The High Commissioner (1968)
"Nobody Runs Forever" (original title)

Rod Taylor plays a policeman sent to return a sensitive case; An Australian citizen, currently acting as high commissioner for peace talks who is wanted for an old charge -- of murder. The ... See full summary »

Director:

Ralph Thomas

Writers:

Jon Cleary (based on the novel "The High Commissioner" by), Wilfred Greatorex (screenplay)

Stars:

Rod Taylor, Christopher Plummer, Lilli Palmer

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Rod Taylor	...	Scobie Malone
Christopher Plummer	...	Sir James Quentin
Lilli Palmer	...	Sheila Quentin
Camilla Sparv	...	Lisa Pretorius
Daliah Lavi	...	Maria Cholon
Clive Revill	...	Joseph
Lee Montague	...	Donzil
Calvin Lockhart	...	Jamaica
Derren Nesbitt	...	Pallain
Edric Connor	...	Julius
Burt Kwouk	...	Pham Chimh
Russell Napier	...	Leeds
Ken Wayne	...	Ferguson
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell	...	Jacko
Franchot Tone	...	Ambassador Townsend

Storyline

Rod Taylor plays a policeman sent to return a sensitive case; An Australian citizen, currently acting as high commissioner for peace talks who is wanted for an old charge -- of murder. The talks are too sensitive to be disturbed, so Taylor ends up watching Christopher Plummer as he conducts his talks, and discovers that some want the talks to fail enough to think that killing Plummer is an obvious way to stop them.

---

Plot Keywords:

murder | detective | based on novel | independent film

---

Taglines:

In A Moment He Could Be Dead! - and the only man who could save him was going to arrest him for murder!

---

Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller

---

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 1968 (Denmark)

Also Known As:

The High Commissioner

Filming Locations:

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rank Organisation, The, Katzka-Berne Productions, American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 101 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This picture is known under two titles in English speaking territories: 'Nobody Runs Forever' and 'The High Commissioner'. The film has been released in a number of territories at different times under both titles. Originally, the film was debuted under 'Nobody Runs Forever' when launching in England in September 1968 but the picture was re-titled 'The High Commissioner' when released in the USA in December 1968.

---

Connections

Referenced in Rod Taylor: Return to Oz (2005)

User Reviews

A unique film of the 1960's with an Australian touch

This 1968 production has a great blend of cast and the outline of the film is well described in the comments of bampton. where Scobie Malone, an Australian outback detective Sargent is summoned by the Premier of New South Wales to go to London and safely escort an Australian diplomat(Christopher Plummer) back to Australia. Scobie(played by Rod Taylor) is annoyed to go to Sydney (the capital city of the state of New South Wales) after having just returned from there. This scene of when he is summoned also shows a unique and beautiful background of outback Australia at that time.

Rod Taylor plays the part of a rugged bushman exceptionally well, as he is outspoken, grumpy and speaks his mind without too much concern as to who may be present. I even like his Australian accent as it stands out at the London banquet amongst the upper class English gentlemen in their tuxedo, who pay more attention to their etiquette as they are tensely worried by his unpredictable outbursts of free speech. In contrast to his role in Time Machine" where he is much more docile and well spoken. This is what I believe makes a good actor, especially with the extreme diverse roles that they can perform and I believe that Rod Taylor performs brilliantly.

There is also a scenery of a tennis match at Wimbledon between an Australian and an Englishman where Scobie boasts to them that Australia is in front. Yet, Scobie also shows his Australian charm as he is a real softy at heart and his bark is louder than his bite, but is also an outstanding policeman where he surprises all those that underestimate his police skills purely by judging a book by it's cover.

Without giving too much away, I do recommend this movie and should be judged fairly as it is a late 1960's production and should not be compared to modern cinema. I do enjoy repeats of it as it seems to be more inspiring . A brilliant blend of cast which also include Leo McKern, Lilli Palmer and Charles Bud Tingwell. Worth watching!!!!