Diamonds (1975)

Implausible but mildly diverting crime caper directed by Menahem Golan a few years before he and cousin Yoram Globus gave the world Cannon Films and a its raft of bad '80s movies starring a young Chuck Norris, an old Chuck Bronson, and various and sundry break dancers and American ninjas. The film begins on a low note - a karate match featuring Robert Shaw as a pair of battling twin brothers, courtesy of special effects that would have embarrassed Patty Duke circa 1963. Things pick up when Shaw - along with Richard Roundtree as a master thief just of of prison and Barbara Hershey (going through her Seagull phase) as his sexy girlfriend - land in Israel, where the massive and elaborate diamond heist is to take place. The location filming in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and elsewhere makes this film distinctive and watchable, even if it's never going to make anyone forget Topkapi, Rififi, or The Asphalt Jungle. Oh, and Shelley Winters shows up unnecessarily from time to time pretty much reprising her Poseidon Adventure role as a gregarious American yenta visiting Israel. Hardly a forgotten gem, but worth a look for fans of '70s cheese thanks to the cast and settings.

Pretty decent heist flick benefits from better than average perfs from Shaw and Shaft.Golan decides to film it all in the Holy Land which, if nothing else, gives it some excellent cinematography to work in front of.Shaw shows that he could have been James Bond. He looked great in the role. One almost wonders why the Oscars didn't call on him more often.Shaft Roundtree made an excellent balance for him too. He did the hired muscle routine with a touch of class.I'm trying to figure out Shelly Winters role though. It seemed like the producers just wanted to hire her just to hire her. Don't get me wrong. She did fine in the part. But why was it there? Dated a lot. But still a thrill ride.

This is certianly not the best of the 70's crime films, and I am not sure I understand the alternative title 'Diamond Shaft' (with Roundtree top billed) as Roundtree's not playing John Shaft and he's not even playing a cop. It's probably just a way of exploiting his past success in the Shaft films. Anyway, this film is difficult to love or hate, I just found it an adequate quirky little 70's crime film. Robert Shaw is quite a dignified charactor and is also a little mysterious (playing his twin aswell). It's a fun film to watch but is not as good as those gritty 70's thrillers such as French Connection, Taking of Pelham 123 etc. I doubt it's worth recommending, but it was interesting to see Roundtree, Shaw and randomly Shelley Winters, all together.

Good crime drama, with somewhat complex storyline (unique twists and turns), but easy and fun to follow. Characters portrayed by Robert Shaw and by Richard Roundtree were played well, particularly Robert Shaw's quirky expressions (similar to those of Quint, in Jaws, but with a good deal more class). Barbara Hershey's character was OK, but could have been played as well or better by any number of actresses. Israeli cast members did a good job, and there were some really nice scenic shots of Israeli locations (though somewhat dated, in view of the time of filming). Good fun - good ending!