The Borgia Stick

The Borgia Stick is a television movie that premiered on NBC in 1967. Directed by David Lowell Rich and penned by Robert E. Thompson, this suspenseful crime drama features the talents of star Hollywood actors, Don Murray, Inger Stevens, and Barry Nelson.

The movie commences with an air of suspense and intensity. From the onset, the viewer is thrown into the intriguing world of crime with a swift introduction to the main characters. Here, we meet Tom Harrison, the character played by the dashing and talented Don Murray. Tom's life only seems ordinary on the surface. Underneath, he is a member of an organized criminal mob, leading a double life. This mysterious plot element casts a surreal net over the everyday, establishing the suspenseful tone of the movie.

Inger Stevens, famous for her charismatic screen presence and intense emotions, plays the role of the radiant Eve Harrison. She is married to Tom, and it's clear from the beginning that she isn't just an innocent, blindly supportive wife. Instead, she is consciously part of her husband's criminal activities, assisting him in his life below the law and often contributing strategically to their shared scheming.

Barry Nelson plays the role of department store executive Mike, a man who lives and breathes business. However, the mob's intention to use him for their organized crime activities brings a twist to his character. His conventional life is turned upside-down, adding to the excitement of the plot.

The Borgia Stick lures the audience in with its intriguing premise. The skillful direction by David Lowell Rich cleverly guides us into the criminal underbelly. Intrigue, suspense, and tension weave into seemingly everyday situations. The writing is sharp, detailed, and challenges the viewer to think. Robert E. Thompson has masterfully crafted dialogues that are engaging and help to flesh out the characters, revealing layers of their personalities and attitudes towards the dangerous world they belong to.

The performance of Don Murray breathes life into the character of Tom, the seemingly ordinary man leading a not-so-ordinary life. As his secrets and acts of crime come to light, we see a man wrestling with risk, danger, and high stakes. Inger Stevens's portrayal of Eve is atmospheric; she portrays the character's assistance in crime with strategic elegance. Their interactions and shared scenes are charged with tension as they navigate their covert operations. Barry Nelson adds to the mix as his life becomes enmeshed with the illicit activities of Tom and Eve.

The Borgia Stick is remarkably innovative in its presentation compared to the standard television shows at the time. The narrative is laced with flashbacks that provide a richer understanding of the characters, their motives, and their past. Viewers are kept on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds in unexpected ways. The movie's backdrop of New York City provides it with a gritty and dynamic ambiance that amplifies the narrative's mood.

Not just another crime film, The Borgia Stick weaves a tapestry of complex emotions with an underpinning theme of love. The romantic undertones between Tom and Eve display the complexities of human relationships under pressure, a stark contrast against the backdrop of their criminal activities. This love story at the heart of a crime drama takes the audience on an emotional journey while being embroiled in a suspenseful plot.

Camera work and visuals also play a critical part in creating the atmosphere of the movie. From tracking shots that move with the characters to clever usage of darkness and shadow, the movie keeps you visually engaged and paves the way for a unique cinematic experience.

While the world of crime is central to the movie, the narrative also delves into the characters' psychological states. This adds a depth and complexity to the plot, making it more than just about corrupt actions. The movie systematically unfolds their motivations, desires, fears, and dreams, skillfully engulfing viewers into their multifaceted world.

Overall, The Borgia Stick combines crime, suspense, intrigue, and romance into an extraordinary, riveting drama. Its complex plot, fleshed-out characters, tension-riddled sequences, and atmospheric setting make it a memorable watch, highlighting the raw potential and unique storytelling capabilities that the television film format offers.