Contraband - Spain [Blu-ray]

A colourful and stylish crime/contraband movie from 1955, with a dash of adventure, romance, some lovely location filming in Spain and France, and shot in vibrant Eastman colour. Richard Greene is far removed from the Adventures of Robin Hood role for which he is probably best known. Suave Michael Denison is always watchable. Lovely French star Anouk Aimee, adds glamour and sensitivity, and is very much involved in the story, not just an add on. She can certainly act, as her long film career proves. Lee Scott is a U.S investigator who is trying to get a lead on a smuggling operation and the murder of his brother. The trail leads to Barcelona where he is introduced to resident, undercover customs agent Ricky Metcalf. Scott meets sultry cabaret singer Elena Vargas, who's involvement in the affair is, for a time, a mystery. The three leads have a nice rapport, and nicely tap into the mood of the film, which at times is not without a touch of humour. Some of the bad guys could perhaps do with a bit more menace, but Jose Nieto as the mysterious Pierre, more than makes up for any shortcomings. This is a good looking film that, overall, does justice to the stylish set designs, vibrant colours and location filming. Although this is a high definition remaster, and Studio Canal certainly know their business, I always find that the term can lead us to compare old films unfavourably with modern films shot in HD, which really isn't a fair comparison. Studio Canal have done a great job in making this stylish (and probably almost forgotten) period piece, available again. I think you probably need to be a fan of this type and period of movies, to fully appreciate it's qualities. I enjoyed watching it the second time just as much of the first. Films of this period never dragged out the story line longer than necessary, and the eighty two minutes are nicely filled. So if this is your thing, it's one to add to the Sunday afternoon collection.

The presentation on blu ray is surprisingly good (hence the two stars) but oh dear, the film! Easy to see why it had disappeared from view. Dreadfully slow and boring with a narration that keeps explaining why the characters are wandering about in in particular scenes. I found it impossible to care a jot about any of the characters or plot. Luckily it didn't cost much! One for the charity shop.

Gréât cast. Attractive lead female.Action, laughs and a good story.Keeps one interested throughout

Excellent thriller and very well acted with wonderful scenery and well written storyline . Films like this are greatly missed in today's non stop garbage leaving one's brain in a state of total permanent lockdown.