Fear Is the Key (1973)

The Worst Film Ever

So much average

One of my all time favorites.

Highly Overrated But Still Good

FEAR IS THE KEY is an unusual and somewhat low key thriller of the 1970s. It's based on a novel by Alistair MacLean that I should imagine few people have heard of, and it stars Barry Newman of VANISHING POINT fame. I was surprised to find out that this is a UK production because you wouldn't be able to tell from watching it. The fact that it was a flop on release means that I'd never heard of it before I saw it showing on TV.The film begins with an electrifying opening, full of twists, sudden violence, and high speed action. Then we get a lengthy, well-shot car chase clearly included to capitalise on Newman's reputation as a 'car chase' actor, before the movie settles into a rather bogged-down, if not confusing, storyline. However, there seem to be sudden eruptions of violence around every corner, so it's never less than watchable.Eventually, though, it all makes sense, leading to a climax with an interesting setting. Newman is an acceptable hero but I was particularly excited to see Euro-starlet Suzy Kendall's (THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE) appearance. The by rote villain duties are provided by John Vernon, but the real standout is an incredibly youthful Ben Kingsley - yes, complete with his own head of hair - as a henchman. By the end of its running time, FEAR IS THE KEY has offered up plentiful action, some convoluted plotting, and just a few decent twists, and I thought it passed the time well for what it is.

Action takes precedence over characterization in "Fear Is The Key", but that's not necessarily a bad thing. There are great car stunts in the first half, and a memorable climax set underwater. Some of the plot twists are rather obvious, and John Vernon's casting gives away the identity of the chief bad guy almost instantly. Not that he doesn't make an excellent bad guy, as does Ben Kingsley, playing a seriously creepy hit-man in his film debut. Barry Newman is a solid antihero who sheds the "anti" as the film proceeds. Suzy Kendall is beautiful but not asked to do much, except for her participation in one close-quarters fight scene where she tries to help Newman. A successful film on its own modest terms. **1/2 out of 4.

'Fear Is The Key' is an underrated action movie from 1972, based on the bestselling novel by Alistair Maclean. When I was at school, Mac's books were on the list of most popular 'behind the bike shed' reading, along with Fleming's 'James Bond' novels, 'Jaws' by Peter Benchley, and 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty. Mac knew how to spin a yarn alright. Much of his stuff was filmed, including 'The Guns Of Navarone', 'The Satan Bug', 'Ice Station Zebra', and 'Puppet On A Chain'.'Fear' opens in Louisiana, as an unnamed man ( Barry Newman ) is in radio contact with a plane. Suddenly it is shot out of the sky, and crashes. He looks mortified. We then move to a bar, where the same man raises a fuss because he cannot get a drink on a Sunday. He then beats up cops when they try to arrest him. He winds up in court, and here we learn his name is John Talbot, a former underwater salvage expert wanted by Interpol. Also present is Sarah Ruthven ( Suzy Kendall ). Before he can be sentenced, Talbot escapes, taking Suzy as hostage. In a stolen car, they are chased relentlessly.That's enough plot. To tell you more would be to spoil it. Suffice to say, that Talbot is not what he seems and the stakes are bigger than they first appear. A very good supporting cast includes John Vernon and Ben Kingsley ( in his first movie role ).Roy Budd wrote the music, and as you'd expect coming from the guy who scored 'Get Carter' its first-rate.The action is fast ( that car chase goes on forever! ), and Newman looks cool as the hero. Kendall ( a former wife of Dudley Moore ) is stunning, and refreshingly we never see her getting it on with Talbot.Some have commented on the 'anti-climactic' ending, but I disagree. It is the same as the one in the book, and the film makers were right to use it. It is incredibly tense ( and as an asthmatic myself, I sympathise with the hero's plight! ) and rounds the film off perfectly. If you liked the other Maclean movies, you ought to like this too.Michael Tuchner, the director, made the Richard Burton gangster drama 'Villain' the year before.

Drawn from Alistair McLean's book of the same name this is a solid thriller that twists and turns nicely throughout. Barry Newman is good as Talbot, the character who finds himself drawn into shady dealings. While the mobsters are adequate (including an early appearance by Ben Kingsley!).The twist are good but if you've read the book it really takes away from the movie as there is not a whole lot else to hold the interest. However the twists keep you guessing what people's motives are almost up till the end - having said that it's not in the league of Se7en or Usual Suspects so don't expect too much.The ending is a strange anti-climax to the film, I won't give it away but it is rather muted considering the plot up till that point.Overall a good story but let down by a lack of any real extended tension and a disappointing conclusion. Turn off the TV and go and read the book - it's much better!