I løvens tegn, which translates to “In the Sign of Leo,” is a Danish erotic comedy released in 1976. It is a well-known installment in the popular Tegn (Zodiac) series of comedic sex films produced by the company Palladium and directed primarily by Werner Hedman. This particular entry is also widely known internationally by its alternate title, Agent 69 Jensen i Løvens tegn (Agent 69 Jensen in the Sign of Leo), highlighting the recurring protagonist played by Ole Søltoft. The Zodiac series was hugely successful in Denmark and abroad, becoming synonymous with Danish erotic comedies of the 1970s.
The plot, like other films in the series, is episodic and centers around the bumbling secret agent Ole Jensen (Ole Søltoft), also known as Agent 69. In I løvens tegn, Jensen is tasked with a mission loosely connected to the astrological sign of Leo. The mission inevitably involves him encountering numerous sexually willing women, leading to a series of comedic and explicit situations. The narrative serves mainly as a vehicle for slapstick humor, spy genre parody, and plentiful nudity and simulated sex scenes. The films were characterized by their lighthearted, non-judgmental approach to sex, combined with broad physical comedy.
Ole Søltoft became the face of the series, embodying the naive yet sexually fortunate agent. The films also featured a regular ensemble cast of popular Danish actors often appearing in supporting roles, including Poul Bundgaard, Karl Stegger, and Søren Strømberg, adding to the local appeal. Werner Hedman’s direction maintained a consistent tone and style throughout the series, emphasizing bright visuals, fast pacing, and a blend of farce and sensuality. I løvens tegn, like its counterparts (such as I Jomfruens tegn – In the Sign of Virgo, or I Skorpionens tegn – In the Sign of Scorpio), was a commercial success, reflecting the permissive atmosphere in Danish cinema and society at the time. The series remains a defining example of 1970s European erotic comedy.
Keywords: I løvens tegn, Agent 69 Jensen i Løvens tegn, Werner Hedman, Ole Søltoft, Danish erotic comedy, Zodiac series film, Tegn film, 1976 movies, Palladium production, European comedy.
