Reviewed by Adam Stephen Kelly
Stars George Baker, Sylvia Simms, Marius Goring, Paul Whitsun-Jones,
Richard Leech, Peter Arne | Written by Robert Hall, Wilfred Eades & Alistair Bell
UK certification U | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 82 minutes | Directed by David MacDonald
Adapted from the play by Arthur Watkin and not to be confused with the 1979 James Bond adventure, The Moonraker is an enjoyable '50s throwback full of quirky dialogue and cheesy sword fights.
The story of The Moonraker is all about Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth searching for the elusive Royalist Lord Dawlish, known as the infamous “Moonraker”, during the close of the English Civil War, all in an attempt to get to Charles Stuart, future king Charles II (learn your history).
This cat and mouse tale is nothing original seeing as there have to be about four billion '50s flicks with a similar story set in the same time period, but while many are often dire, The Moonraker rises above with its sheer charm and suspenseful sensibility. Not only have you got the dashing George Baker as Lord Dawlish himself, but also Dad's Army's John Le Mesurier in a small role as Cromwell.
This is the kind of film where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy a little harmless death-by-sword action. Perfect Sunday afternoon viewing.
EXTRAS ★ The trailer.