The Hot Touch (1981)

An art forger (Wayne Rogers) is blackmailed into recreating a long lost painting by El Greco. But this only the beginning of a web of deception, double crosses and murder among the players. Directed by Roger Vadim (AND GOD CREATED WOMAN), this is a rather uninspired caper. It just sits there sputtering through its paces until it reaches its conclusion. I don't know if Vadim is the director for a film like this. He showed a sense of humor in BARBARELLA but this required the lighter touch of a Stanley Donen or even Norman Jewison. The talented cast who have all proven themselves elsewhere give it their best shot so they can't be blamed for Vadim's lackluster direction. I mean even if you're just doing it for the paycheck, give them their money's worth! I did feel bad for Marie France Pisier who Vadim exploits by undressing her at every opportunity. It's not horrible but it just sits there. With Melvyn Douglas (in his final film role), Samantha Eggar, Patrick Macnee, Lloyd Bochner and Allan Kolman.