Review of Tamarind Seed, The (Review)
Monday, 30th April 2007, 03:36

Introduction
Halliwell describes the movie succinctly as: "While holidaying in Barbados, a British widow falls for a Russian military attache." A Cold War romantic thriller based on a novel by Evelyn Anthony, the romance between the principal characters fights for superiority with the political machinations and intrigue.

Omar Sharif and Julie Andrews head a very respectable cast including Anthony Quayle, Sylvia Syms (nominated for a Best Supporting Actress BAFTA), Dan O'Herlihy and Oscar Homolka (his final film appearance).

There are indications in the titles of this movie that it was financed as part of the deal director Blake Edwards made with ITC's Lew Grade to make The Return Of The Pink Panther. With a screenplay by Edwards, the movie is a huge departure from the kind of movie we are used to seeing Blake Edwards direct.

Video
I really don't know why they bothered. The movie has been mastered (in the loosest sense of the word) as letterboxed 2.35:1 within a 4:3 frame and without any restoration to speak of. In other words, they've well and truly Lucased it.



Audio
Dolby 2.0 Mono.



Features
Archive interviews with Omar Sharif from Russell Harty in 1972 and 1974
Archive interview with Blake Edwards from Russell Harty in 1976
Theatrical trailer
Image gallery
No subtitles



Conclusion
An unremarkable romantic thriller, presented unremarkably. The only thing of comment about this picture are the leads – Omar Sharif and Julie Andrews. I'd like to say more about the movie but there's precious little I can say beyond that.