The Tamarind Seed

Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif are the leads in this romantic drama which involves Cold War espionage and the stunning scenery of the Caribbean Islands.

As can be expected of a movie that has the ever prim-and-proper Julie Andrews (aka Mrs. Blake Edwards) in the lead, things are pretty much on the safe side. At least during the first half of the film, when British Home Office assistant Judith Farrow (J. Andrews) takes refuge on the exotic island of Barbados to overcome her broken love affair with British minister Paterson (David Baron). When she is wooed by dashing Soviet military attaché Feodor Sverdlov (Omar Sharif) she is flattered but not in the mood to have her heart broken all over again. Easier said than done – the charms of Feodor and his (almost irritatingly) macho persistence make it very hard for Judith not to fall for him. Of course she does, and that’s when the trouble starts…

British Intelligence is none too pleased about the blossoming liaison between the attractive Brit and the debonair Russian, and begin to monitor the couple. In particular British intelligent officer Jack Loder (Anthony Quayle) is certain that Feodor is planning on using Judith in order to have her recruited as a spy. Loder already suspects one of his own men involved in the nasty spy game, further suspicion arises when he learns that his assistant McLeod (Bryan Marshall) has had an affair with Margaret (Sylvia Syms), the wife of minister Stephenson (Dan O’Herlihy).

Things are now getting more and more complicated, with various parties all falling under suspicion. When Feodor learns that his secretary has been interrogated by the KGB he knows there is no return for him to Russia. He appeals for political asylum with the promise to reveal the identity of the secret Communist spy that Loder and his team are after. Loder agrees and he and Judith draw up a cover story for Feodor to make his defection a successful one. But the Russians get wind of Feodor’s sudden anti-Soviet activities and send their own men to assassinate him and also Judith. After an explosive showdown that takes place back in Barbados, Judith ends up badly injured and Feodor is presumed dead. However, Loder has another trick up his sleeve and manages to fool the assassins – meaning that a happy end looms on the horizon for our brave couple.

The Tamarind Seed is not exactly a rip-roaring James Bond adventure, especially the first half of the film has its emphasis on romantic walks along the beach and candle-lit dinners. But the tone shifts in the second half when the Cold War paranoia kicks in and no one must be trusted under any circumstances.

Some fine performances here, in particular from Anthony Quayle whose character speaks with a rough Northern accent, and Sylvia Syms as the troubled wife – she won a BAFTA-award in 1974 for her role.

SPECIAL FEATURES of this British Film Collection releas:

Soundtrack suite, featuring score and musical arrangements by John Barry
Song suite, featuring music by John Barry
Theatrical Trailer
Image Gallery
Archive interviews with Omar Sharif and Blake Edwards
Film and Soundtrack Notes by Geoff Leonard and Pete Walker