Review of Harlequin (1980) by Stephen C — 12 Nov 2014

Thanks to the cracking documentary Not Quite Hollywood which dealt with the Ozploitation genre I have been seeking out some of the films featured.

Most of the better films were produced by Anthony I Ginanne and were written by Everett De Roche .

This film is a basic spin on the tale of Rasputin as mysterious faith healer Robert Powell turns up at the home of a local senator played by David Hemming's cures his son of leukaemia and proceeds to gain a strong influence over him and his wife..

Its kind of Rasputin meets the Omen with a political thriller tacked on as well, and despite it being a bit confused in some places its not half bad .

Powell is clearly having a great time as the mysterious healer and Hemming's is suitably bemused as his life falls apart.

Only Broderick Crawford who was a last minute replacement for Orson Welles lets the side down as he looks like he has had a heavy night out on the beer before acting in the film.

So aside from that this Is a solid entry in the OZplotation genre.