I can't say I really enjoyed this film but as a fan of both Flynn and Welles it was rewarding to watch. Considering how terrible he looked earlier in "Istanbul" and "The Sun Also Rises" Flynn looks relatively spry and rugged in what would prove to be his last real film role. Although he has little to do his is a likable character and one cannot help but feel a strong parallel between the role of Forsythe and the man portraying him. There is a sense of regret and bitterness in Forsythe that Flynn no doubt felt in his own life. As for Welles, he is amusing in a 5 minute role and his appearance made me immediately think of Jackie Gleason in the "Smokey and the Bandit" films.
The film itself is too long and hammers home its point with the delicacy of a sledgehammer. William Holden would have been great as Morel; Trevor Howard is too abrasive and difficult to sympathize with. Eddie Albert & Herbert Lom are wasted while Paul Lukas disappears midway through the film. Juliette Greco is fine as the heroine and manages to look glamorous throughout.
The story behind the film sounds much more interesting than the film itself. I particularly liked the story of John Huston decking Flynn after much boozing. Apparently they fought several times when Flynn was younger and in shape with Flynn beating him into submission every time. I guess Huston gained some measure of payback here by taking advantage of the declining star.
The film itself is too long and hammers home its point with the delicacy of a sledgehammer. William Holden would have been great as Morel; Trevor Howard is too abrasive and difficult to sympathize with. Eddie Albert & Herbert Lom are wasted while Paul Lukas disappears midway through the film. Juliette Greco is fine as the heroine and manages to look glamorous throughout.
The story behind the film sounds much more interesting than the film itself. I particularly liked the story of John Huston decking Flynn after much boozing. Apparently they fought several times when Flynn was younger and in shape with Flynn beating him into submission every time. I guess Huston gained some measure of payback here by taking advantage of the declining star.