There were four Matt Helm movies starring Dean Martin, released between 1966 and 1969. While the film series presented a comedic and often outrageous take on the spy genre, it has left a lasting, albeit controversial, mark on cinematic history.
A Brief History of Matt Helm: From Page to Screen
Donald Hamilton created Matt Helm in his 1960 novel Death of a Citizen. Unlike the jovial and often inebriated portrayal by Dean Martin, Hamilton’s Helm was a cold, calculating, and highly dangerous government assassin. He was a former World War II operative brought back into service for specialized missions. The book Helm was a man of few words, lethal skills, and a complicated personal life.
Hollywood, however, had different ideas. Recognizing the popularity of spy films following the success of James Bond, and keen to capitalize on Dean Martin’s star power, producers opted for a lighthearted, comedic approach. The resulting film Helm bore little resemblance to his literary counterpart. Instead, he became a womanizing, wisecracking secret agent whose missions were often more about the laughs than the espionage.
The success of the first film paved the way for three sequels, each further distancing itself from the source material and embracing a campy, tongue-in-cheek style. While critically derided at the time, the Matt Helm movies have developed a cult following for their unique blend of spy tropes, celebrity cameos, and Dean Martin’s undeniable charisma.
The Four Matt Helm Films: A Retrospective
Here’s a rundown of the four films that constitute the Matt Helm movie franchise:
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The Silencers (1966): The first film introduces Dean Martin as Matt Helm. The story revolves around Helm’s efforts to thwart an organization called “BIG O” (The Organisation Internationale du Crime) from sabotaging a US nuclear missile site. Stella Stevens co-stars as Gail Hendrix, one of Helm’s female associates.
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Murderers’ Row (1966): Released the same year as The Silencers, Murderers’ Row sees Helm battling the sinister Dr. Julian Wall (Karl Malden) who has kidnapped Helm’s daughter and threatens to unleash a destructive ray. Ann-Margret joins the cast as Suzie Solaris.
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The Ambushers (1967): This installment features Helm tasked with rescuing a captured female agent, Sheila Sommers (Janice Rule), and recovering a downed flying saucer developed by the U.S. government. Senta Berger co-stars as Francesca Madeiros.
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The Wrecking Crew (1969): The final film in the series pits Helm against Count Contini (Nigel Green), an international saboteur plotting to disrupt the global economy. Sharon Tate plays Freya Carlson, a Danish secret agent partnering with Helm. This film is sadly notable for being Sharon Tate’s final completed film role before her tragic death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Matt Helm
Here are some common questions about the Matt Helm film series, providing further insight into its history, characters, and lasting impact.
Q1: Why did the Matt Helm movie series end after only four films?
There are several factors that contributed to the end of the Matt Helm film series. Firstly, the box office returns for the later films, particularly The Wrecking Crew, were not as strong as the initial entries. Secondly, Dean Martin’s increasing disinterest in the role became apparent. He reportedly performed under the influence, often ad-libbing lines and disrupting filming schedules. Thirdly, the spy movie genre itself was evolving. The campy, over-the-top style of the Helm films began to feel dated compared to the more sophisticated and serious approaches taken in films like the Bond series. Finally, Martin’s career was shifting, and he was focusing on his television variety show and other projects.
Q2: How faithful are the Matt Helm movies to the original Donald Hamilton novels?
In short, not very faithful at all. The movies retain the name of the character and the basic premise of him being a government agent, but virtually everything else is changed. The humor, the tone, and the characterization are vastly different. Hamilton’s Helm is a brutal and realistic assassin, while Martin’s Helm is a comedic womanizer. Hamilton himself was reportedly deeply disappointed with the film adaptations of his work.
Q3: Who directed the Matt Helm movies?
The four films were directed by different directors. The Silencers was directed by Phil Karlson, Murderers’ Row by Henry Levin, The Ambushers by Henry Levin again, and The Wrecking Crew by Phil Karlson, who returned for the final installment. The change in directors may have contributed to the varying tones and styles across the series.
Q4: Were there any plans for additional Matt Helm movies?
While there were discussions about continuing the series, no concrete plans materialized. The declining box office returns and Dean Martin’s increasing reluctance to participate made it difficult to justify further productions. There were talks of a reboot or a television series in later years, but none came to fruition.
Q5: Who were some of the famous “Slaygirls” featured in the Matt Helm films?
The Matt Helm movies were known for featuring a bevy of beautiful women, often referred to as “Slaygirls.” Some of the notable actresses who appeared in these roles include Stella Stevens, Ann-Margret, Janice Rule, Senta Berger, and Sharon Tate. These women were not just eye candy; they often played active roles in the plot, sometimes as allies and sometimes as adversaries.
Q6: What is “Dean Martin’s law” and how did it affect the Matt Helm movies?
“Dean Martin’s law” referred to his contractual right to finish filming by 5:00 PM each day so he could partake in his favorite pastime – drinking and socializing. This often meant that scenes were rushed or ad-libbed, contributing to the films’ loose and comedic style. It’s rumored that Martin was sometimes visibly intoxicated during filming.
Q7: Where were the Matt Helm movies filmed?
The Matt Helm movies were filmed in various locations, primarily in California and Mexico. Some scenes were shot on studio lots, while others were filmed on location, providing a glamorous backdrop for the spy adventures. The use of exotic locales added to the films’ sense of escapism.
Q8: Are the Matt Helm movies available on DVD or Blu-ray?
Yes, the Matt Helm movies are available on DVD and Blu-ray. They have also been released as part of various box sets and collections. They are also available on various streaming platforms.
Q9: What is the musical style of the Matt Helm movies?
The Matt Helm movies feature a swinging 1960s soundtrack with music composed by Elmer Bernstein and Neal Hefti, among others. Dean Martin himself sings several songs in the films, adding to the overall entertainment value. The music perfectly complements the films’ comedic and lighthearted tone.
Q10: Is there a Matt Helm remake or reboot in development?
Over the years, there have been occasional rumors and discussions about a Matt Helm remake or reboot, but no project has ever made it into production. Various actors and directors have been linked to the property, but ultimately, the rights have remained dormant.
Q11: What is the legacy of the Matt Helm movies?
The Matt Helm movies, while not critically acclaimed, have earned a cult following for their unique blend of spy tropes, campy humor, and Dean Martin’s charisma. They represent a specific era of filmmaking and offer a nostalgic glimpse into the swinging 1960s. They are also a reminder of the different interpretations of the spy genre, from the serious and gritty to the lighthearted and comedic.
Q12: Are the Matt Helm books worth reading even if you dislike the movies?
Absolutely. If you appreciate classic spy thrillers with a hard-edged protagonist and a focus on realism, the Matt Helm books are definitely worth exploring. They offer a completely different perspective on the character and the world he inhabits compared to the movies. They are considered a valuable contribution to the spy fiction genre.