Code 7, Victim 5
Director – Robert Lynn (Ghost Squad)
Starring – Lex Barker (Night Gallery), Ann Smyrner (Reptilicus), and Ronald Fraser (The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles)
Release Date – 1964
Rating – 3/5
Tagline – “A very special agent with a code that means he can go all the way”
Last week I decided to take a break from my beloved horror and check out two action adventure spy films from the late 60s that was recently released by Blue Underground on a double feature bluray. The first film in the set was surprisingly fun so I immediately checked out the second film which did not hit the spot like the first did. I decided to wait a few days before venturing on to another Blue Underground double feature blue.
After reviewing The Witch and the novel Night Things: Undead and Kicking I decided to venture out and check out that other double feature. The first in the set is Code 7, Victim 5. Thanks Blue Underground for once again hooking me up.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a wealthy man living in South Africa who is concerned for his life when his butler is murdered along with several other former colleagues. He hires a detective to apprehend those responsible because he does not have trust in the local police.
The detective immediately starts working the case and learns that his new employer is keeping something from him when everything keeps coming back to an old photograph that he found on one of the dead. He then learns the history behind the photo and how history has come back to bite the wealthy man in the ass.**Spoiler Alert**
Last week when I reviewed The Million Eye of Sumuru I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this film and it really inspired me to check out the other action adventure flicks from the time. The sequel had it’s moments but failed to deliver for the most part. Code 7, Victim 5 was another great action film from the time. It blended story, narrative, and some fun characters.
The acting in this one was decent for the most part. Lex Barker and Ronald Fraser do a tremendous job in their roles. They made every scene they were in fun and really made the story seem much bigger than it was. The remainder of the cast was, sadly, not that memorable. Anyone could have been cast in those roles and the film would have been the same.
The story for this one is actually somewhat clever for the kind of film we get. The story almost flows like a who done it slasher from the late 70s and early 80s but set in the backdrop of an action adventure film. I really enjoyed that angle of mystery the film delivered before dropping a Scooby-Doo ending on us. The film does have have several slow scenes that tries the viewer’s patience but the story flows very well.
Finally, those of you looking for action may be satisfied with this one. The film has some action, car chases, and so on but they are far in between. The action itself was fun considering the time and budget of the film. It really brought the story on home. Overall, Code 7, Victim 5 was a great movie. It was fun, had some action, and the film’s lead was perfectly cast. Check it out!
Mozambique
Director – Robert Lynn (Code 7, Victim 5)
Starring – Steve Cochran (The Virginian), Hildegard Knef (The Dirty Dozen), and Paul Hubschmid (Skullduggery)
Release Date – 1964
Rating – 3/5
My non-horror double feature continues as I finish up the second film in one of Blue Undergrounds bluray releases. I recently checked out Code 7, Victim 5 and really enjoyed it. It brought about an new interest in late 60s and early 70s action and spy films. Though the action is not that impressive the characters and story still draw me in.
Mozambique is the second film in the set and looked like it had just as much fun asCode 7, Victim 5. I want to once again thank Blue Underground for sending this over for myself an Horror Society to check out and review!
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows a pilot who has been black listed after he wrecked an aircraft and was the only survivor. He is asked to go to Mozambique for work where is tossed in the middle of a a drug ring where he is kidnapped, forced to fight off armed gunman, poisonous snacks, and beautiful women just to get a payday.**Spoiler Alert**
These action adventure films is a great distraction from some of the no budget horror flicks that are sent my way. I love horror and I love indie horror but sometimes I need some mind numbing fun. The Code 7, Victim 5 andMozambique did their jobs.
The acting in this one is solid for the most part but no one stands out above the others. In fact, the film could have cast anyone and it would have still flowed the way it did.
The story for this one is actually very interesting but it was roughly executed. The editing just seemed off which made the storytelling suffer. There was several times where I was a little confused as to what as going on. A little tighter editing and a little better writing would have made this one so much better.
Finally, the film does have some acting but it was very lackluster for the most part but some scenes did make up for others. Overall, Mozambique is another solid 60s action adventure flick that has a solid enough story and some action that was worth your time. I recommend checking it out.
Special Features
Theatrical Trailers
Release Rating – 3/5
