The Wilby Conspiracy (1974)

Synopsis: Michael Caine stars as Jim Koegh in this underrated chase movie in which Sidney Poitier plays his unwilling partner, Shack Twala, an African political activist. Shack is on the lam with his new non-friend, Jim, who by mutual agreement has planned to escape. This makes for a great drama about... Michael Caine stars as Jim Koegh in this underrated chase movie in which Sidney Poitier plays his unwilling partner, Shack Twala, an African political activist. Shack is on the lam with his new non-friend, Jim, who by mutual agreement has planned to escape. This makes for a great drama about apartheid in South Africa. Nicol Williamson is perfect as Major Horn, the fantastically cold, brutal, and dedicated policeman who relentlessly pursues both characters. Caine is inadvertently linked to Poitier because his lawyer girlfriend, Rina Van Niekirk (Prunella Gee) has recently freed Poitier from prison for racial agitation. Williamson allows the two men to escape the first time hoping that they will lead him to Wilby (Joseph De Graft) who is Poitier's partner in guerilla activities. Ralph Nelson directs with a light touch and the film frequently evokes memories of another of Poitier's earlier films, THE DEFIANT ONES. On their way to save humanity the two run across everyone from playboys to princesses. Williamson's performance is a knock out. The film was shot in Kenya and is based on the novel by Peter Driscoll. [More]