ARMED AND SHAGADELIC

Spotlight

Jhey're as key to Austin Powers's uncanny appeal as his big brown English teeth. The thing about Austin Powers is, he's not just shagadelic. He's also a really good guy with neat friends-a fact established by the first Austin Powers girl, Mimi Rogers, in Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery. She was British intelligence operative Mrs. Kensington and the perfect swinging-60s sidekick. But Austin's sex appeal could not be ignored for too long, as demonstrated by Fabiana Udenio, in her role as his hot-tub companion, the buxom Italian villainess Alotta Fagina—a subtle nod to Pussy Galore. Meanwhile, Susanna Hoffs, as a member of the house band, Ming Tea, helped provide the music for Austin's lively dance interludes.

In the sequel, The Spy Who Shagged Me, Gia Carides was hot on Austin's tail. Their introduction offered some classic Powers dialogue. "Robin Swallows," she says. "Maiden name Spitz." "Well, which is it, baby?" he snorts. "Spits or swallows?" A bulletproof assassin, she was the perfect foil to Felicity Shagwell ("Shagwell by name. Shag-very-well by reputation"), played by Heather Graham. Reprising the unforgettable image of Ursula Andress in the white bikini, Shagwell was the first American Austin Powers girl, the most vulnerable, the one who'd do anything for Austin's love—including sleep with Fat Bastard. Mindy Sterling, in the role of the screeching Teuton Frau Farbissina, had Dr. Evil grooving to "Let's Get It On."

With the new Austin Powers movie, Goldmember, we'll meet Austin's dad, the swinging Nigel Powers, played by Michael Caine. As for the ladies, Austin will be branching out, with a little help from Beyonce Knowles, who plays Foxxy Cleopatra. "It's an embarrassment of riches," says Mike Myers, the man behind the series. "I feel like a combination of James Bond and Hugh Hefner."

EVGENIA PERETZ

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