Given the success of the James Bond franchise and John le Carré’s novels and films based on his works, espionage thrillers were the hot genre of the ‘60s and ‘70s. In 1973, director Michael Winner brought together Three legendary actors—Burt Lancaster (Sweet Smell of Success), Paul Scofield (A Man for All Seasons), and Alain Delon (Purple Noon)—for the Cold War-era espionage thriller Scorpio. While the film isn’t perfect, the performances of the three principle actors and a couple of interesting twists, make Scorpio well worth seeing.

Longtime C.I.A. agent Cross (Lancaster) is experienced in the spy game. He understands it’s all a chess game; a battle of wits that plays out on the world stage. He’s been in business as an assassin and handler for the C.I.A. since before the end of World War II. Looking towards retirement, Cross is training a young protégé, Jean Laurier (Delon) a brilliant assassin who has a fondness for stray cats with the designation “Scorpio.”

When Cross’ boss McLeod (John Colicos) orders Cross dead, predictably Scorpio is ordered to carry out the hit. Cross travels to Vienna and seeks help and refuge from fellow operative and friend, Zharkov (Scofield). They may be on opposite sides of the spy game, but Cross and Zharkov have a relationship that dates back to before there were two different sides. While Cross is busy calling in several favors in a bid to make sure his wife Sarah (Joanne Linville) can leave the United States safely, the C.I.A. puts Scorpio on Cross’ trail. A freelance assassin, in return for killing Cross, Scorpio is offered the opportunity to become an official operative for the C.I.A. Nonetheless, Scorpio us a man who never really has allegiance to anyone but himself. It’s not long before he begins to see a pattern of deception and disloyalty within the agency itself and in his former mentor. Can Scorpio bring himself to carry out the job? As the net tightens around Cross, how far is he willing to go to find a way out?

Though the ending is largely forecasted, Lancaster does a great job of combining a casual seriousness with the athleticism that was present in nearly every role he played. Alain Delon, who had worked with Lancaster nearly a decade early in The Leopard, is wonderful as a man who spent years outside the inner circle, but once he’s in, finds a world he didn’t bargain for. Given Paul Scofield’s talent, he’s under used here as Zharkov. Nonetheless, it’s a treat to see one of his film appearances and as anyone who’s seen The Train knows, he and Lancaster have an undeniable chemistry.

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this is a solid 1080p transfer for a film of its time. Film grain has been retained throughout, giving things a nice level of fluidity and detail. There doesn’t appear to have been any DNR applied, but a few scenes looked as though some edge enhancement might have been employed. Colors are bright and have a surprising amount of pop, while flesh tones appear accurate. Black levels are strong creating an image with a nice sense of depth. There is slight crush in only a couple of scenes. Given that this title is more than 40 years old, this transfer looks pretty darn good.

The DTS-HD MA 1.0 audio mix is excellent. While its only mono, this mix offers up plenty of punch. Dialogue is crisp and clear throughout and there’s a nice sense of dimensionality, particularly during the film’s big chase sequence where Cross is being shot at while running on some scaffolding. The Jerry Fielding score is also a highlight.

English SDH subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Audio Commentary with Film Historians Nick Redman, Lem Dobbs, and Julie Kirgo: these three have a great rapport and provide a fine analysis of the film, while offering details on its production, the actors and historical context.
  • Isolated Score Track: Jerry Fielding’s score is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo.
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:23)
  • MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer (HD, 2:06)
  • Six-Page Booklet: Contains a selection of tinted stills, original poster art on the back cover and film historian Julie Kirgo’s assessment of the film.

 

There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested should go to www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via their website at www.twilighttimemovies.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.