At her sultry best

Press, 8 February 1985, Page 13

At her sultry best

Many very good videotapes are arriving in video libraries at the moment from all the distributors and it is difficult to select just a few. Showcase Video has just released “The Cartier Affair,” “Last Act of Passion,” “Death Ride To Osaka,” and “Concrete Cowboys” — all excellent movies which we will concentrate on for this issue. “CARTIER AFFAIR” Showcase 94min M Joan Collins is at her sultry best as a television star who appears to have everything but is totally disenchanted with her lifestyle. David Hasselhoff is a former convict trying to stay on the right side of the law. He is employed as the star’s secretary and ends up back on the wrong side when her jewellery is stolen. The pair (who are also lovers) set out to regain her property from the thieves, and the fun begins. This is a lighthearted movie, reminiscent in places of some of the classics of the 30s and 40s. Supporting roles are filled by Telly Savalas, Randi

Brooks and Ed Lauter. Picture and audio quality are very good throughout. "LAST ACT OF PASSION” Showcase 95min M Mario Thomas plays Kathryn Beck, a young woman who seems to be in full control of her life and destiny. She attends a. friend’s party and meets Ben Cole (Kris Kristofferson) and the pair spend a passionate night at her apartment. Kathryn is awakened next morning by the violent entrance of the police and is arrested without any idea why. Unjustly accused of being a member of a terrorist gang to which Ben is suspected of belonging, she is hounded by a reporter until she finally takes revenge. A strong drama with some violent action, this movie should appeal to those who enjoy the actionsuspense genre. Quality throughout is very good. “DEATH RIDE TO OSAKA” Showcase 94min R This drama is based on the true story of Renee Belew and Tom Allard and it exposes the frightening realities of the sex-slave rackets of the East. Jennifer Jason-Leigh

plays Carol Wilson, a girl who answers an advertisement for singers and dancers wanted for the Orient. Thomas Byrd plays the boyfriend she left behind and who comes looking for her, hoping to bring her back to Nebraska. Not a “nice” movie, but it was never intended to be and should be avoided by the squeamish. Based on the book, “Girls of the White Orchard,” which was a best seller, it tends to the over-dramatic in parts. “CONCRETE COWBOYS” Showcase 96min PG 1979 Jerry Reed and Tom Selleck as a couple of footloose cowboys who set off for Nashville, arriving hungry, penniless and ready for anything. They get more than they bargained for when a lovely woman (Morgan Fairchild) asks for their help in locating her missing sister — blackmail of the large variety and adventures that they would rather not have had. Far from a serious movie, it has a thin story line, but it still makes a pleasant way to spend an evening. Claude Akins plays the other lead and is rather more convincing. The quality is good throughout and this title is a re-issue.