The Wilby Conspiracy

1975 "In the fight for freedom, you have to break all the rules."
The Wilby Conspiracy
6.4| 1h45m| PG| en| More Info
Released: 01 February 1975 Released
Producted By: Baum/Dantine Productions
Country: United Kingdom
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

Having spent 10 years in prison for nationalist activities, Shack Twala is finally ordered released by the South African Supreme Court but he finds himself almost immediately on the run after a run-in with the police. Assisted by his lawyer Rina Van Niekirk and visiting British engineer Jim Keogh, he heads for Capetown where he hopes to recover a stash of diamonds, meant to finance revolutionary activities, that he had entrusted to a dentist before his incarceration. Along the way, they are followed by Major Horn of the South African State security bureau and it becomes apparent that he has no intention of arresting them until they reach their final destination

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Reviews

gilligan1965 I saw "The Wilby Conspiracy" for the first time at the Memorial Drive-In in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1975 when I was nine-years-old, and, even then, I loved it!I didn't see it again until 1994 when I found it in a video rental store. Remembering the movie quite well, I brought it home and was, once again, enthralled at the quality of this 'rare' find; and, at the chemistry between two of my all-time favorite actors...Michael Caine and Sidney Poitier.In a way, this movie can be compared 'greatly' to "The Defiant Ones" (1958), where two fugitives, Tony Curtis and, once again, Sidney Poitier, are pursued by authorities and all-the-while hating each other, but, depending greatly upon each other. It's the same here in "The Wilby Conspiracy." Although these two characters don't exactly 'like' each other, they 'willingly help' each other to escape tyranny and find a way out of the mess that they 'accidentally/incidentally' got themselves into.However...Sidney Poitier's character (Shack Twala) has a plan; and, this is where Micheal Caine's character (Jim Keogh) comes in handy; as does Keogh's girlfriend, Shack Twala's lawyer; and, her ex-husband, who has the means of a way out.Seeing this movie as a nine-year-old, I remembered all the 'fun' chase scenes; and, what a 'boy' of that age remembers - ('HOT' Prunella Gee driving the jeep in her underwear to create a distraction; and, the beautiful Persis Khambatta playing her part).At 49, I remember all of that, too, and, these two women are still lovely! But, I also remember and maintain that this is an impeccable movie with great acting by great superstars; and, it has a great story with a lot of intrigue and action; and, the scenery of the land and the customs of the people are wonderful, too.This is a 'must-see' for anyone who has even the slightest interest in South Africa; or, Africa at all! I love it...and, always will! :)
Maziun This little movie is a combination of political thriller , comedy and adventure movie. Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine have really good chemistry together . It's a well working duo which has to overcome their differences to survive. The way how they begin to trust and care about each other is believable.The story is simple and moves quite fast , which isn't usual for 70's movies. The movie is mostly entertainment with apartheid being an issue in the background. The people who are expecting something deep might be disappointed . Personally I think that this movie sends a clear anti-apartheid message without being preachy or sappy. There is also a reflection about human greed and sacrifice .Watch out for Rutger Hauer in small episode of pilot Blane . I also have to compliment the performances of Prunella Gee , Saeed Jaffrey and Persis Khambatta . The movie is both funny and dramatic and there are some beautiful landscapes here.I give it 6/10.
Alban-Paul Schellekens I ran into this by accident, and I loved it. I was happily surprised by the excellent performances of both Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine. But equally impressed with the performance of an old local favorite of minim the Dutch actor Rijk de Gooyer. The combination of critical politics and typical action thriller, with even a pinch of comedy works unexpectedly well. It is indeed a very sobering picture of the reality that was Apartheid.The fact that it takes place away from Hollywood/America makes it more believable than many production from the period and since. It shows a cinematic world that embraces more than just Europe and Hollywood, yet does not shy away from using the big guns to achieve success. Overall a well-conceived and wonderfully executed production. And even if you do find the story uninteresting, or the action lacking, just look at the gorgeous setting, landscapes unique to South Africa.
kvanclief This is a real gem of a chase thriller.I think this film isn't well known.Oscar winners Michael Caine and Sidney Poitier are well matched together.Nicol Williamson is quite a scene stealer and a wonderful actor.Available from MGM.and also stars Persis Khambatta from "Star Trek original movie" and Rutger Hauer,known for "Blade Runner". This film reminded me of the film "Defiant Ones" 1958.Pairing Tony Curtis and Poitier together. Sidney Poitier won Oscar for Lillies in the field 1963. Michael Caine won supporting actor for Cider House Rules 1999. So watch this movie and see if you agree with me that it is a gem! If you liked this film you might watch Shoot to Kill 1988.