A genuine classic from John Frankenheimer that raises the bar for tackling political issues through cinema (a mark not often reached before or since). Frank Sinatra plays one of his most powerful lead roles, Laurence Harvey is equally as good in his subtler performance and Angela Lansbury is the sinister and diabolical puppeteer. Nearly 50 years later and it still feels fresh, immediate, and electrifying. The direction, editing, and script are wonderfully taut and this tension is maintained throughout, merely building to the explosive ending. It's a political thriller in the truest sense, and psychological, conspiratorial elements aside, there is a lot of material layered within the complex story. One of the greatest Hollywood films ever made. Riveting stuff.
