Der Amerikaner

If Vladimir Nabakov had been born 40 years later (and had been 20-something in the British Mod era), he might have devised a story similar to this: an erratic but amusing, sometimes sincere romance concerning a 38-year-old writer of pulp novels in love with a brash 16-year-old London schoolgirl. Comedy-drama stars Charles Bronson and Susan George (who was 19 during shooting), and was the third film from director Richard Donner, who reportedly clashed with Bronson during the production (and didn't direct another feature until 1976's "The Omen"). "Twinky/Lola/London Affair" has expressive eyes and ears, but Donner doesn't quite know how to wrap things up, leading to a weak finale. Well-made and edited, however, and full of energy and appealing scenes. Fine acting by the leads, particularly Bronson in an early leading role. British-Italian co-production was released throughout Europe in 1970, but didn't reach the US until 1971 (barely) before being shown on television in December of that year. **1/2 from ****