Like Death Train, the film was based on a novel by Alistair MacNeill which in turn was based on a story by Alistair MacLean.[1]
MacLean had written a number of unfinished storylines before he died in 1987. These were fleshed out in novel form by Alistair MacNeill. Night Watch came out in 1990. A review of the novel said: "The book doesn't have MacLean's touch, but MacNeill has managed to capture some of the verve and daring spirit of the original. Like other recent remakes - including Ian Fleming and Rex Stout - this version of Alistair MacLean will probably fan the fires of loyalty among his fans".[2] In 1991 a Warwickshire Council trading standards department sued the publisher of the novel claiming misleading advertising.[3] In September the publishers were fined £6,250 for misleading advertising. By that stage they had sold 355,000 copies of MacNeill's novels.[4]
When a third MacNeill novel, Time of the Assassins, came out in late 1991 the cover art was amended so MacNeill's name was as large as MacLean's.[5]
Production
The film was shot in Zagreb, with some second unit filming involving Brosnan in Hong Kong. It was the last film Brosnan made before he played James Bond in Goldeneye.[6]
Producer Neil MacDonald said the budget "will cost less to make altogether than Pierce's fee for appearing as James Bond in his next film".[7]
Release
Night Watch aired on the USA Network on October 13, 1995. In the Philippines, the film was theatrically released by Globe Vision as The Destroyer in mid-1997.[8]
DVD release
Detonator II: Night Watch is available on Region 1 DVD both individually and bundled as a double pack with Detonator (a.k.a. Death Train).[9]
References
^The Name Is Graham, Mike Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct 1995: TE5.
^Higgins a master at action, suspense: [FINAL Edition], Reviewed by Doug Williamson. The Windsor Star; Windsor, Ont., 19 May 1990: E5.
^Article 1 -- No Title: Taxi driver jailed over murders, The Guardian, 6 July 1991: 2.
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