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The Assassination Bureau

Special Edition

Oliver Reed (Actor), Diana Rigg (Actor), Basil Dearden (Director) Rated:
PG
Format: Blu-ray
4.4 out of 5 stars 449 ratings
IMDb6.4/10.0
Additional Blu-ray options Edition Discs
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July 15, 2025 		—
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May 2, 2023
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Product Description

Anarchy reigns as Diana Rigg and Oliver Reed go head to head in a blackly comic caper that plays out against the colorful backdrop of Europe on the cusp of World War One.

London, 1908. When feisty journalist and women’s rights campaigner Sonia Winter (Diana Rigg) uncovers the headquarters of the Assassination Bureau Limited, a clandestine enterprise that has existed for decades by bumping off the rich and powerful – but only if there’s a good moral reason for it – she sets on a path of putting an end to its activities. Bankrolled by her press baron boss, Lord Bostwick (Telly Savalas), she commissions the organisation to undertake the assassination of its very own chairman, Ivan Dragomiloff (Oliver Reed). Being the gentleman that he is, Dragomiloff responds to the assignment with glee, challenging his fellow board members to complete the contract. Only they’ll have to catch him first...

The Assassination Bureau is based on an unfinished novel by Jack London published posthumously in 1963. Shot in glorious Technicolor by Geoffrey Unsworth (2001: A Space Odyssey), this penultimate work from the esteemed directing-producing team of Basil Dearden and Michael Relph (Sapphire, Victim) is a rip-roaring slice of Edwardian-set action-adventure fashioned with the same Swinging-Sixties blend of irony, stylishness and humor as The Avengers and the James Bond films.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

  • High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation

  • Original lossless English mono audio

  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

  • Brand new audio commentary with authors Sean Hogan and Kim Newman

  • Right Film, Wrong Time, a 30-minute appreciation by critic, broadcaster and cultural historian Matthew Sweet

  • Original trailer

  • Image gallery

  • Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork choices

Product details

  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.42 x 5.35 x 0.71 inches; 5.92 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Basil Dearden
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ NTSC, Anamorphic, Widescreen
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 50 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ May 2, 2023
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Oliver Reed, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ Arrow Video
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BT8CSBYL
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Best Sellers Rank: #53,793 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 449 ratings

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
449 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this movie a lot of fun with great cast and acting, featuring lots of dry humor and a quickly paced plot. The story receives mixed reactions, with some finding it interesting while others say it won't be appreciated by everyone. The sound quality receives mixed feedback, with several customers noting it's clear, though one mentions difficulty hearing the dialogue. The movie has dated elements, particularly in its sex scenes.

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Entertainment valueCastEnjoymentHumorPaceStory qualitySound qualitySex scenes
55 customers mention "Entertainment value"52 positive3 negative

Customers find the movie entertaining, describing it as delightful and well worth watching, with one customer noting it's one of the most enjoyable films of the late sixties.

"Great, great, great movie! One of my favorites! I watched it twice in quick succession!..." Read more

"Truly elegant period farce, full of great music and fun. ......." Read more

"A fun movie, has some corny moments to it. But still a lot of fun to watch." Read more

"It was entertaining but not captuvating." Read more

13 customers mention "Cast"13 positive0 negative

Customers praise the cast and acting in the movie, with one customer highlighting the great chemistry between the main characters and another noting the recognizable 60s actors.

"...Bureau" is clever and witty, and the actors are clearly having a great time...." Read more

"...Deardon, is a wonderfully funny dark comedy, full of suave, sophisticated characters, lush settings, and wry humor, the kind we just don't see made..." Read more

"...Lots of great European actors with Curt Jurgens (another Bond villain) leading the charge, I cannot recommend this movie enough...." Read more

"...She is such a talented actress that this is a little like taking your trash to the dump in a Rolls, but it is a Rolls nonetheless." Read more

13 customers mention "Enjoyment"11 positive2 negative

Customers find the movie delightful and clever, with one customer noting its wholesome charm.

"...quot;The Assassination Bureau" is clever and witty, and the actors are clearly having a great time...." Read more

"...This particular period just happened to include colorful, elaborate, and intricate costumes, which were, at least in my opinion, really well done)...." Read more

"...with a humourous engaging plot, and refreshing wholesomeness (that is sadly absent in our present time) and wonderful acting from a stellar cast -..." Read more

"...beautiful sets, witty dialogue - and a kind of almost wholesome* charm unique to films of this era. *it is NOT a family oriented film...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the movie's humor, particularly its dry wit.

"...quot;The Assassination Bureau" is clever and witty, and the actors are clearly having a great time...." Read more

"...Clever comedy lightens the mood of this old style action film...." Read more

"Diana Rigg is wonderful in this highly amusing spoof...." Read more

"...I liked the blend of humor in what could have been a very dark movie...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the movie's quick pace.

"...slow a bit at some points, but it does move along at a comfortable, even pace...." Read more

"...The film starts off well enough, has kind of a clunky midsection. This portion of the film feels more slapsticky than darkly comic...." Read more

"...Overall an absolute delight -- clever, nicely paced, brilliantly shot. Diana Rigg is feminine, gorgeous and smart all in one breath...." Read more

"A really fun, quickly paced movie. Oliver Reed is his usually uber intense self and Diana Rigg is a delight." Read more

18 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the movie's story, with some finding it interesting while others say it won't be appreciated by everyone.

"...Majesty's Secret Service," she is droll and sexy and somehow very moving, and in both she has a particularly funny rapport with villain Telly..." Read more

"...And even with a humorous treatment, this story will not be appreciated by everyone, especially in the tumultuous 60s...." Read more

"...the overall feel of a really well done comedy thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer on his/her feet...." Read more

"...If you enjoy a brilliant European story.,..." Read more

4 customers mention "Sound quality"2 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the sound quality of the movie, with some finding it clear while others report issues with muffled audio and difficulty hearing the dialogue.

"...wide screen print provided on this DVD looks exceptional, providing a clear and crisp image that really shows of the vibrant and beautiful colors..." Read more

"...identical to the old faded print used on the DVD, including the same muffled and distorted sound track that makes the dialogue difficult to hear..." Read more

"...this Blu Ray and I can tell you first hand, that this print is amazingly clear...." Read more

"...A digital copy was not what I wanted. Now there is no sound coming through on my end. Very disappointed. I wasted my money...." Read more

4 customers mention "Sex scenes"0 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the movie's sex scenes, with some finding them dated.

"...One problem: the DVD is one that is several years old (in terms of when it was manufactured) and doesn't really take into account the new wide-screen..." Read more

"Cute movie. Good for Reed fans. Riggs fans should check it out. Bit dated but enjoyable" Read more

"While it's a bit dated, the interaction of the characters makes it a fun movie to watch again on a rainy day...." Read more

"Has not aged well...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Eddie
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Assassination Bureau, Limited
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2000
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this movie as a boy thirty years ago and approached the video with some fear: would it be as enjoyable as I remembered it? No need to worry. The adult cringed a little at the pan-and-scan print, the crude editing, the overdone '60s shenanigans, and the incessant theme music. But the boy was as happy as ever. "The Assassination Bureau" is clever and witty, and the actors are clearly having a great time. Oliver Reed, normally a bit of a sourpuss, actually performs with humor and style for once. But the movie's greatest asset is Diana Rigg, the first actress I ever had a crush on. Maybe if you're a Baby Boomer like me, she'll always be the one for you. In this movie, as in the great neglected James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," she is droll and sexy and somehow very moving, and in both she has a particularly funny rapport with villain Telly Savalas, barely containing her disgust for him. All in all, highly recommended.
    28 people found this helpful
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  • cookieman108
    4.0 out of 5 stars Zeppelins, bombs, and bordellos, oh my...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    The Assassination Bureau (1969), directed by Basil Deardon, is a wonderfully funny dark comedy, full of suave, sophisticated characters, lush settings, and wry humor, the kind we just don't see made anymore as it treats its' audience with intelligence and respect while not being too smart for its' own good, as opposed to many comedies of the present that focus on toilet humor, foul language, and just the general need to try and be a gross as possible, dumbing things down as much as possible for the broadest audience. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be a film snob as I like most all kinds of movies, but I just wish along with what we have, we could also have more films along the lines of this one.

    The film stars a very handsome Oliver Reed and the exceptionally beautiful Diana Rigg as Ivan Dragomiloff and Miss Winter, respectively. The story, set in what seems to be early 20th century, begins with Miss Winter desires to gain employment within a newspaper, one own by Lord Bostwick, played by Telly Savalas (Who loves ya, baby?). Her method for getting her foot in the door comes in the form of information she's uncovered about a mysterious international organization of hitmen, secretly called The Assassination Bureau, Limited, that takes commissions to execute people for money. Bostwick agrees to hire her, and in order to get a better handle on the story, she makes contact with the group, with the purpose to commission them to do a killing for her. She meets Ivan, and requests that he be the target. Ivan, who inherited his position and the company from his father, is of the idealistic sort, and sees this as a real opportunity to not only test his organization, but to strengthen the idealistic principles which his father brought forth when he started the bureau, as Ivan feels the current bureau has become to focused on the monetary gains from their lucrative business. He accepts Miss Winter's commission, and presents it to the board, and soon the challenge begins. Ivan must survive against some of the world's most deadly killers, taking them out before they do him in...with Miss Winters in tow, as she follows the story for her newspaper. Will the bureau be successful? Or will Ivan manage to elude his own murder, one which he accepted a commission for himself? I'm not going to tell, but I will say it's worth watching to find out. There's actually a lot more within the plot that I didn't detail, as I didn't want to give too much away for those who haven't seen the film.

    As I said, the movie is a lot of fun and very enjoyable. Reed is especially charming and witty, and the chemistry between him and Diana Rigg's character comes through in nearly every scene they appear. Both actors bring a natural sophistication to their characters that just a real treat to watch. The film has the overall feel of a really well done comedy thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer on his/her feet. The supporting cast did an excellent job, and there seemed to be a strong effort to choose suitable actors to fill out the international cast of characters. While the story was complex, yet easy to follow, some of the relationships between the characters seemed a little light, but this was such a minor nitpick to me, given the films strengths. Also, great attention was given to the look and feel of the scenes and the wardrobe, and also the scenes shot on location, as to convey a sense of the time period during which the film takes place. Speaking of place, the film travels from England throughout Europe, visiting countries like Switzerland, Germany, Italy, to name a few, providing a wonderful, lush, adventurous backdrop to an interesting story. One of the things I really liked about the movie that the story sticks to its' plot, offering little in the way of diversions that only cause the viewer to be removed from the film. The pacing may slow a bit at some points, but it does move along at a comfortable, even pace. While some elements may be predictable, I found overall that the story appeared to original and engaging. The special effects in the film will appear extremely obvious, but given when the film was made, this was about the level one could expect. I would say just go along with it, and appreciate the movie as a whole, and forgo focusing too much on these elements. Also, when is the last time you saw a zeppelin in a movie? Okay, maybe that not so entertaining James Bond flick A View to a Kill (1985), but this film is much better.

    The wide screen print provided on this DVD looks exceptional, providing a clear and crisp image that really shows of the vibrant and beautiful colors throughout the film, especially highlighting the finer details of the costuming (I don't usually notice the costuming within a film, unless it's really off base or the film is a presenting a certain period in time. This particular period just happened to include colorful, elaborate, and intricate costumes, which were, at least in my opinion, really well done). There is a noticeable absence of special features, even lacking the customary theatrical trailer, but there are English subtitles available, which I found handy at times as the accents within the film sometimes were a bit thick and not easily understood. I would have enjoyed a little more in the way of special features, but I really can't complain, as the film looks excellent.

    Cookieman108
    50 people found this helpful
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  • britkid21
    5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BLU RAY WILL PLAY ON U.S.A. MACHINES!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I don't know why this is labeled as (Region B/2) because it is definitely for (Region A/1)! I’ve watched this Blu Ray and I can tell you first hand, that this print is amazingly clear. I have also viewed this film on video cassette and the DVD version, viewing it here in 1080P is almost like viewing it for the first time - it is that clear - I can see faces and other things I never could see clearly before, on the previous releases!

    If you enjoy a brilliant European story., with a humourous engaging plot, and refreshing wholesomeness (that is sadly absent in our present time) and wonderful acting from a stellar cast - you will love this film!!!!!!!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Karen Post
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful film - a long time favorite!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This film is such a treasure. Has a similar feel (but faster pace) to "Charade" with Cary Grant & Audrey Hepburn. Clever comedy lightens the mood of this old style action film. There's a bit of romance, plenty of explosions & assassinations, beautiful sets, witty dialogue - and a kind of almost wholesome* charm unique to films of this era.

    *it is NOT a family oriented film. There's nothing too bad by today's standards but you probably want to watch it first before letting your kids watch it.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Desert Rat
    5.0 out of 5 stars FUN
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A silly ‘60s (in the good sense) romantic secret agent thriller farce. Not a serious moment. Diana Rigg seems to start out a a helpless innocent but as the movie presses her inner Mrs Peal shows through. One also suspects that the screen writer and the director may have been Python fans.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon-Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars El Club de los asesinos
    Reviewed in Germany on November 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe den Film schon lange gesucht. Es war erfreulich ihn bei Amazon gefunden zu haben.
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  • Claudia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Diana Rigg & Oliver Reed Sizzle on the Screen!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 12, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A great classic! Loved seeing a young Diana Rigg spar with the charismatic dynamic Oliver Reed. A great adventure and true to it's time. A romp with some fun surprises. If you are a fan of Oliver Reed with his sparkling blue eyes and Diana Rigg fresh off the Avengers set, ready to tame the bad guys. It is a must see film!
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  • V. A. Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars A joy to watch
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    An expensive purchase but I love Oliver Reed, Diana Rigg, Basil Dearden and films of this era. Terry Savalas could be good and in this film he is. To my eyes this Imprint Blu Ray provided a perfect viewing experience for me in the U.K. Great work Amazon getting it to me so soon after release half a world away. I had not seen this film before and considered it to fall between Those Magnificent Men, The Great Race and The Wrong Box in style and when I watched the excellent Kim Newman give his analysis in the included documentary he agreed! Wow, Mr Newman turns up everywhere these days on Blu Ray releases from the U.K., Australia and the USA and I love him. Seeing his name on the back cover of a Blu Ray makes me want to buy it. I am very pleased with this item and recommend it most highly, great quality and great fun.
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  • Sherlockiano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Una comedia criminalmente buena.
    Reviewed in Spain on December 29, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Excelente film. Buen guión y una original trama que se fundamenta en los magníficos actores. A destacar Oliver Reed y el mítico Telly Savalas.
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  • R. Pollard
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good fun satire
    Reviewed in Australia on August 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Based on the book by Jack London, good fun. Disc and seller top notch.
    Report