“You haven't got an ounce of understanding or emotion in your body. You died the moment you were born. And when your heart finally stops beating, it'll be a mere formality.”
From Novel to Cold War Spy Thriller
Derek Marlowe's first novel caught the attention of producers looking to capitalize on the success of spy thrillers in the 1960s. With Anthony Mann set to direct and Lawrence Harvey to star, they began production in 1967. However, Mann's unexpected death during filming led to Harvey taking over directorial duties for the final portion of the shoot. Furthermore, Frank Sinatra's daily calls to the production demanding his wife Mia Farrow's return added additional tension to the complicated shoot. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up the 1968 Crime Films series with a conversation about A Dandy in Aspic.
A Double Agent Trapped in Aspic
The film follows a Russian double agent ordered to track down and assassinate himself, creating an intriguing premise that never quite reaches its full potential. While the spy thriller elements and Cold War setting provide fertile ground for tension and intrigue, the execution falls short of contemporaries like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Additionally, Mia Farrow's character feels superfluous, appearing everywhere without clear purpose to the plot.
Other Elements We Discuss
- Lawrence Harvey's dour performance and directorial contribution
- The Cold War atmosphere of London and Berlin locations
- Quincy Jones's '60s-era score
- The creative marionette title sequence
- Tom Courtney's engaging supporting performance
- The film's peculiar title and its cultural context
- The dangerous AVUS racing circuit featured in the finale
Despite its flaws, A Dandy in Aspic offers an interesting take on the spy genre with solid performances and authentic Cold War locations. Though we found the film somewhat uneven and less engaging than other spy thrillers of the era, its unique premise and historical significance make it worth examining. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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