Watch When Eight Bells Toll

When Eight Bells Toll is a 1971 British action thriller film directed by Etienne Périer and based on the novel of the same name by Alistair MacLean. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Jack Hawkins, and Robert Morley, the movie follows the story of a British secret agent sent to investigate the theft of gold bullion from ships off the coast of Scotland.

The film begins with a series of bizarre accidents occurring in the North Sea, all of which involve missing gold bullion. In response, the British Secret Service sends their top agent, Philip Calvert (Anthony Hopkins), to investigate the matter. He is sent to a small Scottish island where a wealthy man, Sir Anthony Skouras (Jack Hawkins), has recently built a luxurious mansion.

Calvert takes up the of Skouras' security chief, eager to discover the truth behind the gold thefts. Skouras, however, seems to be hiding something, and Calvert becomes increasingly suspicious of his motives, particularly after a ship carrying gold bullion from South Africa disappears.

With the help of his assistant, Hunslett (Corin Redgrave), Calvert begins to unravel the mystery surrounding Skouras' mansion, which is equipped with advanced security systems and a team of heavily armed guards. Things take a dangerous turn when Skouras' daughter, Charlotte (Nathalie Delon), is kidnapped, and Calvert is forced to use all his wits and bravery to rescue her.

The plot thickens with the appearance of eccentric millionaire, Uncle Arthur (Robert Morley), who has also been involved in the gold thefts. Calvert must navigate through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth and bring the culprits to justice.

When Eight Bells Toll is a tightly plotted thriller that is full of suspenseful moments and gripping action sequences. Anthony Hopkins delivers an excellent performance as the cool and collected Calvert, who never misses a beat no matter how tense the situation may become. Jack Hawkins is equally convincing as the shady Sir Anthony Skouras, who gradually becomes more sinister as the plot unfolds.

The film's Scottish setting provides a stunning backdrop for the action, and the cinematography is suitably atmospheric, with sweeping shots of rugged coastline and stormy seas. The tense music score by Angela Morley adds to the film's overall sense of tension and unease.

While the film may be slightly dated in terms of its special effects and portrayal of women, it still manages to entertain with its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and fast-paced action.

In conclusion, When Eight Bells Toll is a classic example of British action cinema from the early 1970s. It is a thrilling and suspenseful film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its talented cast, stunning location, and excellent direction, it remains a great example of the genre and a must-see for fans of action and espionage films.

When Eight Bells Toll is a 1971 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.