This is not a great film, indeed at times it appears no more than an average TV movie. And yet it is involving, has a very novel central idea and stars Richard Burton and Lino Ventura. Preposterous and yet persuasive this has a very violent beginning and then just as violent a surprise to launch this unique film onward. Burton is brilliant and some of the scenes are among his very best, the courtroom and the wife departure scenes come to mind when his delivery is masterful. Ventura holds his own well though I understand this was hoped to widen the great actor's appeal to the world wider than Italy. So understated is his acting and so ignored was the film that this unfortunately did not happen. Burton's character believes and we are convinced, that he can cause catastrophe. It is unfortunate that what must have been a limited budget led to overblown disaster scenes being unconvincing and a parade of celebratory actors unhelpful. Hidden gem this may not be but well worth seeing as something very different.