The Last of the Secret Agents

The Last of the Secret Agents is a 1966 American comedy film directed by Norman Abbott. A madcap spoof of the popular spy genre that had taken global pop culture by storm during the 1960s, the movie stars the comedic duo Marty Allen and Steve Rossi, alongside notable character actor John Williams. The film is a lighthearted parody that leans heavily into the absurdity and outlandish gadgets associated with spy films, especially in the wake of the James Bond franchise's success.

Marty Allen, with his wild hair and distinctive bug-eyed look, and the suave Steve Rossi play a pair of bumbling yet lovable misfits who inadvertently find themselves in the world of international espionage. Their characters, named Marty and Steve respectively, are not your typical heroes. Far from suave and dashing, these two are more likely to trip over their own feet than to deftly outmaneuver an opponent, offering a sharp contrast to the cool and calculated spies audiences were used to.

The film starts with the duo embarking on a tour through Europe, a trip that is soon derailed by a series of curious and humorous events. The plot quickly thickens as they are mistakenly believed to be top-notch American operatives by a secret organization that recruits them to tackle a major international crisis. Unable to convince their newfound associates of their actual incompetence, Marty and Steve are thrown headfirst into a world of subterfuge, gadgets, and intrigue.

John Williams, who often played more serious roles, here adds an air of credibility and gravity to the outlandish scenarios as he takes on the role of J. Fredrick Duval, the enigmatic and authoritative leader of the secret organization that Marty and Steve have found themselves mixed up in. With a refined British accent and sharp wit, he lends a certain debonair flavor to the comedy, brilliantly playing the straight man to Allen and Rossi's unbridled slapstick humor.

As the plot unfolds, the unlikely duo is charged with thwarting the nefarious plans of The Great Spy Ring, a dangerous criminal organization that poses a threat to global stability. The villains, as exaggerated as our heroes, have their own ridiculous quirks and over-the-top schemes, providing ample opportunity for humor, both visual and verbal, as our protagonists stumble through their attempts to save the world.

Instead of slick fight scenes and car chases, viewers can expect physical comedy, with scenes packed full of deliberate pratfalls, accidents, and a sequence of gags that hark back to the silent film era of slapstick. The Last of the Secret Agents takes every opportunity to lampoon the seriousness of espionage movies, employing tongue-in-cheek dialogue, self-referential jokes, and an array of kooky gadgets that are more likely to malfunction in a comedic fashion than provide any real assistance to the mission at hand.

Amid the mayhem, the film is laced with elements that were topical for the time. It features a series of cultural references and cameos that would have resonated with audiences in the 1960s, adding another layer of enjoyment for viewers who were steeped in the era's pop culture. The soundtracks also tap into the '60s vibe, with Nancy Sinatra—the daughter of Frank Sinatra—singing the theme song, which is appropriately titled "The Last of the Secret Agents." Her contribution to the soundtrack brings a certain period charm and a catchy tune that audiences would associate with other iconic espionage films.

A notable aspect of The Last of the Secret Agents is its approach to comedic storytelling, which manages to be both a parody and a celebration of the spy genre. While it relentlessly pokes fun at the tropes that had become well-established by that time, it does so with a palpable affection for the excitement and glamour of spy flicks. The film also toys with the audience's expectations, inverting typical situations and leading to unpredictable outcomes.

For fans of classic comedy and the spy genre, The Last of the Secret Agents is a delightful time capsule from an era when Bond-mania was at its peak, and comedies were more about the simple joys of laughter than cerebral humor or cringeworthy punchlines. The film provides a balance of silliness and satire, making it a memorable piece of ‘60s cinema, and a showcase for the unique comedic talents of Marty Allen and Steve Rossi. It is a playful romp through the world of spycraft with enough chuckles and cheer to entertain viewers looking for a light, comedic escape.