The Defector (film)

The Defector is a 1966 thriller film, starring Montgomery Clift, Roddy McDowall and Macha Meril. It was directed by Belgian directorproducer Raoul Lvy and based on the 1965 novel Lespion by Paul Thomas.

This was Clifts last film, and he only agreed to star in it so he could prepare himself for his next role in the 1967 film Reflections in a Golden Eye the role went to actor Marlon Brando. Although obviously very ill he died less than three months after most of the shooting was completed, he still managed to give a convincing performance in what has been termed a very moody and sombre film. This characterization is in stark contrast to the exuberance displayed by his love interest, who was played by Meril, an obviously more youthful woman.On December 31, 1966, the director Lvy 19221966 committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest. Consequently, although the film was released before Levys death, it was a posthumous showing for both its director and lead actor. ........

Source: Wikipedia