This film captures you from start to finish, like the music! The lead actor is handsome; the pace is deceptive; the mystery is jazzy yet confounding; the cast's acting is done well; and our faith in the goodness in some stays alive through the end. This clever and entertaining film is a must see! The Spanish Prisoner was intelligently written and simply directed, a deception. The handsome and genuine Joe Ross --- naturally portrayed by the equally handsome Campbell Scott --- was your friend from the start. He is kind, easygoing, and neighborly. An inventor who trusts too easily, he is a loyal employee. His employer is portrayed by the wonderful Ben Gazzara, a master of unassuming and skillful dramatic arts himself. Steve Martin (famous comedian) was a surprise as Jimmy Dell, a jazzy crook. I would have chosen a different actor for the role of Susan; I think Joe deserved a beauty. A beautiful womin he resists would have magnified the nice guy quality. Who wouldn't want to be on the beach with Campbell Scott? Who wouldn't want their boss to fairly compensate them for a great invention? How do you escape the inescapable being cornered, framed, and chased? You really must see this neat mystery!