The Assassination Bureau is a 1969 British action-comedy film directed by Basil Dearden and starring Diana Rigg and Oliver Reed. The film is based on a 1909 novel of the same name by Jack London.
Diana Rigg plays Sonia Winter, a feminist journalist who becomes suspicious of the Assassination Bureau, a secretive organization that carries out assassinations for a fee. She believes that the Bureau is not only immoral but also corrupt, taking contracts to kill innocent people as well. She sets out to expose the organization and puts out a contract for the Bureau's leader, Ivan Dragomiloff (Oliver Reed).
Dragomiloff, a charismatic and enigmatic figure, is initially amused by Sonia's challenge but soon realizes that she is a serious threat to the Bureau. He decides to take her up on her offer and accepts the contract to assassinate himself, which sets off a thrilling sequence of events.
As Dragomiloff and Sonia embark on a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, they become increasingly attracted to each other. Their witty banter and playful chemistry add a charming touch to the film's action-packed scenes.
The film's climactic finale takes place during the outbreak of World War I, with Dragomiloff and Sonia teaming up to prevent a sinister conspiracy to destroy a battleship. The conclusion is both satisfying and surprising, delivering a thrilling mix of action, adventure, and romance.
Overall, The Assassination Bureau is a well-crafted and entertaining film that blends humor and drama with a clever plot and strong performances from its two leads.