Spies Like Us, released in theaters on December 6, 1985, is a quintessential Cold War-era spy spoof that perfectly harnesses the comedic chemistry of its stars, Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. Positioned squarely in the tradition of broad, satirical comedies, the film takes aim at international espionage, bureaucratic incompetence, and the sheer absurdity of global political tensions.
The film follows two of the CIA’s most inept and undeserving agents, Emmett Fitz-Hume (Chase), a privileged slacker who got his job through his father’s connections, and Austin Millbarge (Aykroyd), a socially awkward, technologically brilliant analyst.
Both are desperate to become field agents and inadvertently pass a rigged test designed to identify the absolute worst candidates.
They are assigned to a top-secret mission, unknowingly serving as decoys for a much more important operation.
Their job, they are led to believe, is to infiltrate the Soviet Union and recover a stolen missile, but in reality, they are meant to be captured and reveal false intelligence, thus drawing attention away from the real agents.
Their journey quickly devolves into a hilarious series of misadventures.
After being parachuted into Pakistan—which they believe to be the Soviet Union—they blunder across Central Asia, navigating bizarre local customs, close calls with actual KGB agents, and an encounter with an eccentric NATO medical team, including the sharp, professional Karen Boyer (Donna Dixon).
They also meet a mysterious and ruthless enemy agent, General Sline (Steve Forrest), who seems to be tracking them.
As the bumbling duo gets closer to the target zone, they accidentally stumble upon the actual mission: a top-secret mobile nuclear missile launch site, controlled by agents like Mr. Ruby (Bruce Davison) and Mr. Keyes (William Prince).
It becomes clear that the entire operation is a disastrous mess orchestrated by shadowy government figures who intended to manipulate the entire world.
Fitz-Hume and Millbarge, through sheer luck and idiocy, ultimately find themselves in a position to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.
Bernie Casey, Tom Hatten and Vanessa Angel round out the cast.
Cameo appearances include Joel Coen, Sam Raimi, Martin Brest, Costa-Gavras, Frank Oz, Terry Gilliam, Michael Apted, Larry Cohen, B.B. King, Edwin Newman and Bob Hope.
John Landis (National Lampoon’s Animal House, The Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop III) directed the film.
The title song, “Spies Like Us”, was written and performed by Paul McCartney.
Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase in Spies Like Us (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for Spies Like Us
Spies Like Us grossed $8.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Rocky IV, which earned $11.2 million on its second weekend.
The film would gross $77.3 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy: A Classic 80s Duo
Spies Like Us is primarily remembered for the electric and contrasting comedic talents of its leads.
Chase’s signature sardonic arrogance is perfectly balanced by Aykroyd’s earnest, detail-oriented enthusiasm.
Its legacy is that of a successful Cold War parody—a reminder of a time when the threat of nuclear war could be turned into blockbuster satire—and a cornerstone in the filmography of one of cinema’s most effective comedic duos.
