RED DRAGON is a truly international co-production: it's an Italian spy flick with a Hong Kong setting, co-financed by and produced by German filmmakers who bring a flavour of the German crime film, or krimi, to it. The resultant film is a fun mix of the best of genre staples, with a running time that flies past and an interesting story.
The narrative sees top American spy Stewart Granger (doing his best Cary Grant impression) sent to Hong Kong to investigate a smuggling ring and a couple of murders of fellow agents. While there has time to romance a pretty girl who happens to be a fellow agent (the alluring Rosanna Schiaffino) and has various run-ins with a murderous assassin (Horst Frank at his slimy best).
The Hong Kong setting is a decent one that provides a welcome backdrop for much of the story. The usual fish-out-of-water situations work well here, and the intrigue surrounding the identity of a master villain is fun, if over-obvious. There's not quite as much physical action as I'd expect from a James Bond imitator, but this is nevertheless a colourful and entertaining thriller that brings the 1960s to life. Riz Orlatani provided the upbeat score.
The narrative sees top American spy Stewart Granger (doing his best Cary Grant impression) sent to Hong Kong to investigate a smuggling ring and a couple of murders of fellow agents. While there has time to romance a pretty girl who happens to be a fellow agent (the alluring Rosanna Schiaffino) and has various run-ins with a murderous assassin (Horst Frank at his slimy best).
The Hong Kong setting is a decent one that provides a welcome backdrop for much of the story. The usual fish-out-of-water situations work well here, and the intrigue surrounding the identity of a master villain is fun, if over-obvious. There's not quite as much physical action as I'd expect from a James Bond imitator, but this is nevertheless a colourful and entertaining thriller that brings the 1960s to life. Riz Orlatani provided the upbeat score.