VIDEO REVIEW: OSS 117 - Double Agent

VIDEO REVIEW: OSS 117 - Mission For A Killer

VIDEO REVIEW: OSS 117 se Dechaine

i SPY EUROSPY: OSS 117: se dechaine

OSS 117: se dechaine
Director: Andre Hunebelle
Year 1963
 
OSS 117: se dechaine is the first post Bond spy film of an outstanding series of French films showcasing the espionage filled adventures of agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath. Directed by Andre Hunebelle and filmed in crisp and atmospheric black and white, the movie is an absolute stunner, taking cues from the Bond formula that was introduced a year earlier and just rolling with it in style.
 
The story of se dechaine follows secret agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath AKA OSS 117, as he investigates the recent death of fellow agent Roos who had an unfortunate accident off the shores of Bonifacio, France while scuba diving. Smelling foul play, Hubert flies into the coastal town of Bonifacio, interrogating all who had interacted with his late friend just before his death. His investigations eventually take him to a remote location, where a new submarine detector has been developed on. This new device could tip the fragile peace between warring factions and cast the earth into another world war, so obviously OSS 117 has to put a monkey wrench in their plans. This classy effort is as fun as it sounds, provided by some beautiful photography and an interesting and engaging cast.

Kerwin Mathews you beautiful bastard, you’ve done it again. Having spent a great deal of his earlier career starring in swashbucklers and fantasy flicks, Mathews steps into the Eurospy light with this fantastic first real Bond-like entry in the OSS 117 series. Bringing all the charm and wit that made him a star in his earlier roles, Mathews really makes the character of Hubert de la Bath come to life. His athletic ability also didn’t hurt his chances on creating an engaging and adventurous disposition for agent OSS 117, providing some really energized fight scenes and immaculate set pieces. His performance on this film even garnered him a return in the next OSS 117 entry entitled Panic in Bangkok. Both of his efforts in this series are highly entertaining, making me wish that he would have continued on with the winning formula. Who knows what other wonders he could have brought the Eurospy genre.
 
Providing some extra appeal for the film is actress Nadia Sanders who plays the role of Brigitta, one of the surviving members of Roos’ scuba diving team. Her role in the film is rather essential and she provides a good deal of twists and turns that help move the movie along into some interesting avenues. Her beautiful looks and innocent demeanor provide a curious combination for Hubert to contend with and her troubled past is quite revealing when all the chips are laid out on the table at the end of the film. Nadia is a classy actress and her presence in se dechaine is a welcomed one.

While being somewhat of an early bloomer in the post Bond timeline, OSS 117: se dechaine seems to have latched onto the formula with an accomplished sense of ease. The globe trotting aspect that was first introduced in Connery’s Dr. No, is in full effect in this film providing some luxuriously breathtaking looks at Bonifacio, Toulon, and Nice. There’s also the inclusion of some various yet stunning women for Hubert to flirt with, bringing that much needed sex appeal to the forefront of the film. OSS 117 isn’t that much different from James Bond. Both men like their pick of multiple women and each one eventually succumbs to the advances of one special lady before the closing moments of the film. The formula of se dechaine is unmistakably Bond, but damn does it do it so well.
 
There is a slight diversion from the Bond-centric moments during the final portion of the film though. These incidences occur with the group behind the development of the sub detector and their overall involvement in the film. They are hardly present throughout the movie, sparing only passing glimpses into their plans and aspirations for doing what they’re doing. This is slammed even closer to home when we witness the demise of this organization by a suicidal decision to blow up their own laboratory rather then be caught. Hell, when this happens La Bath isn’t even in the same location, he’s off fighting a henchman on a speeding boat. It kind of brings an anticlimactic feel to the film, but luckily the film doesn’t fixate on the diabolical minds behind the sub detector that much in the first place, so in the end it isn’t much of a let down. Aside from that little oddity, se dechaine is a rather accomplished Bond clone that set the right example when it came to establishing the Eurospy genre.

OSS 117: se dechaine is an outstanding beginning for the series and it establishes the agent of Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath as a new breed of secret agent. Kerwin Mathews does such a great job as OSS 117 and his performance is fully engaging and highly entertaining. The rest of the cast does an equally astounding job, bringing the world of OSS 117 to life while adapting to the changing tone of espionage films to coexist with the dominant Bond movies of the time.
 
With its black and white photography, se dechaine is a stunner, bringing about a classier depiction of the Eurospy, but still utilizing the intriguing subject matter and whimsical tone that the genre is known for. This is one fun adventure filled mission and luckily this is only the beginning for what would eventually be a rather accomplished Eurospy series. OSS 117: se dechaine is……

Don't fart underwater. The bubbles give you away everytime.

La Bath...... Hubert Bonisseur de La... shit just call me OSS 117!

OSS 117 flies Air Fance. How fancy.

So are you up for a little hanky panky?

Where the shit am I?

You can't have any pudding if you don't finish your meat!

Well hello there sexy.

Kramer you diabolical fiend!

Well hello there ladies!

OSS 117 doing some extreme bird watching. What a card.

I see you over there you little pervert!

Hello police... I'd like to report an incident of extreme handsomeness.

You know you look like a complete moron.

Man do I hate scuba diving!

Playing cops and robbers is FUN.

Now everyone repeat after me. It's fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.!

When you get to Hell, tell them Hubert Bonisseur de La....
Shit just tell them OSS 117 sent ya.

Thanks everyone. Hope you enjoyed the movie. See you in the sequel.

i Spy Eurospy: OSS 117 Mission For A Killer

OSS 117 Mission For A Killer
Director: Andre Hunebelle
Year 1965

OSS 117 Mission For A Killer aka Furia A Bahia Pour OSS 117 is a breathtaking Eurospy film that relishes in the beautiful landscape that is Rio de Janeiro. Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, otherwise known as agent OSS 117, is sent to Brazil after a string of political assassinations begin to pile up that result in a fellow agent's murder. It seems that someone is using beautiful women as suicide bombers, with the help of a new narcotic that turns its victims into mindless and obedient slaves. Can the charismatic agent take down the organization behind the killings or will he just soak up the Brazilian atmosphere? Mission For A Killer satisfies both options and with style to spare.

OSS 117 loves himself some Rio.

I can't believe you just farted in this elevator!
He who smelt it dealt it.

For this OSS 117 outing, the part of the agent is played by Frederick Stafford, who surprisingly has his first go at the character and film role in general. Having never appeared in a motion picture prior to Mission For A Killer, you would think that you'd be witnessing a more timid and restrained performance by the first time actor, but this is not the case. Stafford hams it up and does it flawlessly with such a natural approach to the material you'd expect he was born to play this role. He's suave to the last and handles the comedic aspects of the character with expert professionalism and effortless charm.

You'll find yourself grinning from his unchecked confidence, as he thwarts the bad guys and gets the girls. Staffords impeccable efforts as the titular agent did not go unnoticed for he went on to star in the same role for OSS 117's next mission, Terror in Tokyo. Having done one hell of a job in both films, I wish he would have continued on in just one more outing as Hubert la Bath, but in the end I'm just glad I'm finally able to see his two efforts in all there vibrant glory. 

You know I hate it when you bite your nails.

This is my mean face.

The story is rather intriguing, with the inclusion of a hypnotic narcotic and an evil organization that dreams of world domination, but it's the location that really dazzles within the frame. Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to set a spy film and if you look back through the history of the genre, the real standouts are the ones that place their agents in the lush surroundings of Brazil. Kiss the Girls and Watch Them Die, That Man From Rio, OSS 117 Lost in Rio, they all have a certain style that just melds so well with the Eurospy trademarks.

Andre Hunebelle does wonders with the locale by giving us some excellent establishing shots of the coastline and a plethora of aerial pans that just melt the eyeballs. The vertical nature of Rio's landscape also gives way to some amazingly composed shots that show 117 doing his spy thing among the picturesque wonders of Brazil's man made and natural skyline. I've always had a love for films set in Rio and the combination of France's most established spy series with the world's most awe-inspiring location is a match made in celluloid heaven.

Welcome to the jungle baby. Your ass is gonna get shot!

Does someone in the audience have a fire extinguisher?

There's also a bevy of beauties in Mission For A Killer, the most noteworthy being the beautiful French actress Mylene Demongeot. Most notable for her work on the French caper series Fantomas, Mylene does an amazing job as la Bath's main romantic interest, Anna-Maria Sulza. She doesn't play a real physical role here, engaging in more of the damsel in distress type character, but boy does she look good doing it. Her character is interwoven throughout the story, appearing here and there until she is thrust up on center stage after being the unwelcome recipient of a narcotic induced hypnotic trance. From then on, she's the go to gal for OSS 117, riding shotgun on his wild adventure to bring down the mastermind of this sorted plot. I enjoyed her efforts as Anna-Maria and look forward to the rest of her acting catalogue as I delve deeper into the French films of the 60's.

Of course Mylene is not alone as the only female counterpart steaming up the screen. There's a small and lesser role played by Perrette Pradier as a beautiful but deceptive seductress. When Mylene is not on the screen, Perrette shines, giving the audience a devilish grin as she tries again and again to bring down the super agent. Each attempt always ends the same, with 117 coming out the other side unscathed. There's even a rather comedic turn of events where Perrette's character tries to get the jump on la Bath as he's shaving. She sends in two goons to bum rush the agent, but cleverly 117 turns the tide and ties up the trio, leaving them to awkwardly lie on the bed as he goes out on a date. It's a great sequence that has a whimsical feel to it, proving just how clever la Bath really is while giving the beautiful Perrette Pradier some much needed screen time. Now I'm going to have to hunt down her role in That Man in Istanbul to see what else she can bring to the Eurospy table.

What do you mean there's no movie on this flight?

And the survey says!

One of the more standout qualities of this OSS 117 film, is its keen eye for action and spectacular fight scenes. I was taken aback by how detailed and synchronized some of the battles actually were. The fight moves were quite inventive and kinetic, never slowing and always moving at a quick pace into the next segment. Out of the majority of Eurospy that have come across my eyes, I'd have to say that Mission For A Killer is the most accomplished when it comes to the fight choreography. It also doesn't hurt that there are some very memorable henchmen and weaponry at hand in these conflicts. One notable moment occurs when a blonde haired thug threatens to burn the chiseled features of OSS 117 with a blow torch. The sequence is shot with vigor, bringing us right into the thick of battle. The flames dance across the screen and you can really feel a sense of danger in the proceedings in both the film's narrative and the actual filming of the production. It's those kind of moments that are very much prevalent throughout Mission For A Killer, resulting in one of the most heralded spy efforts to not occur in the Bond universe.

In the closing moments of the film, we are treated to another spectacular sequence of events as an airborne army unit parachutes into the lair of the diabolical Leandro, played by Raymond Pellegrin. The jungle fortress is expansive and delightfully constructed and to see an epic battle of army against army within its structure, well it's just a magnificent location for the finale. That's one thing you can always count on with Mission For A Killer and the entire OSS 117 series. They really know how to make a visually pleasing and highly energized spy film.

It's raining men! Hallelujah it's raining men!

A perfect location for the end of the movie.

OSS 117 Mission For A Killer is a real 8th wonder of the Eurospy world. With a visual budget that appears to give Bond a run for his money and a location as astounding as Rio de Janeiro, you really can't go wrong with this flick. I'd say that this Eurospy film has to be one of my favorites among the genre and Frederick Stafford's OSS 117 agent to be one of my all time top picks of entertaining and believable Eurospy super agents. If you're looking for a fun ride with one hell of a visual payback, then look no further then Mission For A Killer. It really has everything that you'd ever want in a Eurospy film. Check it out any way you can.

5 out of 5 guns      A Wonderful Eurospy Set In Brazil!

i Spy Eurospy: OSS 117 Double Agent

OSS 117 Double Agent
Director: Andre Hunebelle
Year 1968

OSS 117 Double Agent is a film, like many Eurospy movies, of a thousand names. Also titled Murder For Sale, No Roses, and many other variations, Double Agent is a highly entertaining and worth while Eurospy that brings so many great aspects of the genre together that you really can't deny its overall entertainment value.

Double Agent tells the story of American Secret Service agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, aka OSS 117, as he attempts to infiltrate a terrorist organization run by a fashionably devoid, but highly brilliant mastermind, Il Maggiore. OSS 117 takes on the identity of a known criminal William Chandler, in hopes to gather information on the illusive organization, only to be trapped in a deadly game of trust by his new employers when he is sent to the Middle East to assassinate a peace negotiator. Can he survive in a high stakes game of treachery and treason? Can he thwart Maggiore's well laid out plans? And can he also do this while at the same time bedding a few beautiful women on the side? My instincts tell me yes.

Hold it right there buster!

EXTRA! EXTRA! Put some pants on!

OSS 117 Double Agent has one of the most impressive casts that I've come into contact with on my topsy turvy journey through Eurospy land. The caliber of spy actors among the ranks of this film are delightful and seeing each person come onto the screen, in very random moments, is a real treat for Eurospy fans. Some appear for only a few frames and others help carry the film along, but all help in creating a colorful film that screams to be watched, especially by spy enthusiasts.

One of the names that is not very known in the Eurospy world, just happens to be the man who plays the main character of OSS 117. John Gavin may be lacking the credibility to take on the role, but he ends up coming out of the ordeal as an accomplished veteran of the spy trade. I loved his portrayal of OSS 117 and felt that he brought just the right amount of charisma and playfulness to the role. His character appears to be living it up and loving every moment of it, even when he is fighting for his life. Gavin's juggling of both business and pleasure is also a hoot to watch play out. Much like his predecessor James Bond, Gavin's OSS 117 loves the ladies and doesn't mind rolling around in the hay on mission time. I felt that Gavin hit the perfect note of lightheartedness and significance, often recalling Sean Connery's performance as Bond, without delving into more camp material like Roger Moore. Unfortunately this is Gavin's only portrayal of OSS 117 and to my knowledge this is also his only foray in the Eurospy genre. It's sad, because I really got a kick out of his performance.

It seems that your nipple is in perfect working condition.

I don't know what I hate more. That tacky suit or that sweaty gorilla standing behind me.

Like all spy films of this era, the women are essential and let me tell you there are tons in this film. Not just in quantity though, but quality also. We have a fleeting appearance by one of Italy's most iconic actresses, Rosalba Neri. She plays a bit part early in the film where she comes to find that the man that she has just slept with is ruthless killer William Chandler, of course portrayed by OSS 117 on his undercover mission. She phones the police, ensuing a rather entertaining scene where 117 must fight off a group of police officers wearing only a newspaper and a few random objects. It's a great set piece and it's nice to see Rosalba even if it is just for a few precious moments.

Two of the meatier roles go to fellow spy vets, Luciana Paluzzi and Margaret Lee, with Lee coming out with the more substantial role. Both women are no strangers to the genre with Paluzzi taking on her iconic role in Thunderball alongside Sean Connery in 1965, to Lee's almost endless supply of Eurospy films. She seemed to be the go to girl at the time these films were most popular in Europe. Some of her credits include Agent 077 Fury in the Orient, New York Calling Super Dragon, Bang! Bang! You're Dead!, Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die, Dick Smart 2007, Spy Pit, and the list just goes on and on.

In Double Agent, Luciana Paluzzi plays the role of Maud, a physician who works for the terrorist organization that 117 is up against. She encounters agent OSS 117 and of course falls into bed with him. She has a few key roles and does splendidly with them for the short amount of time she's on screen, but boy does she eat up the scenery. She has the ability to draw your attention in and she does it in great abundance in this movie. Margaret Lee on the other hand plays the role of Aicha Melik, an innocent woman who ends up getting tangled in 117's life and mission only to fall head over heels for him. She actually has a lot of physical scenes in this film, lunging at armed assassins and getting tossed all over the place. I've always loved Margaret's performances in this genre and in Double Agent she doesn't disappoint. Like Paluzzi, she has a magnetic personality that was just made for film and in this one she shines.

Margaret Lee is unbeLEEvable! Yeah I said it.

What a nice Sunday drive.

Let's not forget the other side of the coin here, for where would we be without the villains? In Double Agent, we get a hefty portion of diabolical masterminds that all serve their individual purposes while at the same time, never really defining a clarity in the bad guy hierarchy chain. It really is a strange sort of set up, because the obvious main villain comes in the form of Il Maggoire, the leader of the assassin and terrorist outfit, but he really has little to no influence throughout the picture. He is more of a guide of sorts, pushing 117 on his way and never getting that confrontation moment that we are always treated to at the end of these spy opuses.

Instead we are given two underlings of the organization, that are given two separate roles in plaguing our main character. There is a Doctor named Saadi played by Robert Hossein and a brutish fellow named Karas played by George Eastman. Both men have a great deal to do in the film, helping to carry the extra weight that Maggoire's character neglects to share. Saadi has a particularly interesting role in poisoning OSS 117, keeping him on an invisible leash so to speak in order to get his daily dose of the antidote and to stay the poison in his bloodstream. Karas' character is a more physical beast, in which he relishes the brutality of inflicting pain. During the early portions of the film he plays a more passive role, but come the waning moments of the movie he becomes a raving lunatic lashing out at anything and anyone, most notably pour Margaret Lee. It seems to be a specialty of Eastman's because whenever I see him in a film, he is a raving mad lunatic. Take his roles in Antropophagus and Erotic Nights of the Living Dead, just to name a few. The guys a complete maniac! Luckily he was able to channel that same lunacy for his role as Karas, because he really does set the few ending moments of the film on fire with his energy and animalistic mystique.

That's the last time you open the window when the air conditioning is on.

Oh Margaret Lee.... you're just darling.

Though the overall plot of the film is a bit vague in its presentation, you really can't deny the energy and fun of the whole mission. John Gavin's playful nature as OSS 117, is infectious in my opinion and really helps to mold the film into a fun romp in espionage. Paired with the enjoyable and adorable acting chops of Margaret Lee and you've got yourself a winner.

The two have a great chemistry between each other and the relationship that they begin to build together is pleasant to see unfold. You really can't say the same thing for a majority of Eurospy films or even the originator of the genre, the James Bond films. The only thing that comes close in my memory would be George Lazenby and Diana Rigg's relationship in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Both films kind of lifted up the misogynist spy facade and took a broader scope at the main agent's relationships. While not as accomplished at said feat as On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Double Agent still has a twinkle of that unique magic in its workings. For being such an under-seen gem, I would say that's quite an accomplishment.

You better start talking lamp shade or the girl gets it!

A romantic helicopter ride for two.

OSS 117 Double Agent is a surprisingly enjoyable spy romp that has an elite cast of Eurospy veterans and genre pros to back it up. The overall story may be vague, but the impression that the film gives off is immensely addictive. I loved the carefree nature of John Gavin's 117 and the playful nature that he brought to the character. I felt it was perfectly balanced with the tone of the whole film and gelled well together with both the narrative and Margaret Lee's enrapturing presence. I highly recommend the film for anyone who loves the wild ride that Eurospy can provide and if you're new to the genre, give it a try. You might just end up becoming one of the converted. Double Agent is an extremely enjoyable addition to the OSS 117 spy series and one you should definitely check out.

5 out of 5 guns         A John Gavin & Margaret Lee Stunner!