Ffolkes (1979)
"North Sea Hijack" (original title)

When terrorists take over two oil rigs and threaten to explode them if their demands are not met, a unique commando unit is sent in to stop them.

Director:

Andrew V. McLaglen

Writers:

Jack Davies (screenplay), Jack Davies (novel)

Stars:

Roger Moore, James Mason, Anthony Perkins

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Roger Moore	...	Rufus Excalibur ffolkes
James Mason	...	Admiral Sir Francis Brindsen
Anthony Perkins	...	Lou Kramer
Michael Parks	...	Harold Shulman
David Hedison	...	King
Jack Watson	...	Capt. Olafsen
George Baker	...	Fletcher
Jeremy Clyde	...	Tipping
David Wood	...	Terry Herring
Faith Brook	...	Prime Minister
Lea Brodie	...	Sanna
Anthony Pullen Shaw	...	Robert F. Ackerman
Philip O'Brien	...	Art Webb
John Westbrook	...	Dawnay
Jennifer Hilary	...	Sarah

Storyline

A terrorist (Anthony Perkins) holds an offshore drilling rig and production platform for ransom in the North Sea. Ffolkes (Roger Moore) a wealthy mysogynistic eccentric, volunteers to send his crack team of soldiers in to stop the terrorists. With few other options available, the British Government reluctantly accepts his help.

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Plot Keywords:

terrorist | north sea | oil | commando | oil rig | 

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Taglines:

When the next 12 hours could cost you 1,000 million pounds and 600 lives you need a man who lives second by second. [UK Theatrical]

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1979 (UK)

Also Known As:

Assault Force

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinema Seven Productions Ltd., Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Rufus' assault team are named the ffolkes Fusiliers.

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Goofs

Ffolkes uses military time couple of times, which is expected. But when on the rig and getting ready to go the ship, he has everyone sync their watches to 1114 rather than military time of 2314.

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Quotes

ffolkes: [ffolkes only has a ten pound to note to pay his cab fare] I'll toss you for it.
[Tosses coin]
ffolkes: Heads or tails?
Cab Driver: [Wearily, expecting to be conned] Heads.
ffolkes: Heads it is. Must be your lucky day.
[Hands ten pounds to driver]

User Reviews

Enjoyable example of its kind.

A gang of criminals hijack a Norwegian supply vessel for two North Sea oil rigs. After attaching limpet mines to both rigs, they demand a huge ransom from the British Government. The insurers - Lloyds of London - call in the eccentric Rufus Excalibur Ffolkes and his highly trained team to bring an end to the situation.

First off, this is not a great film and makes no pretension to be one. It is however quite enjoyable on its level, which is that of a fairly straightforward and formulaic thriller with some dashes of humour. Roger Moore gives a pleasing performance as the woman hating, arrogant and irascible Ffolkes, who is the complete antithesis of his version of Bond. Much of the gentle humour of the film arises from his constant put downs to all around him. Anthony Perkins is the head of the gang, and plays him with typical cold blooded menace. Also James Mason turns in a nice portrayal of an exasperated Admiral.

Director Andrew V.McLaglen keeps things moving along, and the setting is at least a bit different from the usual scenarios. The finale does seem something of a let down after the build up, but it doesn't ruin the film.

I hadn't seen this for a few years, so I enjoyed watching it again last week when it got a screening on TV. I recorded it and watched it a couple of days later while laid low with the 'flu. Its tongue in cheek nature cheered me up, and surely that's the whole point of these types of films.