Miles Kendig (Walter Matthau) has just busted up a spy ring in Munich that was providing information to the Mikhail Yaskov (Herbert Lom) of the KGB. Though he had Yaskov in his custody, he let the Russian go. Called back to Washington, he was reprimanded by Director Myerson (Ned Beatty) for letting Yaskov loose. His field agent status is summarily ended, and he is assigned to a desk job. Kendig doesn't take this sitting down. He destroys his file, returns to Europe to hook up with an old flame - Isobel von Schonenberg (Glenda Jackson), and meet with Yaskov. Though Yaskov offers him a path back into the spy game, Kendig chose a different course: he would write his memoirs, a tell-all that exposed the dirty secrets of espionage. The first chapter provoked a manhunt by Myerson and Kendig's protege, Joe Cutter (Sam Waterston). Can Kendig finish the book before the CIA or the KGB hunt him down?
Despite being a spy movie, there are virtually no action scenes. This isn't James Bond or Jason Bourne. Kendig is a professional spy who knows how to stay one or more steps ahead of his pursuers. In fact, he is so good at the job that he teases his opponents and arranges encounters. While this is deadly serious national security to Myerson, it's an entertaining game for Kendig.
Ned Beatty is terrific as the boss you love to hate. Each time Kendig tweaks him, it brings a smile or a laugh. That Kendig rented Myerson's summer house as a hideout and then triggered an FBI assault was the funniest part of the movie.
Good popcorn fun! Recommended.
