Passport To Terror (1989)(dvd) aka Dark
Holiday
Synopsis: Lee Remick is Gene
LePere, an American imprisoned in Turkey accused of smuggling antiquities.
Whilst much is made of Remick's blonde hair in a country of dark women, and her
fear is believable, she isn't the heroic type, so her repeatedly being told how
admirable she is, is unintentionally funny. The teleplay by Rose Leiman
Goldemberg based on LePere's book Never Pass This Way Again presents Gene's
purchase of the items as by street thug intimidation, as a clue that something
bad will come of it, though Gene's experience in prison isn't as horrific as it
might have been. It's a pity Goldemberg doesn't give us anything about Gene's
previous life in New York, since the narrative begins with Gene on the
cruiseliner, since the only family connection she appears to have is an
ex-husband. Director Lou Antonio uses the music score of Paul Chihara well, and
provides a conversation between Gene and her lawyer Isha (Norma Aleandro) in
silhouette. The ending isn't a surprise, particularly when you cast Remick, but
at least it's not too easy.
Cast: Lee Remick Runtime:
100 min
*Note: USA and Canadian customers should check their dvd
players for PAL format compatibility. |