How to become a Gentlemen Spy: Be more like John Drake than James Bond, and even less like Austin Powers
As far as Sixties-era fictional spies go, the coolest, most sophisticated, and least lecherous award goes to John Drake (Patrick McGoohan/Danger Man-Secret Agent (or #6 in The Prisoner??). Drake is followed closely in the Gentlemen Spy pantheon by John Steed (Patrick McNee/Avengers). Even American IMF Chief agent, Jim Phelps (Peter Graves/Mission: Impossible) was a former-Navy officer and a gentlemen, before joining the IMF. And for the purists, Ian Fleming’s literary James Bond comes across far more chivalrous than his motion picture portrayals with the notable exception of David Niven’s portrayal of "the original James Bond" in the 1967 farce "Casino Royale." Now HE was a gentleman spy for the ages.
With a little dedicated study and practice, Yes, you too can be metaphorically licensed to kill by following these steps:
1) Look the part - in this case, clothes really do make the man. Only George Smiley and "real spies" schlub around town in non-descript, off the shelf, bargain basement attire. Gentlemen spies would not be caught in anything less than silk, egyptian cotton, or tailored wool. Owning a tailored set of evening wear is de rigeur: don’t just rent a tuxedo, own at least one and personalize it in a tasteful manner. Shoes, belts, ties and accessories should be sturdy, interchangeable, and expensive (looking). Extra points for any "reversible" wear or hidden pockets or compartments. As nanotechnology improves communications equipment, all clothing will become more like the gear that "Q" issues to 007. The best tailoring falls short if you don’t spend the time and attention to detail to attend to personal grooming. Go easy on the scents - you don’t want to overpower the opposition with your cologne.
2) Practice your "basic skills" until they are effortless. Whether it involves high speed driving, digital photography, uncorking a bottle, or dismantling a loaded… diaper, you should be able to carry out many tasks with style and a smile, and carry on a witty conversation while doing it. The more unpleasant the task, the greater the level of your elan. Sure, You can handle it (even if it’s your first time) and you have an amusing anecdote about the way your training instructor said you were the worst student they ever saw, years ago.
3) Have a passing knowledge on many subjects and an advanced knowledge of at least three subjects. All real special operators (military or civilian) are highly trained, highly capable and very much in control of their thoughts, emotions and physical environment. Not in a John Wayne/John Rambo way, but all the same, they let you know that they are in control. Expand your knowledge base by reading and ‘talking’ to experts, even if you need to use online forums to do it. Pick your favorite 3 subjects to become an expert: for Drake it appears he was good at everything, but he was expert in fine art, foods, and non-lethal fighting. He rarely touched a gun. For Steed, he was another expert in fashion/style, antique cars, and codes. A good selection of skills must be things that you are passionate about because you’ll need to spend a lot of time gaining the expert knowledge. The other key is not to flaunt your expert status, rather let the occasion arise in which you impress your audience with your knowledge.
4) Gadgets - although anyone can mail order almost any "spy gadget" today, you don’t really need to spend a lot of money or carry a lot of gear. Look at what MacGyver (or Drake) could do with a balloon, a shoelace, and some propane gas. If you use your imagination, you can adapt or improvise some pretty neat objects from other common objects. One indispensable gentlemen spy item may be the over-sized handkerchief: great for handling objects, wrapping a flesh wound, or blindfolding one of the opposition. Another is the small Swiss Army style multi-purpose knife.
5) Weapons - by far the most dangerous weapon available is a well-trained, focused and informed mind. Real spies are information gatherers - not gun toting thugs or assassins. Seek to sharpen you mind rather than carrying plastic knives, brass knuckles or heavier armament. Remember that weapons owe no loyalties - whatever you carry could also be used against you.
6) "The Look" - not to be confused with #1 above, this is the confidence portrayed by your eye contact (or lack thereof) so that you can be recognized by friendlies and feared by the opposition. If you ever watched Clint Eastwood in action, you have seen The Look - he even discusses the value of "The Look" and makes light of it with Rene Russo during one scene in the movie "In the Line of Fire." Whatever you do, don’t become a psychotic "starer" or cast about furtively nervous winks (a la Austin "Danger" Powers). Cultivate a calm, centered presence with a bit of mystery and undisclosed lethality - see Terence Young, below.
7) Finally, being a gentleman spy presupposes that your manners, speech, and actions are all above reproach - especially when you are called on to use some of your expert knowledge in a sticky situation. It helps if you are independently wealthy but good manners cost little (to you) and pay off handsomely in the long run. "Warrior-Monk" was one title Fleming used to describe his Bond (a reference that surfaced in the later film version of Casino Royale).
Terence, Young, above, who directed the first Bond film, "Dr. No," was said to have used his own refined style and manners to inculcate a young Sean Connery’s early portrayal of Bond. Trapped by his arch enemy Dr. No, Bond is still able to have a pleasant dinner conversation, appreciate the engineering of the mad scheme, politely refuse to be recruited by the Doctor and ultimately gains the upper hand. Surely, with a little practice, study and effort, as outlined above, you too can defeat the lesser evils facing your daily routine.
