The Prize (1963)

With the tone of Alfred Hitchcock's thrillers having become darker in the 1960s (Psycho, The Birds), there was room for someone to try a lighter, funnier thriller in 1963. The Prize is not totally successful -- and sometimes it's a little too imitative of Hitchcock for comfort -- but on the whole, it's an enjoyable, if disposable, way to pass the time. True, it could easily be 20 minutes shorter; the nudist camp and bridge chase scenes echo the screenwriter's North by Northwest auction scenes and cornfield chase to an extent that is annoying; and some of the plotting and dialogue are simply silly. But The Prize also has a suave and appealing Paul Newman, giving everything a light, sophisticated touch that's a joy to watch, as well as a pair of delectable leading ladies in Elke Sommer and Diane Baker. There's also Edward G. Robinson, always a treat, playing the old good-and-evil twin roles, and everything is tied up in a nice, neat, very glossy package. Mark Robson's direction could have been more imaginative, and he really should have worked on tightening the pace, but on the whole, The Prize is slick fun. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide