Visa to Canton (Passport to China) is a routine and below average spy movie. The opening music sequence is reminiscent of the early Bond movies but that is where the similarities end. Richard Basehart is pulled into an adventure
to rescue his 'brother' in communist China, who piloted a plane that had crashed.
It is not actually a brother but a friend from a Chinese family who is very close to
Basehart and helped him during WW2. After bringing his brother back he is then recruited/coerced into returning and tracking down an agent who has valuable scientific information, which is never explained.
The plot is quite pedestrian and none too complicated.
He encounters a Russian General who is the main antagonist. The Russian has
bad make-up seemingly to look part Asian. He is more cartoonish rather
than sinister. Anyway, Basehart's mission is only partly and much too
easily accomplished. Nothing very interesting or complex in this plot. I watched an HD copy so the cinematography is colorful and interesting.
Review of Passport to China
