Remake of Sam Fuller's 1953 noir "Pickup On South Street" takes place, for no discernible reason, in South Africa! Jacqueline Bisset is the clueless courier for a Communist spy ring--carrying secret microfilm in her purse--whose career is derailed after a pick-pocket snatches her loot on the bus. New faces at the time, Bisset and James Brolin look terribly unsure (and unhappy) throughout. Distributed by 20th Century-Fox, the film doesn't look terrible, but is overrun with outdated clichés, inept direction and writing, and a music score from Bob Adams and Joe Kentridge that never sets a proper mood (with a whistled theme that faintly recalls "Baby Elephant Walk" to boot!). Unnecessary, forgettable spy stuff may be useful as a cure for insomniacs. NO STARS from ****
Review of The Cape Town Affair
