Watch Masquerade

Masquerade is a thrilling drama film from 1965, directed by Basil Dearden, that follows the story of Tony, a young American living in London who is abducted and forced to impersonate a wealthy missing businessman, Cavanaugh, who looks just like him. The mastermind behind the scheme is a wealthy and cunning industrialist named Lavender, who wants to get his hands on Cavanaugh's money and is willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve his goal.

At first, it seems like an easy job for Tony, who quickly adapts to the luxurious lifestyle of a millionaire: he has access to Cavanaugh's mansion, yacht, and beautiful mistress, played by the stunning Marisa Mell. However, as the days go by, Tony realizes that he is in grave danger, as he is being watched and followed by Lavender's henchmen and the police, who suspect him of being involved in the disappearance of the real Cavanaugh.

As the plot thickens, Tony discovers that Lavender's plan is much more complex than he thought and that even the people he thought were his allies are not to be trusted. He also finds himself falling in love with Cavanaugh's mistress, who is unaware of the deception and genuinely cares for him. Meanwhile, Lavender's obsession with money and power leads him to paranoid and violent behavior, and his plans start to unravel.

The film is a pulse-pounding adventure that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, with twists and turns that are not predictable at all. Cliff Robertson gives a fantastic performance as Tony, who has to navigate a dangerous game of deception and betrayal while trying to stay alive and protect the people he cares about. Jack Hawkins is also remarkable as Lavender, portraying the character's villainous and calculating nature with precision and intensity.

The cinematography is top-notch, capturing the beauty and glamour of London's high society, yacht clubs, and casinos. The score by John Barry is memorable, with a catchy main theme and thrilling action cues that enhance the tension of the scenes. The film also features some impressive action sequences, including a car chase and a boat chase, that are well-executed and exciting to watch.

Masquerade is more than just a suspenseful thriller, though. It also explores themes of identity, morality, and the corrupting influence of money, as Tony is forced to confront his own values and beliefs in the face of Lavender's greed and ruthless tactics. The romance subplot is also well-handled, with Marisa Mell bringing a touch of warmth and humanity to the film's darker moments.

In conclusion, Masquerade is a must-see for fans of classic thrillers and espionage films. It may not be as well-known as some of the other movies of the genre, but it is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. With its strong performances, stylish direction, and gripping story, Masquerade stands the test of time and remains a thrilling and entertaining cinematic experience.

Masquerade is a 1965 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.