Istanbul Express

5/27/2023

This is quite a passable tale of international intrigue that could maybe have done with a better lead. Gene Barry doesn't quite cut is as the art dealer-cum-agent sent on a mission to attend an auction in Istanbul that is selling stolen, top secret, papers. His adventures - mainly on the train - see him beaten up, drugged and generally being mean to as he has to garner the clues that will unlock the funds to enable him to bid! The story doesn't hang about; there is plenty to keep it interesting though at times Richard Irving's direction is a touch episodic - there appears to be plenty of spaces for ad-breaks - but the ending has a couple of twists to pat you on the back for sticking with it.