Pendulum (1969) User Reviews

Read 'em their rights

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 31 March 2018]

The film Pendulum came out when use of the Miranda decision was fairly new and police departments all over the nation were still grumbling about it as convictions were being overturned. Such a conviction overturned was that of rapist Robert F. Lyons and that really bothers the arresting officer George Peppard.

Still Peppard is ready for a career change. He's been appointed to the staff of the crime committee of US Senator Paul McGrath. By the way McGrath is one smooth politician and definitely not one to be in a foxhole with.

Peppard is going to need all the friends he can get because he is accused of murdering his wife Jean Seberg and her boyfriend Harry Lewis while catching them in the act. I've always found it amazing that some of the biggest law and order types when they get in a jackpot always want to make sure those rights are available.

Still of all the lawyers he could have picked Peppard chooses civil libertarian Richard Kiley, the same man who got Lyons's conviction reversed. That has all his cop buddies raising their eyebrows like Charles McGraw, Frank Marth, and Dana Elcar.

Pendulum concentrates on its ironical message to the extent that it really forgets to put in a good mystery. No doubt who is the doer of this deed from the gitgo.

A lot of familiar faces are in Pendulum, but possibly the best performance in the film is from Madeline Sherwood. As Lyons's much put upon mother she has an aura of quiet desperation in her role and her scenes with Lyons and Peppard really count.

Nice picture with a message that is still relevant today.

A Chain Smoking George

[BarneyBergman · 7/10 · 29 August 2006]

Just saw this movie again after 39 years. Well-acted period piece. Out-dated by today's standards, but still a decent night at the movies. What really caught my attention was how George Peppard chained smoked throughout this film. The guy burned one in every scene. Aside from that, he did give a creditable performance, but nothing to write home about.

Jean Seberg looked beautiful. She was a rare beauty and very talented as well. She is wasted here, but her brief time on scene does capture your attention.

The supporting cast of veteran actors do a professional job. The only real problem is that the film drags at times and lacks any real action. The ending was typical, but this was 1969, so don't expect too many surprises.

film no-one has ever heard of...not bad

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 24 August 2023]

Peppard is frank matthews, who has just left his job as a cop to work for a senator. When someone close to him is knocked off, he's the lead suspect! So now he's got to find the real killer before he gets locked up.. or even gets the death penalty. Lots of talk about one's rights when someone is arrested. The miranda warning had just been instituted in 1966. A fair amount of suspense. First, matthews keeps meddling in the investigation, and might screw up his own defense if it goes to trial. Then, later, it looks like matthews really has done the murder himself. It's pretty good! Nothing too new or earth shaking, but it was during the era of discussions of civil rights. Keep an eye out for isabel sanford as the maid; she will play louise in "the jeffersons". Peppard made this after tiffany's and crossbow, but just before banacek. He was nominated for a bafta for "home from the hill." directed by george schaefer. Story by stanley niss. He died young at 53, soon after this film was released. It's good!

Washington DC police captain becomes chief suspect...

[dbdumonteil · 29 September 2010]

BIG SPOILER When the movie was released ,many people were disappointed because they did not expect Jean Seberg to disappear after 38 minutes ,a la Janet Leigh in "psycho" .You can also feel Hitchcock's influence in the bad son/alcoholic mother relationship which provides the low point of the movie though:it's a pity it's so underwritten because it could have taken the movie to another level.All in all,the movie holds up rather well today after 40 years but at the time it had to fight with blockbusters such as "Bullitt" and it lost.It's probably not a great thriller,but it's for sure an entertaining one.Good support by Madeleine Sherwood.

Not bad for low budget style

[mgem1200 · 6/10 · 22 January 2023]

A bit preachy in the Jack Webb style but plot wise it's a good movie to spend 100 minutes watching. Peppard leads the cast. Seberg is hardly present in the movie yet she receives 2nd billing. The supporting cast is good with a few tv familiar faces including Dana Elcar and Isabelle Sanford. The exterior shots are interesting to see as a time capsule of Washington DC in 1968. The Columbia back lot used for many tv shows is used but with an obvious matte painting to hide some of the wide shots that would have shown to much of the studio. The content is mature but it is not a film to be given as many ads say an R rating by the mpaa. It would most likely be rated PG today no more no less. No nudity, no severe language, violent but not terribly unwatchable. It could be on tv today completely uncut. It's definitely not R! Enjoy.

Pre-Judgement

[afallahi-95143 · 6/10 · 20 August 2022]

On my virw, "pre-judgement" is the skeleton of this movie. Even the famous legal phrase : " A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty" can not overshadow the pre-judgement of people , senator and even his Police colleagues.

I have also my pre-judgement as follows: It beats me why a handsome policeman ( George Peppard) should be betrayed by his wife. What was his shortcoming? Money? We do not understand from the movie.

My other other pre-judgement is based on the short role of Jean Seberg . Why was her role short given the length of movie. Perhaps the director wanted to surprise the viewers as what Hitchcock did for the role of Janet Leigh in the Psycho movie.

Why that young criminal was free on his first night of his imprisonment/ incarceration?

Finally, to me, the conclusion was somewhat quick.

Lack of legal process swings the pendulum against society.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 30 January 2020]

Even though a conviction for the death penalty for an obvious guilty murderer and rapist seems justified, it is overturned because the defendant was held without being read his rights and other standard procedures that can make or break a case. Police lieutenant George Peppard is aghast by this, knowing that his release will mean more rapes, more murders. The murders that occur deeply touch Peppard whose wife and lover are shot to death in cold blood the very night Robert F. Lyons is freed. Not only does Peppard have to deal with the murder of his wife and revelation that she was unfaithful but suspicions that he was the killer and demands for his resignation.

Among the supporting cast are Richard Kiley as Lyon's defense attorney, Marj Dusay as Kiley's secretary, Isabel Sanford as Peppard's cleaning lady, Madeline Sherwood as Lyon's hard drinking loose living mother and Logan Ramsey as another officer. The scene where Lyons caresses Dusay's hair is disturbing, and the character is visibly uncomfortable but doesn't say anything. Kiley wants to send him to a psychiatrist but it's obvious that he has no interest in being cured, making him one of the most disgusting villains in film history. Sherwood is particularly effective as the truly sad mother who through her eyes reveals to the audience that she knows she gave birth to a monster. Poor Jean Seberg is wasted as Peppard 's wife (even though she gets second billing), and no real reason for her infidelity is given.

Early in the film, Peppard is attacked by anti-death penalty activists which is ironic considering the crimes committed by Lyon's character. Realizing that his case requires strong legal defense, Peppard decides to hire Kiley which could end up killing two birds with one stone. The Washington D.C. setting means both great location footage and political ramifications in regards to both cases, and that sends the pendulum moving quickly and dangerously where the innocent is obviously fighting tirelessly to get out of the pit. The benefit of the doubt does take over with certain details perplexing enough to make you wonder who is the guilty party and if Lyons is innocent, how will the guilt of his other crimes be dealt with? This is a film with a moral that will make you think, that is if you are not perplexed to the unanswered questions that the film leaves.

Pendulum

[Prismark10 · 4/10 · 11 March 2024]

Writer Stanley Niss died in the year that Pendulum was released. The movie was a response to the late 1960s counterculture.

Richard Nixon's silent majority strike back. Several years before Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry and Charles Bronson in Death Wish.

Pendulum believes that the rights has gone too far towards the criminals and away from the victims of crime.

Rapist Paul Sanderson (Robert F Lyons) walks free from court as his case collapses in court on a technicality. Helped by his wily defence attorney Woodrow Wilson King (Richard Kiley.) A man not popular with the police.

Captain Frank Matthews (George Peppard) is certainly not happy with King using loopholes. He was involved in the arrest of Sanderson.

Soon Matthews is arrested by his own colleagues for the murder of his wife and her lover. He calls in King to defend him. The chief of police tells Matthews there is not need for a lawyer.

The argument about the justice system and the rights and wrongs of criminals is inept. As King tells Matthews after his arrest. He looks scared and he knows he law and he is in his own police station.

As for the thriller element. It felt tacked on. Matthews suspects who the real killer and goes after him in an equally inept manner.

Top-notch detective yarn improves with age

[herbqedi · 9/10 · 6 July 2002]

Peppard is ideally cast as inflexibly hard-nosed cop who gets sucked through the looking-glass when indicted for his cheating wife's murder. Charles McGraw and Richard Kiley are both magnificent in the key supporting roles. Dana Elcar and Isabel Sanford also add poignantly amusing support. Director George Schaeffer's pacing and choice of score is perfect for the genre. And, many of the key ironies are even more appropriate today than when the film was made. Very highly recommended.

Proud of My Great Uncle Stanley

[weeds526 · 9/10 · 22 February 2011]

Check out the top of the Pendulum IMDb page, and you'll see a guy by the name of Stanley Niss, who wrote and produced this movie. He was my father's mother's brother, or great uncle. I recently learned more about my Great Uncle, and I was finally able to dig up my grandma's VHS copy of Pendulum in her condo. Just the fact that they were able to get a movie centered around a rapist rated only PG is enough of an accomplishment, but seeing George Peppard star surprised me even more.

So, I popped it in my 18 inch VHS TV and watched. Well, it's the 60's alright, the music, the sets, the wardrobes, the chain smoking, there's no denying that. But all in all, I liked it as a standard courtroom drama, the actors did well with their roles, and though I'm biased, I liked it well enough, and it kept me excited throughout.

Afterwards, I looked online and searched for some movie reviews, and saw that Roger Ebert himself reviewed upon its release, though he panned it. Gave it one and a half stars, and called my Great Uncle Stanley's script "written ineptly." Oh well. I had a good time, and I have a small piece of my family history in my hands now.

A heck of a good cop film...definitely underrated.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 13 March 2020]

I had never heard of "Pendulum" before and as shocked how good the movie was. It's definitely among the best films of the 1960s even though it's a rather obscure movie.

George Peppard stars as Captain Matthews...a decorated cop who recently arrested a murderous psychopath. However, two things happen that will become important. First, Matthews' wife is cheating on him and he is beginning to suspect the truth. Second, due to a technicality, the psychopath has been released even though everyone knows he is guilty. How do these two things work together to REALLY impact on the Captain? See the film.

George Peppard is really good here. The other actor who was a major standout is Robert Lyons as the psychotic murderer and rapist. He's quite smug and chilling! Now one part of the film MIGHT seem like a cliche that isn't is when the Captain escapes from custody after he's arrested (yes, he ends up being arrested for a double murder). Normally, this is a bad plot element...the notion of an innocent man escaping in order to prove he's not guilty. Here it's handled well...as it's obvious that for political reasons the Captain is assumed to be guilty and the cops aren't even considering other options. In a case like this, you can understand Matthews' actions.

Overall, a very exciting, taut and suspenseful film...well worth seeing because it is so intelligently made from start to finish. So good, I nearly gave this one a 10....and I almost never do that!

Underrated film

[Johnboy1221 · 8/10 · 5 March 2013]

This movie is incredibly underrated. The performances are all top notch, from Peppard and Seberg down to the smallest role, though Seberg's part is short. In my opinion, Madeleine Sherwood and Robert F. Lyons deserved Oscar nominations for their performances. They were flawless and mesmerizing as the white trash woman and her psycho son. I couldn't take my eyes off them when they were on screen. I so wish the movie was available on DVD! This film should have made a star of Robert F. Lyons. I have no idea why it didn't. It's well-written and believable, nicely directed. Someone please put this out on DVD! I want to watch this again and again.

Unexpectedly good!

[RodrigAndrisan · 8/10 · 30 July 2017]

Many very good actors in this production: Richard Kiley, Charles McGraw, Madeleine Sherwood, Robert F. Lyons, Frank Marth, Dana Elcar. Now, about the beautiful lead lady, Jean Seberg. She does not appear throughout the whole movie because she has to be killed halfway. She's OK in her role but, I think, Madeleine Sherwood, which appears even less, is better. Concerning Mr.George Peppard, he's very good, he has a great personality, very convincing, like in any other film I've seen him("Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Operation Crossbow", "The Blue Max", etc.). In conclusion, exceptionally played, carefully directed, with the exception of two things: the final scene, when Capt. Frank Matthews (Peppard) struggles with Paul Martin Sanderson, the real killer (Robert F. Lyons), assisted by the murderer's mother, Mrs. Eileen Sanderson (Madeleine Sherwood), is not at all credible or even exaggerated if not ridiculous. And, intelligent as Peppard's character, a much-experienced policeman, would have gone right after he learned of the murder to catch the killer. But, that's how the scenario is, the scene had to be left for the final.

George Peppard getting into more trouble than even his worst enemies bargained for

[clanciai · 10/10 · 22 August 2018]

This film is more impressing the further into it you get. At first you find George Peppard's character rather revolting, as most of his later characters usually are, but gradually you get into his sense of reality, and the closer you get to know this very austere and cold-blooded police officer advocating death penalty, the more you must tend to give him the right.

The major subject of the film is the discussion and issue of the death penalty. A sexual murderer is released on insufficient evidence although everybody knows more than well what crimes he has committed and will be able to continue to commit, but no one can deny him the very natural and basic human right of a lawyer. Even the lawyer has problems with him, but since he is the best of lawyers he gets him out, and he is free to start all over again as he pleases, if he pleases.

Of course his highest wish is to take out his revenge on his number one enemy, the police officer who remained relentless in his case insisting on capital punishment, but he never dreamed of putting George Peppard into such a jam as he eventually finds himself into without anyone intending it.

Jean Seberg can make any film priceless for her presence, and so she does here as the wife, and the only thing you regret about this film is that you were not allowed to see more of her.

It's an ace of thrillers, one of the best in the 60s, and only a top rate is possible.

Some of the best work done of it's time.

[jayacts1982 · 22 April 2004]

The one thing that stands out, and possibly because of Peppard's rather "okay" performance, was the work of Robert F. Lyons and Madeleine Sherwood. Lyons makes a wonderful splash as his debut role in this film. I am surprised it has not been commented on before as I see very little work from this period that was on par with this. The work was quite impressive. If you are interested in the detail of an actor's craft, watch these two actors and their chemistry. They are just a joy to watch. Overall,the film was okay. A little slow at times but it has some nice twists that make up for the rather slow story. Hang in there though, it gets exciting toward the end!

I can't belive I missed this gem.

[donkeppler · 9/10 · 16 January 2023]

Great story with wonderful acting. George Peppard does his normal great job. I had not know of the absolutely beautiful Jean Seberg before this movie. I read up about her and what a tragically short life. Even back then the FBI was playing games. This film has you certain who the killer is right up until the end.

Pendulum certainly addresses the Miranda decision, with regard to the rights of the accused. With the last lines of this movie the arguments for and against are summarized and the viewer is left to decide for themselves the answer.

The death penalty is also addressed and also has the viewer questioning its use. It is a very fine mystery. If you are a George Peppard fan you will like it even more.

So much better than you'd expect.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 7 July 2023]

DC Police Captain Frank Matthews is honoured and promoting after capturing a violent rapist and murderer, soon after his commendation, he is suspected of killing his wife Adele and her lover, he sets about proving his innocence.

Why such a low score, I honestly couldn't relate the score here to the actual movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it's an 8 in anybody's book surely.

I had preconceived ideas about it being slow, it is anything but, the pace moves up a few notches about 45 minutes in with the discovery of the bodies. The twist at the end is very well done.

Great visuals, seeing DC in the 60's, those amazing cars, it's a real treat for fans of the great era.

George Peppard is absolutely fantastic as Matthews, he's a brooding, serious figure, but definitely one with a roguish charm.

Yes Peppard is great, but the supporting, smaller roles, Jean Seberg, Richard Kiley etc are all spot on too. Even the extras are convincing.

This was so much better than I expected it to be.

8/10.

Starring George Peppard

[atkinsnedryart · 9/10 · 30 November 2020]

George Peppard was given Spencer Tracy's bungalow and the emphasis at MGM was on Peppard showcasing him in top quality films. George Peppard was groomed by MGM during the early 60's. on MGM film Vincente Minnelli's brilliant Home From The Hill, s the massive hit in the Cinerama process How The West Was Won directed by John Ford, Henry Hathaway and George Marshall. While Greg Peck, James Stewart, Henry Fonda John Wayne were superb Peppard was the thread that held it together dramatically. Peppard went on loanout (rather than starring in a predictable film.. Loanouts to Paramount for Audrey Hepburn'd Breakfast At Tiffany, and a smashing big hit The Carpetbahhers

Peppard free lanced after laving MGM and starred in this Columnia contract film. It is just okay film that could have been better. Peppard went to Columbia for The Victors (another all star, co staring cast Jeanne Moreau, Albert Finney, and his fellow MGM contact star George Hamilton Michael Callan a Columbia star has a small role in this film.

Peppard had as a co star Jean Seberg, beautiful and talented Jean Seberg simply did not click with American audiences. Seberg starred in Moment To Moment with Sean Garrison, Ross Hunter's smash hit Airport and Paramounts flop Paint Your Wagon which has one of the great musical stores of all time Co starred were Lee Marvin who hit it big with Cat Ballou and The Dirty Dozen, The film also has lint Eastwood

Josh Logan who made Kim Novak a true superstar in Picnic passed on Kim for Seberg. The film flopped. I wished Kim got the female lead bu imagine since the film was a major flop. Kim was lucky to avois this film which cost Paramount milions.

This is an okay cop drama. I hoped it wouldbe a hitas Peppard was one of my favorite stars.

Gritty

[TondaCoolwal · 8/10 · 11 March 2023]

After watching this movie you tend to think that this is just the sort of movie that George Peppard would appear in when he was popular in the 1960s.

Latching on to the "tough cop" genre Peppard faces the familiar situation of finding himself at odds with his colleagues as well as having to deal with low-lifes. Any fans of 60s cop movies will line this one up alongside the likes of Madigan and The Detective. Not to mention Peppard's own New Face In Hell. There are even strands that would be picked up in later films e.g. The self-seeking politician (Bullitt) and the murderer who gets off on a technicality (Dirty Harry). And, coincidentally Peppard's character Captain Frank Matthews owns a Magnum.

Matthews, for all his success, has a rocky marriage. His wife Adele is sleeping with a business associate. Things get complicated when Adele and lover-boy are killed when in bed together. Frank becomes the obvious suspect when his alibi starts to get waterlogged. Not only that, the audience finds out he was lying about where he was! So, was it him after all? Fortunately, by resorting to the usual trick of escaping arrest, Frank has time to figure out who the real murderer is.

Of the supporting cast Madeline Sherwood is the standout. When it comes to gullible, hick women she is the go-to gal. In fact she had already performed variations on the theme in two episodes of The Fugitive, namely The Witch and Devil's Carnival. As the mother of rapist/murderer Paul Sanderson she is both helpless and selfish. She doesn't want him around but, feels obligated to assist her wayward boy. Robert Lyon is not entirely convincing as Sanderson, turning in a very lame impersonation of James Dean; all snarling and sulky. Matthews boss played by Charles McGraw delivers a by-the-numbers stereotyped performance as the exasperated senior officer who wants to be rid of a maverick subordinate. The movie will be enjoyable to older viewers with its obviously contemporary portrayal of the 60s. The fashions, the huge cars that wallow on their suspensions and the fact that everybody chain-smoked. Not forgetting, no profanity or gratuitous sex. Ah, the old days!