The Marseille Contract Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A frustrated US agent hires an old friend to whack a drug lord, only for the hitman to be his buddy, proving that even assassination is a small world after all.

🍿 The Marseille Contract: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Agent’s Frustration with an Untouchable Drug Lord

Steve Ventura, the French station head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration, is relentlessly pursuing Jacques Brizzard, a powerful drug baron. Despite Brizzard’s clear involvement in drug trafficking and murder, his extensive political connections make him seemingly untouchable by legal means. Ventura’s efforts are further complicated when Brizzard’s henchmen kill one of his undercover agents in Marseille, intensifying his personal vendetta.

Desperate Measures: Hiring a Hitman

After surviving an assassination attempt by Brizzard’s men, Ventura realizes that conventional law enforcement methods are futile. Driven by frustration, he seeks an unorthodox solution. Inspector Briac of the French Police Prefecture reluctantly assists him in making contact with a contract killer. To Ventura’s surprise, the hitman who arrives is John Deray, an old friend from his past.

Infiltration and Initial Contact

Deray accepts the contract and travels to Marseille under a false identity. He strategically plans his approach to Brizzard’s heavily guarded villa, identifying a potential entry point through Brizzard’s daughter, Lucienne, who has a penchant for luxury and fast cars. Deray orchestrates a chance meeting, impressing Lucienne during a thrilling car race between her Porsche 911S and his Alfa Romeo Montreal, which earns him an invitation to dinner at Brizzard’s residence.

A Shift in Plans and a Double-Cross

Meanwhile, Ventura experiences a change of heart and attempts to cancel the contract, even arranging for Deray’s arrest on false charges. However, Brizzard, already suspicious, runs a background check on Deray, who openly admits to being a killer-for-hire, though currently unemployed. Brizzard tests Deray’s ruthlessness by ordering him to eliminate an informant, a task Deray performs without hesitation. Brizzard then hires Deray as a full-time employee, intending to use him while seeking the right moment to betray him, assigning him as a courier for a drug exchange. Deray quickly realizes he has been double-crossed when the rendezvous turns into an ambush by undercover police, who attempt to arrest him for planted drugs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Ventura (Anthony Quinn): The frustrated U.S. Intelligence Agent who resorts to hiring a contract killer to bring a ruthless drug baron to justice.
• John Deray (Michael Caine): A professional contract killer hired by his old friend Steve Ventura to assassinate a powerful drug lord.
• Jacques Brizard (James Mason): The politically connected and ruthless drug baron whom Steve Ventura is determined to take down by any means.
• Inspector Briac (Maurice Ronet): A French police inspector who reluctantly helps Ventura find a hitman but is later revealed to be secretly involved with Brizard.
• Lucienne (Maureen Kerwin): The privileged daughter of drug baron Jacques Brizard, whose love for fast cars is exploited by John Deray to gain access to her father.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Ventura: “That’s against the law, Joe. Especially for cops.” – Said to Kovakian when the idea of simply killing the drug baron Brizard is proposed, highlighting Ventura’s initial adherence to the law despite his frustration.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Marseille Contract Reviews

Personal Review

Honestly, I went into ‘The Marseille Contract’ mostly for the incredible cast, and it delivered on that front! Seeing Michael Caine looking effortlessly cool in that Alfa Romeo Montreal, speeding through the French countryside, was pure 70s cinema bliss. Anthony Quinn brings a gruff, world-weary intensity that grounds the whole thing, even when the plot occasionally drifts. Sure, the story had its moments where I scratched my head, and sometimes Caine and Quinn felt like they were in two different movies. But the Parisian and Marseille backdrops, combined with that undeniably funky Roy Budd score, just pulled me in. The ‘cat and mouse’ car chase scene? Absolutely iconic and easily one of the film’s highlights. It’s a charming, somewhat unpolished gem that just screams ’70s thriller’, and I thoroughly enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1970s crime thrillers”
  • “Michael Caine enthusiasts”
  • “Anthony Quinn fans”
  • “James Mason admirers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy European locations”
  • “Those interested in classic car chases and espionage themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfights”
  • “Drug trafficking themes”
  • “Assassination attempts”
  • “Adult situations (implied affairs)”
  • “Some instances of explicit language”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritique Today: “The Marseille Contract gathers a formidable cast in Caine, Quinn, and Mason, promising a gritty 70s crime thriller. While the Parisian and Marseilles locales are beautifully shot, the script often feels like a collection of genre clichés. Despite its flaws, the film delivers competent car chases and a cool, period-appropriate score, making it a watchable, if unoriginal, experience for fans of the era.
• The Daily Screen: “This Euro-thriller attempts to blend star power with continental flair, but often struggles to find its unique voice. Anthony Quinn delivers a raw, forceful performance, especially in the film’s first half, while Michael Caine is all ’70s cool. However, James Mason feels somewhat underutilized, and the plot, though featuring action, lacks the compelling intrigue needed to truly stand out. It’s a decent enough watch, but not a classic.

Audience Reactions

The stylish French locations and iconic 70s car chases were a major draw for many viewers.: Audiences generally appreciated the visual appeal of Paris and Marseille, Michael Caine’s suave performance, and the distinct 1970s thriller vibe, even if the plot itself didn’t always hit the mark.

Despite mixed feelings on the plot, the powerhouse performances by Michael Caine and Anthony Quinn kept viewers engaged.: Many viewers found the film a ‘guilty pleasure’ or ‘underrated,’ highlighting the strong screen presence of the lead actors and the overall entertainment value, despite acknowledging narrative weaknesses or pacing issues.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing 1970s crime thriller starring a legendary cast, ‘The Marseille Contract’ offers stylish action and atmospheric French locations, though its plot is often criticized for being unoriginal and lacking depth, making it a watchable but ultimately average genre entry.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Caine reportedly accepted his role as John Deray without reading the script, being primarily enticed by the opportunity to film in the warmer climate of southern France to escape chilly England.”
• “The sports car John Deray (Michael Caine) drove was a distinctive 1971 Alfa-Romeo Montreal, an exceedingly rare and attractive model.”
• “A memorable car chase sequence, featuring John Deray racing Lucienne in a Porsche 911S, was later copied and extended in the 2000 film ‘Mission: Impossible 2’.”
• “Upon its initial theatrical release in the UK, the film underwent cuts by the BBFC to secure an ‘A’ rating; these cuts were subsequently waived in 1986 when it was re-rated with a ’15’ certificate for home video.”
• “Former White House Press Secretary Pierre Salinger makes a cameo appearance in the film as Williams, Steve Ventura’s superior.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Marseille Contract?

Released in 1974, ‘The Marseille Contract’ (also known as ‘The Destructors’) is a classic 70s crime thriller. While it may not be readily available on major subscription streaming services, you can often find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. For collectors of vintage cinema, physical media such as DVD or Blu-ray might also be an option. Check your preferred digital storefronts for current availability and pricing to enjoy this star-studded European caper.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Marseille Contract, you might like these similar films:

• The French Connection (1971): A seminal 70s crime thriller renowned for its gritty realism, car chases, and relentless pursuit of a drug lord, sharing a similar thematic core and setting.
• Get Carter (1971): Stars Michael Caine in a much grittier role as a hitman seeking revenge, offering a British take on the hard-boiled crime genre with a similarly iconic Roy Budd score.
• The Mechanic (1972): Focuses on the detailed life and methods of a professional hitman (Charles Bronson), exploring the ‘contract killer’ theme central to ‘The Marseille Contract’.
• The Black Windmill (1974): Another Michael Caine-led 70s espionage thriller with a Roy Budd score, providing a similar stylistic and atmospheric experience from the same era.
• Mission: Impossible 2 (2000): Features a car chase sequence that openly acknowledges its inspiration from ‘The Marseille Contract’, providing a modern, high-octane interpretation of classic thriller elements.

🛒 The Marseille Contract Related Products

• The Marseille Contract (The Destructors) Blu-ray Collector’s Edition: Experience the classic 1970s thriller in stunning high-definition, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, an interview with a film historian on the movie’s legacy, and reversible cover art. A must-have for classic cinema enthusiasts.
• 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal Diecast Model Car (1:18 Scale): Replicate Michael Caine’s iconic ride with this meticulously detailed diecast model of the Alfa Romeo Montreal, featured prominently in the film. Perfect for display, capturing the essence of 70s automotive cool and a key visual element of the movie.
• 70s Espionage Style Aviator Sunglasses: Channel Michael Caine’s cool, understated style with these vintage-inspired aviator sunglasses. Designed to evoke the classic 70s espionage look, perfect for adding a touch of cinematic flair to your wardrobe and embodying the movie’s aesthetic.
• Parisian Underworld: A 70s Crime Thriller Board Game: Immerse yourself in a strategic board game inspired by classic 70s European crime thrillers. Players navigate the Parisian underworld, dealing with rival gangs, double-crosses, and high-stakes heists. Features elements reminiscent of ‘The Marseille Contract’s’ tense atmosphere and cat-and-mouse dynamic.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Marseille Contract features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “‘Round Midnight” – performed by The Fellings Quartet (Music by Thelonious Monk & Cootie Williams, Words by Bernard Hanighen)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Marseille Contract (1974) – Car Chase

Ever wonder where that iconic car chase from James Bond’s Goldeneye might have gotten its inspiration? Check out this intense car chase from ‘The Marseille Contract’! It’s seriously thrilling and shows how action movies pushed boundaries back in ’74.

MARSEILLE CONTRACT – ROY BUDD

If you love a great film score, you absolutely have to listen to Roy Budd’s work for ‘The Marseille Contract’. His jazz-infused themes are just incredible and really set the mood for the whole movie – it’s a forgotten gem of a soundtrack!

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