MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 50TH

Mission Impossible made its television debut on this day in 1966! Produced for CBS during the height of the Spy Boom, the program featured an interesting shift away from the standard formula. Instead of following the exploits of a single hero, or two buddies, MI focused on a team of operatives. Each episode began with the controller (Briggs in season one, followed by Phelps), who would visit a dead-drop location to learn about his assignment from an anonymous (self-destructing) recording and packet of photographs. One memorable location was a photo booth, where the instructions were hidden in a locked grill near the floor (see images below from Photo Booth). The screen would then cut to the controller's modern apartment, filmed from a high angle, where he would flip through his roster of spies to find the right talent needed for the mission. Another convention of the series was its dynamic credit intro (see example below); A lighted match! A burning fuse! And then key scenes of the episode- all to the sound of Lalo Schifrin's iconic theme. Mission Impossible is one of my few favorite US television series from the 1960s. Actor Martin Landau (Space 1999) did a brilliant job portraying his various cover identities. The show also followed the conventions of suspense and heist films, in that the facts around each case were laid out in detail and the viewer would then be on the edge of their seat, waiting to see if the IM force could succeed. In a world oversaturated with explosions and gun battles, the series offered a refreshing approach: the team's aim was to sabotage the enemy, and to get in and out undetected. One of the great qualities of MI was also its tendency to focus on eye contact and silent communication between the characters. These guys didn't need heavy armament- or even much dialog. Their professionalism and cool reserve under pressure made them the most unique spy characters from the era. In my favorite episode from season one, The Carriers, George Takei (Star Trek) was brought in to go undercover in a village set up to train enemy spies to infiltrate the west. Mission Impossible ran from 1966-1973 and was brought back for two seasons by ABC in 1988. Tom Cruise began his action film adaptations in 1996, in which he focused mostly on the adventures of his character, Ethan Hunt. But there has been nothing like the original. Happy 50th! Below: Examples of season one credits and various images from the early days of Mission Impossible. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, John Buss interview, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.

ELSTREE ROGER MOORE

UK Tour: Roger Moore Plaque. One of the central hubs of my trip in July was Elstree and Borehamwood. My tribe of 1960s spy fans gather there every summer to embark on a weekend of location tours to see sites that appeared in The Avengers, The Saint, The Baron, Man in a Suitcase, Randall and Hopkirk, etc. Our pals who organize the event do a great job preparing photo sheets of screen-captures so we can really get a sense of how the film crews worked each area- especially as not too much has changed there since the sixties. This place is rich with history! A brief look at the many studios that thrived there include Claredon Road (Morecambe and Wise, The Muppet Show), MGM (2001: A Space Odyssey, The Dirty Dozen, The Prisoner), and Elstree (home of our many fave spy and adventure series, not to mention a little movie called Star Wars). I will be sharing some of my photos from various location sites from the area, but I though it might be fun to start with a simple landmark. To celebrate its place in entertainment history, the sidewalks on the high street feature plaques dedicated to various stars who filmed there. On my regular route to Tesco market, I enjoyed passing the entrance to Elstree Studios, the George Lucas stage, and this plaque dedicated to Roger Moore. Here are a few snaps, Spy Vibers. Enjoy! For more info, check out Elstree Screen Heritage. Related posts from the trip: Portmeirion Photography 1, Ian Fleming's Grave, The Prisoner London Flat.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, John Buss interview, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.

BLU MODESTY & FATHOM

New releases: A Blu-ray edition of Modesty Blaise (1966) was released on August 23rd. Though many Spy Vibers have noted the film is a bit of a mess and didn't quite live up to the original comic strip, its appeal comes from its trussing visuals and occasional use of inspired fashion and set design. Definitely an interesting time capsule of the period. From the press release: "Her entire appearance changes in a finger snap. She thrashes villains without missing a spiked-heeled step. Welcome to the mad, mod world of sexy, stylish British super agent Modesty Blaise (Monica Vitti, L Avventura, L Eclisse). Hired by the government to prevent a diamond heist, Modesty recruits her wily sidekick Willie Garvin (Terence Stamp, The Limey) to help her battle crafty, colorful foes on the secluded island of a suave mastermind thief Gabriel (Dirk Bogarde, Death in Venice) and conniving partner Mrs. Fothergill (Rosella Falk, 8½). Grooving with mile-high hairdos and swinging, psychedelic wall patterns, Modesty Blaise is campy entertainment at its best. The great Joseph Losey (Eva, The Servant) directed this outrageous spy spoof featuring a stellar cast that includes Harry Andrews (Moby Dick), Clive Revill (Fathom) and Alexander Knox (The Vikings). Bonus Features: Interview with First Assistant Director Gavrik Losey, Interviews with Screenwriter Evan Jones and Assistant Art Director Norman Dorme, Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle and Filmmaker Armand Mastroianni, Trailer Gallery." More info at Amazon. Fathom Blu-ray info below.

Fathom (1967) will also make its debut on Blu-ray later this fall on October 25th. "From running of the bulls or skydiving from 10,000 feet, there isn't much Fathom Harvill (Raquel Welch, One Million Years B.C.) can't handle in this wildly entertaining espionage spoof from veteran television director Leslie H. Martinson (Batman: The Movie). Sexy and voluptuous dental hygienist-turned-skydiver Fathom (Welch) is recruited by a top-secret government agency to parachute into Spain in search of an elusive war defector (Tony Franciosa, Across 110th Street) and a missing H-bomb detonator he is believed to possess. But the super sexy spy may expose more than she bargained for as she unravels the truth behind her employer's motives with hilarious results. Co-starring the wonderful Clive Revill (Modesty Blaise) as the villainous Serapkin." Bonus Features: Audio Commentary by Film Historians David Del Valle and Steven Peros, Trailers. More info at Amazon. 

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: 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, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, John Buss interview, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.