The List of Adrian Messenger (1963) -- John Huston

The List of Adrian Messenger is a 1963 black and white crime thriller about a retired British intelligence officer (George C. Scott) investigating a series of apparently unrelated deaths.

It is directed by acclaimed film director John Huston. The film is based on the 1961 novel of the same title by Philip MacDonald.

The film is a relatively modern-day Golden Age type of mystery with an additional gimmick of its own. A number of prominent Hollywood actors are advertised to appear in the film heavily disguised in make-up designed by John Chambers.
~ Wiki

Actor Jan Merlin reportedly played several of the alleged star cameos in the movie (including Kirk Douglas and Robert Mitchum); according to Merlin, the big-name actors never appeared in the film proper and only shot close-ups for an epilogue peeling off their heavy make-up. Merlin used his experiences as the basis of a thinly-veiled novel about the filming of the movie titled 'Shooting Montezuma'.
~ IMDB

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• Merlin

[em12358]

I Am such a bad speller!!! I also wanted say that this film would not have been as effective if it was in color. I think a color film would have brought more attention to the make-up/masks and disguises - and I might not have concentrated on the story.

[em12358]

I've spelt Peter Lorre's name wrong. Sorry. Anyway, look this movie up - you'll enjoy it!

[em12358]

I agree with JiffySpook! I have collected a few "secret gems". See if you can find "The Mask of Dimitrios". The main characters are played by Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lori and Zachary Scott.

[JiffySpook]

This film is the absolute definition of underrated.

[italianoettore]

Ottimo film..!!