Watch The Prize

The Prize is a 1963 thriller directed by Mark Robson and starring Paul Newman, Edward G. Robinson, and Elke Sommer. Based on a novel of the same name by Irving Wallace, the film is set in Stockholm where a Nobel laureate is set to be awarded his prize for medicine. It is a political thriller that takes place during the height of the Cold War, with Russian spies, American intelligence operatives and a series of murders all in play.

The film begins with Andrew Craig (Paul Newman), a novelist who teaches writing at a university in the United States, being offered a chance to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm as a guest of the Swedish government. Along with Craig, many other prominent guests are also invited, such as past Nobel laureates in various fields, diplomats, and members of the media from around the world.

Once in Stockholm, Craig quickly realizes that his invitation was not simply out of respect for his work, but because he was mistaken for someone else, a man who was supposed to bring a top-secret formula to Stockholm. As the plot unfolds, Andrew finds himself navigating through the espionage world of the Cold War where no one is quite who they appear to be.

Craig’s true identity comes to light when he finds himself under surveillance by a Russian spy, or perhaps an American intelligence agent. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Craig uses his cunning and quick thinking to evade his pursuer, creating an elaborate ruse that leaves the spy thinking he has the formula while Craig actually has it hidden on his person.

As Craig attempts to unravel the twisted mystery, he becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. The stakes are high, and the danger mounts as the film progresses. There are many twists and turns in the plot, and just when you think you know what’s going on, there’s another surprise twist in store.

Throughout the film, we see the friction between the United States and Russia as they both try to obtain the formula. Alliances are formed and broken, and it becomes unclear who we can trust, as everyone seems to have their own agenda. The tension is high, and the performances from the cast of The Prize are outstanding, in particular Edward G. Robinson, who plays the role of Dr. Max Stratman, the brilliant scientist who created the formula.

Robinson’s crafty portrayal of Dr. Stratman is one of the highlights of this film, with the veteran actor giving a performance full of depth and nuance. He plays the role with the kind of subtlety and intelligence that is required for a character who is not always what he seems. Elke Sommer, who is best known for her roles in comedies, also delivers a noteworthy performance as the mysterious Inger Lisa Andersson. Not only is she charming and beautiful, but there is a subtle sense of danger about her that makes you wonder if she is friend or foe.

However, it is Paul Newman’s performance as Andrew Craig that carries the film. His natural coolness and charisma are on full display, and he brings a level of depth and complexity to the role that is often lacking in political thrillers of this kind. Craig is a complex and layered character, and Newman’s performance brings him to life in a way that few other actors could.

The Prize is a well-crafted and gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The film is a perfect combination of political intrigue, romance, and action, with a cast of characters that is as complex as the plot itself. If you’re a fan of Cold War-era espionage films, then The Prize is definitely worth checking out. The film may be more than half a century old, but it still holds up as one of the best of its kind.

The Prize is a 1963 mystery with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.