THE MECHANIC (1972)

MORGAN'S RATING

Arthur Bishop is a "mechanic" -- a hired killer. And he's the best at what he does, for he exterminates his targets in uniquely violent ways. But the 50ish Bishop is about to retire, so he takes on a young apprentice named Steve McKenna. However, the mechanic finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place when he's hired to kill Steve's father.

Charles Bronson (Arthur Bishop), Jan-Michael Vincent (Steve McKenna), Keenan Wynn (Harry McKenna), Jill Ireland (The Girl), Linda Ridgeway), Frank DeKova (The Man), James Davidson (Intern), Lindsay Crosby (Police man), Steve Cory (Messenger), Takayuki Kubota (Yamoto), Patrick O'Noore (Old Man), Martin Gordon (American Tourist), Celeste Yarnall (The Mark's Girl), Athena Lorde (Old Woman), Alison Rose (Young Girl), Howard Morton (Car Polish Man), Enzo Fiermonte (The Mark), Gerald Peters (Butler), Steve Vinovich (Party Guest), Robert Jaffe (Party Guest), Kevin O'Neal (Party Guest), Ken Wolger (Hippie), Trini Mitchum (Hippie), Father Amando De Vincenzo (Priest), John Barclay (Garden Party Man, uncredited), Louis Fitch (Librarian, uncredited), Chris Forbes (Bikini Waitress, uncredited), Hiroyasu Fujishima (Akido Master, uncredited), Alan Gibbs (Bodyguard, uncredited), Linda Grant (Bathtub Girl, uncredited), Hank Hamilton (Kori, uncredited), Michael Hinn (Rafle Range Attendant, uncredited), Sara Taft (Garden Party Woman, uncredited), Frank Orsatti (Bodyguard, uncredited), Ernie F. Orsatti (Driver, uncredited).

CLEAN. FAST. PROFESSIONAL.

FACTS

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

RELEASE DATE: 1972 (USA) - The beginning of the film is completely free of dialogue. Nobody speaks a word until after the 16-minute mark.

DIRECTOR: Michael Winner (Death Wish 3). WRITER: Lewis John Carlino. PRODUCERS: Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Henry Gellis. ORIGINAL MUSIC: Jerry Fielding. DISTRIBUTOR: MGM

QUOTES

Arthur Bishop: That was pretty cold. Steve McKenna: I knew she wouldn't do it. Arthur Bishop: But, had she done that, would you be willing to pick up the tab?

Arthur Bishop: It takes a special kind of person to do that. Steve McKenna: I can dig it. Arthur Bishop: You say you can "dig it". But, the fact is that you don't know what you're talking about. Steve McKenna: You do? Arthur Bishop: Do I? Steve McKenna: Interesting. When he's concerned, he answers questions with questions.

Arthur Bishop: You always have to be dead sure. Dead sure or dead.

Steve McKenna: You're, uh, gonna be dead in five minutes.

Arthur Bishop: Murder is only killing without a license.