Machinegunner (1976/PAL/Region 2/Two/Network U.K./DVD Set)
Picture:
C Sound: C+ Extras: D Telefilm: C+
PLEASE NOTE: This DVD
is only available in the U.K.
from our friends at Network U.K.
and can be ordered from them at the website address links provided below at the
end of the review or
at finer retailers. This is in the
Region Two/2/PAL format and can only be operated on machines capable of playing
back Region 2/PAL discs.
Leonard
Rossiter (A Clockwork Orange, Deadlier Than The Male, 2001: A Space Odyssey) was on a roll
when he choose to make the British TV movie Machinegunner, a term that means he is a debt collector. However, he instead becomes an inept pawn when
he takes on a seemingly easy money assignment to get pictures of a powerful
real estate man in an adulterous affair, but this makes him a target and
distraction for others trying to bring that man down.
A drama
with some comic tensions, including racial ones as he comes into conflict with
the woman (Nina Baden-Semper from Love
Thy Neighbor, The Corridor People)
as well as other hijinks when he meets another woman (the great Kate O’Mara)
with money who has he own interests in the madness. And the adulterer is onto all of them, so
violence and chaos follows.
This is a
good telefilm worth seeing again (written by Bob Baker (who also shows up as an
actor) and Dave Martin), but it has dated and is more of a time capsule than
anything else. The many fine
performances make it rewatchable and Rossiter is more zany than usual, so that
is reason enough to see it again and it apparently has not been available
enough, so it absence will make it a curio to being with. If it sounds like something you’d like to
see, you will not be disappointed.
Gabrielle Rose (The Adjuster,
The Stepfather, Rossiter’s hit TV
series Rising Damp (reviewed
elsewhere on this site) also stars.
The 1.33
X 1 image is a weak full color transfer (old analog master?) from the original
film materials that shows its age, lacks detail and was likely shot in 16mm,
meaning we still get some good shots despite the limits. If a film print is ever found, they ought to
do an HD master. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Mono is a little better, despite also showing its age, with some good sound
that does not sound as worn as you might expect. Especially considering the picture. There are no extras.
As noted
above, you can order this DVD import exclusively from Network U.K. at:
http://www.networkdvd.net/
or
www.networkdvd.co.uk
- Nicholas Sheffo
