The Exhibitor (1966)

British Preview ’67 continued • l| comedy successes with such co-productions as “Heroes of Tele¬ mark” and “The Quiller Memorandum,” now branches out on one of its most ambitious efforts ever, “The Lon? Duel.” Produced and directed by Ken Annakin with a $3,000,000 budget, this epic adventure is based on the actual exploits of a British policeman (Trevor Howard) and Sultan (Yul Brynner), a notori¬ ous bandit of noble and princely qualities, in India’s teeming northwest frontier. Leading lady is Charlotte Rampling, who shone in “Georgy Girl.” Rank has Universal as partners in the Sydney Box-Bruce New¬ berry Techniscope production, “Deadlier than the Male,” which Betty Box has produced and Ralph Thomas directed. Based on the Bulldog Drummond novels by “Sapper,” this adventure stars Richard Johnson, Elke Sommer, and Sylvia Koscina. Universal has become a most prolific producer in Britain under Jay Kantor, and in quick succession has shot Francoise Truffaut’s “Fahrenheit 451,” with Julie Christie and Oskar Werner; Michael Winner’s “The Jokers”; “Privilege,” with model Jean Shrimpton screen debuting; and “Charlie Bubbles,” which has Albert Finney directing and starring. Lisa Minelli is leading lady. Universal’s biggest project here is Charles Chaplin’s “Countess From Hong Kong.” Starring Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, ' it is set for a January world premiere. MGM British Studios have been highly active. Not only have they serviced and been responsible for some of Metro’s continental successes, including “Doctor Zhivago,” but they have not always worried about making pictures within the terms of the British quota act, thereby forfeiting any claim on the Eady Fund. One such picture is Robert Aldrich’s “The Dirty Dozen,” which Ken¬ neth Hyman produced with a cast headed by Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Jimmy Brown, John Cassevetes, Trini Lopez, Robert Ryan, Telly Savalas, Clint Walker, and George Kennedy. The stages at Borehamwood have long been occupied by Stan¬ ley Kubrick perfecting the very special effects for his Cinerama production, “2001 — A Space Odyssey.” Roman Polanski’s “The Vampire Killers,” which introduced Sharon Tate; Lee Thomp¬ son’s production for Martin Ransohoff, “13,” starring David Niven and Deborrah Kerr; and Carlo Ponti’s “The Blow-Up,” which Michaelangeloantonioni directed with Vanessa Redgrave starring are others from these studios. MGM are also involved in Jo Janni’s “Far From The Madding Crowd,” which in the U.K. will be distributed by Anglo Amalga¬ mated. Reuniting the “Darling” Oscar-winning team of director John Schlesinger, script writer Frederick Raphael, and star Julie Christie, this Panavision production of Thomas Llardy’s classic romance is being made on a big budget entirely on location. I have visited the unit twice and have a feeling that this can be a really big one. Everyone not only has bounding confidence and enthusiasm in the project, which has all the ingredients for a smash hit, but seems really to know what they are doing. They have certainly presold me! Peter Finch, Alan Bates, and Terence Stamp provide a formidable trio of leading men. Most expensive picture in production here during 1966 has been Charles Feldman’s James Bond, “Casino Royale,” which after a January start of shooting is now in the editing stages. A number of directors were used for various segments, and an air ( Continued on page 30) MGM — “The Biggest Bundle Of Them All’ MGM — “Far From The Madding Crowd” December 28, 1966 MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR 29