THE WRECKING CREW
US, 1969, 105 minutes, Colour.
Dean Martin, Elke Sommer, Sharon Tate, Nancy Kwan, Nigel Green, Tina Louise.
Directed by Phil Karlson.
The Wrecking Crew was the fourth in a series of action adventures – a la James Bond – with Dean Martin portraying action hero, Matt Helm. The other films were The Silencers which began the series in 1966 followed that same year by Murderers’ Row. He also appeared in 1967 in The Ambushers.
For those who enjoy Dean Martin’s laconic and even lackadaisical presence, it is sometimes hard to imagine that he could be this kind of action hero. However, he takes it in his stride, not making any particular effort but giving the impression that he is enjoying himself. As with the other star vehicles he is surrounded by a galaxy of glamorous actresses, this time Elke Sommer, Nancy Kwan and Sharon Tate in one of her final films.
The film was directed by Phil Karlson, a veteran director of small-budget and tough action features like Phoenix City Story and, later, films about Beauford Pusser, Walking Tall, Tennessee Lawman.
1. The purpose of this kind of film? Its entertainment value? The commercial overtones and ingredients? As part of a series?
2. The popularity of this kind of film in the middle and late sixties? The espionage trend? The parody and satire? Does it have the same kind of impact now? Why?
3. The importance of colour, locations, music, espionage gimmickry? The enjoyment value of this?
4. How clever a spoof of spy films was this? Its presuppositions about audience response to espionage? Audience values? The role of action, comedy?
5. Dean Martin and his style? The success of the film depending on this? Is Matt Helm a personality? Just a type?
6. Comment on the value of the adventure ingredients, the robbery, the agents, the stopping of the train, the various ploys to get the money and discover the truth? Killing? the oil in the train?
7. The role of women in this kind of film? As sex objects? Glamour and fashion? Sexuality? The Dean Martin casual style aa regards women? Comment on the individuals: Linka as a villainess Yu Rang and the exotic Oriental touch? Lola and her hypocrisy? Freya and her lack of glamour and her sudden transformation at the end? Her inability to be a good spy? The spoof on women?
8. The role of sexuality in this kind of spy film? Audience expectations?
9. The presentation of the villains, especially Contini? How sinister comic book villain, his style and grandiose manner his use of electronics? The timing of the robbery, the storing of the gold, the intervention of Matt Helm? The finale in the train?
10. Comment on the principle that audiences get what they want. How is this verified here?
