Modesty Blaise [DVD] [1966]

If only someone would make a modern day version of Modesty Blaze.Modesty Blaze has to be, the best female spy adventure character ever,but sadly, she has never made a successful transfer from from page tofilm. This was the first attempt at a screen version of the comic strip andbooks story of Modesty Blaze. In-the-meantime, there has been two madefor TV pilots, the last one was "Presented" by Quentin Tarantino, but neitherwere followed through with a TV series.This is an odd movie. Directed by Joseph Losey, who's other films were moredarker in tone, and Monica Vitti, who was best known for serious Italian artcinema. This is a mix and match of 1960s camp, and camp is a word muchused at the time, but it never comes together as it can't decide what typeof movie it is. Is it a comedy? Spy adventure? Or a musical? Just imagine amusical number breaking out in a James Bond film, and it will soon loseits dramatic pace.Peter O'donnell completely washed his hands of this movie. He wrote ascreenplay for it, but only one line was used, and that was "I wonder whathappened to Mr Fothergill", and thereafter was very weary of film adaptationsof his most beloved creation. Having said all that, this isn't a bad movie, it just isn'twhat it could have been. The soundtrack by Johnny Dankworth is good, with agreat title song, and the sets and locations are F.A.B. But I get the feeling this ismore like a kids movie, than a dramatic spy thriller. I only wish, one day, somebodywill make a proper film version of Modesty Blaze.

As a DVD the picture quality is good, in some places excellent but the story isn't very good. This film is close to 2 hours long and has a slow pace. It looks like this was an expensive film to make but some of the money was wasted. in one close up, supposedly of Monica Vitta's thigh it's obvious that either her or a male or female stunt double needs to remove some extra hair! Irrespective of whose that thigh hair belongs to, surely it shouldn't have been there? In the action scenes it's fairly obvious there's a switch from Monica to a stunt double. The story is pretty weak and in a lot of places doesn't really make a lot of sense. A lot of the film is set in Amsterdam which I guess makes sense if the commodity being stolen is diamonds - not that that is ever explained. The arch villian's hideout is an island which the film doesn't explain is in Sicily - Castello di Sant'Alessio and it's an impressive place but the film simply doesn't make the most of it. So, this DVD is on it's way to my local charity shop and I'll be searching for a film with a better story with 60s psychedelia.

In this film adaptation of the comic script character created by author Peter O'Donnell that featured years ago in the London Evening Standard, Italian movie star Monica Vitti in her first English speaking role portrays the heroine Modesty Blaise.Modesty Blaise is a fun filled trip into the world of espionage in the psychedelic world of the Swinging sixties. Blaise (Vitti) is a former criminal turned spy hired by the British secret service to protect a shipment of diamonds to a Middle Eastern sheikh. She is assisted by her faithful Cockney sidekick Willie Garvin (Terence Stamp) on her mission. However, a diamond theft ring headed by Gabriel (Dirk Bogarde) is hot on their trail.I loved this film. Director Joseph Losey captures on film the essence of Modesty Blaise in this film adaptation. Monica Vitti is excellent as Modesty, the iconic Terence Stamp at the height of his fame in the Sixties is brilliant and funny as the charming Cockney agent, Willie Garvin. Dirk Bogarde is superb as the camp, arch villain Gabriel.I recommend this film because it is a true cult classic that gets better with age. Take a trip into the world of espionage in the Sixties psychedelic style.

When this film was first released, it caused a sensation, it encapsulated everything that was 'hip' at the time. This dvd now gives you the chance to re-live that era. The stunning Italian sex-godess Monica Vitti brings to life the comic-strip heroine in a succession of different ludicrous wigs & veritable fashion show of gowns & 60's outfits. How & why Dirk Bogarde was persuaded to take part in this nonsense remains a mystery, it had to be money! However he gives an astonishing performance as arch-villain Gabriel a high camp character in slit-eyed glasses & wig! The score composed by Johnny Dankworth is also worthy of a mention.The one thing worth watching this film for is the saucy duet sung by Vitti & sidekick Terence Stamp atop a snazzy sports car with ice cream! It's lyrically resolved in a reprise in the film's closing moments.So, sit back & enjoy this over-the-top 'Op-Art' inspired adventure!

If you lived through the 60s in England, then you have to see this film for the memories! I absolutely LOVE this film and my "Ten Best" list would not be complete without it (each to their own, right?). I am so pleased that this film has FINALLY been released on Blu-Ray! Great characters (Monica Vitti is questionable, but still good; Terence Stamp was perfect as Willy Garvin; Dirk Bogarde was worth the price of admission just to see as the super-villain, Gabriel). There's no denying that were some scenes were self-indulgent, but the film is wonderful fun just the same!This is NOT a James Bond rival (as, no doubt, 20th Century Fox had hoped), but how could it be with Joseph Losey at the helm? Sit back and let the fun of a 60s camp crime-caper wash over you, complete with op-art sets.