Just watched this action thriller on Netflix streaming. It stars Richard Egan as John Stryker, a businessman who's supposedly retired from the U.S. spy business but reluctantly takes a call after being told that a crazed scientist played by Burgess Meredith has disappeared from an institution after 9 staff members were found dead. Khigh Dhiegh, who years later became the original Wo-Fat on the original "Hawaii Five-O" is one of the villainous henchmen on the run looking for him but the real mastermind is played by Telly Savalas in a stereotypical Asian role that would be politically incorrect today though he does seem to relish his attempt to speak like an Occidental Fu Manchu-type character which makes it a little fun to watch. Also interesting were Viveca Lindfors and Tina Louise as Savalas' female assistants and an appearance of jazz legend Al Hirt for a concert appearance and a connection with Meredith's character. I also liked Ed Asner and J.D. Cannon as Striker's associates. If there was some quibble from me, I'd say there was not enough action for this 73-minute movie as some long dialogue scenes could have used some tight editing though the continuously playing score does keep things from getting too boring and while the ending seemed abrupt, it was exciting enough. So on that note, Fanfare for a Death Scene is worth a look if you're curious enough.
