At one time, it seemed that Hollywood couldn't go wrong with versions of the novels by master thriller writer Eric Ambler. Journey Into Fear and The Mask of Dimitrios were two of the most famous of 40s adaptations, and Burn Out is in fact a remake of Journey Into Fear. That only proves, in spite of a star-studded cast, that the original should have been left well alone. Sam Waterston does some sturdy work as the central character, originally played by Joseph Cotten, but there is some ripe over-acting from the all-too-distinguished gathering of featured players, who include Shelley Winters, Ian `Lovejoy' McShane, Vincent Price and Donald Pleasence. Director Daniel Mann shot the action on location all over Europe, but needed an altogether darker approach to bring Ambler's sinister nether worlds to life.

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