Loyalist ghettos will never come together to remember the dead of the other side . Quite the reverse , it'd be a cause of celebration and much drinking . Sad but true

Rod Steiger is one of these actors whose talent far exceeds most of the films he's been in and HENNESSY is sort of mid table . It's not a role that screams Oscar nomination but at the same time he does give a rather understated performance and it's not often you see a film where the lead IRA man isn't played by some hunky man . Sean Bean , Richard Gere and Brad Pitt have all played IRA men so it's a nice change that the producers didn't think of getting Paul Newman or Robert Redford in the title role so let's be grateful for that

Oh and no review of this movie can be complete without saying "Some very good editing and the archive footage of the Queen blends so seamlessly in to the film you'd think she's actually been filmed onset as herself"

I first saw this film at the cinema when it was released in 1975. I got the shock of my life when I saw myself in the newsreel film over the opening credits. In 1969, 1971 and 1972 I had served tours in Belfast with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and it is film of the Winter 1971/Spring 1972 tour that opens Hennessy.

The first few scenes of the street rioting, the armoured "pigs", the equipment of the squaddies and the visceral hatred shown by the rioters was scarily authentic, unfortunately the accents of some of the "Irish" characters wasn't. With such heavyweights as Rod Steiger and Trevor Howard, the film should have received more support- perhaps the distributors were concerned about the politics. A brave film for daring to confront "The Troubles" and a good "yarn" as well.

Nice flick in the flavor of the 70's thrillers with habitual combination of pursuits , stirring action , displaying sizzling scenes in London locations and colorful characters . Stars Hennessy (Rod Steiger) , an Irishman who believes in peace and family life , but who has had connections to the I. R. A led by Tobin (Eric Porter) . After his family is killed, and he plots vengeance by committing an important assassination and and a brutal massacre . As Henessy setting out to blow up the Houses of Parliament and to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. Along the way , a Police Inspector (Richard Johnson) and his helper (Peter Egan) carrying out a suspenseful investigation to track him down . It began on the 1st of November . Its object - to find Niall Hennesy , a gentle , peaceful man who had been push too far and who carries in his right vest pocket the power to destroy a nation. The day he has chosen to act is the 5th of November . Most Intensive Manhunt Ever Mounted!

This is a thrilling movie about a family man who finds himself embarking on a criminal spree , containing moving sequences , intrigue , tension and sightseeing locations from London . This is an interesting thriller lavishly produced by Peter Snell and Samuel Z. Arkoff from American International and intriguing script by John Gay based on a story by Richard Johnson himself who plays efficiently an obstinate cop , too . It's full of action , tense , high intrigue , nail-biting chases , beautifully filmed and being very entertaining. From the beginning to the end the unstoppable tension and suspense is continuous. In the wake of The Day of Jackal by Fred Zinneman , including a breathtaking and overwhelming ending whose sequences are the movie's best . The runtime of the film is appropriate , 105 minutes approx. It is neither tiring , nor dull , but thrilling . Terrific performance by Rod Steiger as stubborn and cunning murderer . All-star-cast formed by prestigious secondary actors , mostly Britishmen . The top-notch support cast are as follows : Richard Johnson , Eric Porter , Lee Remick , John Shrapnel, Trevor Howard , Peter Egan , John Hallan , theatrical movie debut of Sir Patrick Stewart and look fot the little girl Patsy Kensit as Hennessy's daughter .

It packs adequate and atmospheric photography by Ernest Steward , reflecting spectacularly the noisy London streets , parks , monuments and sightseeing .As well as rousing and exciting musical score by John Scott .The motion picture , well produced by Peter Snell, was professionally directed by Don Sharp. He was a good British craftsman who directed all kinds of genres, thrillers , adventures , suspense , Fantasy , Sci-Fi , Terror , such as : "The Kiss of the Vampir , The Face of Fumanchu, The Brides of Fumanchu, Rocket to the Moon , Psychomania , Callan , Hennessy , The Four Feathers , The Thirty-Nine Steps, Bear Island , Secrets of the Phantoms Caverns" . Rating : 6.5/10. Acceptable and decent action movie . The picture will appeal to thriller buffs and Rod Steiger fans .

A fun little reworking of THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, not on par with that classic film but pretty good in its own right. Rod Steiger is well cast as an IRA sympathiser who goes off the deep end when his wife and daughter are killed by a British soldier and decides to recreate Guy Fawkes' crimes in the modern day. A taut pace and gritty realism throughout means that this one builds to a strong suspense climax cleverly incorporating real-life footage of the queen.

Demolitions expert in Belfast, once a member of the Irish Republican Army, sees his wife and child accidentally killed in a street riot between political protesters and soldiers; he reacts by traveling to England to carry out a plot against Parliament and Queen Elizabeth II, though Scotland Yard is one step behind. Dreary topical thriller, an odd release coming from American International Pictures, has some relevance to today's headlines, though that doesn't exactly make this endeavor an important or intriguing one. Rod Steiger and widowed friend Lee Remick (reunited from 1968's "No Way to Treat a Lady") are somewhat uneasily cast in their roles, though the film has good music scoring by John Scott and fine cinematography from Ernest Steward. Controversial in Great Britain due to the Queen's appearance via newsreel footage, the producers were forced to begin the film with an amusing disclaimer. ** from ****

The battle in the street with the army at the beginning of the movie was filmed at the gas works, White Street, Southall, Middx.

If anyone liked "Day of the Jackal", then they will certainly like this movie. The plot is similar in that a political enemy is to be killed by an individual. In this case two groups are trying to stop the killing-the government of Great Britain and the IRA. The IRA is not trying to defend great Britain but trying to prevent the backlash that would have been certain if the Queen and her family along with the House of Lords and Parliment were blown up. Definitely worth seeing in any case because of Rod Steiger's performance..

Political thriller with the troubles in Ireland being the subject.

I assumed a dated piece where goodies vs baddies & you could work out what was going to happen.

Not the case, it feels the camera is filming events which lead up to the films subject.

Without comment the story unfolds and it had me gripped.

I did smile when Lee Remick's first appsarance - very Hollywood touched, dressed to the nines in 70's fashion with an Irish accent that would have been at home in a Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne type movie.

Glad I watched & enjoyed, Rod Steiger plays a blinding part, plus it's a good game to spot who's who with the supporting cast.

My father-in-law, Les Hammond, did the sound on this film, and I remember at the time him telling me that he did not think this film would be released on general release because the authorities thought it would be looked upon as some sort of bible for terrorism. We went to see it a long time after it's release, and I'm pleased to say that it was an eye opener. The storyline was good, the acting was excellent (the accents were difficult but you can't have everything). I'm a great fan of Rod Stiger and he did not let anyone down in this film. Les Hammond is still in rude health and will be celebrating his 100th birthday on 6th June 2008.

Maltin is an idiot for saying that the plot is unbelievable. It is in fact all too believable. Rod Steiger shows his versatility by playing an Irishman who impersonates an Englishman. Lee Remick is delectable as usual and English fans will applaud the inclusion of Eric Porter

Nearby half a century before the Queen co-starred with Daniel Craig she supported Rod Steiger in this ambitious A. I. P. Production that rather recklessly opened a can of worms by combining The Troubles with the Royal Family.

Whatever. It works perfectly well experienced simply as a gripping thriller building up to a climax as dramatic as that of 'The Day of the Jackal' with a showy part for Steiger in the tortured title role and is well acted by a good cast - most of them adopting Irish brogues - of whom one, Richard Johnson, actually supplied the original story.

I was glad to see this on a UK flm nostalgia channel (UK readers will know which one.

I may have seen it on tv previously but I am sure it has hardly been shown on British tv.

It is a good film with an amazing cast and anchored by a great performance by Rod Steiger.

I am sure the reason for its obscurity is that it is about the civil conflict in Northern Ireland.

Other reviewers compare this film to The Day Of The Jackal and there is a manhunt angle to the plot.

The plot is a good one,I give no plot spoilers.

Even if the Northern Irish angle doesn't interest a potential viewer they can enjoy the look of mid 1970s London with the funny old cars and the interesting locations.

Excellent political thriller from the Seventies which is well acted throughout. Rod Steiger plays Niall Hennessy, an Irishman who wants no part of the violence his friends want. All this changes when his wife and daughter are shot by the British during a riot in Belfast. This all leads him to try and blow up the Royal Family during the State Opening of Parliament. A well paced thriller with Steiger, Remick, Johnson and Porter all putting in believable performances. Look out for Patrick Stewart with hair in one of his first film performances and a young Patsy Kensit as Steigers doomed daughter.

Typical of the seventies, the decade - with the late sixties - of the desperate, gloomy, melancholic stories, showing anti heroes, characters facing their doom, facing the.inevitable. In this register, Rod Steiger is at his best, the perfect role for him. Of course this topic would have never been made now. Dark, brutal, gritty and hopeless, exactly what I crave for. But this not DAY OF THE JACKAL, though the some lines may seem very close to the Fred Zinneman's feature.

This movie shows the stark brutality and absolute horror of IRA terrorism during the time Edward Heath was Britain's Prime Minister. It pulls no punches in its portrayal of unmitigated violence extreme grief and savage revenge. It left me in a state of shock and emotionally drained. The actors live the parts they play which adds to the realism of the events filmed. Definitely worth a maximum of ten stars. As someone born of an Irish mother I was familiar with the IRA as a youngster and my forebears either participated in or were associated with Ireland's struggle for Independence: and that definitely has acted as a catalyst in terns of my reaction to this movie.