This film almost should have been in black and white! Very solid throwback to the gritty film-noir gangster films of the 40's. The ever brilliant George C. Scott tackle's the Bogartesque protagonist with style - a retired gangland getaway-driver lured out of retirement by personal reasons for one 'Last Run' in Spain in which he has to transport a escaped killer and his moll across the border to France.

Of course nothing ever goes quite as planned and Scott soon find's his assignment calling for him to make some tough choices in the face of mounting odd's and hidden dangers. This film benefits from it's strong cast, fantastic camera-work by the great Sven Nykvist(Bergmann films), great location scenery in Spain and an economical screenplay from the talented Alan Sharp(Night Moves). Underrated director Richard Fleischer gives the film a great Hemingway type atmosphere and does a good job with the action scenes. Interestingly John Huston started this film and left after three weeks into the production following rows with Scott, Sharp and the producers over wanting to have the script re-written by his eighteen year old son! Overall this is a good solid thriller that works and is waiting to be rediscovered.

I was surprised by this film, as I went into it blind, didn't think of George C Scott much one way or the other and have no particular interest in cars or machinery. Straight action films, also don't interest me much. But despite these reservations I like The Last Run for its thoughtful characterisations and straightforward story of three people who make a dash for the cash, and have to live and die with the consequences. George C Scott is more subdued, and much easier to like here than in his better known movies such as Patton, or The Hustler. His gruff demeanour does not indicate a heart of gold, but still it seems obvious he is a decent person. As an older man his character seems confounded by his fate, the realisation that he's running out of time. He's wonderful to watch and gives a superb performance. The cinematography and musical scores are first rate, and the ensemble cast make their presence felt, but it's Mr Scott's movie, and I can't help but like him.