Secret People

Talk about things coming full circle? Maria (Valentina Cortese) and her sister "Nora" (Audrey Hepburn) are in Paris seven years after their father was murdered. Surprisingly, she encounters her ex-boyfriend "Louis" (Serge Reggiani) who just happens to be plotting to visit the same comeuppance on the dictator who committed that very murder. Reluctantly, "Maria" agrees to carry the bag that contains a bomb, and to leave it adjacent to their quarry, but their timings go awry and soon the police are looking for the murderer of an innocent party guest. Wracked with guilt, she finds herself trapped between the authorities and her erstwhile friends who are determined she is to keep her mouth shut. As a drama it isn't really up to much, but this does feature a strong performance from Miss Cortese as a woman conflicted. Her principles and idealism are suddenly compromised when the her own safety is on the line - and this actress carries that off quite well. Reggiani is also quite effective as the manipulative freedom fighter for whom nothing but the cause is his motto, and there is a decent supporting cast including Irene Worth, Megs Jenkins and Charles Goldner to keep a familiar feel to the thing too. It's a rather uninspiring title for a better than average and characterful film that is worth watching - if just for an on-form Cortese.