Review of Tenth Man, The

Introduction

This is nothing to do with an inflation adjusted remake of the Carol Reed movie set in Vienna and starring Joseph Cotton and Orson Welles. This is a made-for-tv movie based on the novel by Graham Greene and starring Anthony Hopkins, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Derek Jacobi and Cyril Cusack. Hopkins plays Chavel, a French advocate imrisoned by the Germans during the occupation of France. He trades all his possessions with another for his life when condemned to the firing squad. After the war, Chavel under his assumed identity returns to his home (now occupied by the prisoner`s sister). He becomes caretaker and a relationship grows between him and Therese the sister (Scott-Thomas). Then an impostor arrives claiming to be Chavel.

Directed by tv director giant Jack Gold, this 1988 CBS telemovie is a rather turgid potboiler delivered by an outstanding cast. One plot point after another makes at least this viewer slap his forehead and go "bl**dy hell" as life dumps on Chavel again and again for his act of cowardice. But then again what is an act of cowardice? I`d say the instinct and desire not to wind up dead is quite intelligent.

If you like wartime drama, especially the self-sacrificial variety, you might lap this movie up. I found it distinctly depressing.

Video

Presented in its original 4:3, the movie was shot largely on location in France and enjoys some picturesque scenery. Colours are realistic and contrast is excellent. The print is acceptable, exhibiting very little wear and tear.

Audio

Dolby Digital 2.0

Features

Subtitles, but otherwise that`s it.

Conclusion

Although mostly set in the immediate aftermath of World War II, this is distinctly a War Movie, dealing with the direct consequences of a man`s incarceration at the hands of the Nazis and his subsequent rediscovery of his life beyond that. What is a rather overblown story is rendered by excellent performances by the kind of cast you would have trouble assembling these days without an enormous budget.