The Borgia Stick (1967)

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

It's amazing that this made-for-TV movie was so good - there's very little that was suspenseful - and the money laundering scenes were presented as suit-n-tie business dealings - altho the man was disguised - it just didn't seem that sinister - there are very few degenerates or gunplay - it's very suburban middle-class in tone and feelhowever - it proved memorable for me - i saw it when it was first broadcast in 1967 and it's haunted my memories since - i think i saw a rebroadcast some years later - but otherwise - it has only been rebroadcast in my mindfrankly - it was the thought of being in an arranged marriage to Inger Stevens that burned itself into my memory - while i've never been a huge fan of hers - she was so appealing in this film that the sensuous thought of it pulled me into the plotunlike much of today's TV fare - it's in bright color (color TV was just becoming wide spread in 1967) - and in the early 4:3 television aspect ratio - which probably accounts for the TV "look" that differs from big-screen movies and much of today's TV - and at this early stage of made-for-TV movies - they hadn't gotten into the habit of announcing every commercial break with the rise dramatic music cues and a cliff-hangerthis film is about characters and relationships - it follows the life of a young childless middle-class couple who live in a suburb of NYC - who are cozy with their next door neighbors who are child- filled - the husbands commute together to NYC together - but while the neighbor goes to his office - the younger man dons a disguise and visits banks with a briefcase full of cash - obviously for money laundering - though he does wind up at a small office in the city filled with toys and a solitary employeethen 23 minutes into the film - things change - between the couple - and to the couple - which brings them into collision with their crime syndicate bosses ("the company") - but things are handled by the company bosses with subtlety and finesse (a wonderful change from today's scripts) - with almost nothing of menacing thugs or dark dirty alleysthe good actors given a chance to show their stuff - Don Murray and Inger Stevens as the couple have great chemistry together - Barry Nelson as the neighbor has chemistry with them too - Fritz Weaver is at his best as a suave syndicate boss - but even the others with less screen time add wonderful color and texture to the weavethe story has nice twists - altho the background of the syndicate is presented in a hazy incoherent monologue - but overall this story is laid out in such a way as to make the mundane engrossing - ie they don't overdo the action for actions sake - in other words this is an intelligent script probably best appreciated by similar minded people

Inger Stevens - fresh from The Farmer's Daugther (with William Windom and Cathleen Nesbitt) and the venerable Don Murray are superb. I bought an okay DVD online. The story still holds up after so many years and that is because of the leads and the supporting players. I've never forgotten it. So weird how we older people remember certain films that have touched our lives in some way or other. I believe it was Inger Stevens who did it for me. Sad life, a tragedy. The film is eerie and so true to life. And as it turned out could very well be reel life. I wish they would release it on a good, good DVD. It is worth watching on any venue however.

I, too, remember watching this as a teenager from the 60's. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its viewing and has stayed with me all of these years. A not-to-be-missed thriller if it ever is released. This movie is as good as any I have seen recently and better than most. It lacked the blood and guts of today, but left a lasting impression because you used your imagination. Viewers who enjoy thrillers, spy movies, intrigue with twists and turns would be pleased with this choice. If I remember correctly, it was in black and white, but that would only add to its appeal today. Inger Stevens was a great and multi- talented actress who is sadly missed. I searched high and low to find a copy of this exciting movie to share with friends, but without any luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to request a release?

What a great TV movie! Too bad it is not available on video. This is a very fast paced thriller. Excellent performances by all. The story line is tight and really keeps the viewer focused on the next plot twist. Have seen this film 12 to 15 times and would love for it to be issued on video.