Skip to main content
Action Cult Classic

An ex-CIA agent's tell-all turns deadly on the streets of Athens.

COVERT ACTION

1978 · 1h 40m · R · Action / Crime · IMDB TMDB

In this espionage drama, set in Greece, a former CIA agent (David Janssen) is being stalked by his former employers, led by Arthur Kennedy,after he writes a book about his life.

▶ Watch Now My List

Quick Answer

What is Covert Action about?

Covert Action is a 1978 Italian action-crime film directed by Romolo Guerrieri about an ex-CIA agent-turned-author who is hunted by his former employers in Athens after exposing agency secrets.

Programmer's Pick

Covert Action doubles down on Eurospy grit, swapping glamorous gadgets for the shadowy paranoia of post-Watergate exposés. David Janssen’s weary ex-agent is less James Bond, more whistleblowing burnout, and the Athens setting gives this Italian thriller a sun-baked edge.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Greece, Covert Action follows Lester Horton, a former CIA operative now making waves as an author of both shocking exposés and spy fiction. His real-life inspiration doesn’t sit well with the Agency, prompting CIA Chief Arthur Kennedy to trail and pressure him throughout Athens. As Horton pursues a personal case, he must stay one step ahead of his old employers’ relentless traps while aiding his troubled ex-colleague, John Florio. This Italian Eurospy entry blends intrigue, double-crosses, and the personal stakes of espionage, capturing the paranoia of a spy who knows too much and the dangers of blowing the whistle in a world that thrives on secrets.

Details & Specs

Director
Romolo Guerrieri
Writers
Vittorio Schiraldi, Romolo Guerrieri, Mino Roli, Nico Ducci
Release
1978
Runtime
1h 40m
Country
Italy
Language
Italian, English
Genres
Action, Crime

Why This Matters

This Eurospy film draws direct inspiration from the real-life experiences of ex-CIA agent Philip Agee, whose involvement led to a legal dispute with the producers over compensation.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Romolo Guerrieri Writers: Vittorio Schiraldi +3 more
David Janssen David Janssen Lester Horton Arthur Kennedy Arthur Kennedy CIA Chief of Station, Athens Maurizio Merli Maurizio Merli John Florio Corinne Cléry Corinne Cléry Anne Florio Ivan Rassimov Ivan Rassimov The Silent Giacomo Rossi Stuart Giacomo Rossi Stuart Grant Philippe Leroy Philippe Leroy Greek Inspector

Explore More

Why Cult

Eurospy in Athens

Experience the espionage thrills of the Eurospy genre, transplanted to the sun-drenched streets of Greece.

Author vs. Agency

Watch an ex-CIA agent turn author and provoke the ire of his former employers by exposing their secrets.

Poliziottesco Flavor

Fans of Italian crime films will appreciate the poliziottesco undertones, blending hard-edged action with spy drama.

Jaded Janssen

David Janssen brings a world-weary gravitas to the role of Lester Horton, elevating the classic spy archetype.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Publication of exposé book

Threat

CIA pursuit of ex-agent

Effect

Stalking, traps, personal danger

Setting

Athens, Greece

Questions from the Vault

When was Covert Action released? +

Covert Action was released in 1978.

Who directed Covert Action? +

Covert Action was directed by Romolo Guerrieri.

How long is Covert Action? +

Covert Action has a runtime of 100 minutes.

What genre is Covert Action? +

Covert Action is an action and crime film.

Where can I watch Covert Action? +

You can watch Covert Action on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

You Might Also Like

See All →