A Reel Retro Review: THE PRIZE (1963)

 With no new films to review for the foreseeable future, Reel Speak will randomly review a classic film from the TCM library every week. Not just for the sake of filling time, but to hopefully introduce some overlooked and perhaps forgotten screen gems from the past to those of us who may be unfamiliar or unawares of their existence. 

 

 

 

The 1963 Paul Newman-led film THE PRIZE is a movie that does a lot. Based on the novel of the same name by Irving Wallace, the film is one-half romantic comedy and one-half global espionage drama…shifting gears quickly between the two and packing a lot in. Many films have tried to balance two genres; some have succeeded, many have failed. It’s a game of weaving the storylines, and that was the task for director Mark Robson and screenwriter Ernest Lehman. 

 

Andrew Craig (Newman), a womanizing drunk and successful novelist, arrives in Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize for Literature. After a chance meeting, he becomes convinced that fellow recipient Dr. Max Stratman (Edward G. Robinson), is an imposter. 

 

THE PRIZE is a wild ride that has Craig trying to unravel what he believes is a global conspiracy involving Communist East Germany. For most of the film, Dr. Max is indeed an imposter, with the real version of the esteemed doctor kidnapped the night before the award ceremonies. The goal is for the imposter to publicly repudiate the United States and the prize. Craig picks up friends here and there, including his personal chaperone Inger (Elke Sommer), and Dr. Max’s niece Emily (Diane Baker)…who may or may not be in on the scheme. 

 

Craig goes through a series of misadventures which has him thrown into the river, discovering dead bodies, hiding in a nudist colony, and dangling off bridges. All done while he hits on Inger or Emily, and guzzles three martini’s for lunch. It’s a laugh a minute, and the many twists and turns keep the plot from becoming predictable. The dialogue is sharp and witty while the plot keeps things serious. 

 

Director Mark Robson keeps the pacing tight, and the film flies by despite its 134 minute running time. The early goings are a bit of a drag as the film makes it a point to spend time with the other Nobel Prize winners long before Craig even shows up on screen, but the film impressively gives all of those characters their own arcs and moments. 

 

Acting is excellent with Paul Newman doing most of the heavy lifting. He shows a great knack for comedy and the physical work he has to do is impressive as well. Actresses Elke Sommer and Diane Baker are excellent, and the late great Edward G. Robinson is a show stealer as always. 

 

The finale has a surprise or two, and the last bad guy taken care of by way of a climactic, yet somewhat cliché chase to a rooftop. It’s no dealbreaker, as THE PRIZE wraps up as a funny and charming adventure…striking a perfect balance between genres. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it

 

Reel Facts: Edward G. Robinson plays the role of Dr. Max and the imposter. This is the second film in which he played dual roles, with the first being THE MAN WITH TWO FACES (1934). Screenwriter Ernest Lehman would go on to write THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965). The score for THE PRIZE is composed by Jerry Goldsmith…who would go on to become one of cinema’s greatest composers with films such as STAR TREK (1979), ALIEN (1979), FIRST BLOOD (1982), and THE MUMMY (1999).