Watch Penny Gold

Penny Gold is a captivating British thriller movie from 1973 directed by Jack Cardiff, starring James Booth as Sandy, a businessman who's recently been given a six-month imprisonment sentence for bribery. Francesca Annis plays Frances, Sandy's wife, who comes up with a plan to bring her husband's tarnished reputation back to its former glory using the only thing they have left, a property they own in Spain.

Determined to succeed in their plan, Sandy and Frances travel to Malaga, Spain, where they meet Charlie Hook (Nicky Henson), a British expatriate who's made a living for himself by stealing valuable objects from wealthy tourists. In need of assistance, Sandy hires Charlie to help him and his wife stage an art robbery at their Spanish villa, intending to then collect the insurance money.

The beginning of the movie sets a slow pace as it presents the backstory of Sandy, his life before imprisonment, and his relationship with Frances. We see the influence of the 1970s era through the cinematography, costumes, and set designs - making for an authentic depiction of the time period. However, as the story progresses and the plan is set in motion, the tension starts to build up, and the audience is pulled into the suspenseful story.

The heist itself is executed with precision and smoothness, which is a far cry from the amateurish robbery depicted in other movies of the era. The focus is not on the action itself but on the psychological underpinnings between the characters, which leads to some unexpected revelations and twists.

The acting performances of the three main leads are convincing and add depth to their respective characters. James Booth portrays Sandy's desperation and willingness to do whatever is necessary to save his reputation, even if that means breaking the law. Francesca Annis gives a powerful performance as Frances, who proves to be the mastermind behind the plan, showing a new level of resourcefulness and resilience beyond the façade of a typical housewife. Nicky Henson's performance as Charlie Hook is a standout. He manages to walk the fine line between being endearing and disquieting, creating a character that's memorable in the movie.

Another aspect of the movie that stands out is the stunning scenery of Malaga, Spain, which is captured beautifully through the camera work. The bright blue skies, sandy beaches, and historic architecture provide a gorgeous backdrop to the story, while also adding to the movie's atmosphere.

Penny Gold is a movie that stands the test of time. While it may not have been a commercial success when it was first released, the movie remains a well-crafted thriller that is worth watching even after almost fifty years since its release. The story is layered and contains a range of twists and turns which keep the audience engaged and invested in the characters' fate. The performances of the main cast are excellent, providing depth to the roles they play, while the stunning visuals of Malaga, Spain, create an atmosphere of luxury and intrigue.

In conclusion, Penny Gold is a must-watch for those who enjoy vintage thrillers, or just want to experience an engaging movie from a different era. The story and characters transcend time and offer a unique window into the world of 1970s cinema.

Penny Gold is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.