This is impressingly well done as everything in it is totally convincing, especially the language specially constructed for this film - it sounds a little bit like Romanian and some Yugoslav languages but is neither of them. Glynis Johns is the most impressing acting contribution here, while Jack Hawkins is superb as a superior leader in charge as usual, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr is exactly the right type for the naïve doctor who is called on to operate on a dictator without knowing it before it's too late. The story is a nail-biting thriller of high tension and suspense, and I am sure even Hitchcock would have been impressed here. The finale in the mountains is a special treat, and the surprises on the way never cease to pile up in constant up-turning of the intrigue. I saw it more than 50 years ago, ever since then I have been looking forward to seeing it again, and it was no disappointment. On the contrary.
Review of The Great Manhunt
The Great Manhunt
(1950)
Getting into trouble by not knowing what patient you are operating on.
13 November 2019