Crossplot (1969)

This story of a suave ad exec (Roger Moore) getting caught up in an assassination plot never reaches great heights. As well, the film is blighted by cheap special effects, especially the regular use of obvious rear projection that makes scenes like the death of the chief villain in the action finale laughable instead of captivating.Despite all that, the film is a fun timewaster. This is partly because the film's plot is fast-paced and inventive enough to keep one interested and the location footage of London (when they're not using rear projection) right at the end of the Swinging Sixties is fascinating to see.But the film's main asset is Moore. While he was never perceived as a great actor, he always had plenty of charisma and charm and he utilises that to be a likable roguish hero who helps keep one interested throughout.While no classic, 'Crossplot' is a pleasant diversion and especially interesting to see why the producers of James Bond thought Moore would be a good fit for the role.

Roger Moore hits the swinging 60s as Gary Fenn, an advertising executive, a Lothario and a charmer.A promotion for a major client backfires as the photo of his model gets switched. He now has to find a Hungarian model Marla Kugash (Claudia Lange). It is all a rouse to smoke Kugash out into the open so she could be killed.Kugash's aunt is part of a shadowy group which is out to cause riots and destabilise the existing world order so they can take over themselves. Kugash knows too much of their plans which includes assassinating a visiting African dignitary.This spy comedy caper quickly becomes too silly. Despite some action scenes such as a helicopter chase scene, it is also rather inert. Although comparisons are made with James Bond, a role Moore would later fill, this films has more of The Avengers dash about it. However the shenanigans between Kugash and Fenn gets tedious and the plot is convoluted. Moore does turn on his easy charm though.

I must confess that I watched this movie with the sound down, whilst chatting on the phone, but the helicopter chase across the English countryside was fabulous.Roger Moore was driving a vintage/veteran car across farmland, and the chopper was skimming across the wheat fields, only two or three feet from the ground.Most impressive!The opening of the movie was reminiscent of 28 Days later, in that there was a curiously quiet Westminster Bridge, with the Houses of Parliamnet and Big Ben in view. This was evidently very early on a midsummer morning for it to be so bereft of people and traffic, but to be so well lit. Only watchable for the helicopter sequence, which should be a classic.

This film, basically a vehicle for Roger Moore, is a 90 minute television-style action adventure film. Roger Moore plays an advertising executive who utilises an Eastern European girl in a promotional campaign who just happens to be sharing a house with spies and unwittingly discovers their darstadly plot. This now provides a perfect opportunity for Roger Moore to slip into his Simon Templar/James Bond persona and save the day.This film lies somewhere between an extended Saint episode and an early James Bond movie, but as Roger Moore was the best James Bond, (as we all know), this film is nevertheless enjoyable just for his suave, Mr smooth 1960's London swinger acting. The original Austin Powers.Nothing exceptional, however this film is reasonably enjoyable in a mild mannered way. You could certainly do worse.