Vendetta for the Saint

One of the true beauties of 60/70's Euro Cinema. Rosemary Dexter is in this, making it most worthwhile. I've read everything about her I can find. Very intriguing life.

Ian Hendry, who plays Destamio here, was the original on the Avengers back in '61 (John Steed was his assistant), with the classic English accent. Yet here (as an Italian-American gangster), he produces the most tone-perfect Frank Sinatra imitation I've ever heard from a British actor.

"Vendetta for the Saint" is a theatrical release which is actually made up of two episodes of the long-running British TV series "The Saint", starring Roger Moore.

The film begins with some poor schnook recognizing an old co-worker. However, Destamio (Ian Hendry) denies being this old friend....and he has his henchman beat up the guy! Simon Templar (Moore) sees this and intervenes. Some time after this, the poor schnook is murdered...and Simon knows that it was by Destamio's men. But why? Why murder someone just because they think you are someone else? Well, Simon decides to find out why and his trail takes him all the way to Palermo, Sicily...and for a meeting of the various godfathers to pick a new leader for the mob. And, Destamio is one of them. Can he manage to uncover the truth without meeting with an 'accident'?

The integration of the two episodes was seamless...so I assume the shows were originally a two-parter. Regardless, it makes for an interesting story and the Italian locaiton is a plus. Well worth seeing...especially since it feels almost like a James Bond flick.

Worth seeing because of Aimi MacDonald's beautiful body. And Rosemary Dexter was sweet. Ian Hendry was a very good actor (especially in Polanski's "Repulsion"), and Roger Moore had his unique charm.

Roger Moore once commented that although The Saint was often set in exotic locations, he hardly ever left the studio. This edition is an exception. It was set in Sicily with plenty of outdoor action to prove it. Except it isn't. It was clearly filmed on the small, sunny island about 70 miles south of Sicily. Malta. Having been to Malta numerous times it was easy to spot many Maltese tourist attractions. As for the story this is a two parter put together to make one film. It sees our hero going after the next head of the Mafia, with the help, naturally, of two gorgeous women. It is entertaining enough, but for a double header the plot is a bit thin. As a child The Saint was my favourite show, and viewing them 50+ years later it is easy to mock the uncomplicated stories, poor production values and often wooden acting but I still love 'em.