OUR MAN IN HAVANA (1960) **1/2 Not nearly as big as the legend. One might be forgiven for expecting-from Burl Ives and Noel Coward performing a Graham Greene comedic script-some terribly witty and incisive and instant dismantling of Cuba's pre-Castro Batista regime. Doesn't happen. Oh well, some profound and prophetic linkage of third world inertia and imperialist interference then? Well, in a word, no. More of a Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure for the Shakespearean set, I'm afraid. Not so bad as all that, perhaps, nor as good, really. There's nothing wrong with any of it, in fact when you centre on Sir Alec Guinness and mix in Sir Ralph Richardson and Maureen O'Hara it's safe to say that it's quite a distinguished and effective cast. And so it is. And Mr Greene spins a spy yarn based on a novel of his, presumably, favourite novelist, Graham Greene of course. More of a cottage of a work than a palatial one, but quite warm and comfortable all the same.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!
Internet Movie Database