Johnny on the Spot

The credits of this inconsequential potboiler claim that Michael Cronin adapted the script from his own novel, which raises hopes swiftly dashed of a coherent plot. Maybe some of the pages got stuck together before he adapted it.

Characters slide in and out (notably Valentine Dyall and The Blind Pianist) without impacting on the narrative and everyone talks too much without taking anything very seriously. But the extensive location photography by veteran cameraman Geoffrey Faithfull is a breath of fresh air, everyone (especially the ladies) looks immaculate and there are plenty of familiar faces to keep you diverted.