House Of Cards (1968)

A down on his luck American (George Peppard) in Paris finds himself hired as a "Nanny" to a rich 8 year old (Barnaby Shaw) being raised by the wealthy widow (Inger Stevens) of a slain officer in Algeria. But slowly he uncovers a nest of right wing fascist vipers in the household intent on overthrowing the French government. After they frame him for a murder, Peppard and Stevens go on the lam after the child, who has been kidnapped by the fascist organization, the only one who can prove Peppard's innocence. Based on the novel by Stanley Ellin and directed by John Guillermin (TOWERING INFERNO). Most of the Universal films of this period have an ugly TV look to them, mainly because they were shot quickly (and obviously) on the Universal backlot. Here, the authentic Paris and Rome locations aided by Piero Portalupi's elegant wide screen lensing, the melodic Francis Lai score and Edith Head's stylish costumes give it a richer look than normal. Though the plot often borders on the outlandish, director Guillermin keeps the action moving at a quick clip what with Peppard jumping out of windows, racing across rooftops, hanging from ledges etc. and it's quite entertaining. With Keith Michell, Rosemary Dexter and although third billed, Orson Welles is barely in the movie and when he is, he gives one of his lazy "I'm too good for this movie!" performances.