Ransom – 1974 | 97 mins | Crime, Thriller | Colour

Plot Synopsis

Straightforward British political thriller seemingly intent on dealing with issues of contemporary relevance as it opens with stock footage of terrorist incidents. The movie nevertheless has a distinct air of made-for-TV ethos that seems to surround the whole production, thus reducing the formulaic plot to a series of clichés and one-dimensional characters. Director Christopher Wrede is more than competent and his cinematographer Sven Nykvist adds some atmospheric photography.

Set in Scandinavia. A British ambassador is kidnapped athis residence by a group of terrorists led by Shepherd (John Quentin), and issued a ransom demand for the release of five political prisoners imprisoned in England. Norwegian security chief Colonel Tahlvik (Sean Connery) is given the task of handling the situation. Meanwhile, at a nearby airport, fellow terrorist Petrie (Ian McShane) has hijacked a passenger jet to fly out the terrorists and their hostages. The government officials wish to accede to the terrorist demands, but off-the-record Tahlvik is given permission to overpower the hijacked plane. Tahlvik’s attempts to get an agent on board the plane and to substitute the hostages en route ends in failure, but he is intent on not giving up.