The Million Eyes of Sumuru

The Million Eyes of Sumuru is a 1967 globe-trotting espionage adventure that perfectly encapsulates the Cold War-era fascination with exotic locations and high-stakes spy games. Directed by Lindsay Shonteff, the film is based on a series of pulp novels by Sax Rohmer and features a cast headlined by Frankie Avalon, George Nader, and Shirley Eaton.

At the forefront of this spectacle of intrigue is the eponymous character Sumuru, played by Shirley Eaton, a name synonymous with exotic villainy thanks to her memorable turn as the gold-painted femme fatale in the James Bond film Goldfinger. In The Million Eyes of Sumuru, Eaton takes the role of a charismatic leader of an all-female secret society bent on world domination, making her a formidable adversary to the heroes of the narrative.

Frankie Avalon portrays secret service agent, master of disguise, and perennial ladies’ man Tommy Carter, and George Nader is cast as the rugged, globetrotting adventurer and author, Nick West. This unlikely duo of Avalon and Nader must navigate a dangerous world of intrigue and conspiracy to prevent the diabolical organization from taking over the world.

The Million Eyes of Sumuru is rife with classic 1960s-style pulp adventure elements. It's a milieu where the stakes are high, and the villains are dastardly. The story quickly escalates to epic proportions as the service agent and adventurer duo undertake a journey across the globe in an intricate game of cat and mouse with Sumaru’s dangerous and deadly organization, populated exclusively by highly-trained femme fatales.

The film is filled with exotic locales, high-style, and an energetic score, all of which typify the jet-setter glamour of the 1960s international thriller. Its appeal lies in its charm of a bygone era, channeling a certain sophistication that was characteristic of the spy films of that time. It's a world filled with stylish clothing, suave heroes, exotic cocktails, and deadly beautiful women.

The production design and locations are a feast for the eyes. Shot on location in Hong Kong, the film boasts an array of eye-catching sets and scenic backdrops, which further adds to the allure of this espionage adventure. The filmmakers have done a commendable job of incorporating diverse and stunning landscapes, which also heralds the larger than life vision of the narrative.

Shirley Eaton’s performance deserves a special mention as she delivers an assured and commanding screen presence as the villainous Sumuru. Eaton’s interpretation is seductive, sinister, and utterly captivating, providing an entertaining counterpoint to the two lead protagonists.

Avalon and Nader demonstrate a nice chemistry and camaraderie, providing the audience with charm and wit. Avalon brings his distinctive charisma and good looks to Tommy Carter, while Nader’s portrayal of the rugged adventurer Nick West offsets Avalon’s smooth operator, resulting in an entertaining duo of heroes.

The Million Eyes of Sumuru is not without its tongue-in-cheek humor, some subtle and some not so much, but it all contributes to the movie’s heightened sense of theatricality and fun. The writers adeptly weave sardonic one-liners and comedic exchanges amidst the high stakes drama, giving the audience ample moments of light-hearted relief.

In terms of genre, The Million Eyes of Sumuru comfortably carves out a space that merges the best traits of spy thrillers, adventure, and action genres, thus offering something for every fan of 1960s cinema. Despite its sinister plot and high stakes, the movie never takes itself too seriously and continuously reminds the audience that it's meant for pure entertainment.

In conclusion, The Million Eyes of Sumuru is a fun and entertaining romp that showcases a distinct time in film history when the exotic and the cosmopolitan combined to form an engaging narrative. It's a charming blend of high adventure, comic relief, and charismatic performances that will appeal to nostalgia buffs and fans of 1960s adventure films alike. The sum total of its assorted elements makes it a movie that's worth watching for its pure escapist fun, helmed by a standout performance from Shirley Eaton and balanced by the cool charm of Frankie Avalon and George Nader.