After failing to make it work with absolute star power in “Torn Curtain,” Alfred Hitchcock tried again three years later with lesser-known names in the spy thriller “Topaz.” And indeed, the plot surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis is much more complex this time around. At the same time, however, there are far too many main characters who have to share the viewer's attention. As a result, the film is overloaded and, at least for me, never managed to draw me in.

NB: This comment relates to the 143min version with the "Airport" ending. I preferred this to his last Cold War suspense thriller 'Torn Curtain'. Probably because this movie was set around one of the most dangerous times in post WW2 history. I couldn't care less that there are so many unrecognisable faces; the story was well written, acted, directed and that is all I want from Sir Alfred.