Silencers Matt Helm Movie Review
The Silencers, directed by Phil Karlson, written by Oscar Saul from the novels by Donald Hamilton. Starring Dean Martin, Stella Stevens, Cyd Charisse. 1966. 102 minutes.
This is the first of a series of movies where Dean Martins plays super-spy Matt Helm. This is also the only one of the series that Netflix
has. Amazon has them all as a set (see below). Similar to Our Man Flint and In Like Flint with James Coburn. The waste of film called Austin Powers obviously got many things from The Silencers. Austin Powers is barely amusing when it is supposed to be funny. The Silencers is amusing, and occasionally funny, when it is supposed to be just amusing. At least the real 1960s spy movies were cool.
The movie begins with Matt Helm retired from spying to lead a hedonistic life of luxury. After spending several minutes on the gadgets (and woman) in his swinging pad, he is reluctantly motivated back into service. There are several of those scenes that are very sexy, without showing anything, that Hollywood is unable to do anymore. He also beds more women than James Bond. The story seems to be this: He is to intercept something and stop a guy from killing a bunch of people. They did have some explosions near the end.
If you like the swinging 60s and Dean Martin, you’ll probably like this movie. If you like a plot and story, you’ll be disappointed. After watching for about an hour I had to wonder if this movie was only about women or if there was going to be a story. The camera spends a lot of time on them instead of the star. I know I seem down on the lack of story, but The Silencers is just so cool I would watch it again.
One Response “Silencers Matt Helm Movie Review”
Good review. I really enjoyed this movie. Sure it’s definitely not high art. It’s just pure escapist fun. It’s a chance for Dean Martin to play himself. If people like that, then they will enjoy this movie. If not, they probably had better stay away from this one and its sequels. Cheers!