THE PRIZE
US, 1963, 135 minutes, Colour.
Paul Newman, Edward G. Robinson, Elke Sommer, Diane Baker, Micheline Presle.
Directed by Mark Robson.
The Prize is an enjoyable melodrama dating from the early 60s and reflecting the atmosphere of the Cold War. It takes the Nobel Prize and its award as its situation. Paul Newman is at home in this kind of role and he is supported by Elke Sommer in a typical performance. Standout is Edward G. Robinson in a dual role supported by Diane Baker. Directed by Mark Robson, who is adept at adapting big novels like From the Terrace, Peyton Place and The Valley of the Dolls for the screen as well as in adventures. He made Earthquake. The Prize is well made popular entertainment.
1. Why do film like this appeal? The characters? The actors? The melodrama? The glamorous world?
2. How seriously should films like this be taken? Are they taken seriously by audiences? Why?
3. Why was this film interesting and able to hold audience attention? The plot? The characters?
4. Did the film show any insight into the situation of the Nobel Prize giving and the atmosphere of the choice of prize-winners?
5. Was the story plausible? Why?
6. The plot revolved around Andrew Craig. What kind of person was he, a hero, was Paul Newman credible as a Nobel Prize winning author? Andrew Craig as a writer, the background of his books and the citation quoted for his prize? Andrew Craig as a person, drinking, womanising? why was he a failure? Did his press interview show insight into his character? Why did he change during the film, how did he respond to the challenge, danger? How did he change during the film, how much better was he at the end of the film than at the beginning?
7. Doctor Stratman, was he an interesting and credible character, as a scientist? Was he likeable? When did you realise that there had been a substitution? Did Edward G. Robinson play his two roles sufficiently differently to make a good impression? Why was Stratman worth rescuing?
8. Emily Stratman, a cardboard figure or a real character? The loyalties of Emily towards her father and her uncle? Was it credible that she went along with the Russian plan?
9. Elisa Anderson, as a person? As a functionary? As a heroine? As mere romantic interest? Was she just a character in the film or a personality in her own right?
10. What did the other prize winners add to the film and its interest, eg. the Marceau couple? Their marital differences and rivalry? Was this at all important in the film? The Garrett family? The rivalry of John Garrett and the station doctor? Was their reconciliation plausible?
11. Was this film real or merely a version of a big best seller? Did it have only entertainment value or did it have genuine human interest to make it a success? Drama, attempted murder, yet comedy, eg. the nudist camp? Will this kind of film always be popular? Why?
