The Wilby Conspiracy

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I ran into this by accident, and I loved it. I was happily surprised by the excellent performances of both Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine. But equally impressed with the performance of an old local favorite of minim the Dutch actor Rijk de Gooyer. The combination of critical politics and typical action thriller, with even a pinch of comedy works unexpectedly well. It is indeed a very sobering picture of the reality that was Apartheid. The fact that it takes place away from Hollywood/America makes it more believable than many production from the period and since. It shows a cinematic world that embraces more than just Europe and Hollywood, yet does not shy away from using the big guns to achieve success. Overall a well-conceived and wonderfully executed production. And even if you do find the story uninteresting, or the action lacking, just look at the gorgeous setting, landscapes unique to South Africa.

"The Wilby Conspiracy" is a strange film--there's no way around that. Now this isn't to say it's bad, but its unpredictability and very unusual plot left me feeling a bit bowled over by the whole thing. The first portion of the film looked a bit like a re-working of the Sidney Poitier-Tony Curtis film "The Defiant Ones" and according to IMDb, the studio played this up to the hilt. Portier has spent the last ten years as a political prisoner in a South African jail and has just received his release. As he and his lawyer and Michael Caine (who has no discernible reason for being there) leave the court, they are attacked by police and he and Caine beat the crap out of the two cops. Naturally, this is NOT going to make the rest of the police happy and the two men are now on the run. But it's not exactly like the earlier film--they are NOT handcuffed together and the don't hate each other. The film abruptly changes and moves into very strange territory. It then becomes a film all about the smuggling of diamonds to the rebels outside of South Africa. And, for much of the rest of the film there are plots, counter-plots and a lot of action near the end. It's all pretty interesting--just not what I'd expected. And while it is obviously an anti-Apartheid film, the message is a bit lost (at times) in the process. In other words, it's not as clearly anti-Apartheid as later films such as "A Dry White Season" or "Biko". This isn't a complaint--more just an observation about the overall tone of the film. I did enjoy it--it certainly was entertaining. My only complaint is that there were two sex scenes that seemed to have absolutely no reason for being there. I am not a prude--it just looked a bit sloppy and pointless. Still, with the rest of the film being rather strong, this can easily be overlooked. By the way, if you care, this is Rutger Hauer's first non-Dutch film.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Poitier made "The Defiant Ones" about a black man and a white man on the run together and "Something of Value" about the strife between Great Britain and its colonies in Africa. Here he takes part in a sort of cross between the two, a story about a South African rebel who is thrust together with a British playboy, both of whom have to fight for their survival on a 900 mile trek to Johannesburg. Having just been released from prison on prior rebellion-related charges, Poitier is immediately targeted and mistreated, causing Caine (the boyfriend of Poitier's attorney) to step in and help. Thanks to oppressive law enforcement officials, the pair must flee the area and attempt to escape the country entirely. There's more to the story, however, as British Major Williamson locates them, yet allows them to keep traveling, perhaps having a grander scheme in mind. When Caine and Poitier reach Johannesburg, they become embroiled in a plot to unearth some decade-long buried diamonds with the aid of Caine's girlfriend Gee, shifty Indian dentist Jaffrey and his attractive assistant Khambatta. The story continues to turn and develop, eventually involving Gee's estranged husband Hauer, until Williamson's intentions are finally made clear. Poitier is intense and committed but not without a hint of humor. He also plays a scrappier character than he often was permitted to play rather than the immaculately tailored and clean ones he frequently portrayed. Caine does an excellent job and has good chemistry with Poitier. He's given more sarcastic or otherwise funny lines to deliver and does so adeptly. His ne'er do well character begins to display some deeper sense of feeling as the film progresses. Gee is, at times, unbearable. Sporting an unflattering shaggy wig (in all but one scene) and overemphasizing her lines obnoxiously, she comes close to messing up the film several times. Fortunately, she has a few lower key scenes that help somewhat. Williamson is excellent and provides plenty of interest as well as menace. De Gooyer makes for a very nasty little sidekick. Jaffrey is amusing and sad all at once while Khambatta is sultry and surprisingly dangerous. Hauer, looking impossibly young and blonde, plays a perfect jerk. Possessing a decidedly blunt point of view, some viewers may find it unpalatable at times, but it remains fascinating nonetheless. Some of the broader comedy aspects might have been better left out or toned down as they sometimes spoil the tension. Some technical ineptitude (including a heavy reliance on questionable rear projection and a downright ridiculous use of speeding up the film) mars the production slightly. There is a wince-inducing sequence involving a power saw in a machine shop. Another impressive scene includes an entire section of a town working together to smuggle supplies onto a bus. The film is at its best when it focuses on the relationships between Poitier and Caine and that duo against Williamson. It falters a little when shoddy effects and the inappropriate acting of Gee take center stage. Filming took place in Kenya rather than in South Africa itself. Khambatta, a former Miss India, would soon appear (with shaved head) in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."

Trailer—The Wilby Conspiracy

This is a real gem of a chase thriller.I think this film isn't well known.Oscar winners Michael Caine and Sidney Poitier are well matched together.Nicol Williamson is quite a scene stealer and a wonderful actor.Available from MGM.and also stars Persis Khambatta from "Star Trek original movie" and Rutger Hauer,known for "Blade Runner". This film reminded me of the film "Defiant Ones" 1958.Pairing Tony Curtis and Poitier together. Sidney Poitier won Oscar for Lillies in the field 1963. Michael Caine won supporting actor for Cider House Rules 1999. So watch this movie and see if you agree with me that it is a gem! If you liked this film you might watch Shoot to Kill 1988.

This little movie is a combination of political thriller , comedy and adventure movie. Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine have really good chemistry together . It's a well working duo which has to overcome their differences to survive. The way how they begin to trust and care about each other is believable. The story is simple and moves quite fast , which isn't usual for 70's movies. The movie is mostly entertainment with apartheid being an issue in the background. The people who are expecting something deep might be disappointed . Personally I think that this movie sends a clear anti-apartheid message without being preachy or sappy. There is also a reflection about human greed and sacrifice . Watch out for Rutger Hauer in small episode of pilot Blane . I also have to compliment the performances of Prunella Gee , Saeed Jaffrey and Persis Khambatta . The movie is both funny and dramatic and there are some beautiful landscapes here. I give it 6/10.

I've seen many of the movies of this era. As remarked elsewhere, it is a fast-paced action film but has fetching little vignettes along the way that point out the characters' humanity. Superb performances by Nicol Williamson and Michael Caine. Poitier plays his usual role to perfection. Many good supporting performances -Persis Khambatta is a revelation and there is really not a weak link in the cast. Not often remarked, this movie deserves a solid 7 out of 10. The Rutger Hauer sequence is worth the price of admission.