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Reviews
Interlude (1968)
Film is superb for many reasons. Some actors we know well now made their debuts in this film.
This film, shot in '67 has gorgeous music and superb acting. Oskar Werner enjoyed making this film probably more than any other. His love for classical music is deeply, deeply genuine. As he said, he always wanted to play an orchestra conductor. He draws in the names of certain friends and his own name is that of his real life mother, Stefani Zelter. He also had many friends in the classical music world -music was his favorite thing in life. In addition to the excellent starring principal roles, several performers who have since become very familiar were seen for the first time over here, Donald Sutherland, John Cleese (who reveals his true calling!!) and a small glimpse of Sir Derek Jacobi at a dinner party. Not only is the music beautiful, the photography and scenery are also. There are many scenes taken in and around London. But, the short stay of Stefan and Sally in the country are breathtaking with stunning footage of Bodiam Castle in Sussex. It is really a shame that this has not been re-mastered and released on DVD, hopefully with a lot of the scenes deleted from the original print included.
Columbo: Playback (1975)
Electronics expert murders his mother-in-law to retain possession of the family business.
This is one of the better "Columbo" episodes. Oskar Werner is excellent as Harold van Wyck. The company name is "Midas Electronics." The previous reviewer misspelled that. Van Wyck is an inventor ahead of his time. The gadgets portrayed are now everyday things so someone on the production staff did a bit of research in '74 when the episode was filmed. It was originally broadcast during the spring of '75. Van Wyck is a complex genius as the character shows. He clearly enjoys creating the new "inventions." But, he is no saint in that he does apparently like the ladies, and has several extra marital relationships going on. The acting is excellent from an excellent cast. Martha Scott as the mother-in-law is suitably nasty as the company owner out for profit over ideas. Gena Rowlands is, as usual, equally good. This episode of "Columbo" is a rarity. It is the only work done by Oskar Werner on American television.