Spoilers abound!
This feature version of the two-part tv story is basically a send-up of James Bond. It starts with Simon Templar narrating the cliched action appearing on a movie screen; a very James Bond-ish scene, right down to the actors voice. The film is an adaptation of the novels of Amos Kline; stories of a daring adventure hero. Kline's publisher hires Templar to act as a bodyguard for Kline after his office is broken into and Kline's address is stolen. You see, Amos Kline is a pseudonym and his identity is a closely guarded secret.
The Saint finds Kline, who is (surprise!) a woman! Barely recovering from this shock, Templar and Kline are grabbed by a group of thugs. This gang has modeled itself after the criminal organization of Kline's books, S.W.O.R.D. They want Kline, who Templar is impersonating, to devise a plan for them to rob a coal mine turned bank vault.
Templar and Kline play their game while planning their escape, only to be caught. Simon is forced to carry out the robbery in earnest. Ultimately, the Saint turns the tables and saves the day.
The film is great fun as the whole story is tongue-in-cheek. Roger Moore was far better suited to Simon Templar than James Bond. Sylvia Symms is an energetic Amos Kline and handles the comedy well. The S.W.O.R.D. group is filled with actors recognizable to viewers of British movies and tv of the era; and all do a fine job. This is an entertaining light adventure, and perfect when you are in the mood for a little fun. It was released on video when the Val Kilmer movie was in theaters and is now available, in its original form, on A&E Home Video's Saint collection; definitely worth seeking out. The Saint was tailor-made for Moore.
This feature version of the two-part tv story is basically a send-up of James Bond. It starts with Simon Templar narrating the cliched action appearing on a movie screen; a very James Bond-ish scene, right down to the actors voice. The film is an adaptation of the novels of Amos Kline; stories of a daring adventure hero. Kline's publisher hires Templar to act as a bodyguard for Kline after his office is broken into and Kline's address is stolen. You see, Amos Kline is a pseudonym and his identity is a closely guarded secret.
The Saint finds Kline, who is (surprise!) a woman! Barely recovering from this shock, Templar and Kline are grabbed by a group of thugs. This gang has modeled itself after the criminal organization of Kline's books, S.W.O.R.D. They want Kline, who Templar is impersonating, to devise a plan for them to rob a coal mine turned bank vault.
Templar and Kline play their game while planning their escape, only to be caught. Simon is forced to carry out the robbery in earnest. Ultimately, the Saint turns the tables and saves the day.
The film is great fun as the whole story is tongue-in-cheek. Roger Moore was far better suited to Simon Templar than James Bond. Sylvia Symms is an energetic Amos Kline and handles the comedy well. The S.W.O.R.D. group is filled with actors recognizable to viewers of British movies and tv of the era; and all do a fine job. This is an entertaining light adventure, and perfect when you are in the mood for a little fun. It was released on video when the Val Kilmer movie was in theaters and is now available, in its original form, on A&E Home Video's Saint collection; definitely worth seeking out. The Saint was tailor-made for Moore.