The Karate Killers (1967)

U.N.C.L.E. agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin battle T.H.R.U.S.H. spies to seize Dr. True's secret chemical formula used in extracting gold from sea water.

Director:

Barry Shear

Writers:

Norman Hudis (screenplay), Boris Ingster (story)

Stars:

Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Joan Crawford

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Vaughn	...	Napoleon Solo (archive footage)
David McCallum	...	Illya Kuryakin (archive footage)
Joan Crawford	...	Amanda True (archive footage)
Curd Jürgens	...	Carl Von Kesser (archive footage) (as Curt Jurgens)
Herbert Lom	...	Randolph (archive footage)
Telly Savalas	...	Count Valeriano De Fanzini (archive footage)
Terry-Thomas	...	Constable (archive footage)
Leo G. Carroll	...	Alexander Waverly (archive footage)
Kim Darby	...	Sandy True (archive footage)
Diane McBain	...	Contessa Margo De Fanzini (archive footage)
Jill Ireland	...	Imogen Smythe (archive footage)
Danielle De Metz	...	Yvonne (archive footage)
Irene Tsu	...	Reikko (archive footage)
Jim Boles	...	Dr. Simon True (archive footage)
Philip Ahn	...	Sazami Kyushu (archive footage)

Storyline

U.N.C.L.E. agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin travel around the globe in an effort to track down a secret formula that was divided into four parts and left by a dying scientist with his four daughters, all of whom live in different countries. Evil THRUSH agent Randolph also wants the formula, and is aided by his karate-chopping henchmen.

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Plot Keywords:

1960s | hitman | judo throw | judo | spy mission | 

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Taglines:

A new U.N.C.L.E. thriller !

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Thriller | Action | Adventure

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Five Daughters Affair

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arena Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was previously seen on NBC@10:00 p.m. (EST), Friday, March 31 and Friday, April 7, 1966 as the 87th & 88th episodes of "Man from U.N.C.L.E., The" (1964), "The Five Daughters Affair" (Parts 1 and 2).

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Goofs

Due to the difference in lighting and film stock, during the fight in the snow (shot on a soundstage) the shadows on the "snow" are a slightly reddish grey/black. In shots taken outside in normal daylight, they are blue/black.

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Connections

Edited from The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Five Daughters Affair: Part II (1967)

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Soundtracks

Come On Down To My Boat
Written by Wes Farrell and Jerry Goldstein (uncredited)
Performed by Every Mother's Son
[Played by the band in the bar]

User Reviews

No need to be melodramatic my dear.

That line from Randolph ( Herbert Lom ) to Amanda ( Joan Crawford ) defines this film and probably the whole Man from U.N.C.L.E series.

A Stella cast join Solo and Kuryakin for another romp through the 60s world of spies, kitsch and groovy music. Culled from The 5 Daughters Affair it is a delight from start to finish. And for me is the best of all the Uncle films.

As others have mentioned, there are many future Bond references here. The Auto-gyro, the ski chase, Telly Savalas & Curd Jürgens. However it should be remembered the character Napoleon Solo was invented by Ian Fleming who died in 1964.

And when a father is not available, the next best thing is an Uncle.