Watch The Assassination Bureau

The Assassination Bureau is a 1969 film set in early 20th century Europe about a group of assassins who take on a job to assassinate a revolutionary head of state. The movie stars Oliver Reed as Ivan Dragomiloff, the leader of the titular organization, Diana Rigg as Sonya Winter, a journalist who seeks to expose the Bureau's activities, and Telly Savalas as Lord Bostwick, an eccentric British nobleman who hires the Bureau to carry out the assassination.

The plot of the movie is rather convoluted, involving a series of twists and turns as Ivan and Sonya work together to prevent the assassination from taking place. As they investigate the Bureau's activities and uncover the truth behind the plot, they find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations, with the Bureau hot on their trail and Lord Bostwick's plans becoming more and more sinister.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the movie is the portrayal of the assassins themselves. Rather than being purely cold-blooded killers, the members of the Assassination Bureau are shown to be people with their own motivations and moral codes. They see themselves as professionals who are providing a valuable service, and are often quite charming and witty in their interactions with others.

The relationship between Ivan and Sonya is also a key element of the movie. Initially distrustful of each other, they slowly come to respect and rely on one another as they work towards their common goal. Their banter and chemistry adds a playful dimension to the film, and Diana Rigg in particular is a standout performer, bringing wit, intelligence, and a touch of glamour to her role.

The movie also benefits from its strong production values, with lavish sets and costumes providing a richly atmospheric backdrop for the action. The period details are impeccable, from the vintage automobiles and trains to the grand hotels and estates that feature prominently in the story.

Overall, The Assassination Bureau is an entertaining and stylish thriller that combines elements of action, comedy, and romance. Despite the occasional plot contrivance and uneven pacing, it is a well-crafted and engaging movie that should appeal to fans of classic spy films and period dramas. With its talented cast and exciting premise, it remains a standout example of its genre and an enduring cult favorite for movie lovers.

The Assassination Bureau is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 61.