The head of the Paris office of U.S. Narcotics Enforcement (Anthony Quinn) hires a professional killer (Michael Caine) to whack the politically protected leader (James Mason) of an international drug ring.

CRITIQUE

Watching this 1974 release, one can’t help but wonder if the intent of the producers was to make an unofficial sequel to The French Connection (1971).  Certainly the essence of the plot mirrors French Connection II (1975), but without the Jimmy Doyle (Gene Hackman) and “Frog One” (Fernando Rey) characters.

Steve Ventura (Quinn) runs the Paris division of the DEA. He’s frustrated because two of his top agents have been murdered by seemingly untouchable drug kingpin Jacques Brizard (Mason).  That’s why Ventura brings in John Deray (Caine), a hired assassin and old friend, to end the standoff.

Though this is a film that they probably did for the paycheck, the three stars deliver the good, professional performances that one would expect from them, as do the French supporting players.

Under the direction of Robert Parrish, Judd Bernard’s script moves along at a nice clip that does not allow us to dwell on some obvious plot holes. Nevertheless, for reasons that will become apparent upon viewing, one is never quite sure whether Deray or Ventura is the story’s protagonist.

There’s some okay action sequences, a couple of interesting plot twists and many scenic vistas of Paris, Marseille and southern France to keep our attention for the movie’s 90 minute running time.

THE VIDEO

As part of MGM’s “Limited Edition Collection,” this is a “burned,” as opposed to a “pressed” DVD, and is manufactured from the best elements available.

The widescreen picture has no significant problems.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital Sound is crisp and clear.

THE EXTRAS

There is nothing.

FINAL THOUGHT

The Destructors is an entertaining, albeit forgettable, way to pass 90 minutes.