Gold 1974
Gold is a superb adaptation of Wilbur Smith’s novel. The plot concerns a group of greed-driven businessmen conspiring to flood a South African gold mine. Roger Moore is terrific as our mine manager hero (and unknowing pawn) and he shares an entertaining chemistry with co-star, Susannah York. Bradford Dillman also impresses in his role as one of the more conflicted of the conspirators. With Ray Milland, Sir John Gielgud and Simon Sabela supporting, it’s a great cast all round. Director Peter Hunt (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service) ensures that the audience feels the ominous, claustrophobic atmosphere of the mine, and he doesn’t shy away from showing the impact of a flood in such surroundings. Along with Hunt, many James Bond veterans worked on Gold, and this shows particularly in how smoothly the location work in South Africa has been integrated with the soundstage work at Pinewood. Composer Elmer Bernstein uses Jimmy Helms’ title song as an orchestral theme to stirring effect, while Maurice Binder (another Bond veteran) gets the ball rolling with his uniquely designed opening credits. Gold comes highly recommended!
