In general, I don't usually go in for Cold War dramas. It's just not my generation, so I can't get into the mindset of those who took it desperately seriously, just as I'm sure those in the next generation won't be able to understand movies taking place in the "old '90s". With that disclaimer, I was fully prepared to dislike Catch Me a Spy, and to stick it through for the sake of Kirk Douglas. Boy, was I wrong! It's now one of my favorite of his movies!
First off, it may take place during the Cold War, but this movie is not a drama. It's a delightful, hilarious spoof on the very tired dramatic genre. Dick Clement, co-writer and director, must have known audiences were tired of the same old "Russians are bad, secret spying" movie. I was especially impressed by the humor of this movie, because I would have expected it to rely on silly 60s gags, like John Goldfarb, Please Come Home. Instead, it's a thoroughly planned, adorable situational comedy.
The comic timing and chemistry between the cast is fantastic. He's been paired up with many leading ladies, but I've never seen Kirk Douglas as vibrant and all-around cute as he is with Marlène Jobert in Catch Me a Spy. They are so darling together! I could write out every sweet and sizzling scene they share together, but that would take up too much room. Just watch it for yourself and get ready to giggle.
Obviously, I highly recommend this movie. It'll cheer you up when you're blue, give you a laugh on a sunny afternoon, and make a great atmosphere for date night. Plus, if it won me over and I don't even like these types of movies, you know it's great!