Eurospy Guide Paperback – October 24, 2008

I have always been a spy movie fan. It's pretty hard growing up in the United States in the 1960's and NOT be one. I have always been been a fan of James Bond, The Saint, The Prisoner, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and especially The Avengers! But growing up in small town America, I had no idea there was a whole different spy genre going on... this one in Europe! I had hints of it over the years... I would pick up a 16mm film here of a French film called "OSS-117" here, a VHS of a Italian film "Danger: Diabolik" there, but that was it.Then I was recently introduced to the world of the "Eurospy". It turns out each European Country had at least one major secret agent film series of their own, whether it was the French "OSS 117", the German "Kommasar X", the Italian's "Dick Malloy, C.I.A. Agent 077" just to name three. I suddenly found myself in a world of new Spy Film to watch and many Graymarket and Public Domain DVD titles to choose from. What to pick?Here is a great answer! Matt Blake's and David Deal's "Eurospy Guide" is a wonderful reference book that lists and reviews these films. Even Limiting itself to the 1960's (When the whole Bond fad hit it's peak with the film "Thunderball") you'll find this book lists hundreds of films, sorted by their English-language titles (and how quick you'll discover how these of these films had multiple titles!). You'll also find Appendices listing Film Series, Biographies of Lead Actors and lots more! I keep my copy next to my computer at home, so when I find myself sorting through Ebay or even Amazon listings, I have a immediate reference to give me a sense of whether I should pursue that bid or not.I've discovered I've been missing out on some great, (though low-budget),imaginative fun and with this book, I find I don't have to choose films blindly! Thank, guys!

I love Eurospy movies and this book gives quite a bit of info regarding them.

Absolutely the the most complete book of it's type available, and a definate must have for fans of 1960's Euro-spy flicks. The authors have tracked down and reviewed countless examples of the genre. You'll get reviews of such classics as FROM ISTANBUL, ORDERS TO KILL; FX 18 SUPERSPY; KISS THE GIRLS AND MAKE THEM DIE; LSD, HELL FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE; LUCKY THE INSCRUTABLE; MARK DONEN AGENT Z7; MISSION BLOODY MARY; THE SECOND BEST SECRET AGENT IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORD; and YPOTRON aka MISSION SECRETE POUR LEMMY LOGAN, among many others. You'll meet all the top agents of their time; Jerry Cotton, OSS 117, Lemmy Caution, Joe Walker, Francis Coplan, Charles Vine, The Monocle, Agent 3S3, 077, The Tiger and James Tont. The plots are over the top, the soundtracks groovey and the scantily-clad Euro-spy babes beautiful and deadly. This is entertainment value at it's highest "cheese" factor. And speaking of cheese, if you were one of the lucky few to have read author Matt Blake's outstanding Eurotrash fanzine CHEESEPLANT then you know what a great time you're in for.Both Blake and co-author David Deal take turns reviewing the 150+ mostly low (to no) budget spy films presented here, offering tons of info and personal observations. Their writing style is intiment, down to earth, as though a friend were telling you of some must-see movie, or warning you of bad trash. You also get a listing of the series films, a spy biography, an actors, directors, composers cross reference and top ten listings of spies, films, villains etc. And it's all well illustrated with many poster and lobby card photos.This is one of the best film books I own, and if you (like me) can't get your fill of Euro-spy/police/horror/giallo/trash then you're definately in need of this book too!

We were so young. This is a Boomer Book, reminding us of Bond and Helm and now, if we didn't know, our brothers (and sisters) across the pond. My 15-year-old son laughs at "Austin Powers" and now I can show him where the whole damn thing came from.It doesn't matter if you're a fan. The reviews are quirky, enlightening, funny, and laced with references to what we remember even if we've let it slip a little. This is less a reference book than an overview of a difficult time when some really goofy things happened on film, some of them awful, some less so, some pretty magnificent. Even if you never rent or buy any of these films, you'll get hours of enjoyment from just reading about what it was. This is one for the library, or maybe the bedroom, or possibly the bathroom. The places you read.

I love eurospy films of the sixties and now I have some reference material to add to my knowledge of these forgotten films.

Fills in a lot of detail on a fun historical spy flic genera

If you are into European Spy films of the 60's this is an absolute must. The layout is easier to follow than some MM books. All films are listed alphabetically with a helpful introduction and separate chapters on Series films, Spy biographies, author's lists, Actor/Director list, and Composer lists. Plus Cross reference and Original Title index. The research that must have gone on to produce this tome is mind boggling - Plot descriptions, comments, and full cast and credits (where available). The authors don't hold back with their opinions which is fun. I should confess I haven't read from A-Z ( but browsed (quite thoroughly), and I am very impressed. I must make one comment though. The authors admit that nearly all these films in the book are hard if not impossible to find, and if you can the condition could be terrible. The same thing can be said of the films in "HEROES NEVER DIE" but to a lesser extent (also a Midnite Marquee publication). So reading, and finding a film you fancy could end up rather frustrating. Plus, again, I would have loved an index. Alphabetical is OK, but a page number is quicker, and if you wanted to check all George Nader's films you do get a list, but again a page number would be helpful. 5 stars tho - an excellent book.

Guide sympathique mais loin d'être exhaustif. Le ton des chroniqueurs est enjoué mais manque par, moment, singulièrement d'esprit critique. Une iconographie plus riche (affiches couleurs par exemple) aurait également été la bienvenue. En résumé, guide plus utiles aux débutants qu'aux vrais aficionados.

The authors have done a terrific job of compiling this guide to Eurospy films of the 1960s. Each film includes a comprehensive credit list as well as a full synopsis and review of the film. A must for all film buffs interested in the films of the 1960s.

Rapidly becoming my essential reference book. Lots of reviews to read through, helps sort the wheat from the chaff. Like another reviewer has mentioned, I keep my copy handy when searching on-line.