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 Was, The 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 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.