Kaleidoscope (1966)

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Forget the reviews that harp on about "Casino Royale" - the fact that an important plot point was lifted from that book is IRRELEVANT to the enjoyment to be had from one of Britain's Best Sixties Movies.And don't concern yourself with Warren Beatty either. Only hired to sell the movie Stateside, he sleep-walks through it, while awaiting fame as Clyde Barrow, George Roundy, et al.Instead, delight in the performance of the lovely Susannah York (who sadly passed, earlier this year) who sparkles in this project - the sterling work by the bizarre Murray Melvin - the excellent wallow in Napoleonic evil, delivered with relish by the great Eric Porter - and above all, the outstanding turn from the incomparable Clive Revill (who, at 81, is still with us).After memorable appearances in many British movies, Revill relocated to America in the early Seventies and squandered his talents as one of the great character actors on TV fare (although he did get to shine as Villain Of The Week in a Columbo).But here, he excels as a quirky Scotland Yard detective, in possibly his best outing ever. Truly he was one of those rare actors who always gave more than was on the page.Add to these a slew of Sixties kitsch - and not forgetting a literate script - and you have one of the Great British Sixties Movies. Enjoy!

A fun mod comedy starring Warren Beatty as a wealthy American gambling his way across Europe. Of course, he's cheating (in a very clever way) and raising the suspicions of Scotland yard Inspector Clive Revill and raising the interest of free-spirited Susannah York. Revill recruits Beatty to help him nab nasty drug kingpin Eric Porter. It's all cleverly made, fast moving and very fun. Beatty is terrific and York is a great match for him. They really click, showing much the same chemistry that Beatty would have with Julie Christie in the '70s. Directed with an extremely light touch by Jack Smight and featuring a score by Stanley Myers that mixes pop, jazz and Indian sounds together. Murray Melvin has a brief role as a very efficient policeman. A welcome piece of entertainment considering it follows Beatty's involvement in the lousy PROMISE HER ANYTHING and the head-scratching MICKEY ONE.

Warren Beatty struggled through a few duds in-between his star-making role in "Splendor In The Grass" and his re-emergence as a superstar in "Bonnie & Clyde". This film, though Warren is good in it, is incredibly slim. The production looks great, there's livelier-than-usual pacing from director Jack Smight, but it's just a puff piece--and not likely to be something Beatty is very proud of. Plot has a scam-artist in Europe breaking into a playing card factory and changing the reverse designs into code (I kid you not) so he can successfully cheat at all the top casinos! Much of the film is exposition, a big build-up to the climax, and supporting players Susannah York and Clive Revill are left without much to do. Flashy outing certainly looks handsome, but it's swinging '60s balderdash. ** from ****

Ok, so it's not going to win any awards for originality, but Beatty looks the part, Susannah looks beautiful and it all bumps along at a pleasant pace. I'm lucky enough to own a Technicolor print of this film and boy - the colours alone are enough to bring a smile to your face. A real slice of swinging '60s nostalgia.