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Welcome, dear readers, to another edition of The Sunday Morning Movie! Today, we’re exploring a whimsical Cold War comedy, Hopscotch, a unique gem in its genre.
Reviews:
RogerEbert.com observes:
“Hopscotch” is like a shaggy-dog tale that, while it may not deliver thrilling moments, leaves you with a warm aftertaste. Walter Matthau masterfully manipulates the dialogue, bringing charm to every line, meanwhile the film unfolds at a relaxed, whimsical pace. It’s odd to label a thriller as “pleasant,” but “Hopscotch” truly is.
Once the premise is established, the film shifts into a picaresque comedy cloaked as a thriller. Matthau gallivants across two continents, adopting fake identities while cleverly outmaneuvering the CIA, even going so far as to purchase the summer home of Ned Beatty’s character. His ingenuity keeps the agency guessing—his final trick, while a bit puzzling, adds a humorous twist to the conclusion.
Rogers Movie Nation adds:
In “Hopscotch,” it transforms into a comedic journey filled with adventure, showcasing Matthau in his various hats and attire while devising clever tricks and orchestrating escapes—all set to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s delightful soundtrack. The film manages to blend comedy with its travelogue narrative, turning it into a lively escapade.
Letterboxd states:
I appreciate “Hopscotch” not just for its clever satire of espionage but primarily for the delightful performances by Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson, who clearly relish their roles. Matthau shines in this role, even better than his performance in Charade. While Glenda may not have extensive screen time, her chemistry with Matthau is palpable, especially in their charming exchange when they first meet. Their banter is enjoyable, and I particularly love her correction of his pronunciation of “harassing.”
The film is expertly directed by Ronald Neame, though a few scenes, like the shootout at Myerson’s home, could have benefited from more editing. It’s surprising to see Ned Beatty back in Georgia after his infamous “Deliverance” stint. Overall, it’s a delightful watch. My only regret is that the talented Herbert Lom doesn’t have more to do here.
My thoughts:
“Hopscotch” is an entertaining caper that makes for a wonderful hour and forty-five minutes of viewing. Matthau seamlessly embodies his character with a lighthearted charm. While some stunts may stretch the limits of believability, don’t let that deter you. Beatty and the supporting cast, including a young Sam Waterson, deliver solid performances, but it’s Matthau who truly steals the show.
Director: Ronald Neame
Writers: Bryan Forbes, Brian Garfield
Notable Actors: Walter Matthau, Ned Beatty, Sam Waterson, Glenda Jackson
Plot (Spoilers!):
Miles Kendig (Matthau), a seasoned CIA field agent, finds himself infuriated as his years of service in Europe culminate in a demotion to a desk job, following his failure (with good reason) to apprehend the KGB’s European head. However, he schematically plots his revenge.
He begins by visiting the agency’s file room, shredding his personal file, before heading to Germany to reconnect with his old flame, Isobel (Jackson). When approached by the KGB agent he once let slip away, Kendig declines his recruitment offer. The KGB chief mockingly wonders what he’ll do next—write his memoirs?
Seizing the opportunity, Kendig decides to pen his memoirs as a means of revenge on Myerson (Beatty), his superior. He writes the first chapter, exposing some sensitive secrets, and sends it to intelligence chiefs worldwide, prompting Myerson to assign his protégé, Cutter (Waterson), to hunt him down. Simultaneously, the KGB initiates their search.
Thus begins a wild chase across multiple continents as Kendig continues to send chapters revealing his location, effortlessly evading capture. He travels from Europe to the U.S. to Bermuda and London, remaining just out of reach of his pursuers. In London, he engages with a publisher captivated by his manuscript.
His clues ultimately lead his pursuers to a small airfield near Dover, where he cleverly orchestrates his own “death” to cover his escape. A flat tire and a run-in with British police nearly hinder his plan, but Kendig expertly uses his CIA skills to break free. In a surprising turn, the CIA and KGB join forces to swiftly reach the airfield by helicopter. A remote-controlled biplane adds to the chaos, creating the illusion of Kendig’s fiery demise. In reality, he escapes and reunites with Isobel, and the two head off to the south of France, embracing a life on the run. In the final scene, Kendig is seen in disguise as a Sikh man, buying a copy of his bestselling book in a London store, much to Isobel’s gentle chagrin.
