While the B-movies in the "Bulldog Drummond" series in the mid-to-late 1930's where your average sophisticated mystery series in the bane of "The Thin Man", the first two starring Ronald Colman we're very sophisticated International thrillers along the lines of the much later Bond series. There hadn't been a "Bulldog Drummond" film since 1951, so it seems natural that someone would see the original on The Late Show and decide that it could be redone in the Bond mode. Richard Johnson, once rumored to be playing Bond in the original film, is cast as Drummond here, and is perfectly urbane and witty as he deals with an international group of assassins, all of which are women. They smile sweetly before they strike, and as the secretary of the first victim, Elke Sommer is very funny as she arranges for a real bag of an exit for her target. The prelude to the opening credits are very witty and set up a great ball of fun, not a classic, but certainly memorable.
Along with the lovely Sylva Koscina (and other international beauties), Sommer turns her assignments into the opportunity for some very funny wisecracks, and there's also a chess game with very large pieces that is similar to what would later be done in one of the "Harry Potter" movies. The great thing about this film is as sophisticated as its looks, the plot is not complicated and very easy to follow, something is that is wrong with a lot of spy thrillers of the 1960's. This isn't trying to outwit the audience, just entertain them, and some International character actors in smaller roles (usually as the victims) pop in and out. Lavish locations and some great designer fashions make these murderous ladies a lot of fun to watch. Johnson is a great hero, and it's too bad there weren't more "Bulldog Drummond" films to follow this.
Along with the lovely Sylva Koscina (and other international beauties), Sommer turns her assignments into the opportunity for some very funny wisecracks, and there's also a chess game with very large pieces that is similar to what would later be done in one of the "Harry Potter" movies. The great thing about this film is as sophisticated as its looks, the plot is not complicated and very easy to follow, something is that is wrong with a lot of spy thrillers of the 1960's. This isn't trying to outwit the audience, just entertain them, and some International character actors in smaller roles (usually as the victims) pop in and out. Lavish locations and some great designer fashions make these murderous ladies a lot of fun to watch. Johnson is a great hero, and it's too bad there weren't more "Bulldog Drummond" films to follow this.