Ralph Thomas (1) (1915–2001)

Jimmy Sangster updates Sapper's 1920's gentleman adventurer, Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond, as a super-smooth, swinging '60s super-spy. Sangster's story has the bosses of successive oil conglomerates being assassinated by beautiful but deadly woman. Bulldog Drummond is called in to investigate and is soon on the tail of the villainous Carl Petersen (Nigel Green) and his gang of luscious sexpots led by the sexy Irma (Elke Sommer). Ralph Thomas directs "Deadlier Than the Male" with a camp edge but with a deadly seriousness achieving a fine balance between sly humour and globe-trotting thrills. The film looks beautiful with stunning, colourful cinematography by Ernest Steward - the primary colours leap off the screen, while the deep focus gives the location photography, in particular, a glorious depth and feel. Richard Johnson is perfect as Drummond: smooth and sophisticated, but with plenty of grit when required. Nigel Green is equally good as suave and ruthless master criminal, Petersen, while Elke Sommer and Sylva Koscina are sexy and deadly as the evil master assassins. The pair make for a spectacular and iconic sight as they emerge from the ocean clad in skimpy bikinis and armed with harpoon guns. Overall "Deadlier Than the Male" is a classy and stylish production, with a great storyline and great characters. Importantly it also manages to adroitly avoid coming across as a Bond clone.… (more)