The BBC have been showing this film for years and recently in the widescreen format. Any film that gets the widescreen treatment at the moment is usually one held in high regard and BDB is certainly worthy.
The third in the Harry Palmer trio of spy movies, BDB is a "tour do force" of imagery, sound and acting talent. Directed by Ken Russell, this is one of the few examples of art film combined with commercial film production. The cinematography is superb with atmospheric footage shot in Finland (expensive), stunning studio sets including the computer room belong to megalomaniac General Midwinter and an end sequence which is both very graphic and impressive.
This is a fast moving film and is very Kaleidoscopic. I am sure this is a black comedy with all the leading players providing moments of hilarity, none more so than Karl Malden as Leo Newbiggin, as he attempts to con Harry Palmer and his employer out of millions. Michael Caine is equally funny with his quips and femme fatal Francois Dorleac is both stunningly gorgeous and amusingly funny as the temptress with a killer touch. To my complete and utter shock, I learned on this database that Francois Dorleac sadly died in a car crash at Nice in France the same year the film was released in 1967. She was only 25.
This is a film which I never tire of watching due to all of the above and is one of Michael Caine's best in an illustrious career. Watch out for Donald Sutherland playing a bit part as a scientist in the computer room. Blink and you will miss him. 10/10
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