This was the first of The Man From UNCLE movies, which was put together by combining two of the tv series episodes, with some additional footage. In this case 'The Vulcan Affair' and 'The Four Steps Affair'. These being two separate stories, they also adapted the scripts in order to make it work. The main example of this is that instead of the usual THRUSH the villains in this are an outfit called WASP. This is the usual light spy thriller, that entertains, though as a film betrays its TV origins. It's also interesting to note that as they were from season one the TV episodes were shown in Black and white.
Showing posts with label Arena Productions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arena Productions. Show all posts
15.8.09
to trap a spy (1965)
This was the first of The Man From UNCLE movies, which was put together by combining two of the tv series episodes, with some additional footage. In this case 'The Vulcan Affair' and 'The Four Steps Affair'. These being two separate stories, they also adapted the scripts in order to make it work. The main example of this is that instead of the usual THRUSH the villains in this are an outfit called WASP. This is the usual light spy thriller, that entertains, though as a film betrays its TV origins. It's also interesting to note that as they were from season one the TV episodes were shown in Black and white.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
Don Medford,
MGM,
Spy
6.8.09
the spy in the green hat (1966)
Dr Kronen (Ludwig Donath), a nazi scientist on the run is being used by THRUSH agent Louis Strago (Jack Pallance) to use heavy water to divert the Gulf stream. Thus making Greenland into a tropical paradise, whilst also plunging other areas into the depths of winter. UNCLE agents Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) are soon on the case trying to stop the plot. Unfortunately for Solo he gets sidetracked when he's forced into a shotgun wedding to a Sicilian girl (Leticia Roman) that he has dishonoured and ends up being chased by her mobster uncles when he skips the ceremony.In this Man from UNCLE off shoot, (made from combining the two parter 'The Concrete Overcoat Affair' from season three of the series), they manage to meld the elements of comedy and thrills to produce a well rounded film. Aided by the fact that it features a wonderfully devilish baddy in Janet Leigh as Miss Diketon, who seems to get a sexual kick out of toying with and killing people.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
Joseph Sargent,
MGM,
Spy
4.8.09
the karate killers (1967)
UNCLE agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin (Robert Vaughn and David McCallum) have to track down a secret formula for extracting gold from sea water, that has been divided into four parts and hidden around the world. The scientist that developed it has been killed, but not before he gave four of his daughters a part of the formula. As usual THRUSH are also after it and send their agent Randolph (Herbert Lom) to make sure they are the one's to get it.
Another light spy thriller from the Man from UNCLE, this time combining the two parts of The Five Daughters Affair episodes from season three. This one is star packed, featuring Joan Crawford, Curd Jurgens, Terry-Thomas, Jill Ireland, Telly Savalas and Herbert Lom. This is a more serious thriller than other in the series, less tongue in cheek, but it still retains the sense of fun, mainly due to the 60's groove they have. It also features a pop-syke song by Every Mother's Son, rather than the usual UNCLE theme.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
Barry Shear,
MGM,
Spy
2.8.09
one spy too many (1966)
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
Joseph Sargent,
MGM,
Spy
31.7.09
one of our spies is missing (1966)
Cats are being used in experiments to reverse the aging process and Illya (David McCallum) is sent to London to find out who is using the cats. Meanwhile Dr Lancer, a famous scientist, has gone missing and Napoleon (Robert Vaughan) goes to Paris to talk to his daughter. When Dr Lancer reappears looking like his younger self the UNCLE agents realise that their seperate investigations are actually the same and they combine and uncover a plot by women in the fashion industry to develop an anti-aging machine. But THRUSH also have designs on the machine.The forth enstallment in the Man from UNCLE films, made up of both parts of the TV episodes The Bridge Of Lions Affair makes much more play spoofing the spy genre than in previous films. This is a light hearted spy romp that will entertain, but don't think to deeply.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
E. Darrell Hallenbeck,
MGM,
Spy
21.7.09
the spy with my face (1966)
As with other Man from UNCLE movies this is made up of two episodes of the TV series combined. Fans of the series will love this, it has all the elements a 60's spy film should have, but others may feel it's a little lacking, betraying its origins as a TV show and subsequent lack of funding compared to most films. Never the less, if you want a lightweight spy thriller with guns, girls, and action you could do a lot worse than this.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
John Newland,
MGM,
Spy
2.7.09
the helicopter spies (1968)
Originally two episodes of The Man From UNCLE, called 'The Prince Of Darkness Affair', this was combined and sent out as a theatrical release. An entertaining and light weight spy thriller, that never takes itself seriously and an emphasis on campy good fun and bizarre villains. It's also full of guest appearances, from Carol Lindley, a silent John Carradine and Julie London popping up from time to time.
Labels:
American,
Arena Productions,
Boris Sagal,
MGM,
Spy
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