Power Play (1978)
1h 42m | PG-13
A group of military officers frustrated by government corruption and brutality attempts a coup.
Director: Martyn Burke
Studio: The Rank Organisation
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Video: 720p
Cast
Peter O'Toole
as Colonel Zeller
David Hemmings
as Colonel Anthony Narriman
Donald Pleasence
as Blair
Barry Morse
as Dr. Jean Rousseau
August Schellenberg
as Minh
Harvey Atkin
as Anwar
Reviews
A hidden gem from the 1970s, "Power Play" brings an ensemble cast together as military officers in a fictional country, planning a coup d'état against the unpopular, corrupt and authoritarian regime. David Hemmings and Barry Morse lead the conspirators with more big names being recruited as the movie progresses. The country's ruthless security police, headed by a sinister Donald Pleasence, soon begin to suspect something is going on and the tension is ramped up in the days leading to the planned revolution. Officers become unreliable, plans go awry and it becomes apparent there is a traitor amongst the military leadership. The ending includes some of the biggest and most unexpected twists that I've ever seen on screen. Highly suspenseful throughout with many action scenes towards the end as the coup gets underway. Highly recommended.