Brannigan

Brannigan - a 1975 action thriller - starring one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood's Golden Age, John Wayne, as well as British stars Richard Attenborough and Judy Geeson, delivers a gripping narrative that is packed full of intrigue, suspense and a brand of action that is entirely its own. The movie uses its cross-cultural setting (between the United States and England) to showcase John Wayne in a refreshingly different role compared to his usual cowboy or soldier personae.

In this film, John Wayne is cast in the lead role, playing the character Jim Brannigan, a hard-nosed Chicago police detective who carries an air of uncompromising determination and unyielding courage - qualities that Wayne has become iconic for. When Ben Larkin, a notorious American mobster currently residing in London, is to be extradited back to the United States to face the law, it is Brannigan who's given the task to bring him back home. However, matters turn complex when Larkin is kidnapped and Brannigan is left to navigate the uncharted territory of 1970s London to find and bring him back.

The film continues to unfold as Brannigan joins forces with the British authorities, portrayed by Richard Attenborough as Commander Swann and Judy Geeson playing a female police constable, Jennifer. A resolute figure in his own right, Swann is torn between his law-abiding duty and his irritation at Brannigan's brash American mannerisms. Jennifer, however, finds herself intrigued and attracted by the unabashed style of Brannigan. The contrasts and dynamics between the characters create a captivating backdrop that draws the audience deeper into the unfolding narrative, making the movie a must see.

Defined by a pulsating screenplay and enriched by the strong performances of its cast members, the movie showcases a unique blend of action and suspense in its narrative. Brannigan is a stark departure from the conventional cowboy or war hero roles that Wayne generally played. Not only does Wayne's character carry a gun in the crowded city of London (a novelty in the context of British law and order), but he also exhibits a refreshing vibrancy as he navigates through the pitfalls of an alien culture.

The director, Douglas Hickox, masterfully combines the gritty visuals of 1970's London with the robust action sequences that John Wayne fans have come to expect. Taking advantage of shooting in London, the film frequently features famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus, adding a sense of allure and grandeur to the narrative. The auteur also does a remarkable job with the action scenes - the car chases, bar fights, and shootouts – that resonate with energy and dynamism, ensuring that the viewers are not allowed a moment's respite.

In addition to the thrilling plotline, the film is also marked by a significant amount of humor, which, while surprising in a mostly grim narrative, serves to lighten the mood and add a unique charm to the character dynamics. Much of this humor arises from the clash of cultures apparent in the film, with Brannigan’s Chicago brand of law enforcement frequently clashing with British norms and decorum.

Prominent among the subplots of this engaging thriller is the sinister game of ‘The Kentucky Killer’ – a professional assassin hired to kill Brannigan. With a deadly hitman on his trail and a kidnapping to solve, Brannigan is thrown into one predicament after another, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film.

Brannigan, with its intricate plot and energetic performances, serves as an engaging piece of cinematic art. A wonderful balance between thrilling action, suspenseful narrative, and occasional humor makes this movie worth watching. Brannigan is further augmented by the fantastic background score, which thoroughly complements the tonality of the film, successfully recreating the atmosphere of 1970s London.

In conclusion, Brannigan features a multi-faceted plot, a vibrant setting and formidable performances from an experienced ensemble cast, making it a memorable action-thriller that showcases John Wayne in a unique and refreshing role.