The List of Adrian Messenger [VHS]
starring: George C. Scott, Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis
directed by: John Huston
directed by: John Huston
![The List of Adrian Messenger [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M01R873DL._SL160_.jpg)
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John Huston was eager for a lightweight lark, and The List of Adrian Messenger was just the project he needed. Philip MacDonald's upper-crust British murder mystery allowed Huston to work close to his Irish estate, including fox hunting and quail shooting well suited to Huston's lord-of-the-manor lifestyle. The mystery itself is clever enough: As a former MI-5 agent, George C. Scott is lured into the case when writer Adrian Messenger (John Merivale) gives him a list of 11 names to investigate, just before Messenger is mysteriously killed. Scott combs for clues to connect the names, and the film's promotional gimmick--big-name stars disguised under Bud Westmore's expert makeup--kicks into gear. Thus you get Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, and Frank Sinatra, barely identifiable under layers of latex, and the mystery never suffers from this playful distraction. Huston enjoyed making this film (he makes a cameo appearance, and his son Tony plays a supporting role), and that pleasure is passed along to the viewer. --Jeff Shannon
John Huston was eager for a lightweight lark, and The List of Adrian Messenger was just the project he needed. Philip MacDonald's upper-crust British murder mystery allowed Huston to work close to his Irish estate, including fox hunting and quail shooting well suited to Huston's lord-of-the-manor lifestyle. The mystery itself is clever enough: As a former MI-5 agent, George C. Scott is lured into the case when writer Adrian Messenger (John Merivale) gives him a list of 11 names to investigate, just before Messenger is mysteriously killed. Scott combs for clues to connect the names, and the film's promotional gimmick--big-name stars disguised under Bud Westmore's expert makeup--kicks into gear. Thus you get Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, and Frank Sinatra, barely identifiable under layers of latex, and the mystery never suffers from this playful distraction. Huston enjoyed making this film (he makes a cameo appearance, and his son Tony plays a supporting role), and that pleasure is passed along to the viewer. --Jeff Shannon
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- The List of Adrian Messenger
Not only is this a mystery BUT, the additional mystery in the film is who is playing what part. There are several well known performers in thie film however, you cannot tell who they are since they play their parts in disguise. You may to watch it more than once to get the full flavor of the story and make the connection between the English and the American pronounciations. I first viewed this film over 35 years ago and it has stayed with me all this time. That should give you a good idea of how ... Read More
Rating: 
- Must see
An old movie but a great movie. Many appearances are not what they seem. I searched for this movie for years & am happy to finally have it in my library. If you like old movies & these actors then you must see this movie.
Rating: - Be on lookout!
I just looked on Amazon UK and this movie is being released on DVD for Region 2 March 17th 2008.Hopefully we will have it soon.
Rating: - list
I have a close friend whose husband is disabled. He watches a lot of T V mostaly movies he has bought or obtained somehow. He is a more clasic movie buff. He mentioned the movie and was explaining the plot and such. He wished he could see it again. I came home and found it. I gave it to him as a birthday present. He was extatic. He has watched it many times I am told. It arrived in great shape.
Rating: - DVD! DVD! DVD! DVD!
The List of Adrian Messenger is a wonderful change of pace for Mr. Huston. I wish to see it again, but my VCR went up in a ball of flame years ago.
DVD! DVD! DVD! DVD!
- The List of Adrian MessengerNot only is this a mystery BUT, the additional mystery in the film is who is playing what part. There are several well known performers in thie film however, you cannot tell who they are since they play their parts in disguise. You may to watch it more than once to get the full flavor of the story and make the connection between the English and the American pronounciations. I first viewed this film over 35 years ago and it has stayed with me all this time. That should give you a good idea of how ... Read More
- Must seeAn old movie but a great movie. Many appearances are not what they seem. I searched for this movie for years & am happy to finally have it in my library. If you like old movies & these actors then you must see this movie.
- Be on lookout!I just looked on Amazon UK and this movie is being released on DVD for Region 2 March 17th 2008.Hopefully we will have it soon.
- listI have a close friend whose husband is disabled. He watches a lot of T V mostaly movies he has bought or obtained somehow. He is a more clasic movie buff. He mentioned the movie and was explaining the plot and such. He wished he could see it again. I came home and found it. I gave it to him as a birthday present. He was extatic. He has watched it many times I am told. It arrived in great shape.
- DVD! DVD! DVD! DVD!The List of Adrian Messenger is a wonderful change of pace for Mr. Huston. I wish to see it again, but my VCR went up in a ball of flame years ago.
DVD! DVD! DVD! DVD!
