Kaleidoscope (1966)

Plot:  Comedy/Crime Caper. A Rich Gambler helps Scotland Yard ruin a Global Narcotics Kingpin
Stars:  Warren Beatty, Susannah York

An Arabesque/Charade knock-off.  Set in “Swinging London” we get the standard 60's comedy/caper tropes: a clever/suave hero, villains in tuxedos, sexual banter, opulent Casinos, and lavish technicolor. The whole thing ends with a long chase and a happy ending. The supporting British actors - Clive Revill and Eric Porter - are a real positive.

Problems? The script/story is extremely thin and can barely fill the short 104 minute run-time. To stretch out the action, we get some very long Poker games (card players  may consider that a plus).  And York is beautiful & funny - but given little to do.

Best Scene:  The Scotland Yard Inspector blackmails Beatty into helping the Police
Worst Scene:  A way-too-long, meaningless poker game between Beatty and a minor character.

Warren Beatty.  No serious acting is required and while he's no Cary Grant - Warren is sufficiently charming and "cool". Per his biography, Beatty took the undemanding role to save his energy for Bonnie and Clyde.

Summary:  A critical and box-office flop, the film sank like a stone in 1966, and hasn’t been heard of since. But Kaleidoscope isn’t that bad.  It’s a fun/frivolous 60’s caper – but utterly mediocre. ** 1/2