Victim Five

Victim Five is a captivating 1964 British crime thriller directed by Robert Lynn and starring Lex Barker, Ann Smyrner, and Ronald Fraser. Reflective of its era, the film shines with the charm of 1960s cinematography and style, effectively contributing to the genre of murder mysteries.

Set against a vibrant South African backdrop, the movie follows protagonist Steve Martin (Lex Barker) who is not an entertainer but an American detective. This daring investigator, often seen in the style of a suave agent amidst the world of mystery and intrigue. The dynamic of the film takes a turn when Martin is hired by a wealthy businessman to serve as a bodyguard for his carefree playboy - of a son.

Vividly painted as a work-conscious individual, Lex Barker embodies the character of the brooding detective with finesse. Steve soon finds himself plunged into layers of crime and deception when his client, the businessman, gets murdered abruptly. The abruptness of the murder steers the narrative down an unpredictable road, adding a tension-filled dynamic to the plot. The story takes on a pulse-racing pace as it spins around a vendetta that targets specific people as 'victims,' with the playboy curiously labeled as 'Victim Five.'

Ann Smyrner, adding to the intrigue, portrays a mysterious nurse puzzlingly involved in the unfolding events. Her character, Helga Swenson, often serves as an effective counterbalance to the meticulous Steve Martin, creating rich character interactions.

Ronald Fraser as Inspector Lean brings his unique charm to the mix. A local police detective determined to solve the ongoing crimes, Lean’s interactions with indomitable Steve Martin provide much of the movie’s light-hearted moments while still keeping the undercurrent of suspense alive.

The film adeptly combines elements of detective crime thrillers with exciting action sequences. Director Robert Lynn leverages the classic 'whodunit' style to keep audiences guessing while also involving them in the investigation process through the eyes of reliable Steve Martin.

Victim Five also offers something beyond a gripping mystery with immersive cinematography that shows glimpses of the beautiful South African landscape—an exotic, golden locale with plush vistas serving as the backdrop for this thrilling narrative. The film is also applauded for its period-specific fashion sense, evident in the stylish wardrobes of the cast, which contribute to the authentic portrayal of the settings and times.

As far as the sound setup goes, the film is instilled with appropriate beats that add to the tension and mystery that build up as the plot unfolds. Each musical note echoes the suspenseful ambiance of the movie, accompanying significant plot twists, cliff-hangers, and revelations, working hand in hand with the riveting screenplay.

Overall, Victim Five is a stylishly filmed, carefully directed 1960s detective thriller that traffics in suspense and mystery. The combination of intriguing plot points, complex characters, vintage cinematic charm, and scenic locales all come together to deliver a tightly wound tale of murder and betrayal. The performances, particularly those of Barker, Smyrner, and Fraser, shine against the rich narrative fabric that choreographs suspense and tension with the elegance of the era.

The film is an often-overlooked gem in the annals of classic thrillers that are sure to appeal to enthusiasts of the genre. It offers an authentic vintage detective vibe, complete with plot twists, suspense, mistaken identities, and intriguing characters wrapped up in a glossy package of '60s cinema. It's a rich tapestry of murder, intrigue, and suspense set within the stunning landscapes of South Africa, making it an unmissable entry in the landscape of classic British cinema.