Cross is an old hand at the CIA who often teams up with Frenchman Jean “Scorpio” Laurier, a gifted freelance operative. After their last mission together, the CIA orders Scorpio to eliminate Cross, leaving him no choice but to obey.
Acting
Lancaster's weary eyes carry entire scenes
Cinematography
Gritty 70s European locations shot ugly-beautiful

Director
Michael Winner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Winner directed this between Death Wish films, which explains the casual brutality and weird pacing.
Scorpio's grimy Vienna safe houses and shadowy Langley hallways practically invented the visual language for 70s spy fatigue—decades before Tinker Tailor made it fashionable.