The Kremlin Letter

Finnish actress 'Saara Ranin' (qv) is credited as Saara Rannin.

When Ward and the Whore talk in the bathroom at the end, the movie crew is reflected in the tiles.

Because part of me wants desperately to think of John Huston's The Kremlin Letter as something like brilliant.The other part of me suffered through a long, overly-complicated, and tedious chunk of Le Carre-ish dullness that made two hours seem like twenty.

Majestically directed by Huston, stuffed with great performances including Richard Boon, John O'Shea, Nigel Green, and especially Max Von Sydow who is in compelling form. Bibi Andersson is a revelation, so full of tenderness, anger and despair.

Fine cast of actors playing their parts incredibly well, particularly Orson Welles and George Sanders as a drag queen/American agent. The scene with him knitting booties is absolutely priceless, having seen him and known his work with thriller genre / Bette Davis flicks of the Golden Era of Hollywood.

I've watched this movie a number of times since shortly after it was released, and my appreciation for it has declined over time. Huston not only directed but wrote the screenplay, so you know going in it's no fool's work.

I saw this movie many years ago in the theater. I remember it being basically a box office loser -- not really sure about that.

I think my first comment is to those who viewed this and give it the tag "best spy film ever" surely need to sit down and watch all of Huston's work and then re-watch it. You'll then see, this was an early misfire.

This movie got bad reviews for a good reason--it is mediocre at the very best in spite of a stellar cast. Folks who like the movie claim it is an accurate portrayal of cold war espionage.

This has to rate as one of the worst films ever despite an all-star cast.The plot is extremely muddled.

Too much talk, not enough action. I love John Huston the actor and most of his films but this one is a dud.