Summary of Death is on the Phone (1974)
In the gripping 1974 thriller Death is on the Phone, directed by the renowned writer and director, this cinematic gem features the formidable James Coburn in the role of Robert Elliot, an enigmatic economist and secret spymaster. Set against the backdrop of London, Elliot meticulously orchestrates a devious plan that involves manipulating his four operatives into a deadly game of betrayal, leading them to eliminate each other over the course of one fateful night.
With a nod to the classic themes of trust and betrayal, Elliot’s scheme unfolds with chilling precision. Each character—played with skill by a talented ensemble cast—represents a piece of his duplicitous puzzle. The operatives include the sharp-witted Jean Robertson (Lee Grant), the cunning Albert Parsons (Harry Andrews), the shrewd Alex Hellman (Ian Hendry), and the calculating David Baker (Michael Jayston). The stakes rise as secrets unravel, and trust erodes, culminating in a game where everyone’s life hangs in the balance.
As the night progresses, viewers are led deeper into Elliot’s labyrinth of deception. However, in a stunning twist, even he becomes ensnared in the deadly web of his own making, illustrating a profound commentary on the expendability of those entangled in ulterior motives.
The film features notable performances from Christiane Krüger as Christina Larsson, Keenan Wynn as the astute E.J. Farnsworth, and Terence Alexander as a shrewd business tycoon. The supporting cast, including Philip Anthony as Elliot’s secretary and Julián Glover as Arnold Pryce-Jones, further enriches this tapestry of intrigue.
With its blend of suspense, clever plotting, and a relentless exploration of human nature, Death is on the Phone is not merely a story of crime; it is a reflection on the lengths one will go to preserve secrets, making it a must-see for any cinephile looking for a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
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Video “James Coburn in Death is on the Phone (1974) Trust no one. Everyone is expendable.” was uploaded on 11/14/2025 to Youtube Channel Cinéma Cinémas