Topaz (1969)

Topaz is generally considered to be one of Hitchcock’s weaker films, and yet I thought it was really terrific espionage thriller. After a Russian man offers some valuable information to the Americans, CIA operative Michael Nordstrom enlists the help of the French, in the form of French spy Andre Deveroux (perfectly played by Frederick Stafford). The film opens with a classic spy sequence in Copenhagen, whilst the Russian and his family defect to the west, where they eventually reveal that Soviet missiles (with nuclear warheads) are to be placed in Cuba. Needing physical evidence, Nordstrom persuades Deveroux to find pictures of the missiles, which are supposedly in a briefcase in Harlem. This particular sequence is one of Hitchcock’s best; tension filled, and constantly exciting, leaving you with no inkling into the way it will end. Topaz, which is based on a 1967 novel of the same name, maintains its vigour and anxiety for its duration, and for my money isn’t to be sniffed at in the way it perhaps has. As far as Cold War espionage thrillers go, it’s one that’s well worth a re-watch if you previously dismissed it. 7.6/10