The High Bright Sun
| The High Bright Sun | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ralph Thomas |
| Produced by | Betty E. Box |
| Written by |
Ian Stuart Black Bryan Forbes (uncredited)[1] |
| Based on | novel by Ian Stuart Black |
| Starring |
Dirk Bogarde Susan Strasberg George Chakiris |
| Music by | Angelo Francesco Lavagnino |
| Cinematography | Ernest Steward |
| Edited by | Alfred Roome |
Production company | |
Release dates | November 1964 |
Running time | 114 mins |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
The High Bright Sun is a 1964 British action film directed by Ralph Thomas and starring Dirk Bogarde, George Chakiris and Susan Strasberg.[2] It is set in Cyprus during the EOKA uprising against British rule in the 1950s. It was based on a 1962 novel by Ian Stuart Black.
Plot
In 1957, Juno (Susan Strasberg), an American archaeology student, is visiting Cyprus and staying with the family of her father's best friend, Dr Andros (Joseph Furst). She witnesses an attack by two EOKA gunmen which results in the death of two British soldiers, but is unable to identify the killers to the local British intelligence officer, Major McGuire (Dirk Bogarde).
Juno then realises that fugitive EOKA General Skyros (Gregoire Aslan) is hiding in the house and Dr Andros is an EOKA collaborator. EOKA fighter Haghios (George Chakiris) wants to kill Juno, in part because of her growing romantic relationship with McGuire.
Haghios organises an ambush to kill Juno, but she is saved by Dr Andros' son, Emile, who is mortally wounded. Juno escapes and is rescued by McGuire, who brings her to his apartment. Haghios leads an attack on McGuire's apartment, which is unsuccessful, in part because of help from fellow British intelligence officer, Baker (Denholm Elliott), who had an affair with McGuire's wife.
Juno flies to Athens and realises that Haghios is on the plane. On arrival, Haghios tries to kill her again, mortally wounding Baker, but is shot dead by McGuire. Juno is reunited with McGuire.
Cast
- Dirk Bogarde as Major McGuire
- George Chakiris as Haghios
- Susan Strasberg as Juno Kozani
- Denholm Elliott as Baker
- Grégoire Aslan as General Stavros Skyros
- Colin Campbell as Emile Andros
- Joseph Furst as Doctor Andros
- Katherine Kath as Mrs Andros
- George Pastell as Prinos
- Paul Stassino as Alkis
- Nigel Stock as Colonel Park
- Derek Partridge as MP Corporal (uncredited)
Production
Shirley Ann Field was originally announced for the female lead but Rank wanted an international name.[3]
The movie was shot on location in Italy at Bari and the Gargano.[1][4]
It was said to be the most expensive film made by the team of Box and Thomas.[5]
Release
The film was released in the US as McGuire, Go Home.
References
- 1 2 Betty Box, Lifting the Lid, The Book Guild, 2000, p 237-250
- ↑ http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/36369
- ↑ "Shirley Ann Field" at Crawleys Casting Calls
- ↑ The villa used for filming is the Villa Basso see - Villa Basso website
- ↑ Pinewood carries on--with £9m Our own Reporter. The Guardian (1959-2003) [London (UK)] 18 Feb 1964: 5.
External links
- The High Bright Sun at the Internet Movie Database
- The High Bright Sun at New York Times Movie Guide
- Review of film at Variety