EPISODE · Jan 30, 2025 · 1H 2M
A Dandy in Aspic
from The Next Reel Film Podcast · host TruStory FM
“You haven't got an ounce of understanding or emotion in your body. You died the moment you were born. And when your heart finally stops beating, it'll be a mere formality.”From Novel to Cold War Spy ThrillerDerek Marlowe's first novel caught the attention of producers looking to capitalize on the success of spy thrillers in the 1960s. With Anthony Mann set to direct and Lawrence Harvey to star, they began production in 1967. However, Mann's unexpected death during filming led to Harvey taking over directorial duties for the final portion of the shoot. Furthermore, Frank Sinatra's daily calls to the production demanding his wife Mia Farrow's return added additional tension to the complicated shoot. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up the 1968 Crime Films series with a conversation about A Dandy in Aspic.A Double Agent Trapped in AspicThe film follows a Russian double agent ordered to track down and assassinate himself, creating an intriguing premise that never quite reaches its full potential. While the spy thriller elements and Cold War setting provide fertile ground for tension and intrigue, the execution falls short of contemporaries like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Additionally, Mia Farrow's character feels superfluous, appearing everywhere without clear purpose to the plot.Other Elements We DiscussLawrence Harvey's dour performance and directorial contributionThe Cold War atmosphere of London and Berlin locationsQuincy Jones's '60s-era scoreThe creative marionette title sequenceTom Courtney's engaging supporting performanceThe film's peculiar title and its cultural contextThe dangerous AVUS racing circuit featured in the finaleDespite its flaws, A Dandy in Aspic offers an interesting take on the spy genre with solid performances and authentic Cold War locations. Though we found the film somewhat uneven and less engaging than other spy thrillers of the era, its unique premise and historical significance make it worth examining. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchWatch it on the webTheatrical trailerOriginal MaterialLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible
What this episode covers
“You haven't got an ounce of understanding or emotion in your body. You died the moment you were born. And when your heart finally stops beating, it'll be a mere formality.”From Novel to Cold War Spy ThrillerDerek Marlowe's first novel caught the attention of producers looking to capitalize on the success of spy thrillers in the 1960s. With Anthony Mann set to direct and Lawrence Harvey to star, they began production in 1967. However, Mann's unexpected death during filming led to Harvey taking over directorial duties for the final portion of the shoot. Furthermore, Frank Sinatra's daily calls to the production demanding his wife Mia Farrow's return added additional tension to the complicated shoot. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up the 1968 Crime Films series with a conversation about A Dandy in Aspic.A Double Agent Trapped in AspicThe film follows a Russian double agent ordered to track down and assassinate himself, creating an intriguing premise that never quite reaches its full potential. While the spy thriller elements and Cold War setting provide fertile ground for tension and intrigue, the execution falls short of contemporaries like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Additionally, Mia Farrow's character feels superfluous, appearing everywhere without clear purpose to the plot.Other Elements We DiscussLawrence Harvey's dour performance and directorial contributionThe Cold War atmosphere of London and Berlin locationsQuincy Jones's '60s-era scoreThe creative marionette title sequenceTom Courtney's engaging supporting performanceThe film's peculiar title and its cultural contextThe dangerous AVUS racing circuit featured in the finaleDespite its flaws, A Dandy in Aspic offers an interesting take on the spy genre with solid performances and authentic Cold War locations. Though we found the film somewhat uneven and less engaging than other spy thrillers of the era, its unique premise and historical significance make it worth examining. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchWatch it on the webTheatrical trailerOriginal MaterialLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres,...
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A Dandy in Aspic
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