Forgotten movie cars: The Jaguar E-Type from "Danger: Diabolik"
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Comic book adaptations are not an invention of the 21st century. Even in the 1960s, the two-dimensional ink heroes were often transferred from paper to the big screen – albeit not quite as excessively as today. One of the trashiest and therefore best booklet adaptations at the time is "Danger: Diabolik" from 1968. Although based on an Italian fumetti (a kind of illustrated dime novel) and shot in Italy, supervillain and master thief Diabolik relies on English sports cars: two Jaguar E-Types help him carry out his daring heists. A black coupé with a black interior is Diabolik's sinister official car, while a creamy white coupé with red upholstery serves as a fast getaway vehicle for his accomplice and playmate Eva Kant.
Unfortunately, this wonderfully contrasting duo does not remain complete for long. In the very first chase between Diabolik and two policemen in a helicopter, the black 3.8-liter Jag, which was just six years old at the time of filming in 1967, falls over the cliff. From then on, the two protagonists, played by John Phillip Law and Marisa Mell, have to stick with the cream-colored coupé. It is interesting to note that both cars appear to be Italian models despite their French license plates; with white direction indicators at the front and additional orange indicators on the fenders.
In addition to the two beautifully staged big cats, the peculiar mixture of "Fantômas" and "The Italian job" is also worth seeing for its exaggerated late-sixties aesthetic: a naively futuristic villain hideout, miniskirts, silly superhero poses, actors who hardly deserve the name; a high-rise escape by catapult, the soundtrack by Ennio Morricone and Bond villain Adolfo Ceri as mafia boss Valmont all come together to create a weird and yet somehow coherent picture. A remake is even due to be released in cinemas in December. In the leading roles: Luca Marinelli and Miriam Leone - and of course another Jaguar E-Type.
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