The Assassination Bureau

The 1969 film The Assassination Bureau is an engaging combination of adventure, comedy, romance, and intrigue. With an array of memorable performances from a stellar cast that includes the charismatic Oliver Reed, the remarkable Diana Rigg, and the menacing Telly Savalas, this film stands as a distinctive offering in the cannon of late 60s cinema.

The film is predominantly a satirical throwback to the Edwardian era's adventurous charm, encapsulating the essence of cloak-and-dagger thrillers while injecting wit and humor into the storyline to make it more appealing to modern audiences of its time. Directed by Basil Dearden, the man who had earned considerable acclaim for his pioneering work in social-issue films in the 1960s, The Assassination Bureau showcases Dearden’s ability to skilfully handle and balance different genres with finesse.

At the heart of the movie, Oliver Reed masterfully portrays Ivan Dragomiloff, the confident and ruthless head of a secret organization which is simply known as the Assassination Bureau Ltd. This organization, which operates across multiple borders, is dedicated to killing individuals for a price, but with a twist; it only authorizes the killing of those who are morally deserving of death.

Diana Rigg plays ambitious journalist Sonya Winter, who stumbles upon the existence of this bizarre bureau. Rigg brings to the role a wide range of emotions and depth, portraying her character's initial horror upon learning about the bureau, determination to expose it, admiration for Ivan's principles, and the growing romantic tension between Ivan and her.

Telly Savalas, as bureau member Lord Bostwick, offers us a cold and calculating antagonist. Savalas conveys an almost tangible atmosphere of menace and intrigue, displaying his acting prowess in a role that reverberates with his scheming and ambitious personality.

Sonya manipulates her way into a meeting with the suave and debonair leader of the bureau, Ivan. She challenges him to exhibit the efficiency of his novel institution by commissioning them to assassinate their own leader. Surprisingly, Ivan accepts the challenge in a bid to expose corruption within his organization. What ensues is a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, filled with nail-biting action, daring escapades, captivating romance, and ample doses of tongue-in-cheek humor.

The film’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the visuals, with sets and costumes perfectly mirroring the Edwardian era's opulence. From grand ballrooms, adorned with dazzling chandeliers, to the plush interiors of luxury trains and the beautiful cityscapes of Europe, the cinematography paints an enchanting portrait of the epoch.

Basil Dearden does a commendable job with the film, mixing suspense and satire skillfully. The film's screenplay, based on the unfinished novel of Jack London and Robert Fish, does a clever job of merging period authenticity with contemporary relevancy. It presents a critique of the moral systems of the time, even as it delivers its storyline with an undercurrent of humor, making the viewers question the nature of justice and morality even as they enjoy the dramatically unfolding events on screen.

The film’s score, with its dramatic undertones, does justice to the movie’s grandeur, thoroughly complimenting the overall narrative and helping to maintain the suspenseful atmosphere throughout.

In conclusion, The Assassination Bureau is a gripping blend of thrilling adventure, light-hearted humor, heartfelt romance and moral questioning. Its leading actors deliver exhilarating performances, which are further elevated by a tightly woven plot, beautiful cinematography, and skillful direction. Despite being more than half a century old, the movie remains a timeless watch, offering insights into human morality and justice in an entertaining package.