Three Days Of The Condor Details

Conspiracy theories abounded in Hollywood in the 1970s, as film-makers began to explore the nation's dark underside in the wake of Vietnam and Watergate. Directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Robert Redford, this tense thriller suffers in comparison with All the President's Men, in which Redford appeared the following year. But it is still a polished piece of work, as Redford holds photographer Faye Dunaway hostage while he tries to ascertain Max von Sydow's role in the murder of his undercover colleagues. The excellent cast makes up for Pollack's occasional lapses in pacing.

Entertaining New York-based thriller which shamelessly follows most of the twists of The 39 Steps. It is just possible to follow its complexities, and the dialogue is smart.