Callan is an 1974 British thriller film directed by Don Sharp and starring Edward Woodward, Eric Porter and Carl Möhner.[1][2]
Callan | |
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![]() UK theatrical poster | |
Directed by | Don Sharp |
Written by | James Mitchell |
Based on | novel A Red File for Callan by Mitchell |
Produced by | Harry Benn Derek Horne |
Starring | Edward Woodward Eric Porter Carl Möhner Catherine Schell |
Cinematography | Ernest Steward |
Edited by | Teddy Darvas |
Music by | Wilfred Josephs |
Production company | Magnum Films |
Distributed by | EMI |
Release dates | May 23, 1974 (London) June 12, 1974 |
Running time | 106 minutes |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
It was based on the pilot episode of the ITV television series Callan which ran from 1967 to 1972.[3]
David Callan (Edward Woodward), a leading intelligence agent/assassin in the employment of the S.I.S., was forced into retirement when he lost his nerve. Now, he is called back into service to handle the assassination of Schneider, a German businessman. Colonel Hunter (Eric Porter), his former employer, promises Callan that he'll be returned to active status as long as he follows his orders. But Callan refuses to act until he knows exactly why Schneider has been marked for death...
The script by James Mitchell is based on his original TV pilot "A Magnum for Schneider" and the novelization thereof, Red File for Callan, although only the novel is listed in the film's credits (as A Red File for Callan). The film was based more on the novel than on the original television script.
Callan's boss Hunter is played by Eric Porter, and Meres too is re-cast, this time played by Peter Egan. The only recurring actors from the TV series were Edward Woodward as Callan, Russell Hunter as Lonely, and Clifford Rose as Dr Snell.
Callan was the first film with a Dolby-encoded optical soundtrack.[4]
The film was shot at Lee Studios. Director Don Sharp called it "a joy to film" in part because Woodward's "character was so set but he came to it so fresh again."[5]
Sharp said the film received "lovely notices".[5]
The Observer called it "surprisingly enjoyable".[6]
Films directed by Don Sharp | |
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