Are you ready for another rapid fire Blu-ray import review? Well it seems that Warner Bros are putting out far less from their Warner Archive label in the UK than in America although at least some are making their way on to Blu-ray in an exclusive deal with retailer HMV. That said there are still many titles unavailable such as the film I’m taking a look here starring Paul Newman. So without further ado here’s my Harper (1966) blu-ray review.
- Harper (1966) Import
- Genre: Crime, Action-Drama
- Directed by Jack Smight
- UK Rating N/A
- Discs: 1
- Released By Warner Archive
- Blu-ray Import (Region Free)
Plot
Elaine Sampson (Lauren Bacall) requests Private investigator Lew Harper’s (Paul Newman) services to track down her missing husband.
Style / Direction
The film is directed by Jack Smight with the cinematography handled by Conrad L. Hall.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is composed by Johnny Mandel.
Acting / Characters
The cast is simply fabulous with Newman putting in a terrific performance as P.I Lew Harper.
Cast
- Paul Newman – Lew Harper
- Lauren Bacall – Elaine Sampson
- Julie Harris – Betty Fraley
- Arthur Hill – Albert Graves
- Janet Leigh – Susan Harper
- Pamela Tiffin – Miranda Sampson
- Robert Wagner – Allan Taggert
- Robert Webber – Dwight Troy
- Shelley Winters – Fay Estabrook
- Harold Gould – Sheriff Spanner
- Roy Jenson – Puddler
- Strother Martin – Claude
Conclusion: Harper (1966) Film Review
Despite an outstanding cast the films plot never quite engrossed me early on but around the hour mark things begin to ramp up. The character of Harper played by Paul Newman is however a fascinating one and one I’m keen to see more of. Luckly Newman reprised the role in The Drowning Pool in 1975. Overall I’d have to say Harper is certainly worth a look.
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Conclusion: Harper (1966) Blu-ray Review
Warner Bros have done another excellent job; the picture quality is simply flawless with no flickers or damage to report. On the extras front there’s audio commentary by screenwriter William Goldman and a trailer.
Extras
- Commentary by Screenwriter William Goldman
- Theatrical Trailer
Popcorn Cinema Rating: Harper (1966)
MOVIE RATING: WELL WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: BASIC
Purchase Harper (1966) On Blu-ray
Harper (1966) is available now on blu-ray if you are prepared to obtain an imported version.
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Harper (1966) Trailer
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concluded the Harper (1966) blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them in the comment section below:
Summary: Harper (1966) Blu-ray Review - Import

Movie title: Harper (1966)
Duration: 121 mins
Director(s): Jack Smight
Actor(s): Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Shelley Winters, Robert Wagner, Robert Webber, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin
Genre: Crime, Action, Drama
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Newman is simply fabulous as Private Investigator Lew Harper.
Pros
- Fabulous performanace by Paul Newman as P.I. Lew Harper
Cons
- Blu-ray Not Available As UK Release