Some Girls Do

Some Girls Do is a classic 1969 British spy-fi film directed by Ralph Thomas and starring Richard Johnson, Daliah Lavi, and Beba Loncar in the primary roles. This film is a sequel to the 1967 movie 'Deadlier Than the Male.' It falls under the category of the comedy-thriller genre, with an engaging storyline revolving around the intriguing world of espionage and extreme adventure.

The character-driven plot of Some Girls Do centers around an archetypal British Intelligence agent, Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond, operated by Richard Johnson. Drummond is an experienced and suave secret agent, characterized by his swift decision-making skills, audacious attitude, and timeless charisma.

The film commences with Drummond being assigned a mission linked with a high-profile innovative aircraft, whose test flights have ended in inexplicable disasters. The incidents are observed as uncanny as the pilots vanish mysteriously leaving the aircraft unharmed. After a thorough investigation into the occurrences, Drummond comes to suspect that the misfortunes are calculated attempts to sabotage the project.

However, the aircraft construction project is on the verge of being cancelled and an influential businessman, Carl Petersen, played by James Villiers, is showing an unusual interest in taking it over. Petersen portrays a powerful antagonist and a major hurdle in Drummond’s investigation process.

Daliah Lavi charms in her role as the enchanting, mysterious, and beguiling Helga. Helga is one of Petersen's highly skilled, career-criminal 'women', trained to use their wit, beauty, and seduction techniques to thwart men who get in their way. This concept, where beautiful women are used as secret weapons, is both innovative and intriguing, offering some of the film's most comedic and memorable moments.

Italian actress Beba Loncar features as Flicky, Drummond's lovely and supportive girlfriend. Loncar's character is a portrayal of femininity, intelligence, and sensibility combined with unwavering support towards Drummond's quest. She adds a dose of romantic charm and warmth to the otherwise suspenseful ambiance of the film.

Apart from its star-studded cast, the makers of “Some Girls Do” have relied heavily on elaborated set designs, bold and attractive attires, and detailed-oriented cinematography to build a vivifying visual experience that reflects the environment of late 60s Britain.

The film engages its audience not only through its captivating storyline but also through the elements of humor that are subtly woven into the plot, primarily via Drummond's exchanges with his baffled boss, played sympathetically by British character actor, Maurice Denham, and through zany and unpredictable secret gadgets. The perplexity and absurdity of these devices resonate humor and provide a satirical take on traditional spy movies of that era.

Complementing the exciting plot of “Some Girls Do” is the praiseworthy cinematography carried out by Ernest Steward, who captures both the beauty of the film’s locations and intricate details of specific scenes. The eccentric yet brilliant score by Charles Blackwell conjures up the movie's electrifying atmosphere, encapsulating the charm of late-sixties popular music trends.

This feature film is an amalgamation of thrilling elements like secret agents, quirky gadgets, villainous plots, and captivating femme fatales. The underlying tone of charm and wit, bolstered by the convincing performances of renowned actors, makes it a delightful one to watch for moviegoers who enjoy the classic combination of suspense, adventure, and comedy.

In conclusion, Some Girls Do is a light-hearted take on the conventional spy film genre. While it satirically plays upon the archetypal elements of 1960s spy thrillers, at its core it remains an energetic, captivating and thoroughly enjoyable cinematic experience. Its unique blend of action, intrigue, romance, comedy, and a dash of retro nostalgia serve to make it a delightful movie, driven by memorable performances and a constantly evolving plot.