The Killer Elite

The Killer Elite

United Artists (1975)
Produced by Martin Baum & Arthur Lewis
Written by Marc Norman & Sterling Silliphant, from the novel Monkey in the Middle by Robert Rostand
Starring: James Caan, Robert Duvall, Burt Young, Arthur Hill, Bo Hopkins, Mako, Gig Young

So-so effort from Peckinpah deals with a CIA agent (Caan) doublecrossed by his turncoat former partner (Duvall). The espionage theme is an interesting change of pace, but the film has a detached feeling and lacks the personal touch of Peckinpah's better work. The action scenes are well executed and the actors are generally solid throughout. Some silly comedy seems out of place. A decent action film altogether; but sub-par for Peckinpah.