August 30, 2017

AGENT K-13

August 26th was National Dog Day! Not only are we in a time in history when we hear more about true service dogs, the day also served as a reminder to the four-legged friends who care for us and who help to guide us in our daily lives. They are family. And to those in the military, security, and law enforcement, they are our colleagues. I thought about a few fictional canines to share here on Spy Vibe, but settled on Fang (aka Agent K-13). Fang made his debut in the first episode of Get Smart in 1965. He then accompanied Agent 86, Max Smart, during seasons one and two, in episodes 3, 4, 11, 16, 23, 32, and 43. Rumor has it the labradoodle-actor, "Red", was hard to direct and and his character was subsequently written out of the series. Apparently it was explained to fans that the dog had retired from the field to enjoy a quiet desk job. Before Get Smart, Red appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bachelor Father. Incidentally, Red's trainer, Rudd Weatherwax, worked as a trainer on Lassie Come Home (1943), Old Yeller (1957), and on the Lassie television series. Despite being dropped from Get Smart, the Fang character continued to help sell ancillary products like comics (some drawn by Steve Ditko) and paperback books, where he appeared alongside Max Smart in the cover designs. Get Smart (1965-1970) was created by Mel Brooks (The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs) and Buck Henry (That Was the Week That WasThe Graduate, Catch 22, What's Up Doc?) as a satirical answer to money-making properties James Bond and The Pink Panther. The original series was a wonderful send-up of popular conventions, and Fang/Agent K-13's introduction remains a hilarious, classic moment in 1960s Spy Vibe culture. Below: Fang on the case. In other news, check out my episodes of the Cocktail Nation radio show, where I introduce classic spy films/TV series and play soundtracks and rare cuts: Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint), and Episode #5 (The Avengers). Episode #6 (The Prisoner). Related post: Agent 99 By Andy Warhol.










Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Elvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsTrina Robbins InterviewThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

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