Film #046 - The Fat Spy (1966)
Viewed February 15, 2006
The Fat Spy tries to be a typical 60s beach romp. The only thing that separates it from, say, your average beach comedy would be a viable plot, some meaningful characters, a cast that cares and some jokes. In a nutshell, the plot follows an attempt to find the fountain of youth on an island, just as a bunch of kids arrive on a scavenger hunt. Wackiness attempts to ensue.
The main draw for The Fat Spy is, no doubt, Jayne Mansfield. Although she was never a great actress, there’s no denying that she had an attractiveness that came through on film when properly utilized. It is not utilized properly here. For one thing, she is given almost nothing to do apart from smile and sing a song. For another, she is quite obviously pregnant. She has neither the energy nor the concentration to give anything to the audience and is a far cry from her best work in films like The Girl Can’t Help It (1956) and Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957).
Veteran character actor Brian Donlevy wound down his career with his role as George Wellington. He must have needed a quick paycheck, since he doesn’t seem the least bit interested in what he is doing. The only other significant actor is Phyllis Diller in her role as the main villainess, Camille Salamander. She brings a modicum of her standard persona, but never rises to the level of a proper (even comedic) villain.
The titular “Fat Spy” is played by Jack E. Leonard, who stretches his abilities by playing twins! That is, to say, he doesn’t stretch his abilities, since there’s very little difference between them, except one wears a suit and is in love with Phyllis Diller and the other wears beach attire and is in love with Jayne Mansfield.
But the thing that kills The Fat Spy is not the weak plot or bland performances. It’s that it never even tries to be a proper film. The small bits and pieces of plot and dialogue are sandwiched between an endless stream of generic 60s folk/rock songs (plus one by Jayne, as noted). And these aren’t quick, little ditties, either. They are a minimum of four minutes each, I recall. And with the possible exception of the opening song, there’s not a decent tune in the bunch.
Avoid The Fat Spy. I know it’s sitting there on the shelf of the dollar store with a picture of an attractive Jayne Mansfield on the cover. I know it’s only a dollar. There may be another movie or three on the DVD with it. But do not be misled! And if you do fail to follow my advice, if you do make the mistake of buying The Fat Spy, for the good of all, don’t compound the error by watching it.