(Terence Clyne's only movie script to date was set for a May, 1970, release, but as it happened, the completed movie was rejected by every first release theater in the country and didn't actually surface in mainstream cinemas until 1976. One of the problems was the film's original running time of 131 minutes. It was eventually cut to around 101 minutes): An odd film. As a whole, it tends to misfire – the result of crude scripting and unsympathetic direction – but the word to emphasize her is "tends". Much of the film is very funny, very inventive, and very amusing indeed! Zero Mostel and his cohort of Japanese police have a real flair for comedy as they attack apartment doors and recalcitrant desks and form revolving guards of honor. Even the slapstick finale introduces a few switches of genuine wit, and the glimpses of Tokyo form a rare background. As usual, Mostel is in fine form and receives some excellent support. On the other hand, Jules Munshin's role is rather small. In fact, he's simply wasted. But all in all, the film's fascinating and funny moments hold the attention and help us to surmount the rougher spots. In fact, the movie is worth seeing for its credit titles alone! Music score, photography and other credits such as art direction, are nothing less than commendable. Yes, it's a mixed bag, but definitely an enjoyable one. I wouldn't mind seeing "Mastermind" again. Indeed some of the jokes and comic situations deserve to be savored more than once!
Review of Mastermind
