The 9 Feb 1965 DV announced a 20 Apr 1965 start for the first in a series of films based on the “Matt Helm” novels by Donald Hamilton. Director Phil Karlson was in the process of choosing one of eight actors who screen-tested for the lead role, while writer Maurice Richlin made revisions on the screenplay by Oscar Saul. A news item in the 19 Jan 1965 DV stated that the Ford Motor Company was designing a custom automobile for the film. As noted in the 24 Feb 1965 Var, the title was temporarily changed to The Silencer.
       On 22 Mar 1965, DV announced the casting of actor-singer Dean Martin as “Matt Helm.” An item in the 9 Mar 1965 DV mentioned actor Alex Cord as under consideration for a role.
       Producer Irving Allen told the 6 Jul 1967 LAT that he decided to film the Matt Helm series after randomly purchasing one of the novels at an airport. Allen licensed the character the next day, and after shopping the series to several studios, he reached an agreement with Columbia Pictures, provided he used his own money to finance the option. Allen explained that actors such as Paul Newman refused the role, fearing they could not compete with Sean Connery’s “James Bond” films. After a comedy element was added, Allen cast Dean Martin, who was enjoying a wave of popularity with the launch of his television variety series that same year. The 9 Jul 1965 DV reported that Allen would produce the series under his newly-formed Meadway Productions, and included writer Herbert Baker as a contributor to the screenplay. An article in the 20 Aug 1965 LAT noted that custom tailor Sy Devore created Martin’s $8,500 wardrobe for the film.
       A news brief in the 19 May 1965 DV stated that principal photography was postponed until summer. The production rented studio space at Desilu Studios in Hollywood, CA, with location shooting in New Mexico. Actor Victor Buono, cast as “Tung-Tze,” would likely be commuting between Hollywood and Palo Alto, CA, where he was appearing in a production of Molière’s Tartuffe. The 375-pound Buono told the 5 Sep 1965 LAT that he needed to gain another thirty pounds to give his “super villain” character a more sinister look. According to production charts in the 1 Sep 1965 Var, filming began 6 Jul 1965. An item in the 2 Jul 1965 DV stated that stunt men and women were needed for an automobile chase scene during the first five days of production. Coincidentally, the location was Stunt Road in the Hollywood Hills.
       While filming was underway, Geoffrey Shurlock of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) disapproved several scenes, claiming they were too sexually explicit. Undaunted, Irving Allen told the 12 Jul 1965 DV that he intended The Silencers to be “sexier than James Bond.” On 21 Jul 1965, DV reported that Dean Martin played a scene in the nude, surrounded by a group of young women known as his “Slaymates.” The 9 Feb 1966 DV referred to the group as “Slaygirls,” which included Barbara Burgess, Jan Watson, Inger Nillson, Mary Jane Mangler, and Pamela Rogers. The 28 Jul 1965 Var announced plans by Columbia Pictures to introduce the actresses at a press event that day in New York City. Photography was completed in late Sep 1965, as noted in the 28 Sep 1965 DV. The 22 Oct 1965 DV estimated the budget at $3.5 million.
       The Silencers premiered 18 Feb 1965 in Chicago, IL, as reported in the 10 Mar 1966 Los Angeles Sentinel. Openings in Los Angeles, on 1 Mar 1966, and New York City, on 16 Mar 1966, followed. Although reviews were lukewarm, public response was enthusiastic, as evidenced by the 13 Nov 1966 LAT, which included the film among the highest earners in the history of Columbia Pictures. The 18 Mar 1966 DV reported that the picture’s explicit content resulted in a Kansas City, MO, official banning patrons under eighteen years of age. The ban was ultimately lifted by city welfare director James Reefer, who claimed it was “a misunderstanding.” According to the 22 Nov 1966 DV, the Spanish government was less tolerant, banning the film entirely. The Silencers received minor honors, such as the Rocky Mountain Motion Picture Association’s Best Actress Award for actress Stella Stevens, and the Interstate Theatres, Inc., Gold Star, awarded to Dean Martin and Irving Allen.
       In addition to promotional tours undertaken by Allen and the cast, the film received additional support from Warner Bros. Records, which released Dean Martin Sings Songs From “The Silencers” on its Reprise label. Assorted versions of the title song were also due for release by an array of artists and labels.
       A brief in the 9 Jun 1965 LAT credited singer Vikki Carr with performing the title song, providing the voice for actress Cyd Charisse in the opening sequence. John Willis, appearing as “M.C.,” was a Los Angeles television personality, as noted in the 4 Aug 1965 LAT. The film marked the screen debut of Carol Cole, daughter of late musician Nat “King” Cole. Other castings included Margie Nelson and Margaret Teele (22 Jul 1965 DV), Dirk Evans (9 Aug 1965 DV), Gary Lasdun (10 Aug 1965 DV), Clint Ritchie (3 Sep 1965 DV), and Pat Hawley (8 Sep 1965 DV). The 8 Mar 1966 DV noted that actor-singer Jean-Claude Pascal would voice Dean Martin in the French version.
       Martin starred in three more Matt Helm films: Murderers’ Row, The Ambushers, and The Wrecking Crew (1966, 1967, and 1968, see entries).