A 008 operazione sterminio

Ingrid Schoeller becomes the first female to headline a Eurospy movie (at least as far as I know so far).

This was Umberto Lenzi's first attempt at Eurospy, made just before he began teaming up with Roger Browne. It is set mainly in his perennial favourite exotic location, Cairo, and includes much of the stock footage that he would continue to recycle across all his Eurospy movies;- panoramas of the Nile, pyramids, markets, black & white taxis' and dubious cabaret acts. Also the customary stock footage of Westminster from the Thames that always precedes the mission assignment scene. Zermatt rounds out the locations and provides a contrast of scenery for the finale.

Ingrid is 008, an American agent, who is teamed with British agent 006 and a half, played by Alberto Lupo, who doesn't look remotely British. 007 James Bond is also mentioned several times in passing. She's vivacious, insightful and competently deals with all the usual spy action, including fighting and defeating no less than 4 henchwomen at the Institute of Beauty, while also good naturedly fending of the attentions of Alberto (once even resorting drugging him to sleep, when they are sharing a room and posing as husband & wife). Meanwhile Alberto seems to have trouble keeping his mind on the mission, expends plenty of energy, but often ends up needing to be saved by Ingrid.

Evano Staccioli makes for a memorable villain and swarthy, dimple chinned, Sal Borgese takes a turn at being lead henchman, equipped with a black glove that can fire knives.

The plot, dialogue, direction and music are all solid by Eurospy standards and played at a "Roger Moore-esque" level of seriousness. There are a couple of minor twists at the end, as Ingrid outwits Alberto to take sole possession of the McGuffin.

As is customary in a Lenzi spy movie there is a humorous epilogue, which signs off with Ingrid and Alberto about to embark on another joint mission.