The Marseille Contract

For most of its runtime, The Marseille Contract is a cool cocktail of espionage, moral ambiguity, and sharp performances-Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, and James Mason chew the screen with effortless gravitas. The build-up? Tense. The pacing? Tight. The premise? Classic Euro-thriller gold.

And then... the ending.

Without spoiling it, let's just say the final twist feels less like a knockout punch and more like a producer yelling "Wrap it up!" at the 11th hour. Character arcs? Abruptly halted. Emotional payoff? MIA. Resolution? More like a cliffhanger with vertigo.

We need The Marseille Contract: Part II-or at least a director's cut with an epilogue.

Still, for fans of cerebral thrillers with vintage flair, it's worth the watch. Just don't expect closure-expect to shout "That's it?!" at your screen.

I am wary when a film's writer is also its main producer, or vice versa. Either we are in the presence of greatness, or ... not. Here, not. Judd Bernard has done a decent job as a producer, and a good one as the writer of the story, but he should have left the screenplay and dialogue to someone else. The Marseille Contract (aka The Destructors) from 1974 has an unfortunate pedestrian tone to the writing. But it's a decent thriller, worth a watch. The location shooting in Paris and Marseille creates a great 1970s vibe, and the story is full of tension. Anthony Quinn's acting here was terrific. Michael Caine is a pleasure to watch, but he seemed to be in remote control. James Mason was miscast as the French drug king, but it's always a pleasure to watch him anyway. The two car chase scenes are great. Many people have criticized the film as a blatant rip off of The French Connection, and of course that came to my mind very early in the film. But I don't mind them copying that film so much as I wish they had just made this one a bit better.

Unlike some others, I really like this movie. As an American, I appreciate the Paris locations, which are well chosen. I like the Alfa Romeo Montreal that Michael Caine's character drives, an exceedingly rare and attractive model. I feel the dialog is clever and natural, and at times funny ("funguoo you!). It's interesting to see Pierre Salinger, the American statesman, in a small role and doing it well.

I feel you need to look at "The Destructors" as a group of vignettes, individually well done.While player motivations are sometimes a bit unclear,and some subplots lead nowhere, most of the main scenes are well presented. Younger people used to the slam bang action and quick scene cuts of newer movies may call it dull, but those who appreciate fine actors like James Mason, Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine may see this as a diamond in the rough. If you have a chance, catch this film on cable or at a theatre that plays older films, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do.

Unlike some other reviewers, I found this little known piece to be very entertaining. Yes, Tony Quinn over-emotes on occasion (e.g., poker scene) and his affair with Rita (Alexandra Stewart) goes undeveloped, but the story line itself is well paced, interesting and suspenseful. If you're looking for an esoteric, psychologically penetrating example of the crime drama genre, this film is probably not for you. It is, however, a 90 minute "straight, no chaser" crime caper with the obligatory chase scenes, double-crosses, romantic entanglements, etc. Is it Caine and Mason at their best? No, but they don't need to be to fulfill their contribution, individually and collectively, to the flow of the story line. Also, the not-so-well known French actors (to American audiences) cast in the film were up to the task at hand.

In conclusion, great camera shots of Paris, southern France and Marseille. In no small manner, they augmented the film's overall thrust and added an extra dimension of cinematic flavor.

Three great actors and a well paced film and what more can you ask for !!! Underrated film and a good story and nice locations Worth watching