OSS 117 Is Not Dead

1957 French film

August 14, 1957 (1957-08-14)^[1]

Running time

80 minutesCountryFranceLanguageFrench

OSS 117 n'est pas mort is the 1957 film debut of Jean Bruce's fictitious secret agent Hubert Bonnisseur de La Bath, alias OSS 117, and the beginning of a long-lasting series.^[3] It was released in the United States by Republic Pictures under the title OSS 117 Is Not Dead in 1959^[4]

Synopsis

OSS 117 is asked for help by a female acquaintance Muriel Rousset. She beseeches him to retrieve secret documents which have been stolen from Sir Anthony Lead, the father of Anita and Marion. He complies with her wish and no obstacle or danger can hinder him from meeting her expectations.

Cast

Ivan Desny as Hubert Bonnisseur de La Bath (alias OSS 117)
Magali Noël as Muriel Rousset
Yves Vincent as Boris Obarian
Danik Patisson as Anita Lead
Marie Déa as Marion Lead
André Valmy as Joseph Sliven
Béatrice Arnac as Nahedad Sin

Background

Jean Bruce started publishing OSS 117 novels in 1949, four years before Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel was released.^[5] This first film adaptation of OSS 117 also preceded Bond on the silver screen,^[6] although the very first Bond adaptation premiered on U.S. television in 1954.

References

^ "Sortie le 14 août 1957". Retrieved 2012-07-15.
^ "Sociétés de production: Globe Omnium Films". Retrieved 2012-07-15.
^ Corliss, Richard (2012-02-17). "The film series began with the 1957 OSS 117 Is Not Dead, starring Ivan Desny and directed by Jean Sacha". Time. New York. Retrieved 2012-07-15.
^ p. 137 Martin, Len D. The Republic Pictures Checklist: Features, Serials, Cartoons, Short Subjects, and Training Films of Republic Pictures Corporation, 1935-1959 McFarland, 01/07/1998
^ "Although OSS 117 is usually referred to in Anglophone countries as "The French James Bond", creator Jean Bruce wrote the first OSS 117 adventure in 1949 predating Ian Fleming by four years". kisskisskillkillarchive.com. Retrieved 2012-07-15.
^ Clifford, Robin and Laura. "the first OSS-117 movie, "O.S.S. 117 Is Not Dead" hit the big screen in the 1956, predating the first James Bond flick, "Dr. No (1962)"". reelingreviews.com. Retrieved 2012-07-15.