CLEAN. FAST. PROFESSIONAL.

After taking out the head of a criminal organization, top assassin Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) starts mentoring the man’s son (Jan-Michael Vincent) in the fine art of murder.

The idea for the film is more interesting than the results. The intention was to add a homosexual layer to the relationship between the leads, which would have made it more more charged and logical. The world wasn’t ready though, and the bond between Bronson and Vincent in the film is a weak point, even if the latter is right for the part.

Uneven action, but the opening is explosive.

1972-U.S. 100 min. Color. Directed by Michael Winner. Cast: Charles Bronson (Arthur Bishop), Jan-Michael Vincent (Steve McKenna), Keenan Wynn (Harry McKenna), Jill Ireland, Linda Ridgeway, Frank de Kova. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Irwin Winkler. At one point, George C. Scott was considered for the lead. Remade as The Mechanic (2011).