Boring

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

The Borgia Stick is a film that will really make you paranoid. Just who and how many people and groups could be surveilling any and all of us, including our own government. The title is a code phrase for use on the telephone.Don Murray and Inger Stevens are as a whitebread and All American a couple as you will find. They've got the whole suburban American dream existence other than the kids. But it's all a sham and their employer frowns on kids. In fact part of their employment stipulates no romantic involvement.They work for 'the company' the latest term for mafia, the syndicate which is now going into new forms of racketeering. They're buying into legitimate businesses and not just to launder money.But some indiscretion on Murray's part plus the fact that when two attractive people are thrown together there's a certain inevitable chemistry. These two had former lives and we see a really graphic depiction of what Stevens came from. The company has some really ambitious plans. In many ways The Borgia Stick anticipates the age of greed and Trump.Murray and Stevens get some fine support from such familiar folks in the cast like Kathleen Maguire, Sorrell Booke, Fritz Weaver, John Randolph, and Barry Nelson. Playwright Marc Connelly has a small part as one of the company men and he has a great scene with Stevens.One of the first made for TV films, The Borgia Stick holds up well after over 50 years.

When this movie begins, a man (Fritz Weaver) arrives at a funeral home and inspects two coffins...filled with Tom and Eve Harrison (Don Murray and Inger Stevens). The film then bounces back in time...and you see the Harrisons in their suburban home. They seem like any other couple...at least in this early portion of the film. However, over time you come to realize that Tom is involved in something covert...and he occasionally makes phone calls and utters a code phrase 'Borgia Stick'. Who exactly he is remains a bit vague and he refers to 'the Company'. No...he is not a CIA agent but works for the Syndicate and oversees money laundering. He takes mob money and uses it to buy legitimate businesses.Over time, Tom has two things happen that are unexpected. First, he has fallen for his wife. This might seem pretty normal...until you realize that Eve ALSO works for the Company...and their marriage is a complete shame. The marriage, their names, their identities are all false...all arranged for them by the Company. Second, some stranger (Ralph Waite) recognizes Tom for who he used to be back in Toledo...and it's obvious his cover has been blown. Not wanting to wait to find out who this stranger is, Tom informs his Company contacts of what has happened. They want him to disappear...travel abroad and live an all new life...as well as to forget Eve. Is it as easy as that? And, how will the pair eventually end up at an undertaker?All in all, this is a very intelligently written film...one for folks who want a picture that makes them think. It is not just mindless entertainment but has an unusual depth for a movie. One of the best made for television films I have ever seen...and I've seen a lot. Exciting and riveting throughout.

Okay. Now I'm hooked. I was only 7 when the movie was released but I saw the movie (probably in B&W) on our kitchen TV. I don't even really recall what the movie was about but I vividly recall a scene watching them run down railroad tracks...and after 48 years it remains one of a handful of movie names that I remember. I think I might have been only 9 or 10 when I saw it.After reading the other reviews here with so many others recalling the movie from those many years ago I can't help but wonder why we all so hooked on a seemingly insignificant movie. Huh-after 47 years I searched it on IMDb to see if I'd see what the hell there was in this movie that so impressed me almost 50 years ago. Now I am scared-maybe ill see it again and end up needing therapy..Intrigued more then ever now.

I, too, remember watching this as a teenager from the 60's. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its viewing and has stayed with me all of these years. A not-to-be-missed thriller if it ever is released. This movie is as good as any I have seen recently and better than most. It lacked the blood and guts of today, but left a lasting impression because you used your imagination. Viewers who enjoy thrillers, spy movies, intrigue with twists and turns would be pleased with this choice. If I remember correctly, it was in black and white, but that would only add to its appeal today. Inger Stevens was a great and multi- talented actress who is sadly missed. I searched high and low to find a copy of this exciting movie to share with friends, but without any luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to request a release?