Callan (film)
| Callan | |
|---|---|
 UK theatrical poster | |
| Directed by | Don Sharp |
| Written by | James Mitchell |
| Based on | novel A Red File for Callan by Mitchell |
| Produced by | Harry Benn Derek Horne |
| Starring | Edward Woodward Eric Porter Carl Möhner Catherine Schell |
| Cinematography | Ernest Steward |
| Edited by | Teddy Darvas |
| Music by | Wilfred Josephs |
Production company | Magnum Films |
| Distributed by | EMI UK |
Release date | May 23, 1974 (London) June 12, 1974 |
Running time | 106 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Callan is an 1974 British thriller film directed by Don Sharp and starring Edward Woodward, Eric Porter and Carl Möhner.[1][2]
It was based on the pilot episode of the ITV television series Callan which ran from 1967 to 1972.[3]
Plot[]
David Callan (Edward Woodward), a leading intelligence agent/assassin in the employment of the S.I.S., was forced into retirement when he lost his nerve. Now, he is called back into service to handle the assassination of Schneider, a German businessman. Colonel Hunter (Eric Porter), his former employer, promises Callan that he'll be returned to active status as long as he follows his orders. But Callan refuses to act until he knows exactly why Schneider has been marked for death...
Cast[]
- Edward Woodward as David Callan
- Russell Hunter as Lonely
- Eric Porter as Charles Hunter
- Peter Egan as Toby Meres
- Carl Möhner as Rudolph Schneider
- Catherine Schell as Jenny
- Kenneth Griffith as Waterman
- as The Greek
- Veronica Lang as Liz, Hunter's Secretary
- Clifford Rose as Dr. Snell
- David Prowse as Arthur
- Don Henderson as George
- Nadim Sawalha as Padilla
- David Graham as Wireless operator
- Yuri Borienko as Security porter
Aside from Woodward as Callan, the only actors to reprise their television roles in the film were Russell Hunter and Clifford Rose who played Lonely and Snell respectively. All other recurring characters were recast for a wider audience release.
Production[]
The script by James Mitchell is based on his original TV pilot "A Magnum for Schneider" and the novelization thereof, Red File for Callan, although only the novel is listed in the film's credits (as A Red File for Callan). The film was based more on the novel than on the original television script.
Callan's boss Hunter is played by Eric Porter, and Meres too is re-cast, this time played by Peter Egan. The only recurring actors from the TV series were Edward Woodward as Callan, Russell Hunter as Lonely, and Clifford Rose as Dr Snell.
Callan was the first film with a Dolby-encoded optical soundtrack.[4]
The film was shot at Lee Studios. Director Don Sharp called it "a joy to film" in part because Woodward's "character was so set but he came to it so fresh again."[5]
Reception[]
Sharp said the film received "lovely notices".[5]
The Observer called it "surprisingly enjoyable".[6]
References[]
- ^ BFI.org
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (27 July 2019). "Unsung Aussie Filmmakers: Don Sharp – A Top 25". Filmink.
- ^ CALLAN Monthly Film Bulletin; London Vol. 41, Iss. 480, (Jan 1, 1974): 144.
- ^ Sergi, Gianluca (2004). The Dolby Era: Film Sound in Contemporary Hollywood. Manchester University Press. p. 46. ISBN 0719070678.
- ^ a b Sharp, Don (2 November 1993). "Don Sharp Side 6" (Interview). Interviewed by Teddy Darvas and Alan Lawson. London: History Project. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
- ^ Cross-country parable Milne, Tom. The Observer 26 May 1974: 31
External links[]
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- English-language films
- 1974 films
- 1970s spy films
- 1970s action thriller films
- British films
- British spy films
- British action thriller films
- Films based on television series
- Films directed by Don Sharp
- Spy action films
- 1970s British film stubs