The Quiller Memorandum

Clearly inspired by the international success of the early James Bond movies but not nearly as flamboyant as 007's adventures, The Quiller Memorandum (1966) is a textbook example of the smartly-written espionage thriller. George Segal plays Quiller, a British secret agent dispatched to West Berlin in search of his predecessor's murderer. Quiller comes up against a shadowy ring of neo-Nazis headed by the ruthless Oktober (Max von Sydow) and spends much of the movie trying to find its headquarters. Segal, best known today for his light-comedy work, makes a remarkably convincing spy, and he's supported by a terrific cast that includes gorgeous leading lady Senta Berger (playing a sympathetic schoolteacher), Alec Guinness, George Sanders, and Robert Helpmann. But much of the credit for the movie's effectiveness belongs to screenwriter Harold Pinter, whose masterful script boasts some of the most witty, urbane dialogue ever concocted for a film of this type. Crisp lensing and smooth pacing enhances the overall effect of this winner from underrated director Michael Anderson. DVD extras include an audio commentary by film historians Eddie Friedfeld and Lee Pfeiffer. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)