Trouble With Spies (1987)

• 50% want to see it
  (6 ratings)

Appleton Porter (Donald Sutherland) is one of the most inept agents ever to work for the British Intelligence Service. Suspecting that the Russians are developing a viscous truth serum in Ibiza, the British send Porter to investigate. Checking into a conspicuous resort hotel, Porter doesn't realize… More Appleton Porter (Donald Sutherland) is one of the most inept agents ever to work for the British Intelligence Service. Suspecting that the Russians are developing a viscous truth serum in Ibiza, the British send Porter to investigate. Checking into a conspicuous resort hotel, Porter doesn't realize he's practically sitting on the Russian's base of operation. As he looks for leads, he befriends hotel guests Harry Lewis (Ned Beatty) and Mrs. Awkright (Ruth Gordon) and of course overlooks their obvious attempts to kill him. Entirely off track, Porter faces near-death at every turn. The only thing that can save his life and help him steal the Russian serum: his clumsiness.In casting Donald Sutherland and sending him to Ibiza of all places, Director Burt Kennedy insures that THE TROUBLE WITH SPIES will be remembered as the boldest of espionage parodies. Famous for his groundbreaking Westerns (WAR WAGON, TRAINROBBERS, and SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF), director Burt Kennedy takes a big risk with THE TROUBLE WITH SPIES. However, the risk pays off. Kennedy transfers the macho one-liners and slapstick from his earlier movies and places them into a 1980s cold war satire. The result is a hilarious film. Only Burt Kennedy would have the grit to turn this ridiculous story into a film.