Movie Review: Someone Behind the Door (1971)

Someone Behind the Door (1971) co-written and directed by Nicolas Gessner

An incoherent man (Charles Bronson) is brought to an English hospital. The neurosurgeon about to leave his shift (Anthony Perkins) takes a look at him and decides to take him home. The man has amnesia and the doctor slowly draws details out of him about his life. The doctor also seems to be shoehorning in some details that don't quite fit. The doctor has a wife who is about to leave him for someone else, so maybe he's under a lot of stress...or maybe he's got some other scheme going?

The movie starts slowly and it's hard to tell what's going on. Bronson does a good job as the confused and volatile amnesiac (his character never gets a name, even in the credits). Perkins does his usual level-headed but slightly creepy routine. The plot does not always make sense but it is enjoyable enough for a low-key thriller.

Mildly recommended.

Movie Review: Cold Sweat (1970)

Cold Sweat (1970) directed by Terence Young

Ex-soldier Joe Martin (Charles Bronson) makes is living chartering his boat on the French Mediterranean. His past catches up with him when a guy named Vermont shows up at his home and wants him to help with a smuggling operation. Joe was in a German jail with Vermont and a bunch of other guys--they broke out together but Joe left them behind when they killed a local cop. The other guys show up, led by the Captain (James Mason). To get Joe's cooperation, they kidnap Joe's wife and daughter (Liv Ullmann and Yannick Delulle). A cat-and-mouse thriller ensues as Joe tries to get himself out of the predicament and the bad guys try to get him to do what they want.

The movie moves a bit slow, even with a director who is a veteran from early James Bond films. The plot is very simple without any big surprises. The locations are picturesque with a fantastic car chase on the mountain roads. Bronson is okay though he does not have as much action as I was expecting. Mason makes a good villain but the rest of the cast is so-so. The very end is a bit unsatisfying.

Mildly recommended--this is for Charles Bronson fans only.