DVD review: Mister Jericho (1969)

If you've heard of Mister Jericho at all, it's probably because you're an Avengers fan.  Directed by Sidney Hayers (Avengers/The Persuaders), written by Philip Levene (The Avengers), scored by Laurie Johnson and starring Patrick Macnee, it's got all the ingredients of a must-have for Avengers fans.

Except, this isn't like the Avengers.

This made for TV movie from 1969 is more in line with director Sidney Hayer's Persuaders TV shows - crime and the playboy lifestyle in the hotspots (or should that be cool spots) of late 60s Europe. Macnee is Mister Dudley Jericho, a flash conman who sets out to rob corrupt millionaire Victor Rosso (Herbert Lom) of his legendary Gemini diamond.

Rosso is obsessed with obtaining the stone’s twin so Jericho obtains a perfect fake of the stone as part of his plan to swindle Rosso. But after a quick swap of the diamonds (so he has the real one to sell), a mysterious woman from Paris called Mademoiselle Claudine (Connie Stevens) appears, claiming she is the owner of the twin Gemini diamond. After that, it's a game of conman (and woman) cat and mouse, with the two diamond sellers vying to convince Rosso that they've got the stone he wants.

The budget obviously wasn't huge, so a good storyline was essential. Luckily, it had one. It drags a bit in the middle, but the latter stages are unexpected, with a couple of clever twists to bring it to life. You can't help thinking it could have been packed into a one-hour show and the final minutes are a bit cheesy, but it's still solid entertainment. Also worth mentioning a top-notch theme tune, written by George Martin/Don Black and sung by Lulu and some fantastically bright late 60s fashions -  mostly inappropriate for a man of Macnee's age (and a million miles from the bowler and three-piece of The Avengers).

Certainly one for ITC and Avengers fans - and indeed, anyone who likes a 60s crime caper.

Extras on the DVD:

Two Patrick Macnee interviews (from 1986 and 1997), Herbert Lom interview (from 1982), photo gallery.

Comments

[John kidd]

Mister jerico was in fact seen in cinemas in 1970.
It became the supporting film to the latest in the run of the carry on films
carry on loving.