"The Scorpio Letters" is a 1967 spy thriller from the novel by Victor Canning.Its an enjoyable romp but the made-for -TV origin is pretty obvious to seasoned viewers.Although set in London and Europe stock footage is obvious as is the Californian fauna and hills around L.A.Directed by Richard "one-take" Thorpe, the veteran from MGM it is efficient time killer. Alex Cord makes for an impressive hero surviving all types of attempts on his life as he investigates the identity of Scorpio- the mastermind behind the blackmail letters of the title. Shirley Eaton fresh from "Goldfinger' adds glamour in that old movie sense and the ever reliable, ever watchable Laurence Naismith is the spymaster who sets them on their task. Its a time killer, a little slow in places but worth a look to see the birth of the made for TV movie genre.