7/10
Ken CLARK as Italian James Bond
13 December 2023
Ken Clark and his first mission as Agent 077

Yes, what is the name of the James Bond imitator directed by Sergio Grieco and produced by Edmondo Amati, which was released in West German cinemas in November 1965? In the original version he goes by the name Dick Malloy, the German dub changed it to Jack Clifton, for whatever reason. Filming took place in Paris, Barcelona and Athens.

When the pretty secretary (Erika Blanc) of his boss (Philippe Hersent) asks him to go on a new mission, the smart daredevil Jack Clifton (Ken Clark) is with a big-breasted girlfriend (Franca Polesello, who could already be admired in "Il sorpasso") ) busy. But of course duty comes first! After all, it's about a new type of nuclear weapon that was stolen by the "Black Lily" criminal organization. Jack Clifton should therefore absolutely prevent this weapon from being sold to the Chinese. He gets support from the attractive Elsa Freeman (Helga Line). Together the two also have to deal with Soviet agents, who are of course also interested in the "Bloody Mary". But that won't be the only surprise...

The American actor Ken Clark (1927-2009) had previously had to be content with supporting roles. In Hollywood he was marketed as a "beef cake" supporting actor because of his impressive physique. As Agent 077, he was finally able to showcase his qualities as a heartthrob who can repeatedly show off his magnificent upper body, and as an action actor whose powerful upper arms the competitors hardly have a chance against. The concept was well received, "Bloody Mary" attracted 836,000 viewers to West German cinemas. The two successors (Vollmacht für Jack Clifton": 777,000 viewers / "Im Netz der Goldenen Spinne": 822,000 viewers) were similarly successful at the West German box office.

The life story of the female lead, Helga Line, is also very interesting. She was born Helga Lina Stern in Berlin in 1932. Luckily, she was able to flee the National Socialists to Portugal with her parents as a small child. She later became a star on the Iberian Peninsula. She even appeared in two films directed by Pedro Almodovar in the 1980s. The great actress celebrated her 90th birthday in 2022.

Worth seeing offshoot of the EuroSpy wave that was started by the success of the James Bond films! And the start of a three-part series with Ken Clark as Agent 077 Jack Clifton!
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