The Comedians (1967)

Plot: We follow six Americans/Europeans living under the brutal Haitian dictatorship of "Papa Doc"
Stars:  Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Ustinov, and Alec Guinness.

Based on the excellent novel by Grahame Greene,  I found the movie too long, too talky, and too tepid. Its a good example of why novelists shouldn't adapt their own work**. Greene sticks close to the novel - but the novel is only good because of Greene's writing style and ability to get inside his characters minds, neither of which can be filmed.  As a result, there's not much suspense, action, humor, or melodrama.  What we get is a sluggish, downbeat movie with too much Liz,  some dark humor, and plenty of sophisticated political dialog.

As for the actors, Ustinov is totally wasted and  "Liz and Dick" have no chemistry on-screen.  Both Burton and Taylor - either because of the script - or their own limitations never seem to inhabit their characters but always seem to be *acting*.  Of course, charismatic movie stars always have trouble "disappearing" into their characters, but this was an extreme example. On the plus side, the other actors are fine, and photography is beautiful.

** Greene somewhat agreed with me. He stated in a Guardian Film Lecture:

"I'm not very happy with The Comedians.   The script wasn't as good as it should have been. The direction wasn't as good as should have been. I think it should have been made in B&W, and that Elizabeth Taylor was a disaster." 

Summary:  If you're a fan of Burton, Taylor,  or Graham Greene, you might want to spend 2 1/2 hours on "The Comedians". Others should approach with low expectations.