Like many film fans, I was disappointed to learn that Anne Francis had passed away on January 2 due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 80 years old at the time and is fondly remembered for her roles in movies like Susan Slept Here (Frank Tashlin; 1954), Blackboard Jungle (Richard Brooks; 1955), Bad Day at Black Rock (John Sturges; 1955) and the science fiction classic Forbidden Planet (Fred M. Wilcox; 1956). She also appeared in many popular television shows including The Twilight Zone (1960-63), The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1963-65) and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964). And won an Emmy for her starring role in Honey West (1965-66).

The beautiful and athletic actress always seemed to have a sparkle in her eye and the tiny mole that accented her winning smile gave her a distinct look that was hard to forget. She wasn’t your typical blond bombshell. Anne Francis was a brainy and tough broad who could obviously take care of herself and I admired her apparent confidence as well as her sense of humor.

Two of the best movies that she appeared in were directed by John Sturges. I’ve always thought of Sturges as an undervalued director. His films have a masculine aesthetic that isn’t particularly female friendly but they work on multiple levels. In both of the Sturges films that Anne Francis appeared in she’s the only female member of the cast. A lesser actress could have easily crumbled under the weight of that pressure but Francis holds her own against formidable actors like Spencer Tracy, Robert Ryan, Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin in Sturges’ iconic western BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK. And in the director’s science fiction thriller THE SATAN BUG (1965) Francis is the lone female spy in a cast that includes George Maharis, Richard Basehart, Dana Andrews and Ed Asner.

I decided to revisit THE SATAN BUG after learning that Anne Francis had passed away and I was reminded of what a remarkable and exciting film it was. It’s often considered one of Sturges’ lesser movies and dismissed as a second-rate attempt to cash in on the popular James Bond franchise but I think those criticisms are shortsighted. The film begins with a break-in at a secret government lab known as Station Three. Station Three is hidden deep in the California desert where scientists have created a bio-weapon called the Satan Bug that can wipe out the entire population of earth in a matter of months. A quick thinking intelligence agent (George Maharis) is asked to come out of his self-imposed retirement to help with the investigation. He soon discovers that a madman has stolen the deadly virus and plans to unleash it on the unsuspecting populace unless the government agrees to shut down Station Three. This leads him on an action-packed chase across the desert that ends with a spectacular helicopter ride over Los Angeles.

THE SATAN BUG is noteworthy for the way its hero (George Maharis) uses his brains instead of his brawn to save the day. The film also features some striking Palm Springs locations and desert photography shot by the Oscar winning cinematographer Robert Surtees as well as a wonderful soundtrack by composer Jerry Goldsmith. One of the things that separates John Sturges’ adventure films from so many others is the wonderful way that the director and his editors used music to frame the action and drama. THE SATAN BUG is no exception and the movie greatly benefits from Jerry Goldsmith’s score, which enhances the film’s suspenseful plot. The movie is loosely based on a novel by Alistair MacLean and it was adopted for the screen by author James Clavell along with Edward Anhalt. John Sturges also directed a film version of Alistair MacLean’s Ice Station Zebra, which would make for a terrific double feature with THE SATAN BUG. Both films helped pave the way for modern action thrillers like the popular Bourne series and their influence shouldn’t be underestimated.

Anne Francis isn’t given a lot to do in THE SATAN BUG but the film is noteworthy for providing the actress with a mature role as a female spy who also happens to be the hero’s love interest. Like many of Sturges’ most popular films, romance takes a backseat to the action but I appreciate the movies no nonsense approach to adult relationships. Who has time for romance when you’re trying to save the world? Unlike so many modern thrillers that come to an abrupt halt in order to include a sex scene or erotic interlude, THE SATAN BUG stays focused on the action and drama generated by the taut story it’s telling. John Sturges knew how to sustain suspense and the film maintains a high level of tension throughout its 114-minute running time.

After making THE SATAN BUG, Anne Francis went on to star in the action packed television series Honey West where she played a smart detective who used her brains, sex appeal and muscle in order to rid the world of criminals. Her character in Honey West resembled Emma Peel in the popular British series The Avengers (1961-69). Both characters are now considered to be 60s’ feminist icons because they represented strong, independent women that could obviously take care of themselves. Anne Francis’ role in THE SATAN BUG is a kinder and gentler predecessor to the judo chopping character she would later play in Honey West.

THE SATAN BUG is currently only available on video but Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and MGM plan to release it on DVD next month as part of their “manufacturing on demand” program with various online retailers. The DVD probably won’t be available for rent or in stores but if you’re an Anne Francis fan or appreciate John Sturges’ films I highly recommend seeking it out.