Even the actors are too big for their purposes here: their talents are out of scale with their roles. Von Sydow is reduced to cracking his knuckles for “characterization.”

A B movie, never mind the big budget and the famous names, is exactly what Memorandum is. The plot is generally aimless, the lines are merely cute.

It relies on a straight narrative storyline, simple but holding, literate dialog and well-drawn characters.

…The Quiller Memorandum doesn’t actually have much plot, but makes the best of keeping it real; this really is one of the best 60’s spy movies, elevated by Pinter’s brilliant ear for threats and Anderson’s stunning use of sunny German locations…