No-nonsense Russian agent Major Grigori Borvoz (a credible performance by Charles Bronson) gets assigned to stop deranged renegade Stalinist defector Nicolai Dalchimsky (the always reliable Donald Pleasence in fine sinister form) from carrying out his nefarious plan to trigger brainwashed sleeper undercover agents hidden throughout America from committing extreme acts of terrorism.
Director Don Siegel keeps the far-fetched, but still engrossing and exciting story moving at a steady pace, makes neat use of numerous exotic locations, and stages the action scenes with his trademark skill and aplomb. Lee Remick adds plenty of charm and vitality as cheery and helpful American agent Barbara. Tyne Daly likewise delights as spunky computer whiz Dorothy Putterman. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Sheree North as harried housewife Marie Wills, Patrick Magee as the stern General Strelsky, Frank Marth as shady CIA head honcho Harley Sandburg, John Mitchum as amiable mechanic Harry Bascom, Roy Jenson as the hearty Doug Stark, and Jacqueline Scott as the shrewish Mrs. Hassler. The depiction of the sleeper agents as plain everyday folks gives this picture an extra chilling edge. Lalo Schifrin's robust score does the rousing trick. Michael C. Butler's slick cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. A fun film.
Director Don Siegel keeps the far-fetched, but still engrossing and exciting story moving at a steady pace, makes neat use of numerous exotic locations, and stages the action scenes with his trademark skill and aplomb. Lee Remick adds plenty of charm and vitality as cheery and helpful American agent Barbara. Tyne Daly likewise delights as spunky computer whiz Dorothy Putterman. Moreover, there are sound supporting contributions from Sheree North as harried housewife Marie Wills, Patrick Magee as the stern General Strelsky, Frank Marth as shady CIA head honcho Harley Sandburg, John Mitchum as amiable mechanic Harry Bascom, Roy Jenson as the hearty Doug Stark, and Jacqueline Scott as the shrewish Mrs. Hassler. The depiction of the sleeper agents as plain everyday folks gives this picture an extra chilling edge. Lalo Schifrin's robust score does the rousing trick. Michael C. Butler's slick cinematography provides a pleasing polished look. A fun film.