For the first 30 minutes of this movie, I wondered what the hell its makers were playing at. True, there is a satisfying sequence wherein printing machinery moves in time to Beatles' music (thank you, Walt Disney), but the film does not really engross our interest until the introduction of Eric Porter's character. At this point, everything seems to improve: The script becomes bright and witty, and even the sets, camera angles, photography and editing suddenly become more interesting. Of course, what really gives the move genuine flavor, is Eric Portman's performance. But it's sad to report that Miss York is not up to her usual high standard, Perhaps the blame resides with director Jack Smight whose over-fondness for close-ups is not always flattering. I can just see Smight arguing with the photographer, Chris Challis, right now: "Who cares if it's not flattering! It will look good on TV – and that's all that counts!" No wonder producer Jerry Gershwin declined a credit!
Review of Kaleidoscope
