User Reviews

Tom and Eve Harrison seem to be living the good life. Nice home, picket fence, trendy life style, sporty friends. However, its not at all what it appears. In reality, their life together is a sham. Tom and Eve are covers for a crime syndicate and their "marriage" a mere front for the criminal activities therein. By day, Tom goes off to "work" donning disguises and wheeling-and-dealing syndicate money while Eve sets up a responsible household, caters to her "husband", takes part in civic activities and sees to it they blend into the unsuspecting community. Living together but ultimately lonely, separate lives and not knowing a thing about each others' past as per syndicate code, a wrench is thrown into the proceedings when they discover that they are deeply in love and want to leave the syndicate to lead a "normal" existence together. The syndicate has other plans.

Don Murray and Inger Stevens are perfect in their roles of two pawns trapped in a much bigger chess game. The virile Murray, in particular, shows a natural fortitude for this type of edgy, clean-cut anti-hero. Usually wasted as a frivolous love interest, the gorgeous, honey-voiced Stevens gets the fleeting chance to display her dramatic talents especially as their sedentary lives begin to unravel.

Durable Barry Nelson acquits himself well here as the next-door-undercover cop whose onto their charade while Fritz Weaver offers smooth, cultivated menace as a syndicate leader. Along the way you'll spot a number of familiar TV faces in minor, pre-stardom roles, including Conrad "Diff'rent Strokes" Bain, Ralph "The Waltons" Waite and Sorrell "Dukes of Hazzard" Booke.

The movie is appropriately tense throughout and there are a number of interesting plot turns and twists to keep the cat-and-mouse proceedings moving as our couple desperately try to elude both the police and the syndicate. One eerie moment occurs in a funeral parlor where Murray and Stevens are laid out. The fact that Miss Stevens died a suicide only three years later offers a sad, peculiar foreshadowing for this lovely and tragic leading lady.

A most adroit and intriguing time-filler.

After the present-day funeral of Don Murray (as Thomas "Tom" Harrison) and Inger Stevens (as Evelyn "Evie" Finch), we flashback to see their story… The attractive married couple is set-up in suburban New York by a Mafia-like organization called "The Company" (explained in the script as a more modern term for "The Syndicate"). Mr. Murray (once Andrew "Andy" Mitchell) was recruited due to some embezzlement problems, and Ms. Stevens (once Ellen Coogan) was into drugs and a street gang. Basically, Murray's job is to launder money while Stevens provides bedside manner...

Trouble begins when Murray decides he wants the life he is pretending to lead. Envying neighbor Barry Nelson (as Hal Carter) and his growing family, Murray declares his love for Stevens and desire to have children; moreover, Murray wants to leave "The Company". As you might imagine, this isn't going to be easy. Stevens frighteningly refuses. Then, Murray's cover is threatened when a man from his past arrives on the scene. Sensing the man (whom you'll recognize as Ralph Waite from "The Waltons") is a threat, Murray must report him to "Company" leader Fritz Weaver (as Anderson)...

"The Borgia Stick" is a well-produced NBC-TV movie from 1967. Its quality and success helped return made-for-TV dramas to popularity; a 1950s staple, the TV drama had been replaced by theatrical films. But, by the late 1960s, the television-produced "Movie of the Week" was a ratings winner. Murray and Stevens are excellent; they are allowed a lot of natural, sexy chemistry. Producer Richard Lewis, writer A.J. Russell, and director David Lowell Rich would have been a winning team, if "Emmy Awards" had their categories intact. The crew re-teamed for "A Lovely Way to Die" (1968).

Some combination of this crew of New York City filmmakers might have familiar with a certain afternoon TV thriller - or, they must have used the same agency. For whatever reasons, they employed (at least) six "Dark Shadows" (circa 1966-1968) TV players in not only "The Borgia Stick" but also "A Lovely Way to Die". That's more than producer Dan Curtis allowed in the average episode of the supernatural serial. Herein catch (then) "DS-regulars" Hugh Franklin and Dana Elcar along with semi-regulars or bit players Conrad Bain, House Jameson, Barnard Hughes, and Ed Crowley – all in living color.

******** The Borgia Stick (2/25/67) David Lowell Rich ~ Don Murray, Inger Stevens, Barry Nelson, Fritz Weaver

The Borgia Stick is a film that will really make you paranoid. Just who and how many people and groups could be surveilling any and all of us, including our own government. The title is a code phrase for use on the telephone.

Don Murray and Inger Stevens are as a whitebread and All American a couple as you will find. They've got the whole suburban American dream existence other than the kids. But it's all a sham and their employer frowns on kids. In fact part of their employment stipulates no romantic involvement.

They work for 'the company' the latest term for mafia, the syndicate which is now going into new forms of racketeering. They're buying into legitimate businesses and not just to launder money.

But some indiscretion on Murray's part plus the fact that when two attractive people are thrown together there's a certain inevitable chemistry. These two had former lives and we see a really graphic depiction of what Stevens came from.

The company has some really ambitious plans. In many ways The Borgia Stick anticipates the age of greed and Trump.

Murray and Stevens get some fine support from such familiar folks in the cast like Kathleen Maguire, Sorrell Booke, Fritz Weaver, John Randolph, and Barry Nelson. Playwright Marc Connelly has a small part as one of the company men and he has a great scene with Stevens.

One of the first made for TV films, The Borgia Stick holds up well after over 50 years.

Okay. Now I'm hooked. I was only 7 when the movie was released but I saw the movie (probably in B&W) on our kitchen TV. I don't even really recall what the movie was about but I vividly recall a scene watching them run down railroad tracks...and after 48 years it remains one of a handful of movie names that I remember. I think I might have been only 9 or 10 when I saw it.

After reading the other reviews here with so many others recalling the movie from those many years ago I can't help but wonder why we all so hooked on a seemingly insignificant movie.

Huh-after 47 years I searched it on IMDb to see if I'd see what the hell there was in this movie that so impressed me almost 50 years ago. Now I am scared-maybe ill see it again and end up needing therapy..

Intrigued more then ever now.

THE BORGIA STICK is best described in terms of "style" of film instead of genre. I think "genre" tells us only half of what we look for in terms of what film we would want to see.

The genre here is loosely "suspense", but also "romance", and more "drama". It is a slow paced film that is tough to watch with my sort of attention deficit problem. To say much more would be sort of a spoiler, because the essence of the story is the drama throughout.

However, that's because it is of the style of "important" film. Some films and songs are "important", such as "Matewan" in film, or "Us and Them" in song. Some are "larger than life, such as the Lord of the Rings films and songs like "Mr. Bojangles", making ordinary people into larger than life characters. There are other categories, but these two are the most inspired as a rule.

This falls under the "important" category. Don Murray was an up and comer of the era, and is largely forgotten now, but his films were among the best. However, being "important", they would step on the wrong toes, the toes of the control freaks who needed to suppress these sort of movies in favor of those that glorify control freaks.

The drama here is the movie, and it is slow paced, so be warned about that, but it is also great drama, and an "important" story.

I, too, remember watching this as a teenager from the 60's. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout its viewing and has stayed with me all of these years. A not-to-be-missed thriller if it ever is released. This movie is as good as any I have seen recently and better than most. It lacked the blood and guts of today, but left a lasting impression because you used your imagination. Viewers who enjoy thrillers, spy movies, intrigue with twists and turns would be pleased with this choice. If I remember correctly, it was in black and white, but that would only add to its appeal today. Inger Stevens was a great and multi- talented actress who is sadly missed. I searched high and low to find a copy of this exciting movie to share with friends, but without any luck. Does anyone have any ideas on how to request a release?

I was one of the few that had seen this movie when it came out in 1967. I was 14 years old when it came out and can only remember bits and pieces now. I have looked on and off for forty years to see if it was ever re-released. It never was to my knowledge. This movie made such an impression on me that has lasted four decades. I don't know who is in charge of releasing this to DVD, but it should be done and done quickly. I remember sitting on the edge of my seat till the very end. What a great movie. To all those who missed out, I'm sorry for you. The only way we will ever see this great flick again is to put pressure on the movie and TV industry to release it.

great movie! i haven't seen it on TV in a couple of decades, but would love to see it again. anyone know when it might be on TV again, or where i might get a copy? it reminds me somewhat of another really good movie made for TV called brotherhood of the bell. a large and powerful crime syndicate was prevalent in both. the protagonist in both had to escape from life threatening situation. Inga Stephens has never been better. it is too bad this movie wasn't released to the theaters, or at least introduced on video. it is certainly considered a classic by those of us that have seen it, but so many haven't. it will probably be on video sometime in the future, the sooner the better.

What a great TV movie! Too bad it is not available on video. This is a very fast paced thriller. Excellent performances by all. The story line is tight and really keeps the viewer focused on the next plot twist. Have seen this film 12 to 15 times and would love for it to be issued on video.

I saw this film in the late '60. It was made about four decades before Enron. I would have liked to do a plot summary but just don't recall it that well. What I do recall was that the subject matter was quite scary when the McGuffin was finally revealed at the end. Inger Steven and Don Murray were a typical suburban couple caught up into somethings way beyond their understanding. The story revolved around them not having any idea about what it was that they knew. And what did they know? Organized crime having so much money decided to buy into or buy up legitimate corporations and businesses. That wasn't unusual because that seems to be the way of the world in many quarters, but this story had unique twist, i.e., the crime families were going to buy up utilities, railroad, water, etc., to eventually monopolize them. It seemed to me that in the film they discussed that there eventually would be shortages either real or contrived. When that happened, they would be able to set or control the prices of necessities to any amount they wanted and no one could do anything about it. In 2008, the Borgia Stick has proved to be more fact than fiction except that the organize crime people today wear more expensive suits and attend the right schools. It was a great film that need to be out on DVD.

Why oh why is this not available for purchase. It exceeds anyones' wildest idea of tension,mystery and drama. The concept of the everyday man being caught in a web of intrigue has been done may times but never better than this.The cast is superb and Fritz Weaver excels .Can someone find this movie and release for all to see. I only caught it one night many years ago by chance but the experience was without parallel.Surely who ever made this or owns the rights can see the untold gratitude of so many people to repeat their pleasure and for those who have not seen it to witness a taught story with incredible twists and turns,imitated since but never bettered.Don Murray and the late Inger Stevens portray sensitively and unbelievingly ,initially ,the couple caught in this Web and Barry Nelson contributes valiantly.Someone out there do your stuff

Inger Stevens - fresh from The Farmer's Daugther (with William Windom and Cathleen Nesbitt) and the venerable Don Murray are superb. I bought an okay DVD online. The story still holds up after so many years and that is because of the leads and the supporting players. I've never forgotten it. So weird how we older people remember certain films that have touched our lives in some way or other. I believe it was Inger Stevens who did it for me. Sad life, a tragedy. The film is eerie and so true to life. And as it turned out could very well be reel life. I wish they would release it on a good, good DVD. It is worth watching on any venue however.

Like the other reviewer, I was about 15 when this incredible movie was on TV. And also sat on the edge of my seat until the very end. Many of my friends watched it and we talked about it endlessly, as teens will do. We argued and questioned all aspects of the story and character motives, etc. It was The Topic for quite some time. But my memory now of the entire story is rather vague, 44 years later. I remember someone in disguise was carrying the Borgia stick, and another character commented on its unusual design, a swan attacking a lion, symbol of the Borgia family being more powerful than the monarch. Well, whoever owns the rights, please make this wonderful story available on DVD. It may have a small but very eager audience waiting to buy it.

I was a young teenager when this movie came out and it was so magnificent that years later I named my pet horse Borgia Stick. When Borgia was born, I tried to find a poster of the movie to put on her birth announcement. I found a poster that was done in French, but not in English. I would love to see this movie again and have tried and tried to order it without success. This movie kept me at the edge of my seat! Don Murray and Inger Stevens were award winning actors to me. If anyone hears of this movie coming out, that would make my day. When I have mentioned the movie to my friends, no one remembers it. I am so happy to see so many people who are of my age group that enjoyed it!

I absolutely LOVE this movie, and can't for the life of me figure out why it hasn't been released on dvd. Far worse movies are out there to buy, but there are a number of made for tv movies that are better than most of the schlock being made and sold that are being left on the shelf, not even shown on tv anymore. Enough reviews have addressed plot, etc, so I won't go there - I'll just say that if you get a chance to watch The Borgia Stick, WATCH IT and if you find it for sale, buy it -- and be sure to let me know, 'cause I'll buy it in a snap if ever available!

I saw this made-for-TV film when it aired in the sixties. I was twenty at the time, and while the details escape me, it conveyed enough paranoia and creepiness to sustain a strong impression of the film for nearly fifty years now. It's basically about two people who want to leave "an organization" and discover it's a tenacious entanglement. The film also holds as a metaphor for anyone who has worked in business or government and felt trapped by their involvement.

Also lasting for nearly fifty years is my memory of being on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns of the plot. On a video web site, I found a trailer for the film that must have run as a promo for its airing on television. They filmed on location in the New York City area, which gives it a sense of gritty realism. Highly recommended if you come across it.

It's amazing that this made-for-TV movie was so good - there's very little that was suspenseful - and the money laundering scenes were presented as suit-n-tie business dealings - altho the man was disguised - it just didn't seem that sinister - there are very few degenerates or gunplay - it's very suburban middle-class in tone and feel

however - it proved memorable for me - i saw it when it was first broadcast in 1967 and it's haunted my memories since - i think i saw a rebroadcast some years later - but otherwise - it has only been rebroadcast in my mind

frankly - it was the thought of being in an arranged marriage to Inger Stevens that burned itself into my memory - while i've never been a huge fan of hers - she was so appealing in this film that the sensuous thought of it pulled me into the plot

unlike much of today's TV fare - it's in bright color (color TV was just becoming wide spread in 1967) - and in the early 4:3 television aspect ratio - which probably accounts for the TV "look" that differs from big-screen movies and much of today's TV - and at this early stage of made-for-TV movies - they hadn't gotten into the habit of announcing every commercial break with rising music cues at a cliff-hanger moment

this film is about characters and relationships - it follows the life of a young childless middle-class couple who live in a suburb of NYC - who are cozy with their next door neighbors who are child-filled - the husbands commute together to NYC together - but while the neighbor heads off to his office - the younger man dons a disguise and visits banks with a briefcase full of cash - obviously for money laundering - though before the end of day - he does wind up at a small office in the city filled with toys and a solitary employee

then 23 minutes into the film - things change - between the couple - and to the couple - that change brings them into collision with their crime syndicate bosses ("the company") - but things are handled by the company bosses with subtlety and finesse (a wonderful departure from convention) - with almost nothing of menacing thugs or dark dirty alleys

the good actors deserve their share of credit - Don Murray and Inger Stevens as the couple have great chemistry together - Barry Nelson as the neighbor has chemistry with them too - Fritz Weaver is at his best as a suave syndicate boss - but even the others with less screen time add wonderful color and texture to the weave

the single flaw is the hazy incoherent monologue explaining the formation of "the company" in a vague conspiracy theory indictment of businessmen and politicians - but overall this story is laid out in such a way as to make the mundane engrossing - ie they don't overdo the action for actions sake - in other words this is an intelligent script probably best appreciated by similar minded people