Spy-Fi Goodness
The thrilling, and sometimes comical, exploits of the world's greatest secret agents.
List activity
2.7K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
131 titles
- StarsWilliam LundiganArt GilmoreMary CostaThis was an anthology series that presented a different story and different set of characters on each episode. It ran from 1954 to 1958 and featured Casino Royale of James Bond fame, which led to two theatrical movies of the same name.The cinematic debut of Bond (there was a radio program in South Africa before this). Here, he is American agent Jimmy Bond, played by Barry Nelson. Not bad, all things considered, mostly due to Peter Lorre as Le Chiffre.
- StarsPatrick McGoohanRichard WattisLionel MurtonJohn Drake is a special operative for NATO, specializing in security assignments against any subversive element which threatened world peace.Patrick McGoohan stars as John Drake, an agent for NATO. These are a bit more subdued and cerebral than its cinematic counterpoints. McGoohan is icy calm and maintains the moral high ground. This would set the scene for McGoohan's masterpiece.
- CreatorSydney NewmanStarsPatrick MacneeDiana RiggHonor BlackmanA quirky spy show of the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominantly female partners.Though it predates the Bond films, things don't start to kick into high gear until Honor Blackman enters the picture. Once Emma Peel debuts, it takes off like a rocket. Loads of fun, with a nice mix of humor and action, with both realistic and fantastic plots.
- DirectorTerence YoungStarsSean ConneryUrsula AndressBernard LeeA resourceful British government agent seeks answers in a case involving the disappearance of a colleague and the disruption of the American space program.The film that started it all! Not quite up to later standards, but still pretty exciting. The villain is a weak Fu Manchu rip-off, though.
- StarsRoger MooreIvor DeanLeslie CrawfordSimon "The Saint" Templar, a wealthy adventurer and 20th-century Robin Hood, travels the world in his white Volvo P1800S, solving unsolvable problems and righting wrongs.The literary character was more of a detective and that's the character in the earlier movie series. Here, Roger Moore portrays Simon Templar as one part superspy, one part freelance troubleshooter. Very entertaining and better than his Bond, for my money.
- DirectorTerence YoungStarsSean ConneryRobert ShawLotte LenyaJames Bond willingly falls into an assassination plot involving a naive Russian beauty in order to retrieve a Soviet encryption device that was stolen by S.P.E.C.T.R.E.One of the best written of the Bond series, and the start of the gadgets, with everyone's favorite attache case. It's a shame that SPECTRE Island is never revisited, as the hunt for it could have made for a great plot.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsSean ConneryGert FröbeHonor BlackmanWhile investigating a gold magnate's smuggling, James Bond uncovers a plot to contaminate the Fort Knox gold reserve.Things start to get rather grandiose, though it's pulled off masterfully! Ken Adams goes to town with the Fort Knox set.
- CreatorSam RolfeStarsRobert VaughnDavid McCallumLeo G. CarrollThe two top Agents of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.) fight the enemies of peace, particularly the forces of T.H.R.U.S.H.Why stop at one spy when you can have two? Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin battle with the forces of THRUSH. It starts out well, but takes a downturn in the later seasons. The UNCLE Specials are by far the ultimate in spy weaponry. The series would spawn a film series, with episodes edited together and footage added to link the stories.
- DirectorTerence YoungStarsSean ConneryClaudine AugerAdolfo CeliJames Bond heads to the Bahamas to recover two nuclear warheads stolen by S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Agent Emilio Largo in an international extortion scheme.There's no turning back now. Gadgets and megalomaniacs dominate the films, from here on out! The Aston Martin is topped by the jetpack, an item no self respecting superspy should be without.
- StarsRobert CulpBill CosbyKenneth TobeyA pair of intelligence agents posing as a tennis pro and his coach go on secret missions around the world.Bill Cosby and Robert Culp take on the baddies. Not quite as exciting as Bond or UNCLE, but a charming series in its own right.
- CreatorMel BrooksBuck HenryStarsDon AdamsBarbara FeldonEdward PlattMaxwell Smart, a highly intellectual but bumbling spy working for the CONTROL agency, battles the evil forces of rival spy agency KAOS with the help of his competent partner Agent 99.The ultimate in spy spoof. Max Smart is the most hapless secret agent, but 99 will get him through. Pity the poor head of CONTROL, but hiss at the forces of KAOS!
- DirectorSidney J. FurieStarsMichael CaineNigel GreenGuy DolemanIn London, a wisecracking spy investigates the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists while dealing with the constraints of his agency's bureaucracy.Taught spy thriller that helped (along with Alfie) launch Michael Caine into stardom. Caine is Harry Palmer, the anti-Bond. Palmer's world is filled with reports and double-dealing bosses. The thinking man's spy.
- CreatorMichael GarrisonStarsRobert ConradRoss MartinDick CangeyTwo Secret Service agents, equipped with a wide array of gizmos, work for the government in the Old West.Steampunk before the term existed. This series took the spy series back in time to the Old West, and gave us the coolest spy series of all. Very inventive, with charming leads. Michael Dunne as the recurring villain, Dr. Miguelito Loveless, makes this a classic. Dunne would have made a fantastic Bond villain.
- DirectorMartin RittStarsRichard BurtonOskar WernerClaire BloomInstead of coming in from the Cold War, British agent Alec Leamas chooses to face another mission.Excellent adaptation of John Le Carre's best seller. Burton plays the part of the burnt out agent well, caught in Control's manipulation of the Russians. Great sequences along the Berlin Wall and a fine character piece. Real spy stuff here.
- DirectorJack CardiffStarsRod TaylorTrevor HowardJill St. JohnColonel Mostyn of the British Intelligence Service suspects there is a leak in his department and hires an American expatriate to eliminate various targets working for the Soviets.Rod Taylor stars in this spy spoof. Taylor is an ex-GI who accidentally saves the life of spy Trevor Howard. Sometime later, he finds himself recruited to be an assassin. He tries to continue the con, hiring Erik Sykes to hit his targets, but he soon has to do the job himself. Lots of fun in the British spoof.
- CreatorGwen BagniPaul DubovStarsAnne FrancisJohn EricsonBruceAfter her father's death, Honey West takes over his high-tech private-detective firm, assisted by rugged Sam Bolt--and her pet ocelot Bruce.This was more of a detective show, but it was draped in spy-fi trappings. Anne Francis is great as the very capable Honey West, who was far closer to Modesty Blaise than any of its cinematic efforts.
- DirectorNorman TaurogIshirô HondaStarsVincent PriceFrankie AvalonDwayne HickmanA skirt-chasing spy and a millionaire bachelor must foil mad scientist Dr. Goldfoot's plot to use his army of bikini-clad robots to seduce wealthy men into signing over their assets.Spy spoof featuring tv's Dobie Gillis, Frankie Avalon (sans Annette), and Vincent Price. It won't win any awards, but it's entertaining enough.
- DirectorMario BavaStarsVincent PriceFabianFranco FranchiDisgraced SIC agent Bill Dexter teams up with bumbling doormen Franco and Ciccio to stop Dr. Goldfoot from using his bikini-clad robot girls to blow up high-ranking NATO generals.Well, the first one did well enough to spawn a sequel. It's ok, better than some offerings out there.
- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsDean MartinStella StevensDaliah LaviRetired agent Matt Helm is re-activated in order to stop an evil organization from exploding an atom bomb over the USA and starting WWIII.Now that Bond's a hit, it's time to take the mickey out of it. Enter Dean martin as Matt Helm. This is by far the best of the series, with plenty of gags that work, some of the silliest gadgets (a gun that fires backwards!), and a great cast.
- CreatorSam RolfeStarsStefanie PowersNoel HarrisonLeo G. CarrollThe missions of agent April Dancer of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.Spin-off from UNCLE, though not up to its standards (and they weren't that high for very long). Stephanie Powers is plenty sexy, though. Noel Harrison is there for some reason, but I can't fathom why.
- DirectorHenry LevinStarsDean MartinAnn-MargretKarl MaldenHandsome top-secret American agent Matt Helm must recover a laser-weapons inventor who has been kidnapped by arch-villain Julian Wall.Matt Helm returns, and is joined by Karl Malden and Ann Margret. not as good as The Silencers, but still pretty entertaining. The hovercraft is pretty cool and there is a decent henchman.
- DirectorDaniel MannStarsJames CoburnLee J. CobbGila GolanWhen scientists use eco-terrorism to impose their will on the world by affecting extremes in the weather, Intelligence Chief Cramden calls in top agent Derek Flint.James Coburn stars in this superior spy spoof. Flint is a master of multiple disciplines and needs no weaponry, just a cigarette lighter. Lee J Cobb is a hoot and Flint's assistants put him one up on Bond.
- DirectorJoseph LoseyStarsMonica VittiTerence StampDirk BogardeStylish ex-con Modesty Blaise and her partner Willie Garvin are tasked by the British Secret Service with preventing her rival Gabriel from stealing diamonds that are to be delivered to her adoptive father, a Sheikh.Joseph Losey makes a hash of the wonderful comic strip. It is mostly a showcase for 60s camp, but it doesn't do much for the greatest female spy/adventurer. OK if you want surreal camp, not if you want serious action. Even Matt Helm took itself more seriously than this.
- DirectorFrank TashlinStarsDoris DayRod TaylorArthur GodfreyAfter a series of misunderstandings, the head of an aerospace research laboratory begins to suspect that his new girlfriend is a Russian spy.More rom-com than spy spoof, it has just enough elements of a spy parody to qualify. Doris Day and Rod Taylor make for a great couple, but Paul Lynde and Dom Deluise provide the laughs.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsMichael CaineOscar HomolkaPaul HubschmidSent to East Berlin to retrieve a Communist defector, British spy Harry Palmer suspects the situation is not what his superiors believe it to be.Harry Palmer is back and he must arrange for the defection of a Russian general. Everyone is lying in this one, and Palmer is in up to his neck. Great stuff here, with more action than IPCRESS.
- CreatorBruce GellerStarsPeter GravesBarbara BainGreg MorrisAn elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture.A brilliant premise sustained this long running tv series. A team of experts is assembled each week to carry out a seemingly impossible mission. It borrows more from the caper film than the spy film, but it was thrilling in its earlier days. Once they turned into more mundane crime fighters it kind of lost its charm.
- DirectorWoody AllenSenkichi TaniguchiStarsWoody AllenThe Lovin' SpoonfulFrank BuxtonA Japanese James Bond -esque spy flick reused and redubbed into the plot of a secret agent searching to uncover a recipe for the world's greatest egg salad in Woody Allen's directorial debut.Woody Allen redubbing of a Japanese spy movie, where everyone is looking for the secret formula for egg salad. Prettty darn funny and a precursor to Mad Movies and MST3K.
- DirectorGiorgio FerroniStarsRay DantonMargaret LeeCarlo D'AngeloA series of murders in Michigan lead an American secret agent to Amsterdam, where he uncovers a plot to imperil the world with a potent new drug.An Italian spoof. Not as charming or surreal as the later Operation Kid Brother. This is best viewed with the MST3K gang.
- DirectorLewis GilbertStarsSean ConneryAkiko WakabayashiMie HamaJames Bond and the Japanese Secret Service must find and stop the true culprit of a series of space hijackings, before war is provoked between Russia and the United States.This is superspy insanity at its best! Space capsule-swallowing rockets, volcano bases, Little Nellie, and a ninja commando assault. More Ken Adams sets are here to astound and amaze, while the look and the plot is swiped by everyone, from movies to comic books. Argueably the best Bond for sheer mayhem!
- DirectorGordon DouglasStarsJames CoburnLee J. CobbJean HaleSuper-spy Flint takes on a cabal of women plotting to rule the world.Derek Flint returns and finds himself up against some liberated ladies. Well, on paper anyway. This isn't likely to make the top of Gloria Steinum's favorite list, but it's a lot of fun. One of the inspirations for Austin Powers.
- DirectorHenry LevinStarsDean MartinSenta BergerJanice RuleSecret agent Matt Helm must battle foreign spies and a rogue nation's exiled ruler in order to recover a hijacked U.S. government experimental flying saucer.Matt Helme returns and the series starts to drag under its own weight. The villain is pretty tame and things get kind of dull. definitely the low point of the series.
- DirectorKen RussellStarsMichael CaineKarl MaldenEd BegleyBritish spy-turned-detective Harry Palmer stumbles upon an oil tycoon's plot to overthrow Communism using a supercomputer.Things are really getting weird here. Harry finds himself working for a computer, then finds out the boss is a crazed Texan oil baron and ersatz John Birch-er. Palmer discovers he must protect the USSR to stop WWIII! Ken Russell turns this into one for the ages.
- CreatorPatrick McGoohanStarsPatrick McGoohanAngelo MuscatPeter SwanwickAfter he resigns, a secret agent is abducted and taken to what looks like an idyllic village, but is actually a bizarre prison. He refuses to give his warders information while attempting to escape.McGoohan returns as a spy who finds himself whisked away to the Village; a home for people who know too much. The masters want to know why Number 6 resigned, but 6 is defiance personified. Very cerebral series that explores multiple issues, from individualtiy vs society, knowledge vs rote memorization, paranoia, surveillance culture, power games, identity, and much much more.
- CreatorJames MitchellStarsEdward WoodwardRussell HunterLisa LangdonDavid Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This bleak, "Spy who Came in from the Cold"-style espionage drama concentrates on the seamy underside of covert operations: assassinations, blackmail and dirty dealing.Mesmerizing spy series from ITV, featuring Edward Woodward as an ex-criminal turned government dirty tricks agent. Great drama as Woodward is forced to carry out distasteful jobs.
- DirectorAlberto De MartinoStarsNeil ConneryDaniela BianchiAdolfo CeliThe civilian brother of Britain's best spy must use his skills in plastic surgery, hypnotism and lip-reading to stop a crime syndicate's bid for world domination.Sean's brother Neil (a bricklayer) stars in this Italian parody of the Bond films, complete with Bond veterans Lois Maxwell, bernard Lee, Anthony Dawes, Adolfo Celli, and Daniella Bianchi. Better than it has a right to be, it is best viewed with Joel and the Bots.
- DirectorVal GuestKen HughesJohn HustonStarsDavid NivenPeter SellersUrsula AndressIn an early spy spoof, aging Sir James Bond comes out of retirement to take on SMERSH.Before Daniel Craig, there was Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, and David Niven as James Bond. Too many cooks spoil this concoction, but it has some mind-blowing moments.
- DirectorLeslie H. MartinsonStarsAnthony FranciosaRaquel WelchRonald FraserIn Spain, an American skydiver is recruited by Western intelligence agents to recover a lost atomic bomb detonator from hostile foreign agents.Raquel Welch stars in this spy spoof. Well, at least there are plenty of scenes of Raquel in a bikini.
- DirectorMarshall StoneStarsTroy DonahueAndrea DrommAlbert DekkerYoung American girl tries to solve the murders of two Americans in the Caribbean.Another 60s spy spoof. Troy Donahue stars, but there is nothing of merit here.
- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsDean MartinElke SommerSharon TateGold bullion worth USD 1 billion has been stolen from a hijacked train in Denmark. The main suspect is Count Massimo Contini. The US government sends Matt Helm, one of its top agents, to investigate and recover the gold.Matt Helm gets one last go and it is a step up from the Ambushers. A gold theft is at the center of this one and they actually try to keep things relatively serious. Not a bad end for Matt Helm and ICE.
- CreatorMonty BermanDennis SpoonerStarsStuart DamonAlexandra BastedoWilliam GauntAfter a plane carrying three UN Agents crashes in the Himalayas, they are rescued by an advanced civilisation secretly living in Tibet who grant them enhanced versions of the ordinary five senses, and intellectual and physical abilities.Superspies, with the emphasis on "super". Three agents survive a plane crash in the Himalayas, where they encounter a being who teaches them to harness their untapped abilities. The show combines spy plots with superhero stunts. A nice change of pace.
- CreatorEiji TsuburayaStarsKenji SaharaAkira YamaguchiHideyo AmamotoJapanese spy-fi series from Tsuburaya. Redited into a rather disjointed feature, which was then dubbed and distributed in the US by Sandy Frank. An easy target for MST3k in it's original incarnation (at KTMA) and the Comedy Central version.
- DirectorPeter R. HuntStarsGeorge LazenbyDiana RiggTelly SavalasBritish agent James Bond goes undercover to pursue the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who is planning to hold the world to ransom.Connery is gone, but George Lazenby does a far better job than he has been credited. This was also a bit of a return to a more serious plot and it is handled very well. Gadgets are at a minimum, but there are exciting chase sequences, a thrilling helicopter assault, and the bobsled fight stacks up well with the train fight in FRWL.
- CreatorMonty BermanDennis SpoonerStarsPeter WyngardeJoel FabianiRosemary NicolsAn elite department within Interpol, Department S inherits those cases which the other member groups have failed to solve.Excellent spy/detective series from ITV. A trio of agents solves baffling cases. Peter Wyngarde's Jason King steals the series and would soon headline his own, thoguh it never quite lived up to this.
- CreatorMonty BermanDennis SpoonerStarsPeter WyngardeAnne SharpRonald LaceyA playboy novelist, who has had a spell of work with an intelligence agency as a sideline, leaves, but finds himself performing new missions around the world.Things are much sillier here and Peter Wyngarde's wardrobe is the trippiest thing this side of Doctor Who.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsSean ConneryJill St. JohnCharles GrayA diamond smuggling investigation leads James Bond to Las Vegas where he uncovers an evil plot involving a rich business tycoon.Connery returns for a big payoff, but things are really getting silly. Jimmy Dean is a southern fried Howard Hughes and Charles Gray is more charming than chilling as Bloefeld. Wynt and Kidd are the oddest assassins in the series. It has moments, but it is a bad sign of the things to come.
- DirectorTed V. MikelsStarsMichael AnsaraFrancine YorkAnthony EisleySquad of beautiful government agents tries to catch saboteurs.More Charlie's Angels (before the show existed) than spy film, it features a squad of female agents who infiltrate a madman's island to stop the launch of a missile. Bad acting galore but the action is pretty good and the women are great.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsRoger MooreYaphet KottoJane SeymourJames Bond is sent to stop a diabolically brilliant heroin magnate armed with a complex organisation and a reliable psychic tarot card reader.Roger Moore's debut. Bond is mixed with Blaxploitation, with very mixed results. Since the plot is weak, they go for broke with stunts, with the boat jump the highlight. A good cast can't fully elevate the weak premise, but they give it their all.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsPaul NewmanDominique SandaJames MasonA member of British Intelligence assumes a fictitious criminal identity and allows himself to be caught, imprisoned, and freed in order to infiltrate a spy organization and expose a traitor.This one is a bit of a mixed bag. Paul Newman stars as a spy who is set up as a criminal, to infiltrate a group and uncover a Soviet mole. It's got a great cast and some excellent scenes; but, it's a bit uneven in its pace. It's a decent thriller, though.
- DirectorRobert ClouseStarsBruce LeeJohn SaxonJim KellyA Shaolin martial artist travels to an island fortress to spy on an opium lord - who is also a former monk from his temple - under the guise of attending a fighting tournament.Bruce Lee mixes martial arts with a bit of spy work. A huge influence on the very spy-heavy Marvel Comics Master of Kung Fu series. Tremendous action, though Mr. Han is another Fu Manchu rip-off.
- DirectorJack StarrettStarsTamara DobsonBernie CaseyBrenda SykesDuring the 1970s, U.S. Special Agent Cleopatra Jones proves to be an invaluable asset to the local police forces in the war on drugs.More Blaxploitation fun with a government agent who targets a heroin ring, led by Shelly Winters. Tamara Dobson makes for a beautiful, but deadly spy. Really more of a crime story, it has enough international elements to cross it into the spy world.
- StarsLee MajorsRichard AndersonMartin E. BrooksAfter a severely injured test pilot is rebuilt with nuclear-powered bionic limbs and implants, he serves as an intelligence agent.More spy oriented in the early days, but a great adventure series overall. The novel was even more spy-fi.
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsRoger MooreChristopher LeeBritt EklandJames Bond is targeted by the world's most expensive assassin, while he attempts to recover sensitive solar cell technology that is being sold to the highest bidder.Moore is back and he is facing Dracula! Well, Christopher Lee, at least. Lee is excellent as the master assassin, which makes it a shame they felt the need to attach a weaker stolen solar energy device subplot to his character. Mostly good, but pointless stunts and misplaced (and racist) comedy pulls it a bit off track.
- DirectorDon SharpStarsEdward WoodwardEric PorterCarl MöhnerGreg Callan's cousin David Callan top agent/assassin for the S.I.S., was forced to retire because he had lost his nerve. Now, Callan is called back into service to handle the assassination of Schneider, a German businessman. His former boss promises Callan that he'll be returned to active status if he follows orders, but as always Callan refuses to act until he knows why Schneider has been marked for death.Movie version of the tv series, featuring Edward Woodward and Russell Hunter in the same roles. The plot is a reworking of the Callan pilot, "A Magnum for Schneider." Excellent piece of drama, with the film budget allowing for things the tv series couldn't do.
- DirectorCharles BailStarsTamara DobsonStella StevensNi TienWhen fellow operatives (and childhood friends) Matthew Johnson and Melvin Johnson disappear during an undercover mission in Hong Kong, Cleopatra Jones (Tamara Dobson) travels there to find them. With the help of local detective Mi Ling, Cleopatra discovers that her friends' disappearance has to do with The Dragon Lady, a much-feared blonde "lipstick lesbian" who runs a Macao casino and controls a major chunk of the local drug trade.More fun with Cleo, this time in the Orient. Stella Stevens is the baddie here.
- CreatorKenneth JohnsonStarsLindsay WagnerRichard AndersonMartin E. BrooksAfter fully recovering from her nearly fatal bout of bionic rejection, Jaime Sommers, the first female cyborg, is assigned to spy missions of her own.Spin off from the Six Million Dollar Man, starring Lindsey Wagner. Started well bet quickly ran out of ideas.
- StarsPatrick MacneeGareth HuntJoanna LumleySecret agent Steed, working for an unnamed branch of British intelligence, is teamed up with two partners to fight evil plots for world domination, dealing with suspended animation, biological warfare, robotics, and other threats.Steed returns with a new generation of agents. Joanna Lumley is great as Purdy, the female keister-kicker, but Gareth Hunt has little to do as Gambit. Macnee proves he isn't past it. The series starts well, but goes south when the producers really tighten the pursestrings.
- DirectorLewis GilbertStarsRoger MooreBarbara BachCurd JürgensJames Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads, with the help of a K.G.B. agent whose lover he killed.Moore gets a better plot, though one mostly cobbled from You Only Live Twice and Thunderball. much more exciting than previous outings, with a nice subplot about a vengeance-seeeking Russian agent who must work with Bond. The big commando attack makes a welcome return here.
- DirectorAl AdamsonStarsJim KellyBill RoyRoberto ContrerasRobert Sand, agent of D.R.A.G.O.N. (Defense Reserve Agency Guardian Of Nations), is playing tennis on his vacation with a beautiful black girl, when his commanding officers ask him to save a Chinese girl who happens to be Sand's girlfriend, and the daughter of a top Eastern Ambassador. The ransom for the abduction was the secret for a terrific new weapon - the freeze bomb - but the 'Warlock' behind the deed is also into the business of drug dealing and Voodoo ritual murders. The search takes him from Hong Kong to California through Miami, and plenty of action, against bad men, bad girl, and bad animals.Jim Kelly stars in this Blaxploitation spy film, complete with jetpacks and midget assassins.
- DirectorLewis GilbertStarsRoger MooreLois ChilesMichael LonsdaleJames Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide.An attempt at cashing in on Star Wars really undermines this one, not to mention turning a great henchman into a comedy figure. Some good stuff early on, but the second half drops the ball.
- DirectorJohn IrvinStarsAlec GuinnessMichael JaystonAnthony BateSmiley goes to meet Jim Prideaux who is now back in Britain having survived his experience in Czechoslovakia. His testimony and that of others sheds new light on the "Testify" fiasco and source "Merlin".Original adaptation of Le Carre's masterpiece. Alec Guinness is george Smiley, the unassuming man who must ferret out a mole within British intelligence. A wonderful showcase of great acting talent.
- CreatorCliff GouldStarsRobert ConradDan O'HerlihyJi-Tu CumbukaSloane is a freelance spy. Although he doesn't work for the government, he frequently accepts assignments from The Director, a head of a secret government agency. He's assisted by Torque, a man with a detachable hand (which can be replaced by a variety of implements drills, guns, and what-not).Robert Conrad returns to spy-fi in this later series. Thomas Sloane was no James West and budget greatly hindered things. Ji-tu Cumbuka was pretty memorable as Torque, though.
- DirectorBurt KennedyStarsRobert ConradRoss MartinPaul WilliamsWest and Gordon come out of retirement to find out who is replacing world leaders with lookalikes. They go to Arizona where the son of their old enemy is found, and with his arsenal of weapons, is a bigger threat than his father ever was.Jim and Artie are reunited to face the threat of Miguelito Loveless Jr. (Paul Williams). it's nice to see the guys back, and the film is fairly entertaining, but played too much for laughs.
- DirectorBurt KennedyStarsRobert ConradRoss MartinJonathan WintersRobert Conrad and Ross Martin reprise their roles as Secret Service agents of the 1890s.Second reunion of Jim and Artie. It would not produce a third or a revived series.
- DirectorClive DonnerStarsDon AdamsAndrea HowardSylvia KristelMaxwell Smart is recalled to duty to help fight a villian who threatens to detonate a weapon that destroys clothing.Get Smart reunion movie that lives up to its title.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsRoger MooreCarole BouquetTopolSecret service agent James Bond is assigned to find a missing British vessel equipped with a weapons encryption device and prevent it from falling into enemy hands.A welcome detour into more serious territory for Moore. Vengeance and stolen code transmitters steam this one along. My favorite of Moore's work.
- DirectorShaun O'RiordanStarsEdward WoodwardRussell HunterGeorge SewellTen years after leaving the S. I. S., former agent/assassin David Callan is living a quiet life as the owner/operator of a militaria shop. He is forced out of retirement to participate in one final assignment.Reunion special for Callan and Lonely. It's a bit shaky here and there, but good overall.
- CreatorBrian CosgroveMark HallStarsDavid JasonTerry ScottEdward KelseyDanger Mouse, the greatest secret agent in the world, must follow Colonel K's orders (and try not to break Professor Squawkencluck's inventions) to foil Baron Greenback's and his henchman Stiletto's plans.The adventures of the World's Greatest Secret Agent (with the World's Worst Assistant), as he battles the maleavolent Baron Silas Greenback. Really more of a superhero parody, the show is brilliant fun.
- StarsAlec GuinnessEileen AtkinsBill PatersonThe murder of a Soviet defector forces his old handler, British spymaster George Smiley, out of retirement. His investigation leads to an old nemesis, the Soviet spymaster known only as "Karla". This will be their final dance.Alec Guiness returns in the concluding part of the Karla saga. Smiley must seize the opportunity to destroy Karla as a threat. Not quite up to TTSS, it nonetheless features another great cast.
- DirectorReza BadiyiStarsAnn TurkelLewis Van BergenKeene CurtisThe plot, set in what appears to be Los Angeles, involves Modesty and Willie preventing the kidnap of a young girl who turns out to be a computer genius and has been working for Tarrant's agency. Although both Modesty and Willie's back stories are given as described by O'Donnell, no explanation is provided for their North American accents or presence in California. Tarrant, as an operative of an American secret service, naturally does not have his knighthood. The super-computer they have been developing has been stolen by Debbie Defarge to use to make a killing on the New York stock exchange. Willie's knife-throwing skills and Modesty's habit of ripping off the lower part of her dress when called to action are faithfully reproduced, as is much of the banter between Willie and Modesty, but in other ways, the characters bear little resemblance to O'Donnell's literary creations. Another attempt to adapt the comic strip took place in 2003 with the release of My Name is Modesty.A failed pilot for a Modesty tv series. Ann Turkel and Lewis Van Bergen make for a rather bland Modesty Blaise and Willie Garvin. It didn't help that it looked like every other detective show on television.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsRoger MooreMaud AdamsLouis JourdanA fake Fabergé egg recovered from the body of a fellow agent leads James Bond to uncover a jewel smuggling operation led by the mysterious Octopussy, and a plot to blow up a NATO air base.Things are sliding back into camp, but they aren't completely there yet. The film has a pretty good plot and could have sustained without the silly gags. Stephen Berkoff and Louis Jordan are excellent, on the villains' side.
- DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsSean ConneryKim BasingerKlaus Maria BrandauerA S.P.E.C.T.R.E. agent has stolen two American nuclear warheads, and James Bond must find their targets before they are detonated.Sean Connery is once again enticed to return to Bond by a big paycheck. Only, this time, it's for a rival Bond picture, based on Kevin McLorey's script rights. The result is a tepid remake of Thunderball that has a few moments, but mostly looks sad. Connery looked old in Diamonds and hasn't reversed time here. Barbara Carrera is one of the few shining lights in this production.
- StarsSam NeillMichael BryantNorman RodwayA dramatization of the missions and adventures of the greatest spy in British history.British tv series, based on the real life exploits of British master spy Sidney Reilly. Sam Neil is excellent.
- 19831h 36mTV-PG6.4 (744)TV MovieDirectorRay AustinStarsRobert VaughnDavid McCallumPatrick MacneeWhen THRUSH steals a nuclear weapon and demands a ransom delivered by Napoleon Solo, UNCLE recalls him and his partner to duty.Solo and Kuryakin are brought back together to stop Anthony Zerbe from detonating a nuclear device. The agents have lost a few steps but they get back into the swing of things. The film is hampered by budget constraints but it is mostly entertaining, with a decent climax. Oddly, a new UNCLE Special pistol was specially created for the film, but is barely seen. There are cameos from Patrick Macnee and George Lazenby (as the Aston Martin driving "JB").
- CreatorGlen A. LarsonStarsRod TaylorKirstie AlleyGreg EviganAn intelligence organization recruits civilian specialists for individual missions requiring their skills.Rod Taylor stars in this spy series which borrows a bit from the Mission Impossible formula. It was decent.
- CreatorGlen A. LarsonStarsJennifer O'NeillRichard AndersonMykelti WilliamsonA fashion photographer and a veteran special forces soldier posing as her model go on intelligence missions around the world.Jennifer O'Niell stars in this spy series, where her cover is a fashion photogrpaher. John-Erik Hexum is her model and a former soldier. A decent series that was marred by Hexum's accidental on-set death (while playing with a blank gun that dislodged its wadding into his skull). Hexum was replaced with a credible successor, Antony Hamilton, but the show never really recovered.
- DirectorDonald P. BellisarioStarsJan-Michael VincentErnest BorgnineAlex CordA scientist who created a super-helicopter has defected to Libya, taking the machine with him. A secretive government agency hires an ex-Vietnam War pilot to go to Libya, steal the chopper, and bring it back.The pilot movie for Airwolf was more of an espionage drama than the regular series. The inventor of a high tech attack helicopter steals his own invention and takes it to Libya, to sell to Col. Gadaffi (or the highest bidder). Archangel, the head of "the company," recruits former test pilot and agent Stringfellow Hawk to get it back. Excellent intrigue and drama, with a fine cast, including Jan Michael Vincent, Ernest Borgnine, David Hemmings, Alex Cord, and Belinda Bauer.
- CreatorDonald P. BellisarioStarsJan-Michael VincentAlex CordErnest BorgnineAs part of a deal with an intelligence agency to look for his missing brother, a renegade pilot goes on missions with an advanced battle helicopter.Tv series spawned by the success of the pilot movie. It's more technothriller than spy thriller, however there is plenty of intrigue. The series format and the helicopter stunts meant that stock footage was used often, leading a bit of sameness to episodes. It kind of runs out of steam rather quickly, then tries some cast changes. It was a pretty good series for a couple of seasons; but it really needed more of a story arc to propel it forward. Alas, that wasn't common in US television, at this point.
- CreatorRichard LindheimMichael SloanStarsEdward WoodwardKeith SzarabajkaRobert LansingA retired Intelligence Agent turned private detective helps various threatened clients to equalize the odds.Not exactly a spy series; but, McCall is a retired secret agent who employs his skills and contacts to carry out his missions. Several episodes revolved around his past in the profession, or were related to operations within "the company." Essentially, the series is one part spy, once part crime drama, one part private eye, and a little bit urban vigilante, rolled up into an excellent series, with a great actor. Tons of guest appearances by some notable actors.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsRoger MooreChristopher WalkenTanya RobertsThe recovery of a microchip from the body of a fellow British secret agent leads James Bond to a mad industrialist scheming to cause massive destruction.Pretty much the nadir of the Moore films. Moore is way too old and comes across as creepy when he is wooing Tanya Roberts. Roerts is the blandest Bond Girl yet, while Patrick MacNee is wasted. Only Christopher Walken is worth watching.
- CreatorRichard ChapmanBill DialJoel SchumacherStarsJoanna CassidyJohn McCookSheryl Lee RalphThe President of the United States assigns his brother to assemble a covert team of female counter-intelligence operatives, reporting only to him. The leader is former CIA operative Liz "Foxfire" Towne, who just got out of prison after serving four years for a crime she didn't commit. Her operatives are reformed con artist and burglar Maggie Towne and streetwise driver Danny O'Toole, assisted by Phillips the butler.Spy series, featuring Joanna Cassidy. Cassidy is good, but she doesn't have much to work with.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsTimothy DaltonMaryam d'AboJeroen KrabbéJames Bond is sent to investigate a KGB policy to kill all enemy spies, and uncovers an arms deal that potentially has major global ramifications.Timothy Dalton takes over and gets a mostly good script to work with. He presents a more serious Bond, closer in tone to the novels. Unfortunately, he is saddled with a weaker villain.
- CreatorBruce GellerStarsPeter GravesThaao PenghlisAntony HamiltonAn elite covert operations unit carries out highly sensitive missions subject to official denial in the event of failure, death or capture.Revived tv series with a new generation cast. Old cast members are quickly called upon to rescue this series from low ratings.
- StarsRichard ChamberlainJaclyn SmithAnthony QuayleAn injured, unconscious man washes ashore in a small French town. As he recovers, it becomes quite clear, someone is trying to kill him.This tv effort never really did Jason Bourne justice. Focuses more on the paranoia, rather than the deadly skills.
- DirectorJohn GlenStarsTimothy DaltonRobert DaviCarey LowellA vengeful James Bond goes rogue to infiltrate and take down the organization of a drug lord who has murdered his friend's new wife and left him near death.It's a nice idea, with Bond gone AWOL, seeking revenge for the attack on Felix Leiter and the murder of Leiter's wife. Too bad the villain is a less than impressive drug dealer, quite a comedown from the KGB and SPECTRE.
- DirectorGary NelsonStarsDon AdamsBarbara FeldonBernie KopellSmart is called back to duty as KAOS is back causing trouble again with a 'weather machine'.Much better reunion for Max and 99. Still not quite the original, but better than the last attempt.
- DirectorFerdinand FairfaxStarsJason ConneryKristin Scott ThomasJoss AcklandIan Fleming's life (1908-64) as a journalist and a naval intelligence officer was a lot like the womanizing James Bond, about whom he would later write 12 spy novels.This qualifies because it is mostly fiction. The film features Sean Connery's son Jason as author Ian Fleming, and tries to shoehorn bits of Flemings life into his literary creations. Connery is pretty bland and most of what is depicted never happened (or not anywhere like what is depicted). The real Fleming had an interesting enough life to sustain a movie, without the nonsense.
- DirectorLuc BessonStarsAnne ParillaudMarc DuretPatrick FontanaConvicted felon Nikita isn't going to jail; she's given a new identity and trained, stylishly, as a top secret spy/assassin.Anne Parrilaud is a drugged out street thug who murders a policeman. She finds herself forcibly recruited by the French security services to become an agent and assassin. Brilliant film from Luc Besson, featuring Jean Reno, Jean Hughes Anglade, Jean Moreau, and Tchecky Karyo. Wonderful look and great music from Eric Serra.
- StarsNicholas LyndhurstLouise CattClive FrancisWhile taking a walk, Peter Chapman and his wife, Sarah, are followed by two bungling spies, Dexter and Lewis, who find it difficult to take photos of their quarry. Peter, an Electronics Professor at the local Polytechnic, is then suddenly sacked from his seemingly secure job without warning - and with no reasonable explanation being given for this decision. Taken to MI5, he is made an offer he can't refuse - a job offer!Spy satire from London Weekend Television. Charming, if short-lived.
- DirectorStephen ShinStarsJade LeungSimon YamThomas LamCatherine, a troubled woman, is recruited by the government for assassin training under the code name "Black Cat". Proficient in her role, she struggles with her newfound love interest and commitment to the agency.Hong Kong version of Nikita. It swipes the premise, but not much else. Fairly average for the period.
- CreatorAndy HeywardRobby LondonMichael G. WilsonStarsCorey BurtonJeff BennettJan RabsonThe nephew of MI6's greatest spy continues his uncle's legacy by battling a rogues' gallery of new and familiar villains with the help of his schoolmates.Meh...
- DirectorJohn BadhamStarsBridget FondaGabriel ByrneDermot MulroneyA government fakes the death of a criminal to turn this young woman into a killer on its service.American remake of La Femme Nikita. Like most remakes, it fails.
- CreatorSteve AspisStarsMark FrankelJohn HoffmanKim FazeThe weekly adventures of former British agent Carlton Dial, who now works for a private corporation called Intercept, which is in the business of recovering stolen property. Dial uses the latest in technological gadgetry to complete his missions, and relies on his nerdy partner Harry Flask for help from headquarters.Decent little series from Fox, but found itself cancelled quickly. It had great potential and was better than mostFox offerings of the period.
- DirectorMartin CampbellStarsPierce BrosnanSean BeanIzabella ScorupcoYears after a friend and fellow 00 agent is killed on a joint mission, a secret space based weapons program known as "GoldenEye" is stolen. James Bond is assigned to stop a Russian crime syndicate from using the weapon.Pierce Brosnan finally gets to play the role he was born for. After NBC stabbed him in the back, Brosnan gets his chance to shine. he is ably assisted by a pretty good script, an excellent villain in Sean Bean's rogue 00, and a fine cast of supporting players, including: Robbie Coultrane, Judi Dench, Samantha Bond, Famke Jansen, and Alan Cumming. Joe Don Baker is even pretty good.
- CreatorMichael J. Di GaetanoLawrence GayStarsDon AdamsAndy DickElaine HendrixMaxwell Smart, now Chief of Control, has to deal with his own bumbling secret agent, his son Zach.Fairly forgettable attempt at a new version, starring Andy Dick. Barbara Feldon was the only reason to watch.
- DirectorGeorge MihalkaStarsAnatoly KulbitskyShaughan SeymourMichael CaineRetired British spy Harry Palmer is called back into service to prevent North Korea from getting its hands on a deadly virus called "The Red Death".Michael Caine returns in theis cable tv movie, with international financing. Palmer quits the service and finds himself working for a Russian oligarch. It tries but the script and budget aren't there. The film is helped by the presence of Michael Gambon and Burt Kwouk, but Jason Connery doesn't add much. Michael Sarrazin is a mixed bag.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom CruiseJon VoightEmmanuelle BéartAn American agent, under false suspicion of disloyalty, must discover and expose the real spy without the help of his organization.Update of the tv series, featuring Tom Cruise. A bit of a slap in the face for fans, but a decent movie.
- DirectorDouglas JacksonStarsMichael CaineJason ConneryYuri LimontySpy-turned-detective Harry Palmer is tasked with recovering a consignment of stolen plutonium in Saint Petersburg.Second Harry Palmer reunion cable movie. Not as good as the previous effort.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersElizabeth HurleyMichael YorkA world-class playboy and part-time secret agent from the 1960s emerges after thirty years in a cryogenic state to battle with his nemesis Dr. Evil.Great little throwback to the spy spoof. Mike Myers mixes a bit of Matt Helm with some Derek Flint and Harry Palmer (and a dash of Jason King) to create the silliest spy in ages. Dr. Evil is the real brilliance here, though. the cast is excellent and the script first rate. Also features a nice nod to the Avengers.
- DirectorRoger SpottiswoodeStarsPierce BrosnanJonathan PryceMichelle YeohJames Bond sets out to stop a media mogul's plan to induce war between China and the UK in order to obtain exclusive global media coverage.Weaker sophmore effort from Brosnan. It's not his fault though. Michelle Yeoh is a nice addition, but Johnathan Pryce's mad media baron just doesn't cut the mustard. Really? Robert Maxwell/Rupert Murdoch as a Bond villain? The stuff with the stealth ship is pretty good, though, and the motorcycle chase is suitably thrilling.
- CreatorJoel SurnowStarsPeta WilsonDon FrancksEugene Robert GlazerA clandestine anti-terrorist organization fakes the death of a convicted murderer and trains her in the fighting skills necessary to succeed in her new job.TV version of the French masterpiece. Peta Wilson doesn't exactly set the world on fire.