Leofwine_draca
THE HOLCROFT COVENANT is lesser-known Robert Ludlum adaptation that sees Michael Caine playing the unsuspecting heir of a Nazi fortune who finds himself mired in conspiracy and murder. The film itself is rather episodic and has hardly any action and thus not much in the way of life, but the saving grace is the presence of director John Frankenheimer who directors with his customary skill and professionalism. He turns what could have been a farcical effort into something more than watchable, with enough twists to keep the viewer engaged with the on-screen proceedings. It's nice to see Caine playing a more ordinary hero than most while the supporting cast includes Anthony Andrews, who is very good playing against type, alongside Euro stalwarts like Mario Adorf and Michael Lonsdale. Cheesy and dated at times, and occasionally boring, THE HOLCROFT COVENANT is one to enjoy if you're in a more forgiving mood.
JohnHowardReid
After reading all the previous reviews, I've come to the conclusion that "The Holcroft Covenant" is a movie that you either love or hate.Personally, I loved it, but I can understand that many people would argue that the film runs too long to sustain interest in what I will admit was a somewhat over-complicated and over populated plot.Frankly though, when it comes to detective heroes, I think it's surely hard to beat Michael Caine, who finds himself enmeshed here in The Holcroft Covenant (1985) – which is now available on another superior M-G-M DVD. Combined with John Frankenheimer's driving direction, plus some superior support thesping from Lilli Palmer (always a woman to watch!), Anthony Andrews and Victoria Tennant, this thrilling which- side-are-you-playing-on thriller scripted by George Axelrod, Edward Anhalt and John Hopkins has been superbly produced on a really extravagant budget. Not only is there stand-out location photography from Gerry Fisher – surely Britain's number one cameraman of the 1980s - and crisp direction, but the movie has been filmed on an admirably high budget.I know some people would argue that "The Holcroft Covenant" runs too long, but that doesn't worry me, so long as I find what is on the screen to be exciting, intriguing and suspenseful.
ravitchn
It is not clear whether the three Nazis who started the fund intended it really to be used for the victims of the Nazis or for the recreation of the Third Reich. One of the three inheritors of the Covenant and her brother are evidently pro-Nazi; the mother of the Caine character seems to think the Covenant was designed for pro-Nazi purposes, yet all this is unclear, even at the very end. Michael Caine wants to use the funds for victims of the Nazis but it is not clear whether anyone else wants this. I dislike films and novels of intrigue which leave the reader/viewer completely confused. This may be a literary technique but for me it is a gross deficiency.
George D. Dodge
This movie intrigued me right from the beginning, with unusual twists and turns with a surprise ending.Very well directed and written, and the music carries it well too.Being a big fan of Michael Cain, he did not disappoint and fit the role perfectly. No one could have done it better.The DVD is in my collection, and I watch it often. It's always enjoyable and despicable as well.It's the personification of evil versus good.I would recommend this movie to anyone except children.Enjoy! I always do..
AD
