Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageTelefon (1977)
Director: Don Siegel
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
At least the Cold War fired Hollywood's imagination, which is more than can be said for the first East-West détente picture (from the producer of Dr Strangelove). Russian agents planted as ordinary US citizens years earlier are suddenly activated via Telefon by a crazy unreconstructed Stalinist (Pleasence), and perform sundry kamikaze sabotage missions. Moscow is embarrassed, and sends in Bronson to team up with Remick, in fact a double agent. Not unlike the 'sleeper' agents, Bronson gives a strong impression of deep-hypnosis throughout, thereby suggesting possible plot twists infinitely more interesting than those provided in the dull script by Peter Hyams and Stirling Silliphant. Most disappointing is Siegel's contribution: he, of all directors, should have been able to inject some life into the proceedings, but this is his most nondescript outing in years.Author: CPe
Cast & crew
Director: Don Siegel
Producer: James B Harris
Cast: Charles Bronson, Lee Remick, Donald Pleasence, Tyne Daly, Alan Badel, Patrick Magee, Sheree North, John Mitchum full cast
Genre(s): Thrillers
Duration: 103 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Stephen Poliakoff discusses 'Glorious 39'
Stephen Poliakoff’s ‘Glorious 39’ is his first film for cinema since ‘Food of Love’ in 1997. Dave Calhoun met him
Is 'Paranormal Activity' the new 'Blair Witch'?
How does a film go from DIY experiment to box-office smash? 'Paranormal Activity' director Oren Peli explains
Steven Soderbergh on 'The Informant!' and 'The Girlfriend Experience'
We talk to Steven Soderbergh about his two forthcoming films: one featuring a porn star, the other a chubby Matt Damon
A gateway to all things 'New Moon'
In anticipation of 'The Twilight Saga: New Moon', Time Out is offering the chance to pick up a limited edition pack with three exclusive magazines and a free poster.
London Children's Film Festival
Read our exclusive reviews of films playing at the 2009 London Children’s Film Festival
The films that deserve a TV spin-off
With Roland Emmerich suggesting he'd like to make a '2012' TV spin-off, we propose some more movie-to-TV serialisations
The Coen brothers discuss 'A Serious Man'
Masters of contrary comedy, Joel and Ethan Coen have struck gold again with their latest, ‘A Serious Man’
Michael Haneke discusses 'The White Ribbon'
Dave Calhoun met with Michael Haneke in Munich to mull over the details of his Palme d'Or winner, 'The White Ribbon'
Ten inspirations behind 'Avatar'?
Time Out ponders the influences behind James Cameron's anticipated space-opera on the basis of the trailer
Time Out's 50 greatest animated films with commentary by Terry Gilliam
In celebration of the release of Pixar's 'Up' and Wes Anderson's 'Fantastic Mr Fox', read our rundown of fifty classic feature length animations
What do you think?
Post your review now