I have always been a fan of Brian Garfield–writer of thrillers and westerns–so I did read his novel that this movie is based on. Garfield also wrote the screenplay for the movie version. Walter Matthau and Glenda Jackson are at the top of their games in this 1980 movie.
No way Hopscotch would be considered “commercial” nowadays, but Diane and I found it a lot of fun to watch. Matthau plays a spy whose boss thinks is “over the hill.” The movie begins with Matthau called back to CIA Headquarters after breaking up a spy ring in Germany. Matthau’s boss, played by a nasty Ned Beatty, plans to bury Matthau in the Records department until he retires. Matthau has other ideas.
Matthau flies to Austria to meet up with one of his former colleagues, the alluring Glenda Jackson. Matthau starts writing his memoirs where he tells all about the spy missions of the CIA, MI6, and the KGB. He sends copies of each chapter to those spy agencies–which causes panic!
The hunt for Matthau by the spies of three countries generates a lot of humor as Matthau shows what a veteran spy can do. If you’re in the mood for a clever spy movie, check out Hopscotch. This Criterion Collection version looks great! GRADE: B+
Great movie. Haven’t seen this in awhile Always liked Garfield’s thrillers but he seemed to quit publishing a long time ago.
Steve, I suspect Garfield was financially set and didn’t have to write for a living any more.
I saw it when it first came out and really liked it. I also read the book, as well as Garfield’s collection of spy stories, CHECKPOINT CHARLIE (1981). Garfield died in 2018.
Jeff, I knew Garfield died a few years ago. I think it was mentioned in MYSTERY SCENE. Like you, I enjoyed CHECKPOINT CHARLIE, too.
The title story was perhaps the first thing I read by him, as it appeared in EQMM, and I can understand why it got the pride of place in the collection (atop the catchiness/military-code cuteness not really masking bleak realities of the actual crossing point). I liked the film, and a typically good choice by Criterion…even if it could be classed with the “Matthau in his boxers” rash of films from that time.
Todd, I’m almost always pleased by the Criterion Collection Blu-rays. Great color, great sound. Excellent extras.
I guess DEATH WISH is Garfield’s most famous novel and I’m sure I read it, plus a few more, but not this one. I did see the movie, though. I was a big Matthau fan.
Michael, I’m a big Matthau and Glenda Jackson fan. It was a thrill to talk to Glenda Jackson outside a NYC restaurant a couple years ago.
Love this movie and I watch it often. They are such a great combo. And the writing is terrific. Also love Matthau in A NEW LEAF and pretty much everything else. I gather he was not a nice guy but he was a great screen presence.
Yes, a NEW LEAF was a classic. And CHARADE is one of my favorites,
Jeff, I think Matthau is an underrated actor. I wish Glenda Jackson had more to do in HOPSCOTCH.
Patti, this Criterion Collection edition of HOPSCOTCH is great! Love the extras!
A NEW LEAF…ah, another long-term media crush, Elaine May.
This was a Tankon selection that was watched and enjoyed by all!
Bob, Tankon has good taste in movies!
I remember Matthau’s face and must have seen him in the 60s when I would visit cinemas regularly, but later …
Wolf, Matthau’s career took a dive after the 1980s.
Isn’t this a great movie, and I loved the book too. I got DEATH WISH (the book) recently, and I also have a copy of CHECKPOINT CHARLIE but it is on the Kindle and I forget about those books.
Tracy, I’ve read most of Brian Garfield’s books. Some of them translated well to movie versions.