Well, I thought this was fabulous, an adaptation of one of James Clavell's 'Japanese' novels (actually set in Malaysia). (And actually filmed in California.)
George Segal plays the laid back 'King', who can get anything, make any kind of deal - a similar idea to that in Stalug 17. Clavell's first novel was written in 1962 and based on his own experiences in Changi Prison. He'd started as a screenwriter (writing The Fly amongst other things!) and a writer's strike made him pick up a novelists's pen (it's a heavier, more substantial one) instead. He wrote The Great Escape and others before returning to novels, with Tai Pan and then Shogun, which then was a huge TV success.
Anyhow. A young James Fox comes into his orbit and their friendship is the key to the story, especially as Fox is useful translating Malaysian for the deal maker. Then he becomes really seriously ill. Fox is brilliant - brilliant, I say.
The antagonist is another great performance - from Tom Courtney - as the weasley (what?? OK it's weaselly) and vindictive camp Provost Marshal - head of military police in the camp. And some outrageous things happen with the stealing of food, which is the worst crime imaginable; ultimately involving senior officer John Mills, lending his usual gravitas to proceedings. Has a particularly stingy ending. (It stings.)
The other standout performance is James Donald as the phlegmatic doctor. Though everyone else is great too: Patrick O'Neal. Denholm Elliott, Leonard Rossiter, Geoffrey Bayldon, Reg Lye (the Australian), Michael Lees (other doctor), too many to mention.
Walter Thompson's editing is noticeable and notable - such as those freeze frames, and the very opening. (Fat City, The Nun's Story, Jane Eyre). Burnett Guffey photographed it. John Barry provides a suitably melancholic score. Art / set Robert Smith, Frank Tuttle.
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