Customer Reviews

Avengers: Bird Who Knew Too Much & Winged Avenger [VHS]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

An Expected Assessment From Most Devotees Of The Series Will Be That This Episode Is Not Within The Top Rank.

While the entertainment quality of this AVENGERS chapter, THE BIRD WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, number five from its fifth season, is not up to the elegant standard established by the series, there is yet a sufficiency here to bring fond remembrance for admirers of the matchless John Steed (Patrck MacNee) and Mrs. Peel (Diana Rigg). A weakness here is in the script that, albeit awash with incident, is somewhat unfocused as to narrative progression, additionally having a surfeit of rather fatuous acts of violence, while the most agreeable portion of any AVENGERS tale, that ineffable chemistry between the two leads, emphasised by their cultivated archness, is but infrequently upon display. As is their wont, Steed and Mrs. Peel remain jovial in spite of numerous attempts upon their lives, generally during this adventure at the hands of "counter counter counter espionage" agents, these knaves as well planning to steal a valuable parrot named Captain Crusoe that possesses keen mnemonic ability, especially upon the category of government secrets. This is, of course, a fantasy, the case with all installments of THE AVENGERS, and production designer Wilfred Shingleton, along with art director Fred Carter take every opportunity for the creation of resplendent pastel hued sets that visually match an outrageous plot. Continuity flaws are conspicuous, but when Rigg, ensconced within an Alun Hughes-designed jump suit, and MacNee, at the wheel of Steed's vintage Vauxhall roadster, focus their energies upon defeating the Forces of Evil, all is as it should be. The familiar score from Laurie Johnson is mixed smoothly, the opening credit sequence is a visceral joy as always, and when Steed's carte d'invitation to his partner:"Mrs. Peel, we're needed" appears here (delivered by arrow), we must simply sit back and enjoy what is coming. This episode is from the final season for Rigg as Mrs. Peel, as well as her first in colour, and she readily gathers in the acting laurels for this affair. As the foremost blackguard of the piece, Michael Coles is likewise very compelling.


Literate Moments Highlight The Avengers' Mastery Of A Dangerous Situation.

Filmed in December 1966, this enjoyable episode, THE WINGED AVENGER, from the initial season shot in colour (number five) of The Avengers is a well directed and adroitly performed affair, in addition to being one of the most favoured from the entire series with Avenger devotees, due in large part to its link with another popular medium, that of comic books, and additionally for being the source of the "eee-urp" outcry that has become an oral signature distinguishing fans of secret agents John Steed and Mrs. (Emma) Peel. Each session of Season number five is noted for its cleverly inscribed "Mrs. Peel, we're needed", an announcement that directly followed the episode title, in this instance appearing within a corner of a canvas upon which an artistic Emma (Diana Rigg) is daubing. Steed (Patrick Macnee) then describes the mystery to which the two must find a solution: several obviously related killings of prominent business executives under bizarre circumstances. Corpses continue to appear with regularity, and it becomes a matter of great urgency that the pair of Avengers renew their polished means of detection in order to send death upon a holiday. Esteemed British cartoonist Frank Bellamy created panels for the storyline that dramatically segue into live action, while tribute is made to the contemporaneous United States based comic book and television hero, Batman, and included is some purloined Batman themed riffing within the Laurie Johnson score. Since a comic book featuring "The Winged Avenger" is conveniently discarded near one of the homicide victims, the connection is clear. As is generally the case with Avengers films, magnificent estates serve as scenario settings; for this chapter, Stanmore Hall in South Shropshire, as well as High Canons in Well End, near Saint Alban's in Hertfordshire. John Steed's quarters, at "3 Stable Mews", also placed in Hertfordshire, hosts a good deal of the planning for Avenger strategy. A top-flight performance from Rigg gains for her the acting laurels here, as is her custom, she ad libs to good effect, and treats viewers to her fetching Head Upon A Steed Shoulder at one point. Albeit that continuity is inconsistent, the climactic moments, when the Forces of Evil face defeat, are of above Avengers standard quality, and the duo's battle cry is born herein: eee-urp!

Of the episodes on this tape, "The Winged Avenger" is more famous and fun, though "The Bird Who Knew Too Much" is actually the better-made.

"Avenger" is flawed by the too-quick revelation that a bizarre series of high-rise locked room murders are being committed by a freaky man in a razor-taloned bird costume, which spoils the suspense (a mistake not repeated in the very similar later episode, "The Hidden Tiger"). But this one is still too much fun for words, featuring some of the more memorable English eccentrics the series was so famous for, and some of its best high camp. It's not spoiling anything to reveal that Steed discovers his quarry is in the comic book industry by finding recent murders perfectly depicted in a superhero monthly's pages, creating a fabulous sequence in the story where he races to Mrs. Peel's rescue because he sees her there about to be killed. The concluding scene pays homage to the then-current original Batman T.V. series, in humorous fashion.

Sticking with the feathered motif, "The Bird Who Knew Too Much" is - in theory - a more realistic story, though in many ways it's just as camp. Steed and Mrs. Peel find top secrets making their way out of the country via clever and unexpected avian means.

The Winged Avenger is crisply directed. An unseen force makes scraping noises, scales multi-story buildings, and savagely destroys ruthless business men who "downsize" by throwing everyone out of work! Steed and Mrs. Peel consult books trying to find an animal that matches the description. When they realize it is a human predator.. "I have a theory, "Steed relates, "He uses a trampoline, bounces up,scales it with a pick.."

And your other theory? "He bribes the doorman!" Steed says in frustration. As the duo close in on a logical explanation Mrs. Peel meets a dashing explorer, "Nothing like authenticity" assures her as they scale a tiny replica of a mountain with fake snow and simulated high winds. The usual wit pervades Winged Avenger. Mrs. Peel meets an eccentric inventor of boots enabling a person to walk up the side of a house, a building, and on the ceiling. "It'll ruin the carpet trade," she sighs. The fight scene, Mrs. Peel and her insane assailant, in mortal combat upside down on the ceiling, is a delight. A frantic Steed is driving to the rescue. "How are we doing?" he asks the only sane one left alive. "Not good!" Emma's murderous fate is prefigured in huge cartoon drawings. The Bird who Knew too much also features delightful eccentrics. "Twitter" "I don't do bird impersonation," Mrs. Peelsays. "Edgar J. Twitter," he introduces himself. Mrs. Peel's sluthing leads her to a daffy, bird loving professor (recognize the actor from the previous season's HOney for the pRince as QQF Businessman: fantasies, imaginary assassinations!) who trains highly intelligent birds to communicate and memorize- leading to the bird being stolen and British agents being murdered.

well if your in the mood for a little james bond, meets austin powers, meets the batman tv series this is what you want to watch. all in all these are great episodes! :)