Unlike the innovative OUR MAN FLINT (the `contact' scene in the restaurant was later reused in THE FRENCH CONNECTION) IN LIKE FLINT is a shallow retread. Word has it that producer Saul David quit 20th Century Fox because the `message' was cut from one `key' scene. He needed have bothered. There is nothing in IN LIKE FLINT to back up that message (i.e., that women ruling would be no different) because women are given such precious little to do in IN LIKE FLINT. Using the then `daring' concept of `Women's Liberation' simply doesn't work if you plan to reinforce it by portraying women and simply seductive, conniving playthings. Yet, that is EXACTLY what IN LIKE FLINT presents us. Imagine what a better movie I.L.F. would have been if the writers and producers had given us a `Pussy Galore' or `Mrs. Peel' to slam Flint around. Instead, they gave us the vapid Jean Hale, a beautiful but cold platinum blonde. No, men provide all the `action' (such as it is) in this slightly inferior sequel. I say `slightly inferior' because there are still some entertaining elements here (i.e., funny sight gags, competent music, terrific cinematography and locales); and, let's face OUR MAN FLINT isn't THAT great a movie (in retrospect). Oh well, ho hum ZOWIE is better than no ZOWIE at all
Review of In Like Flint
