Review of Murderers' Row (1966) by Byron B — 26 Aug 2015

This second of four Matt Helm spy comedies may be an American film with a European flare, but it is more a basis for the Austin Powers franchise than any other 60s espionage adventure. Dean Martin sings a few songs on the soundtrack, which is a little disorienting as he appears on screen as a non-singing character.

Martin's wise-cracking, womanizing, yet aging agent Matt Helm sets off on an impossibly zany case with flower child Suzie (Ann-Margret), the niece of a scientist who is being forced to serve a villain (Karl Malden) mad for world power.

There is a definite generation gap expressed, yet this flick is so impossibly psychedelic and dated with cheesy effects and dialog that it is no wonder that James Bond is still remembered and Matt Helm has been filed away as a novelty.