The Deadly Affair
The 1966 movie of John Le Carre’s book…
This is a great film; ‘The Deadly Affair’ starring the legendary James Mason in an adaptation of John Le Carre’s book ‘A Murder of Quality’.
There are quite significant moments of future Le Carre’s biggest star, George Smiley in the way the relationship of Mason and his wife unravels throughout the film and it gives a valuable insight into life and love in the early sixties.
Maximilian Schell plays a key role as, amongst other parts the love interest of Mason’s wife played by Harriet Andersson. It is a wonderful film which has all of the intrigue, character and style of films of the same genre from that era such as The Ipcress File.
The Deadly Affair Movie Poster
What stood out for me was the music, effortlessly flowing throughout the film with orchestration by Quincy Jones and a brilliant piece featuring Astrud Gilberto. Sometimes the music is just so right in a film, the string section capture the feel of the era superbly. So it’s not what i might listen to in the car but hearing this as I watched the credits took me to 1966 in a flash.
It is available on DVD at a remarkably low price so well worth a look. Here’s the opening credits with music by Quincy Jones, listen and look at the stills. I love it.
Actually Miles, I would listen to that in the car, np .
The music of those 60s films is very evocative. One of my favourites from the ’60s is ‘Charade ‘ - Audrey Hepburn as the pathetic Reggie , Walter Matthau, Cary Grant amongst others and the music is by Henry Mancini . The music is perfect for the plot and those composers were masterly.
We here in the M household are film fanatics( we are off to the cinema this afternoon infact , ‘’Life of Pi ‘’ ) But for me, outstanding film music is few and far between these days. John Barry. James Horner, very ‘nice’ but all samey .
The above and Charade are superb. Great poster too.
TY
December 28, 2012 @ 10:37 am
Ooooh yes I so get what you are saying Miles and V. The Third Man. I rest my case.
Lynn x
December 28, 2012 @ 11:32 am
Lynn , Brilliant
yes . the third man . it all speaks for itself . I can watch some films these days and not even remember the music when I come out of the cinema.
Skyfall would be an exception to this .
December 28, 2012 @ 2:19 pm
V,
Not seen that, will keep an eye out for it, thanks for the tip-off.
December 28, 2012 @ 3:08 pm
Well Miles.
I was out last night! My Christmas present to the family was 6 tickets to a concert in our local Metropolis’s concert hall. The concert ? Film themes ranging from the 60’s to 90’s, played by a famous orchestra. Front row seats.
From 1962 Lawrence of Arabia , 1963 The Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini, through to 1996 Independence Day.
Magic . and the family loved it too.
December 31, 2012 @ 10:16 am
V,
That sounds great! What a good idea. I’d have liked that too.
December 31, 2012 @ 3:21 pm