Search - Drive-in Movie Double Feature (Assassination in Rome / Espionage in Tangiers) on DVD

Perfect examples of watchable & unwatchable

JennMars | NJ | 10/26/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It's amazing how films age. "Rome," the "good" movie in this double feature is teeth-grindingly dull while "Tangiers," the cheap 007 knockoff about the death ray, totally delivers. I suppose it's possible that "Rome" had an audience four decades ago, but it's one of those talky, luxurious Euro-escapades with an over-the-hill star or two, lots of sitting around in plazas and on terraces, the obligatory trip to Venice, the women all in those blocky coats with the oversized buttons and the sleeves that stop just after the elbows, etc etc. "Rome" is nigh-unwatchable and hasn't got a trace of action until the very end.
"Tangiers" on the other hand, has almost everything you could want in a cheap Euro spy movie from the 60s. Sports cars racing along seaside mountain roads, that one skinny, gray-haired guy who turns up in many of these things, lots of fights, etc. Not up there with the best, like Operation Kid Brother or Danger! Death Ray!! but if you like stuff like the Commissar X movies, this belongs in your collection."

60's B Movie Double Feature . . .

trebe | 12/28/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Espionage in Tangiers (1965)
A key component for a deadly weapon is stolen, and secret agent Mike Murphy (Luis Davila) is sent to Tangiers to recover it. Once there, he is plunged almost immediately into deadly intrigue and murder. The secret device is up for sale, and the resourceful Murphy is off across the Mediterranean to Nice, on the trail of those looking to broker the deal.

Blending action, violence, humor, beautiful women, with some exotic locales, and decent cinematography, Espionage in Tangiers is a fast-paced Europspy adventure, that even with a few over the top elements, holds together well enough, keeping a hard edged bottom line. Murphy is a capable operative, who is almost constantly getting into a scuffle. Unfortunately, the ending in France is extremely lame, and nearly makes the entire journey a waste of time. George Lazenby supposedly made his debut in this film, and his name is listed on the DVD cover art. However, if Lazenby does appear in this version, it must be rather obscure.

Assassination in Rome (1967)
Dick Sherman (Hugh O'Brian) is a newspaperman who gets involved in a search for former girlfriend's (Cyd Charisse) missing husband. Sherman enlists the aid of a police detective friend, and begins to uncover curious circumstances surrounding the disappearance, including connections to a murder, drugs, gambling, and organized crime. The resolution features a twist that few might see coming. Presented in widescreen, this darkish tale is not a `must see', but may be worth a look for mystery fans.

Dark Sky Films has packaged these films with a drive in movie motif, which includes coming attractions movie trailers, food promos, and an intermission between features. Kind of fun, at least the first time around.
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