A Game of Death

Another version of 1932's 'The Most Dangerous Game' and indeed even using some footage from that film but it doesn't have the same impact as the earlier movie. The sets are good and there are some atmospheric scenes but it does lack punch. This is partly due to the blandness of the cast though Edgar Barrier as mad human hunter Erich Kreiger does his best to be Germanically evil like a Nazi who despises those whom he considers as his inferiors. The final chase is well staged but what was original footage and imported footage it was difficult to tell. Kreiger is one of those villains who plays soulful music at the piano after each one of his killings, which is supposed to make him sympathetic? All in all it was an unneccesary remake.

When I saw this unobtainable remake on one of the cable channels, I was immediately drawn in, which was the opposite of what I was expecting. Credit the director for this, as it may not have been possible if it had been by a less than skilled professional. He got the most out of the actors, and and the sets were believable. I give this movie high marks for production value and telling the story again, but just as compelling a way.

Director Robert Wise shows what he can do with Connell's classic story, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME. Big game hunter, Don Rainsford (John Loder) finds himself on a mysterious island after surviving a shipwreck. He soon becomes a guest at the fortress-like mansion of Erich Kreiger (Edgar Barrier), who also happens to be a hunter. As Rainsford begins talking to other "guests" of Kreiger, he discovers a sinister plan to hunt the ultimate quarry. Though I personally prefer the original 1932 version, and Leslie Banks' Zaroff over Barrier's Kreiger, Wise adds some nice touches and upgrades here and there. The inside of the mansion is impressive, and the "trophy room" is far more ghoulish! This movie is reminiscent of Wise's work with Val Lewton. The suspense builds perfectly to the inevitable climax. Highly recommended...

It's been a couple of years since I watched the 1932 "Most Dangerous Game", but from what I recall this "Game Of Death" is an almost shot-for-shot remake at times. That means that there are few surprises for those who have seen the original; on the other hand, the remake is made competently (by the director of some future megahits Robert Wise). Edgar Barrier makes for a suitably hissable villain (in keeping with the new time period, he is now German and hates "weaklings"). **1/2 out of 4.