He plays Nicholas Whistler, an unemployed, unsuccessful writer who's hired by the British Secret Service to go behind the Iron Curtain and collect secret plans from an agent in Czechoslovakia.
The only problem is Whistler doesn't realise his new employer is MI6 and thinks he's going on a legitimate trade mission. His task is further complicated by the presence of Comrade Vlasta Simoneva (Sylva Koscina), the glamorous and seductive Czech secret service agent assigned to chauffeur him around - and keep an eye on him.HOT ENOUGH FOR JUNE was one of the first spy spoof movies to cash in on the success of James Bond (and there's a 007 joke early on in the proceedings) but unlike Dean Martin's 'Matt Helm' or James Coburn's 'Flint' director Ralph Thomas chooses to poke gentle fun at the general concept of gentleman spies working for Her Majesty's Government, rather than getting into the specifics of fanciful gadgets, fast cars and bikini-clad assassins. Bogarde's perfectly at home playing the well-spoken, slightly clueless and very proper English gent forced to rely on his wits when thrust into extremely unusual circumstances but still finding time to seduce the ladies.
His understated style is beautifully complemented by Robert Morley as his MI6 handler, and Leo McKern as Morley's opposite number in Prague. Morley plays Colonel Cunliffe as a relic of the British Empire, delightfully oblivious to ugly realities of late 20th century espionage, choosing instead to treat the whole thing like a wonderful game. McKern as Colonel Simoneva is as gruff as a Communist functionary is expected to be but there's a twinkle in his eye suggesting he's not entirely without a heart.
The film's communist stereotypes now seem terribly dated but that's part of the charm. HOT ENOUGH FOR JUNE is silly, inconsequential nonsense graced by some fine talents whose comic timing and way with a phrase make this a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.
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