This film is very funny indeed, because it was well directed by Ralph Thomas, who could sometimes make terrible films, such as SOME GIRLS DO (1969, see my review). But primarily the film is carried by the superb and delicately delivered performances of those three old pros, Robert Morley, Leo McKern, and Dirk Bogarde. They all knew so well what they were doing that they could always direct themselves. McKern had a passion for Indian food, and I often used to sit near him in the Shahbhag on Roslyn Hill, as he scoffed his curry, but I never thought it tactful to speak to him, as disturbing a man at his curry is simply not the done thing. McKern's greatest acting triumph was his performance as Peer Gynt, in the play of that title by Ibsen. I saw that extremely long and brilliant production at the Old Vic in a long-gone era, but have never forgotten that McKern was a classical actor of enormous stature, and if he had not had such a rumpled face and a funny expression, he might have done more to prove it to people. This film has an absurd story which is satirically and lightly done, so that it all ends up being just lots of fun on the principle of: Who cares if it's ridiculous? It works. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. You take your life in your hands when you try to make a satirical comedy. John le Mesurier provides solid backup, as usual, making his comical long face and joining in the fun of pretending to be a spy. Everyone in the film is either a spy or pretends to be a spy or doesn't know he is a spy because nobody has told him. During the Cold War we needed this kind of comic consolation sometimes, because the realities were so grim. There are also some pointed jokes about people sponging on the dole, lazy chaps who claim to be writers and will one day write a great novel but never do (Bogarde plays this for all the laughs he can get), and there is Sylva Koscina having fun falling in love with him whilst spying on him in Prague. All good solid sixties nonsense. And there is a wonderful 'in-joke'. At one point Bogarde is looking at a newspaper, and a secondary story which most people would not notice is headed: '"I'm not a spy!' says Ralph Thomas', Ralph Thomas of course being the film's director. Lots of laughs on the set, I'm sure. 'And now time for a pint,' I suspect.

When this film begins, you learn that agent 007 has died! Soon, the scene switches to a very lazy writer, Whistler (Dirk Bogarde). He's on the dole...and very happy to remain that way. However, he's surprised when he goes to collect his unemployment check...he's told he has a job interview!! Well, he has no choice...either go to the interview or no more relief! So he goes...showing up late and initially putting little effort into the interview. But when they offer him an enormous sum to work for them, he's hooked...not realizing that he's just been recruited to become a spy! Why would they want this ne'er-do-well? Well, he speaks Czech...and they need an agent to retrieve something in Czechoslovakia.

As for the mission, Whistler STILL doesn't realize how serious it is and that he could be shot for spying! Clearly he's in over his head and it's not at all surprising that the secret police are soon on to him. But how to escape?! He'll have to use his wits...and so far we haven't noticed that he has any!

I liked this film because although it was a bit of a spy parody, it was NOT overtly a comedy. In other words, they made it all seem plausible and engaging. You also have to really feel sorry for Whistler! Overall, a surprisingly good film--one that was original and intelligently written. Plus, it stars Bogarde, who was a dandy actor.

There's a very funny gag at the beginning of this romantic spy comedy where a mailbox label marked 007 is turned over to reveal a very important detail about the world's greatest secret agent. The very handsome Dirk Bogarde plays an out-of-work Englishmen who is sent to an agency run by the very droll Robert Morley and is sent to Czechoslovakia on business where of course, he is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage. of course, he has no idea that he's actually there is a spy, and morally keeps making a funny details to keep him pulled into thinking that he's just there to deliver some general information. While there, he becomes enamored of his beautiful driver (Sylvia Koscina) home it is obvious from the get-go is a secret agent herself. By the time Bogarde realizes that he's in way over his head, it is too late. Quickly realizing that his life is desperately in danger, Bogarde must sink quickly as to how to get out of this mess.

Featuring great Czech locales (set in Prague), this film is filled with intrigue, romance and light comedy that will keep the viewer enthralled from beginning to end. In addition to Morley, there's also Leo McKern, and even the extras get a chance to be noticed. One particular example of that is the maid in Bogarde's hotel who views him suspiciously after greeting him when he leaves his room. Koscina is a charming actress and Cher has great chemistry with Bogarde. this could have easily been played with tongue in cheek, and while there are some wink-wink moments towards the audience, it is never blatant, and that makes the comedy all the more subtle.