Down on his luck private detective P.J. Detweiler (well played with rumpled grace and conviction by George Peppard) finds himself embroiled in murder and conspiracy after he takes a job as bodyguard to Maureen Preble (a sturdy and enticing portrayal by the lovely and classy Gayle Hunnicutt), who's the mistress of fastidious and overbearing millionaire William Orbison (Raymond Burr in peak deliciously despicable form).
Director John Guillerman relates the enjoyable and engrossing story at a snappy pace, makes nice use of New York City locations, stages several thrilling action set pieces with skill and flair (a fight sequence set in a gay bar in particular rates as a definite hysterical highlight), and expertly crafts an engaging breezy'n'easy tone with a strong underlying feeling of moral decay and cynicism. Philip H. Reisman's smart script boasts plenty of sharp dialogue as well as offers a colorful array of seedy and/or desperate characters.
The fine acting by the tip-top cast rates as another significant asset: Brock Peters as amiable chief inspector Waterpark, Wilfrid Hyde-White as the jolly and debonair Billings-Browne, Jason Evers as smooth flunky Jason Greenoble, Coleen Gray as Orbison's browbeaten wife Betty, Susan Saint James as brash tart Linette, Severn Darden as mincing butler Shelton Quell, George Furth as the persnickety Sonny Silene, and Herb Edelman as friendly bartender Charlie. The slick cinematography by Loyal Griggs provides a pleasing polished look. Neal Hefti's smooth and jaunty jazzy score hits the swinging spot. A very worthwhile and satisfying mystery thriller.
Director John Guillerman relates the enjoyable and engrossing story at a snappy pace, makes nice use of New York City locations, stages several thrilling action set pieces with skill and flair (a fight sequence set in a gay bar in particular rates as a definite hysterical highlight), and expertly crafts an engaging breezy'n'easy tone with a strong underlying feeling of moral decay and cynicism. Philip H. Reisman's smart script boasts plenty of sharp dialogue as well as offers a colorful array of seedy and/or desperate characters.
The fine acting by the tip-top cast rates as another significant asset: Brock Peters as amiable chief inspector Waterpark, Wilfrid Hyde-White as the jolly and debonair Billings-Browne, Jason Evers as smooth flunky Jason Greenoble, Coleen Gray as Orbison's browbeaten wife Betty, Susan Saint James as brash tart Linette, Severn Darden as mincing butler Shelton Quell, George Furth as the persnickety Sonny Silene, and Herb Edelman as friendly bartender Charlie. The slick cinematography by Loyal Griggs provides a pleasing polished look. Neal Hefti's smooth and jaunty jazzy score hits the swinging spot. A very worthwhile and satisfying mystery thriller.