Retired agent Matt Helm is re-activated in order to stop an evil organization from exploding an atom bomb over the USA and starting WWIII.Retired agent Matt Helm is re-activated in order to stop an evil organization from exploding an atom bomb over the USA and starting WWIII.Retired agent Matt Helm is re-activated in order to stop an evil organization from exploding an atom bomb over the USA and starting WWIII.
- Awards
- 2 nominations
- Traynor
- (scenes deleted)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is actually based on two Donald Hamilton novels - the one with the same title and also the first in the Matt Helm series, "Death Of A Citizen". From this novel comes the introductory business of Matt Helm returning reluctantly to the world of espionage through the intercession of a woman named Tina. However, it must be stressed that there is very little of either book in this film - the Matt Helm novels are very serious and view the world of espionage coldly as something very unpleasant, whereas the films are ridiculous parodies done in imitation of the James Bond series.
- GoofsOne of the guards is shot, and the exit wound can be seen on his back. When he turns toward the camera, before falling, is it seen that there is no corresponding entrance wound.
- Quotes
Tina: This is just like old times.
Matt Helm: Yeah, especially with that body on the floor.
[Pointing to Barbara in the background, who has just been shot twice in the back by Tina]
Tina: What do we do with *her*?
Matt Helm: You put her on ice, let ICE take care of it.
Tina: And what happens when the maid walks in, in the morning?
Matt Helm: You know, you're right. Let's put her in my bed, so we don't arouse suspicion.
[Matt and Tina start walking towards Barbara's body, cut]
- Crazy creditsComing up next Matt Helm meets Lovey Kravezit in Murderers' Row
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Obsession of Billy Botski (1980)
- SoundtracksThe Silencers
Music by Elmer Bernstein
Lyrics by Mack David
Performed by Cyd Charisse (dubbed by Vikki Carr)
Dean Martin starred as Matt Helm, the lead character in a series of novels by Donald Hamilton. The books were serious spy adventures; but, there is nothing serious about the film series. Dean plays it tongue-in-cheek, often making fun of his own image and rivalry with fellow Rat Packer Frank Sinatra. The films are filled with strange characters and silly gadgets.
Martin has fun with the role and keeps the film rolling along, but Stella Stevens makes it memorable. She is sexy as hell, but is such a lovable klutz that she dominates every scene. Victor Buono gets to chew the most scenery this side of his Batman appearances.
The gadgets make James Bond look like a documentary: a gun that shoots backward unless the trigger is pushed, exploding buttons, a station wagon with a fold down bed and bar, and Helm's many household appliances.
These films were anything but serious, but this one is very entertaining. The films tended to get worse with each new entry, but most of the elements work well here. If you are looking for serious spy cinema, try 007 or Harry Palmer. If you want some goofy fun, try this.
- grendelkhan
- Sep 27, 2003
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Silencer
- Filming locations
- Bronson Canyon, Hollywood, California, USA(McDonald's weapons demonstration)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $3,500,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 42 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1