Retired (?) super-thief Modesty Blaise (Monica Vitti) is recruited by the British government to foil a jewel heist, and though she warns them that if they double-cross her she will target the diamonds herself, she allows herself to be persuaded to take the job. The heist is being planned by the nefarious and odd Mr. Gabriel (Dirk Bogarde), whose organization includes a penny-pinching bookkeeper (Clive Revill) and a strange, domineering woman (Rossella Falk) whose exact situation only gradually becomes clear; Modesty is in turn helped out by her old pal Willie Garvin (Terence Stamp), as well as some other allies. Treachery and twists abound in this stylish but rather overly quirky film; Vitti is both amusing and alluring in the title role, and the villains and supporting cast are generally good as well, but the story is a bit too choppy. Still, fans of ’60s heist and spy movies will likely enjoy it.

  Recommended. Otto finds this one pleasing enough to relax.

Movie 184 for 2021.