Hopscotch (1980 Ronald Neame)

Written by Brian Garfield (Death Wish author) and Bryan Forbes, with input from Neame (once he heard Matthau was on board). It was tweaked to use the star's love of Mozart throughout, and is an easy-going affair - that maybe is a slight handicap - we don't really know what Matthau is up to or what he hopes to gain, and there's a lack of suspense. (Maybe the Mozart contributes to the leisurely pace.) Also it's not a great role for Glenda Jackson, who's frequently sidelined.

That aside it remains a genial and enjoyable affair, with Sam Waterson, Herbert Lom, Ned Beatty and David Matthau, and Allan Cuthbertson. And a good dog. And George Baker is recognisable as the publisher (OHMSS, I, Claudius, lots of TV, since 1953.)

Photographed by Arthur Ibbetson.

Loved that Matthau rents out his boss's house, and then travels on the passport of another agent. Walter provided the idea for the 'meet cute' wine scene. Neame: '[The film] didn't get terribly good reviews, but it was tremendously popular'.