Murphy’s War 1971 ***

Peter Yates will probably be best remembered for directing Steve McQueen in Bullit, but he mages a good job with a handsome and exotic production in this heroic war film. Murphy (Peter O’Toole) is the sole survivor of a German U Boat attack in the Amazon, and attempts to fight back with the help of oil company executive Brezon (Phillipe Noiret). Murphy’s plan involved an ancient seaplane, and it’s the detail of the plane’s resurrection, Flight of the Phoenix style, as well as O’Toole’s gritty performance, that makes Murphy’s War so compelling. One of the few action films that could be considered realistic, it’s one of the best of O’Toole’s varied career.