Zeta One, also known as The Love Slaves, Alien Women, and The Love Factor, is a British comedy science fiction film from 1969. It was directed by Michael Cort and stars James Robertson Justice (known for his role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Robert Hawdon, Charles Hawtrey (known for the Carry On Films series), Anna Gael, and Dawn Addams as Zeta.
The film is a unique blend of science fiction, espionage, and comedy, set against the backdrop of the swinging ’60s. It is known for its campy style, colorful visuals, and a mix of genres that make it a cult classic. The film is based on a comic strip short story in Zeta magazine.
The story follows James Word (played by Robin Hawdon), a British secret agent assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of top-ranking intelligence agents. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a connection to a secret organization called “Zeta.” This enigmatic group, led by the seductive and otherworldly Zeta, is determined to conquer Earth using a race of beautiful, mind-controlled women.
The film starts with Word, a spy for Section 5, returning home to find a secretary, Ann Olsen (played by Yutte Stensgaard), waiting for him. In typical 60s fashion, they play “strip poker,” and things get romantic.
During the game, he reveals his mission of tailing Major Bourdon, who was investigating women from the planet Angvia. Zeta leads the Angvians, who regularly abduct women from other planets and brainwash them into becoming operatives.
He discloses to her that their next target is stripper “Ted” Strain (played by Wendy Lingham), and Section 5 is planning to use her to set a trap for them. Word is torn between the alluring Zeta and his duty to save the world as the plot thickens.
Word encounters bizarre and humorous situations while trying to unravel the conspiracy. The film navigates through a world of psychedelic visuals, futuristic gadgets, and quirky characters, all set within the vibrant and mod aesthetics of 1960s London. As Bourdon’s men take several of the Angvian agent’s prisoners, a final confrontation between the various parties dramatically occurs at his estate.
The film explores themes of seduction, espionage, and the battle between good and evil, all with a comedic twist. The narrative is laced with satire, parodying both the spy genre and the sexual revolution of the era.
The Other Cinema 