Fathom (1967)
1h 39m | PG-13
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.
Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Video: 720p
Cast
Raquel Welch
as Fathom Harvill
Anthony Franciosa
as Peter Merriwether
Ronald Fraser
as Col. Douglas Campbell, Chief of HADES
Richard Briers
as Flight Lt. Timothy Webb
Greta Chi
as Maj. Jo-May Soon (KGB)
Tom Adams
as Mike
Reviews
_**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