Rating: ***
Review Date: 5/22/26
Cast: Sven-Bertil Taube, Barbara Parkins, Alexander Knox, Patrick Allen,
Vladek Sheybal
"How's Joanna?"
"She's extremely happy. We got a divorce last year."
American special agent Paul Sherman (Sven-Bertil Taube) goes to Amsterdam to break up an international heroin operation. Unfortunately, the local police don't like him and are unable or unwilling to help with his investigation. But he's not entirely on his own, as another undercover agent named Maggie (Barbara Parkins) is also in town, and they have some romantic history together. Sadly, that's a bad thing because death seems to follow him. He eventually cracks the case, which culminates in an exciting boat chase through Amsterdam's waterways that rivals a James Bond action sequence.
Based on an Alistair Maclean novel, it's full of action, violence, suspense, and intrigue. Sven-Bertil Taube is ruggedly handsome, but his acting is a bit wooden and his bad teeth are a constant distraction. Maybe that's just a knee-jerk American observation. While the pacing is sluggish, Sherman's role requires quite a bit of physicality, which Taube pulls off admirably. You never question if he's a tough guy. Much like Maclean's "When Eight Bells Toll" (1971), it feels like "Puppet On A Chain" is trying to groom Taube as the next James Bond, but he doesn't quite fit the bill. Barbara Parkins is delightful, despite her weakness for Sherman, which puts her in constant danger. The location shooting is gorgeous, and it's fascinating to see authentic early 70's hippie culture. There are a handful of continuity issues and unconvincing rear projection shots, but otherwise it looks great. The climactic boat chase is especially impressive and features some very dangerous and out-of-control stunt work.
While it's not a super tight thriller, it's a solidly entertaining film that demands little from the viewer. It's a nice piece of gritty 70's filmmaking from a bygone era, which is a refreshing treat for genre fans. It also features some great dialog from the gruff and grumpy Alexander Knox, including this gem: "His heart finally acknowledged the futility of going on."