Deadlier Than The Male (1967)

When some top oil executives are murdered by a pair of beautiful assassins (Elke Sommer, Sylva Koscina) who make the killings look like accidents, an insurance underwriter (Richard Johnson, THE HAUNTING) isn't buying it. It isn't long before he becomes the hunted. The success of the James Bond films in the 1960s caused several imitators (like the Matt Helm or Flint movies) hoping to start their own franchise. This British film usurps H.C. McNeile's Bulldog Drummond detective character although it's not based on any of his books. There was even a sequel, SOME GIRLS DO which did a quick fade. But MALE is an enjoyable potboiler notable for its use of sexy women who get their thrills torturing and killing men. There are several "nice" girls in the movie but the wicked "bad" girls are so much more fun! The icy Sommer and the warm Koscina (who practically apologizes while torturing her male victims) make for an amusing pair. Add the gorgeous Northern Italian coastal location and it's a pleasant diversion. Directed by Ralph Thomas. With Nigel Green, Suzanna Leigh, Steve Carlson, Laurence Naismith, Leonard Rossiter and Lee Montague.