Effective adaptation of Alistair MacLean’s suspense novel features a young and athletic Anthony Hopkins in the lead role as a British agent investigating just what happened to a ship that has recently disappeared — along with several others previously. The changes made from the book are reasonable, and the end result is a well-paced thriller that holds the viewer’s interest and keeps the viewer guessing as the plot unfolds. Robert Morley contributes greatly as the agent’s superior, who himself must become involved.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.

Movie 378 for 2021.