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Directed by Daniel Mann |
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As a youth I
fondly recall many hours of enjoyment immersing myself in the world of
super-spy Derek Flint. His satirical "coolness" was oblivious
to me, as I took him at face value as a secret agent in the "James
Bond" mold (not unlike Dean Martin's "Matt Helm").
I would camp myself in front of the television marveling at his high-tec
gadgets, depth of knowledge and assured confidence with the fairer sex.
Actually, not much has changed.
This film, the first of two Derek Flint adventures, captures a certain 60's aura of allusive discipline, free love and wild, uninhibited vibrant decor so perfectly, all while maintaining a style that seems impossible to reproduce. In this yarn, ripe with references to Bond and world powers of evil, Derek is reluctantly brought on by his old boss Cramden (played by Lee J. Cobb) and ZOWIE (Zonal Organization World Intelligence Espionage) to save the world from weather-manipulating scientists. Exhibiting abilities ranging from culinary expert detective, master of disguise and Indian Fakir-like heart control, Derek, surrounding by his entourage of intelligent beauties, appears up to the task. Its hard to imagine anyone but James Coburn in this role as he essentially defined Flint with his portrayal. Still great fun to watch and nostalgically admire the psychedelic colors and sexist tone of the film. I admit to still having a soft spot for this genre and compared to other imitators, this is by far the king of the hill. The added touches make this film for me; the American eagle trained to spot and attack Americans, Derek's code based on a progression of 40-26-36 and a stethoscope built inside his shirt in which the buttons become the earpieces. Its not "Citizen
Kane", but it wasn't meant to be. With many of my previous film
selections it is obvious I am a big fan of style and this film has it in
abundance. |
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DVD and Film Details |
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| DVD Cover and Insert | ||
Click the above two images for larger versions! |
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Overall,
I was a little disappointed in the quality of the anamorphic image
of this 2.35:1 ratio film. The colors are not as bright or vibrant as
they could have been. Although "washed out" may be strong, I
would suggest that my childhood memories are brighter than the Fox DVD.
The monaural sound (wonderful Jerry Goldsmith track) is clear. The only
extras are trailers for other "spy spoof" films such as
"Fathom" with Raquel Welch and "Modesty Blaise" with
Monica Vitti. The keep case is fittingly red and the artwork (above) is
in keeping in tune with the 60's decor of the film. I had high
expectations, but was still satisfied and it will not stop me from
giving this 
out of  . |
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| Full Cast and Crew for Our Man Flint (1965) Directed by Daniel Mann (I) Writing credits Hal Fimberg (also story) Ben Starr Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification James Coburn .... Derek Flint Lee J. Cobb .... Cramden Gila Golan .... Gila Edward Mulhare .... Malcolm Rodney Benson Fong .... Dr. Schneider Shelby Grant .... Leslie Sigrid Valdis .... Anna Gianna Serra .... Gina Helen Funai .... Sakito Michael St. Clair .... Hans Gruber Rhys Williams (I) .... Dr. Krupov Russ Conway (I) .... American General Ena Hartman .... WAC William Walker (I) .... American Diplomat Peter Brocco .... Dr. Wu James Brolin .... Technician rest of cast listed alphabetically Joe Gray .... Security Guard (uncredited) James Gregory (I) .... Eagle handler (uncredited) Robert Gunner .... Agent 0008 (uncredited) Roy Jenson (I) .... Gridley (uncredited) Harry Monty (uncredited) Tura Satana .... 2nd Dancer (uncredited) Dick Wilson (I) .... Supervisor of conditioning (uncredited) Produced by Saul David .... producer Original music by Jerry Goldsmith Cinematography by Daniel L. Fapp Film Editing by William Reynolds (II) Art Direction by Ed Graves Jack Martin Smith Set Decoration by Raphael Bretton Walter M. Scott Costume Design by Ray Aghayan Makeup Department Margaret Donovan .... hair stylist Ben Nye (I) .... makeup artist Production Management Saul Wurtzel .... unit production manager Second Unit Director or Assistant Director Robert 'Buzz' Henry .... second unit director David Silver (I) .... assistant director Art Department Fred Harpman .... production illustrator Greg C. Jensen .... set construction Sound Department Carlton W. Faulkner .... sound Elmer Raguse .... sound Special Effects by L.B. Abbott .... special effects Emil Kosa Jr. .... special effects Howard Lydecker .... special effects Stunts Sol Gorss .... stunts (uncredited) Robert 'Buzz' Henry .... stunts (uncredited) Chuck Hicks .... stunts (uncredited) Hal Needham .... stunts (uncredited) Paul Stader .... stunts (uncredited) Buddy Van Horn .... stunts (uncredited) Other crew Robert 'Buzz' Henry .... special action sequences Arthur Morton (I) .... orchestrator |
Technical
Information
Release Information: Aspect Ratio(s): Discographic Information: Edition Details:
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