Agent 077 - Mission Bloody Mary (1965)

Lodged somewhere within the void of B-movie expanse is a popular genre known as EuroSpy. Blame the success of the James Bond franchise for giving rise to not only a handful of "knock off" films but an entire genre based on imitation.

Agent 077 - Mission Bloody Mary is the first of three films starring Ken Clark as Dick Malloy aka Agent 077. It's no stretch that Malloy is a James Bond doppelganger, only differences are Malloy's more muscular physique and that he happens to be an American secret service agent for the CIA. In terms of execution you won't be surprised to discover this Bond imitation barely matches the quality of the worst 007 film. Agent 077 - Mission Bloody Mary's main problem is story, there's not much of one and what little there is, is so poorly written and executed that half the time difficult to understand what's going on. The basic premise sees Dick Malloy sent out to recover a stolen bomb nicknamed the "Bloody Mary" which was taken by a person only known as the Black Lily. Along the way he receives assistance from loyal alliances and runs into a few people who turn out to have alternative agendas such as another fellow spy under the cover of Dr. Elsa Freeman (Helga Line). Freeman seems cooperative but there's definitely a suspicion that she might be a double agent or something even more shocking!

In terms of entertainment value, Agent 077 - Mission Bloody Mary rates closest to On Her Majesty's Secret Service, a Bond film that ranks among my least favorite but in its utter absurdity is at least amusing. But of course most EuroSpy films aren't usually known for their serious gripping story, and those who have that knowledge going in should find some amusement here. The film does have some positive aspects, the title theme is extremely catchy, there's plenty of action, and there's the lovely Helga Line who happens to be the most interesting and elusive character in the story. Throw in a decent secret agent, played by Ken Clark, and the combination produces a badly written film with some style. EuroSpy fans are sure to enjoy this one, Helga Line fans will be pleased, and everyone else will just have to make up there own mind.

6/10