THE DIAMOND MERCENARIES
UK, 1976, 102 minutes, Colour.
Telly Savalas, Peter Fonda, Hugh O’ Brian, Christopher Lee, O.J. Simpson, Maud Adams.
Directed by Val Guest.
Killer Force (Diamond Mercenaries) is a competent thriller, directed by Val Guest, who directed many small-budget films during the 1940s, moved slightly more upmarket in the 1950s with Mr Drake’s Duck, Penny Princess, Dance Little Lady and then Expresso Bongo and The Day the Earth Caught Fire.
He co-wrote this film, an action thriller with an American cast except for Christopher Lee, made in Europe.
The action is best thriller-style action – security guards, mine bosses, potential robberies, blackmail and violence. It is all done quite effectively for audiences of action thrillers.
1. The significance of the title, the alternative title was 'Killer Force'? Why do audiences like this kind of action thriller? What are the main ingredients, how well or conventionally were they used here?
2. The importance of the South African settings, their use? How did they give the film a particular style?
3. The appeal and interest in diamonds, the consequent greed, the consequent temptation to steal?
4. The opening, catching of the thieves, South African deserts, the diamond mines and the firms keeping security, the ruthlessness and violence, the establishing of Bradley in his central role? The irony of what was to follow? Did this involve audiences well in the plot?
5. The impact of Webb as a hero for the film? His overall supervision? His rudeness, his relentless pursuing of villains, checking of security? Was his character well developed or was he just a standard type for the pursuit of the criminals?
6. The contrast with the character of Bradley once it was revealed he was the criminal? The beginning with his being innocent, asked to be in the frame-up, his willingness to participate, the danger to himself? The irony when the truth was revealed? Was his character well developed? His leading of the men, his relationship with Clare? His ultimate ruthlessness?
7. How well portrayed were the gangs, the impact of the introduction of each character, the delineation of each character? Lexis and his toughness, Boppa with his black humorous background? Chilton and his ruthlessness especially in knife murders? The other members of the gang, as mercenaries? Their mercenary motivations?
8. Was Clare necessary for the plot? Well introduced? A strong character? Her love for Bradley and support of him?
9. The film’s emphasis on the entry details, the fulfilling of the plan, the dramatics and action of the raid?
10. Comment on the action sequences, their impact, the skill of the raid? The deaths?
11. The excitement of the final escape? Webb pursuing Bradley and Clare, their escape and the moral aspects of this?
12. What is the quality of this kind of entertainment? In terms of production, values and issues?
