Operation Snatch
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Founder | Robert Day (director), Alan Hackney, Len Heath, John Warren (screenwriters), Paul Mills (story) |
| Products | Comedy film |
Operation Snatch, also released under the title Top Secret, is a British comedy motion picture from 1962 featuring performances by Terry-Thomas and George Sanders, with direction by Robert Day. The screenplay was crafted by Alan Hackney, Len Heath, and John Warren, based on a narrative conceived by Paul Mills.
Plot
Taking place in Gibraltar, the storyline draws from a local myth asserting that Britain's control over Gibraltar depends on the presence of the resident Barbary apes. The protagonist, portrayed by Terry-Thomas, is an ape caretaker who embarks on a mission to recover a lost ape from hostile territory to ensure Gibraltar remains under British sovereignty.
Cast
- Terry-Thomas as Lieutenant Wigg
- George Sanders as Major Hobson
- Lionel Jeffries as Evans
- Jocelyn Lane as Bianca Tabori
- Mark Eden as Mosquito pilot
- Mario Fabrizi as Tall Man
- John Gabriel as Major Frink
- Gerard Heinz as Colonel Waldock
- Bernard Hunter as Captain Baker
- Dinsdale Landen as Captain Wellington
- Howard H. Lang as P.T. Sergeant
- Angus Lennie as Vic
- Jeremy Lloyd as Captain James
- John Meillon as medical officer
- Warren Mitchell as contact man
- Lee Montague as Miklos Tabori
- Nyree Dawn Porter as W.R.A.C. officer
- John Scott as Lieutenant General Hepworth
- Mark Singleton as Prime Minister's secretary
- Graham Stark as soldier
- Michael Trubshawe as Colonel Marston
- James Villiers as Lieutenant Keen
- Ian Whittaker as Dyson
- Ronnie Corbett makes an uncredited appearance disguised as a Gibraltar Rock Ape
Production
The project’s funding was primarily obtained due to Terry Thomas' star power and a preliminary concept, capitalizing on his recognition in the United States market. Thomas commented on his appeal, stating, "At present, I seem to be quite a 'phenomenon.’ They find me fascinating. There’s nothing comparable here, perhaps it’s not just my accent but maybe my appearance?”
Reception
The film received mixed critiques; The Monthly Film Bulletin labeled it a "clumsy British farce," pointing out weaknesses in both the script and direction despite Terry-Thomas' performance. In contrast, The Radio Times Guide to Films awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as "delightfully silly" with numerous "hilariously absurd moments," although it acknowledged an overuse of stereotypical characters.