Sidney Lumet directed The Appointment, a psychological drama, starring Omar Sharif and Anouk Aimée.
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Theatrical release poster
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Written by James Salter, it is based on the story by Antonio Leonviola.
After becoming involved with the ex-fiancée of a business acquaintance, lawyer Federico Fendi (Omar Sharif) becomes consumed with suspicion that his new wife Carla (Anouk Aimée) may be moonlighting as high-class prostitute.
However, his attempts to entrap her lead to disaster.
The Appointment has three original scores. Michel Legrand composed the film’s first score. That score contained only a single theme and was ultimately rejected. A replacement score was composed by John Barry, which was used in the theatrical release. Barry’s score also contained a single theme with variations.
The Appointment was nominated for the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) at the 1969 Cannes Film Fest, but the prize went to the British black comedy If…. (1968).
The film had limited release in the U.S., and when the rights were purchased for TV airing by CBS, MGM re-edited the film and commissioned a new score by Stu Phillips.
Cast
Omar Sharif, Federico Fendi
Anouk Aimée, Carla
Lotte Lenya Emma Valadier
Didi Perego Nani de Marchis
Fausto Tozzi Renzo
Gigi Proietti Fabre
Paola Barbara Mother
Inna Alexeieff Old Woman on Train
Ennio Balbo Ugo Perino
Credits:
Directed by Sidney Lumet
Written by James Salter; Antonio Leonviola (story)
Produced by Martin Poll
Cinematography Carlo Di Palma
Edited by Thelma Connell
Music by John Barry, Don Walker
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release dates: May 1969 (Cannes Film Festival)
Running time: 115 minutes
