Assault on a Queen (1966)

"I can think of 'a hundred' better ways to die!", 4 December 2015

Frank Sinatra plays a Mark Brittain, a charter boat captain operating in the Caribbean. Needing cash, he agrees to work for a group doing some treasure hunting. Instead of gold or jewels, he finds a WWII era German submarine. Just as any rational human being would, the group decides to get the sub into running order and use it to rob the Queen Mary. Makes perfect sense, right?

Overall, Assault on a Queen is a very disappointing film. The majority of the runtime can best be described as lifeless. Director Jack Donohue's direction is strictly by-the-numbers. He brings little in the way of innovation that adds interest to the proceedings. Star Frank Sinatra doesn't help as he sleepwalks his way to a paycheck. There's none of that Sinatra sparkle evident here. Most of the rest of the cast seemed to be just as disinterested. It's a shame - with Sinatra, Richard Conte, Anthony Franciosa, Alf Kjellin, and the gorgeous Virna Lisi, I expected better. Throw in an insanely ludicrous plot and you've got the recipe for a real loser.

I'll give this one a generous 4/10.

4/10