EuroSpy classic with Ken Clark as Agent 077
This Italian-Spanish-French co-production, also known as "Agente 077 dall'oriente con furore" and "From the orient with Fury", was directed by Sergio Grieco and was released in West German cinemas on October 22, 1965 . The film is part of the EuroSpy series, which was created across Europe in response to the phenomenal success of the James Bond films since "From Russia with Love" (1963).
The focus here is on FBI agent 077 named Dick Malloy (referred to as Jack Clifton only in German-speaking countries), who is experiencing his second of three film adventures. The jack-of-all-trades is played by the American actor Ken Clark (1927-2009), who, after appearing alongside Maciste actor Mark Forest in "Die Höllenhunde des Dschinghis Khan / The Hounds of Hell of Genghis Khan" (1963) and "Die Vernichtung des Dschinghis Khan / The Destruction of Genghis Khan" (1964), finally made it to the stage became the main actor. With good looks, strong muscles and a lush, hairy chest, Ken Clark could definitely compete with Sean Connery (1930-2020) when it comes to action and wearing women.
What's it about? Our super agent must track down the kidnapped inventor (Ennio Balbo) of a super weapon, the possession of which would ensure world domination for a super villain (Franco Ressel). To do this, good Malloy has to rush from location to location (Paris, Madrid, Istanbul), where he gets to know very attractive women (Evi Marandi, Fabienne Dali, Mikaela). But the winner is the charming British actress Margaret Lee (often cast together with Klaus Kinski, including in "Our Man in Marrakech" (1966)) as Evelyn Stone (pay attention to the carpet scene), who is behind a Marilyn Monroe really wouldn't have to hide.
In addition to the many affairs that a good-looking, radiant man like Ken Clark seems to be able to master with all his might, the well-kept fights are also not neglected. The muscular Ken Clark is allowed to do a good job repeatedly. One of the whipping boys is the indestructible Claudio Ruffini, who would later be severely beaten by Bud Spencer (e.g. As "Fettbacke / Fat Jaw" in "Charleston" (1977)). The most beautiful beating scene in this film takes place in a Madrid bar after the appearance of the Spanish singer Mikaela, as Fernando Sancho (also alongside Antonio Sabato in "Fünf Klumpen Gold" (1972) and alongside Brad Harris in "Zwei tolle Käfer räumen auf / Two Great Beetles Clean Up" (1978 ) to see) as a restaurant visitor is drawn into the turbulent and well worth seeing events.
This film is a successful example of the EuroSpy wave with an attractive leading actor, beautiful women, great locations and humorous action scenes. Highly recommended!
