Year: 1981
Runtime: 90 min
Language: English
Director: Charles Jarrott
A mild-mannered cartoonist finds his life dramatically altered when he inadvertently becomes entangled in a dangerous international espionage mission. Inspired by his own comic book creation, he transforms into Condorman, a daring hero who must navigate the complexities of Cold War politics. He unexpectedly joins forces with a captivating KGB agent seeking refuge, embarking on a thrilling adventure filled with wit, charm, and perilous situations as they work together to outsmart their adversaries.
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Woodrow “Woody” Wilkins, portrayed by Michael Crawford, is an imaginative and quirky American comic book writer who holds an unwavering commitment to realism in his creations. His dedication drives him to construct his very own Condorman flying suit, leading to a daring launch from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Unfortunately, the test flight goes awry when his right wing malfunctions, resulting in an unexpected plunge into the Seine River.
Following this dramatic incident, Woody is approached by his friend, CIA file clerk Harry Oslo, who requests his help with what seems to be a simple civilian paper exchange in Istanbul. Upon his arrival, Woody finds himself in a local restaurant where he encounters the enchanting Russian woman, Natalia Rambova. Initially presented as the Soviet civilian for the exchange, she soon reveals her true identity as a KGB spy. Woody, however, cleverly disguises his own identity, introducing himself as Condorman, a top American agent. Fate intervenes when he fortuitously thwarts a group of assassins, saving Natalia’s life and successfully completing the paper transaction.
Impressed by Woody’s heroic yet serendipitous actions, Natalia becomes disenchanted with her manipulative superior, Krokov, and decides to defect. She initiates contact with the CIA, insisting that Condorman should be the one to guide her to safety. Back in Paris, Woody is inspired by their encounter, leading him to create a superheroine character, Laser Lady, modeled after Natalia.
Soon after, Woody receives a directive from Harry and his superior, Russ Devil, to assist in escorting a defecting Soviet agent known as The Bear. Initially hesitant, Woody agrees when he learns that The Bear is actually Natalia, provided that the CIA supplies him with gadgets inspired by his comic book designs.
Their adventure takes a thrilling turn as Woody rendezvous with Natalia in Yugoslavia, where he protects her from the merciless Krokov and his deadly henchmen, including the glass-eyed assassin, Morovich. The trio’s journey reaches a critical moment in Italy before heading to Switzerland, where Natalia learns the shocking truth about Woody—the children recognize her from his comic books. The situation escalates as Morovich sabotages their mission, leading to Natalia’s capture by Krokov’s men in Monte Carlo.
Despite the CIA labeling their operation a failure and ordering them back to Paris, Woody is determined to save Natalia. With Harry’s assistance, they disguise themselves as Arab sheiks, creating a diversion at the Monte Carlo Casino to rescue her. In a gripping escape, Woody employs an upgraded version of his Condorman suit, soaring through the air with Natalia to safety aboard their custom Condorboat. They narrowly evade Krokov and Morovich, whose pursuit culminates in a tense showdown on the water. While they successfully escape, Morovich disregards commands and meets his end, while Krokov vows revenge from the safety of the sea.
In a heartwarming conclusion days later at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Woody, along with Natalia and Harry, revels in the festivities of a football game. A Goodyear Blimp hovers overhead, welcoming Natalia to the U.S. As the scene unfolds, Russ contacts Harry, nudging Woody towards yet another captivating adventure for Condorman.
Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:52
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Unlikely civilians use wit and gadgets to survive a world of spies.If you enjoyed the charming absurdity of a cartoonist becoming Condorman, you'll like these movies featuring everyday people entangled in espionage. These films share a lighthearted tone, adventurous plots, and heroes who win with creativity rather than brute force.
These stories typically begin with a protagonist living a normal life who is suddenly pulled into an international conspiracy. Their journey is one of rapid adaptation, using their non-spy talents in inventive ways to overcome obstacles, often with a mix of comedy and thrilling action.
They are grouped by their core premise of the 'accidental spy,' a shared light and playful tone that prevents the danger from feeling too grave, and a focus on clever, improvised solutions over grim realism.
Affectionate and fantastical spoofs of classic action genres.Fans of Condorman's spoof of comic books and Cold War spies will enjoy these similarly whimsical parodies. Discover movies that blend action, comedy, and fantasy with a charming, self-aware wink to the audience.
Narratives in this thread are straightforward, prioritizing a succession of amusing set-pieces and humorous character interactions over complex plotting. The conflict is more of a playful game than a dire threat, leading to a satisfying and upbeat conclusion.
These movies are united by their primary goal of comedic homage. They share a fast pace to keep the energy high, a light emotional weight, and a fantastical, escapist feel that makes the adventure pure fun.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Condorman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Condorman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Condorman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Condorman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Condorman that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Condorman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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