The List of Adrian Messenger
The List of Adrian Messenger

The List of Adrian Messenger

1963Movie99 minEnglish

Adrian Messenger, a famous writer, asks his friend Anthony Gethryn, a former British agent, to help him investigate the whereabouts of the people who appear on a list, without asking him the reason why he should do so.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Director: John HustonGenres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

A retired detective investigates a series of mysterious deaths that seem to be connected to a former colleague's life. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a complex plot involving espionage, betrayal, and a list of individuals targeted for elimination. The investigation leads him through a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where the identities of the victims and the mastermind behind their demise are shrouded in secrecy.

Critical Reception

The List of Adrian Messenger received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. Critics often praised John Huston's directorial hand and the film's intricate plot, though some found the pacing and its convoluted narrative to be drawbacks. The performances, particularly George C. Scott's, were generally well-regarded, but the film didn't achieve widespread commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its clever mystery and John Huston's stylish direction.
  • Some critics found the plot overly complicated and slow-moving.
  • George C. Scott's performance as the determined detective was a standout element.

Google audience: Audience reception on Google is not readily available for this film.

Fun Fact

The film famously features actors playing bit parts in disguise, and their true identities were only revealed at the end of the movie, a marketing gimmick that was not entirely successful.

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