While touring abroad in Europe, beautiful American skydiver Fathom Harvill gets wrapped up in international intrigue when Scottish spy Douglas Campbell recruits her to help him on a secret mission. Before long, Fathom realizes that no one around her, including the mysterious Peter Merriweather, can easily be trusted, leading to various adventures that involve bull fighting, beaches and, of course, romance.
Raquel Welch
Fathom Harvill
Anthony Franciosa
Peter Merriwether
Ronald Fraser
Col. Douglas Campbell, Chief of HADES
Richard Briers
Flight Lt. Timothy Webb
Greta Chi
Maj. Jo-May Soon (KGB)
Tom Adams
Mike
Elizabeth Ercy
Ulla
Ann Lancaster
Mrs. Trivers
Tutte Lemkow
Mehmed
Reg Lye
Mr. Trivers
Clive Revill
Serapkin
Director
Leslie H. Martinson
Novel
Larry Forrester
Screenplay
Lorenzo Semple Jr.
July 7, 2020
5
_**Meh espionage spoof with a young Raquel Welch, shot in Spain**_
A California skydiver competing in Spain (Raquel Welch) is enlisted by a secret organization to spy on a war defector (Tony Franciosa) in search of a vital H-bomb detonator. The peripheral cast includes Ronald Fraser, Richard Briers, Greta Chi and Clive Revill.
"Fathom" (1967) is a spy send-up in the vein of “Kiss Me Monster” (1969) and “The Girl from Rio” (1969) that came into vogue after the success of the first five James Bond films from 1962-1967.
Welch was in her prime here (26 years-old during shooting), looking best in the opening with a red bikini. Moreover, the southern Spain locations are exceptional, Franciosa brims with charisma and it’s always good to see Revill. Unfortunately, the flick’s burdened by a too-twisty script with stilted rapid-fire dialogue. It’s fun, but it’s not natural or compelling. Still, there are several worthwhile scenes, like the skydiving and bullfighting.
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes and was shot in Andalucía, Spain, with some stuff done in Shepperton Studios, England.
GRADE: C
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00