Reviewing 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' - Countdown to Bond 25
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2019
- CINEMATIC 007 -- "Merry Christmas, 007!" The Countdown to Bond 25 continues with a review of 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.'
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Has always been my favorite Bond movie. Lazenby was terrific.
Lazenby was very good in the more tender scenes - the ending is genuinely upsetting. He is, however, incredible in the physical scenes. He was clearly in great shape at the time; a big guy who looked like he could take care of himself. His suaveness is lacking, sadly, along with some of his delivery, but the more you watch the film the more you get used to his style. The assault on the base at the end is simply great. It looks phenomenal, is paced very well - it doesn't go on too long - and it's full of gravity. Seeing Lazenby slide down the icy walkway while shooting the bad guys is just wonderful. Savalas is a much more realistic Blofeld, and dare I say the best. The head of Spectre would have to be the top dog, someone who makes his underlings scared to look him in the eye.
Great discussion, guys! I first saw “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” at Christmas 1969 in New York City - Times Square, to be precise, in widescreen. Those were the days when major films, such as this, were advertised on one whole side of a building. (“Thunderball” and “You Only Live Twice” also took advantage of that space.) What an exciting time for movies . . . with popcorn, of course!
From the beach fight and the classic line, “This never happened to the other fellow,” I knew that James Bond was in good hands, not least because of George Lazenby. I knew nothing about him but thought, What a fabulous choice! Not once did I moan: ohh, if only Connery were doing this . . . ! I still don’t. Connery would not have been better in the romantic scenes, the action, or the tragic ending. And then he graced us with his presence in that Vegas-based dreck, looking old enough to be Lazenby’s father! David Picker, head of United Artists, went on his knees to Connery only a few weeks before filming began in Switzerland. He refused, but Picker continued scraping his knees!
Lazenby displayed the build, fighting ability, athleticism, and confidence that won him the part. And yes, he had the acting skills to make Bond more human. Angela Scoular, Joanna Lumley, Terence Mountain, Vic Armstrong, and others have said what a pleasure Lazenby was to work with, and how good he was as Bond. Harry Saltzman had plans to use him in non-Bond productions; unfortunately these never came to fruition. All of this despite the repeated bad-mouthing from “Dame” Diana Rigg. John Barry felt that his score was wasted on Lazenby (almost funny, considering the crud Barry produced later). And Old Man Broccoli treated him like crap, slandering him throughout the industry and making it difficult for him to find other work.
When Lazenby moved to California, he left messages for Telly Savalas, hoping for a guest appearance on “Kojak” - no response! (Says a lot about old Kojerk!) That said, Savalas was the best Blofeld. Could you picture Donald Pleasance or Charles Gray on skis, or battling Lazenby on a bobsled?
Peter Hunt went into this with the clearest sense of the world created by Ian Fleming. As you guys point out, he loved the novel and saw its potential as a grand adventure with a romantic subplot. Like his friend and mentor Terence Young, he was tired of the hardware and sci-fi sets; I’ve always thought the “radioactive lint” was Hunt’s way of showing his contempt. He said, “I wanted this to be my James Bond film, in my style - no one else’s.” (Interesting that he and Young declined all future Bond offers.)
As for George Lazenby, someone who was racing cars and doing motocross into his sixties, he has led the life of a retired 007. Just about three years ago, he was photographed riding a bicycle in London. When Diana Rigg passed away, he left a lovely tribute to her on Twitter - now that’s class. Whatever career difficulties he endured, it’s probably just as well he wasn’t involved with Guy Hamilton, Tom Mankiewicz, or anyone connected with the next three films.
At age 13, I thought “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was the best James Bond film ever. My opinion hasn’t changed. Thanks to both of you for giving it a ten!
I saw this film when it came out and it set the standard for Bond movies for me. I had already read all of Fleming's books and the way the movie adhered to the novel (which was my favorite) pleased me no end. I, like most males in my age group, was already in love with Diana Rigg. Perfect casting. I used to manage theaters in the late 70s and early 80s. I worked for a chain of theaters in LA that ran festivals of older films, classics, and art films. We ended up getting an A grade IB print of OHMSS during our Bond retrospective. I had never seen such an incredible print of it before. The dye transfer process so enhanced the extraordinary use of color in the film it was like seeing the film fresh for the first time. The transparency of the sky color in the ski chase escape from Piz Gloria was like being there. If you ever get a chance to see such a print projected jump at it. Someone must have such a thing in a private collection.
OHMSS is very good entry in the franchise. It's one that gets better after the first viewing.
This is my favorite Bond film because it has the best story, and the story follows the Ian Fleming novel closely. A movie exists to tell a story. Never forget that.
A Bond movie exists to be entertaining and fun. Don't forget that.
Οf course a movie exists to tell a story. But he needs the right persons for the roles. Bond here is a mature man with experience, like the actors in the other roles. Also the way this story told, is more like a romantic movie, and ignored that Bond and Blofeld met in the previous film.
Black French but it’s based on a book (not so much anymore)
@@user-xp2gm8im2c I think they should have made this into a prequel to You Only Live Twice, where they meet for the first time here and then meet again in the Volcano. Perhaps they could have added a face injury for Blofeld to explain the scar?
@@Tomahawk511 I would prefer in ''You Only Live Twice'', Pleasence in the role of Henderson. Ηis murder would not be true - like Bond in Hong Kong - and in the volcano he would say that he is Blofeld's half-brother, and Blofeld is the leader (In the novel Blofeld's father was Polish, and his mother was Greek, hence his Greek name Stavro).
I’m a Bond nerd and OHMSS is my favourite film. Lost count of how many times I’ve watched it. But I never picked up on the gun in the drawer scene. Always thought it was Tracy who left the money. Brilliant spot.
After "Thunderball" Connery had agreed with the producers to make "On Her Majesty's Secret Service".
In his interview to PLAYBOY on November 1965, Connery said that the plan was "to start On Her Majesty's Secret Service in Switzerland in January" (1966). And then stated: "But we have to be careful where we go next, because I think with Thunderball we've reached the limit as far as size and gimmicks are concerned... What is needed now is a change of course ... more attention to character and better dialogue".
As we see Sean Connery was anticipating (and not bored) on doing OHMSS because it was a challenge for him to act in a darker and more sensitive Bond movie. He wanted to work in depth with the evolution of Bond's character. But then the producers decided not to proceed with OHMSS (because of some snow problems in Switzerland) but instead to make YOLT. Sean Connery was hugely disappointed. From then on he started to loose interest on the character. Knowing what an actor he became to be, Connery would have made this movie GREAT...
Extremely underrated. One of my favorites. No gadgets. Would have been nice to see him in several Bond movies, too bad George Lazenby listened to the wrong people.
Once the black sheep of the Bond franchise, now the shining crown jewel. Best Bond film of the lot.
Worst bond movie ever because of how horrible lazenby is
@@philhellmuth2771 Ever? You've got to be kidding. Didn't you watch View to a Kill, Die Another Day or Moonraker? Lazenby is Shakespearean compared to Moore or Brosnan!
@@SmartCookie2022 Roger Moore's Acting is a far superior to George Lazenby.
@@DavyDredd14 Roger Moore was an OK TV actor, but not a big screen movie actor. Did you know when Moore first started acting, all the critics called him wooden and "The Big Knit"? Now compare that to Lazenby's first screen role, and the fact Lazenby didn't even go to RADA like Moore.
@@philhellmuth2771 Man, you have amazing taste in films. Which is your favorite Diamonds are Forever, Die Another Day or Spectre?
While Connery is my fav bond, I have to say that Lazenby brought something to the role that just felt right for this film, especially when he’s almost cornered at the festival, and he looks like he’s actually a bit worried or scared, he pulls it off just perfect, while I really can’t see Connery could pull it off.
You can see Connery in similar scene in ''Thunderball''.
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Lazenby is what one might call a "natural". He managed to nail virtually every scene effortlessly, and without withholding tenderness and emotion, unlike anything we had seen previously with Connery. Connery was the coolest and the suavest, but Lazenby was the Bond the closest to the "commoner". Quite a unique way to play the James Bond character.
@@raminagrobis6112 Actually I thought Lazenby was pretty suave.
@@raminagrobis6112 We didn't see Bond's character here. A mature man with experience, like the actors in the other roles, tired from his job who finds happiness in love and marriage. Connery in Y.O.L.T. is close to this character. Instead we saw an relatively young, vulnerable and infinite man, like Bond in the early years, or someone in the romantic film ''The Secret Agent and the Countess''.
@@edwardkerrigan5356 Maybe it"a my English, but as someone else and I pointed out, Connery never, absolutely never shows true human 's sentimentality or fragility. Certainly never enough to imagine him as falling in love. In that sense, Lazenby is not the suave Bond Connery had created as a character.
Quite possibly the best Bond movie ever made. So sad we never got a direct sequel to it, would have been incredible.
Terrific review. Could not agree more. Cinematography, editing, music, Lazenby - OHMSS is among the best.
I've always liked the scene where Bond uses a crane to lift a fax machine into an office...
Completely agree with the review, absolute classic! I think George does a good job and the film fires on all cylinders. Must say these reviews are awesome, it’s so good to relive these movies and listen to you guys dissect them.
Speaking of Telly Savalas being to street. Jim Brown, who worked with Savalas and Charles Bronson in the Dirty Dozen said both of them were real life tough guys. So yeah, I can see how he would see Savalas as being to street. I too loved this movie. My best friend and I saw this movie in the theater on Christmas day in 69. Great memories.
Saw this christmas week in 1969 and I've loved it ever since. If I had to pick a negative it's this: I think it was a mistake to overdub Lazenby's voice with George Baker's during the early Piz Gloria scenes as the audience was trying to adjust to Connery's absence and some may have been confused by the new actor having two different voices. Yes, it's part of the story but it was a little jarring for some.
But Connery could not do any other voice than Connery - he would definitely have to be dubbed as well if they wanted 'upper crust'.
Great review. I already gave it a ten when I first saw the film in 1970. The death of Tracy in the end was heart rending and unforgettable. Also the wedding scene where a sobbing Ms Moneypenny clutching Bond's hat, seems amusing but it is actually quite touching. Thank you.
Best Bond girl!
Jackson Lazor Diana Rigg is the right choise for the role. With the logic of Lazenby's choice, doesn't need in the film. A blonde model (Tracy is blonde in the book) must take the role.
Hahaha🤔🤫😘Vesper lynn, can give her a run. I think, diana was an avenger with steed, lol
I remember reading somewhere that the original choice for Tracy was French actress Brigitte Bardot. As she was tied up in a movie called Shalako with Sean Connery, the producers of OHMSS had to look for another actress.
Telly Savalas’s Blofeld is my favorite as well - I can imagine a man like him working with Largo, Klebb, Grant and Dr. No. He’s intimidating and always seems to keep his cool. And I appreciate that he can throw down when necessary. He’s also one of the few villains who lets his ace up his sleeve “his little secret” and doesn’t completely spoil his plan.
Donald Pleasance was 'creepy' as Blofeld. Telly was 'in 007's face'....just as Sean was 'cool dude' Bond & George was cool but "vulnerable" as Bond in love.
Too much stall is made about Lazenby's acting and it supposedly being "wooden". You don't need to be an Olivier to play Bond. In fact I'd argue Lazenby nails pretty much every scene. He comes across as natural whereas the likes of Dalton, a renowned Shakespearean actor, struggles to deliver his lines naturally, including the stock 'My name is" line. Dalton (and later Dench at times also in her role as M) come across as too obviously reading from a script. Lazenby did a fantastic job all things considered.
He's not the right person for the role, unlike the actors in the other roles (better for Blofeld is Yul Brynner).
LOVE this film !! One of the best of the whole series: this and From Russia With Love
A great film. Lucky enough to take my kids to Quentin Taratino's New Beverly Cinema in Hollywood to see it ON FILM just yesterday. Wonderful to see it on the big screen in a full theater.
Without a shadow of a doubt THE greatest James Bond movie of all time!
Lazenby is horrible... Worst bond movie ever
@@philhellmuth2771 That's shortsighted. Why should your view of Lazenby colour so much of your view on the best Bond movie of them all? It's not all about Lazenby. Connery being a great Bond doesn't prevent Diamonds are Forever from being one of the less impressive Bond movies.
@@jamesbiggs8187That is your opinion of the movie, however I agree it is worst in the franchise.Lazenby, what were they thinking? The franchise would have ended if he made another film.this guy has no screen presence no the looks to be a bond so it's no wonder he never amounted to anything rather than commercials...
@@philhellmuth2771 Agreed, absolutely shambolic movie with one of the worst actors which is why he never amounted to anything after making this crap film...
@@kovilanmoodley7464 I repeat my question. Why does Lazenby (regardless of your opinion on his acting (which I rate ok and more natural than Dalton's two stints in the role) or more to the point the requirement for him to "act", make the movie so bad in your opinion. The worst in the franchise? Seriously?
One of the best Bond fims.Telly and Diana are great and John Barry is at his best.George is a bit wooden at times but for a first time in a big film he is good.He is not as bad as most people think so I put it up in my top 5 Bond films.Peter Hunt is one of the best directors EON had.
I agree with most of what you guys say about this film. Diana Rigg is probably my favourite Bondgirl. It´s probably also my favourite Bond-soundtrack. I´d go as far as to say it even beats The Living Daylights and You Only Live Twice.
My absolute fav Bond.
OHMSS is a contradiction. It feels different, but at the same time it's unmistakingly a BOND film. Although Lazenby plays it differently to Connery, not once did I question he wasn't James Bond. I've never understood why it ever got a bad press. The first time I saw it I loved it, and I've never wavered since. Btw, great stuff, guys. Loved the review.
Rewatching FRWL I could totally see Connery, especially w/Dianna Rigg, nailing the film. It'd have to have been the early days, Connery invested. Still glad for what we got. Not just a special movie but one of the most interesting production stories given Lazenby- just something you'd never see again.
Bond's gun in the bedside table replaced by chips. HOW DID I MISS THAT ?
Spectacularly involving BOND film; it has the best BOND Woman in Diana Rigg, incredible Ken Adam sets and maestro John Barry's finest score of the series. Director Peter Hunt's vigorous direction and flourishes of brilliant editing give the fight scenes in this film a style and gravitas that feels entirely new. The breathtaking location work -- particularly Piz Gloria -- is exceptional; the cinematography in OHMSS places it among the most lush and elegant of the BOND films. While Savalas is easily the most effective Blofeld we've seen thus far, he still pales next to the heard-but-not-seen Blofeld of the early Connery pictures. As for Lazenby, he brings a freshness to the role and excels in the action scenes. Perhaps even more surprisingly, his romantic scenes with Tracy reveal a genuine vulnerability in BOND that must have seemed unusual to fans of the films at the time.
The sets are by Syd Cain. The film has the right actors in the other roles (better for Blofeld is Yul Brynner), but not in Bond. Peter Hunt did a great job, but direction is more like a romantic movie, and ignored Bond and Blofeld meeting in the previous film. Bond here is not a relatively young, vulnerable and infinite, but a mature man with experience, like the actors in the other roles. After Connery, I believe to Stanley Baker.
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THE best Bond movie of them all. Glad to find you 'fellas' on the same page (see what I was doing there?). Hard to pick a favourite scene - the (one)ski ski chase maybe? Worth mentioning the montage of past adventures both through the shots in the opening credits and when Bond empties his desk following his "resignation' - "Sorry Ma'am!". And how cool was Lazenby with his only opportunity to perform the gun barrel sequence? (not to mention the brilliant cut away to a reflection of the Big Ben clock tower on the Universal Exports brass plate). A 10 all the way and another great review from you guys. Thank you.
Add to that John Barry is quoted as saying he had to put forth his best effort to buoy the fledgling first timer Lazenby's lack of experience. And he (Barry) DID with one of the best Bond theme's ever!
While I love the movie as is, had Connery done it, and brought his A game , and Yul Brunner been cast as Blofeld, it would have been an instant classic.
A Bond film with a story, characters and themes? The Devil you say!
Loved it since I saw it as a kid. Helps I didn't have to deal with any bias, but age has only made me love it more. This and Casino Royale are top tier for me
I absolutely agree with this review. I watched it yesterday and to be honest, i wasn't sure if the movie was going to be as great as i remembered it to be. That opening scene where George Lazenby introduces himself as James Bond, din't really convince me. But from then on, the movie just gets better and better. I love the scene where bond is sitting on the chair and trying to blend in, and then all of a sudden, a pair ice skates appears in front off him, and you immediately know who it is. Such an iconic scene.
One of if not the Best. BRILLIANT film. Those who know nothing slate it and Lazenby but time has proved what we true fans already knew.
The music and theme song of OHMSS is still regarded as 1 of the best throughout decades. Both Armstrong and White did a fantastic job, may these two great musicians RIP 🙏🏻 🙏🏻
This indeed is one of the top 5 best Bond movies. Everything you say is true about it. With the only exception of the scenes where Bond is dubbed in some silly and not so manly way in Pitz Gloria. The ski chases and the final scene {Tracy's death scene) are my favorite scenes. This movie was supposed to succeed Thunderball and not You Only Live Twice. This was the original project. If this was to happen Connery would have never loose interest on the role. Because it would be an in depth evolution of the character of Bond with deeper acting. Sean Connery actually said that on an interview after Thunderball. I honestly believe that with his superb acting talent, Sean Connery would be amazing at this movie and it would be his best Bond movie ever. Actually one of the reasons that Connery got tired of the role was exactly because instead of the initially scheduled OHMSS in 1967 they made YOLT. But I cannot say that Lazenby was bad. Not at all. Actually he is my second favorite Bond after Connery. And way much better than the Moore comedic - cartoonish edition of the character.
My equal 1sr Bond movie with Casino Royale. Charles Gray nailed Blofelt better but that said, sheer class movie from start to finish. Peter Hunt nailed it in every scene
PS. I should have said that I always thought this a top class Bond movie since I first saw it as a boy in 1970...
It's Top 3 for me. This is an absolute gem. Let's get the Lazenby thing out of the way: yes, he's wooden at times, but he's not bad. He's actually pretty good in some of the dramatic scenes. Diana Right is the best. As of right now, strangely, I find Savalas to be the best Blofeld. The action in this is top notch. The ending remains the best in the series (let's see what No Time to Dies does). I don't know how anyone could not like this film.
With the logic of Lazenby's choice, Diana Rigg doesn't need in the film. A blonde model (Tracy is blonde in book) must take the role.The film has the right actors to the other roles (better for Blofeld is Yul Brynner), but not in Bond.
Lazenby and the movie is crap...
Agree with every word here. One thing, because this was introducing the first new Bond, every member of the production team brought their A-game. Especially John Barry.
If Lazenby had made just one more film, I think it would have been extremely satisfying. OHMSS invested a lot in the more sincerely romantic side of Bond. The ending is so sad. How great might it have been to get a second picture, with a more experienced Lazenby, in which Tracy's murder is avenged by the Bond who lost her?
When I was 8 I thought I saw all the Bond movies at the theatre till my friend told me about this one and I was so jealous..it was so different..Great review guys thanks
1.On Her Majesty's Secret Service
2- From Russia with Love
3- Casino Royale
4- For Your Eyes Only
5- Spy Who Loved Me
6- Skyfall
7- Licence to Kill
8- Goldfinger
9- Thunderball
10- You Only Live Twice
11- Live and Let Die
12- GoldenEye
13- Living Daylights
14- Tomorrow Never Dies
15- Man with the Golden Gun
16- Doctor No
17- Spectre
18- Quantum of Solace
19- World is Not Enough
20- Moonraker
21. Diamond are Forever
22- Octopussy
23- Die Another Day
24- View to a Kill
You have Tomorrow Never Dies over Dr. No and Octopussy?? No freaking way.
@Dwayne Smith Dr. No is great.
But it's the first. The series had to grow. The first in a long series is rarely the best. It does have Connery's best scene when he kills the doctor.
I’m 58 years old and I’ve seen this movie more times than I know but I still tear up at the ending.
This is a great film 10/10 no doubt but I think Connery would have been great in this film. I think the love story would have worked with Connery’s Bond.
A great Bond film.............the production team really upped their game for OHMSS!.............a really solid thriller, and the music is fantastic!
Great James Bond movie, only George Lazenby Could've played an emotional Bond.for a person who never Acted before. Director peter hunt really licked Lazenby into shape for ''ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE'' it's a pity lazenby never returned for ''DIAMOND ARE FOREVER'' However, JOHN BARRY Score for this film was at it's Best 9 out of 10
watching you both was like watching myself and my school friend, back then we went to the Cinema and watched it 3/4 times time after time, we were both HUGE Emma Peel fans so since we saw it time after time at the cinema, and since a million times on DVD ! more poignant this week as Dame Diana Rigg passed, my mate and i cried !! your review was magical !! Mark & Martin UK !
when Sean Connery departed the role of James Bond, Dick Van Dyke was asked to consider taking over. In On Her Majesty Secret Service, (1969) But When Van Dyke reminded Bond producer Albert Broccoli of his famously bad English accent from 'Mary Poppins,' Broccoli replied: "Oh, that's right-forget it!" Do You Think This Flim would still have been with mr van dyke
Spot on as usual. Well done.
You kind of allude to this regarding the ski chase. One of the problems with many of the Bond films is they become formulaic. The ski chase was popular so every following film has a ski chase. The cops chasing Bond was popular so we have a cop chase in following films. The best films are those where they break their own mold.
Totally agree with Telly Savalas vs Yul Brynner. Savalas does come off more street than Blofeld should be. Wish they had cast Brynner instead of Donald Pleasence initially. IMHO, best Blofeld was Max Von Sydow in Never Say Never Again.
great film ! one of the best in the series
I'm totally with you guys ! saw this at the cinema on a loop !! hopefully going to Piz Gloria next year with my mate who's fave Bond is also this !!
IMO, ‘OHMSS’ was a 10+/10 among all Bond movies. George Lazenby has that little unique style which no other Bonds possesses, let alone Diana Rigg playing Tracy was the most stunning Bond lady up till this time, who else would have had her elegantly beauty, class and natural charm ! Furthermore, their relationship in the movie created a genuine touching romantic atmosphere which no other Bond movies has. Ending was heartbreaking!
Perfect Christmas viewing
OHMSS and Where Eagles Dare double bill
My favorite Bond movie 10/10
This and Die Hard are my Christmas Movie for alotta years.
As well as not only being the best Bond novel but the best Bond movie, it's also the only Christmas Bond movie and because of that it's an annual event in my house. So as Blofeld said to James.... "Merry Christmas 007"🎅🎅
Never clicked on something so fast 😂
This review reminds me of the BBC TV Show review of this film with two men who were having fun with the film
Great review, gentlemen of arguably the greatest Bond of all. Very thorough; thank you.
At 10:34 ...funny line ..given the syllable he stresses of the Latin name ..and where he's looking. ✌😎
This is probably my favorite Bond film. The only thing that kind of bothers me is seeing Connery in the opening titles. I wish they had created a traditional Bond opening without Connery. It feels like they stuck training wheels on the film before sending it on its way. Same feeling with the "other guy" line. I don't mind it that much, but I'd just as soon it were not there. Luckily, the film casts off the training wheels after the opening and confidently cuts its own path.
The Fonz Correct
I must be suffering from Mandela Effect. You never see Connery’s face in the opening titles?
I just watched it again. No Connery. All these years, my mind has filled in Connery while watching all those images from his films. So I revise my statement - the opening would have been stronger without the shots from Connery's films. I still feel like they give the impression that the film isn't strong enough to stand on its own.
James Bond star George Lazenby pays tribute to Sean Connery on his 90th birthday:
georgelazenbyofficial
Happy 90th birthday to the all time greatest @007 - Sean Connery. Sean, for me, was always the man. I walked in his footsteps - I had to look and dress like Sean Connery - I went to his barber's and tailors. I had no fear when I went up for the role - he was the guy who inspired me to never hesitate. Another thing we have in common is that we're both family men, so best wishes to Lady Connery, your kids and grand kids and stay safe. Love George x
10:48 > Connery falling in love: his evident age in itself would have lessened the emotional impact as opposed to younger Lazenby - who did act the scene of her death very well by underplaying.
'...this never happened to the other fellow..'......just for some context...i grew up watching bond in the theatre, starting with dr. no back in the 60's (and again...yes i'm old)...but...i'm so glad i had that experience to see bond before we even used words like 'franchise' or anything like that...so when majesty came out, i remember looking upon lazenby as a new 'agent', rather than a new 'actor', who was simply taking over the mi-6 position of james bond (sorry calvin!)....it seemed logical...mi-6 has alot of agents who go thru training, (which includes catching them up on past bond experioences, so they can 'portray' the character correctly), and when one bond leaves, another is chosen to take his place, ergo the line 'this never happened to the other fellow' (and the fact that blofeld doesn't recognize him).......and then, in diamonds, you catch back up with the sean agent who is still in japan, and then as m quips, has been on holiday....so agent lazenby left the agency due to tracy's death and agent sean is back to avenge her death (followed of course in later films by agent moore, agent dalton, agent brosnan, AND agent craig, which explains why judi dench is still m and the time period keeps evolving...q: 'we don't do that sort of thing anymore...'...)......so i watched this film with no connery absence involved and loved it...i mean...diana rigg...what's not to love...and i thought telly was great as blofeld...i agree with both of you...a definite 10....peace guys and thanx for these great videos...rocky
I agree I really like this film
This and license to kill I feel are kind of connected in time line
Love OHMSS . One of the best in the genre. So cool , great Plot , great Editing. George does a great job . Diana Rigg is pure class....
Diana Rigg is fantastic in this.
With the logic of Lazenby's choice, Diana Rigg doesn't need in the film. A blonde model (Tracy is blonde in book) must take the role.
First, let me say, this is in my Bond top 10 and I love your discussion about this film. I think it’s one of the best directed Bond films ever made and I am quite surprised Diana Rigg did not get a Best Actress nod at the Oscars that year. I feel her high quality level of acting reflects on the vast inexperience and ability of her co-Star. I agree about how the fight scenes are shot and edited. Except for the first one, they are great. Speaking of this, I am irked by the pre-title sequence where the build up is fine, the action ok, but that line about “ this never happened to the other guy”, man that really puts me off and is unnecessary. The biz about Blofeld not recognizing Bond is weak as the dubbing does not help, and however entertaining the plot about the how Blofeld women of Piz Gloria is, it feels kind of silly. Lazenby the man is undoubtedly fascinating and I enjoyed the documentary made about him. I just think OHMSS 50 years later is a great film in spite of all lacking in his performance that weakens the experience for me. His acting in his scenes with Telly Savalas also demonstrates his lacking in the part, no matter how they great director Hunt and producers work hard to hide this. Great script, direction, editing and music. it is a bonafide classic cinematic work in the Bond Canon.
I do indeed love the pacing and the romantic development between Bond and Tracy. And yes, I do think Connery who wanted initially to star in this one and really should have stuck around for it, would have been his best performance. Regardless of my quips about OMHSS, the full weight of the final moments with Tracy’s murder always affects me deeply, emotionally. I don’t think anyone can walk away from the film not feeling the great tragedy that has taken place. Anyway, great, great review gents.
Telly is the best Blofeld. He's the only one that's truly sinister and dangerous.
Savalas is Greek like me, and advertise Greece in the film (What were all the world's charms to mighty Paris, when he found that first dawn in the arms of his Helen?), and in the novel Blofeld's father was Polish, and his mother was Greek, hence his Greek name Stavro. But Yul Brynner is closer to the role, as required by the film series. Savalas as Greek and Balkan must take the role of Yul Brynner in ''Battle of Neretva''.
What I don't understand is why Blofeld doesn't recognise Bond from the last movie. Unless it is a stand alone film. But the opening titles show Bonds previous movies, and it shows Bond sat in his office remembering his missions. Why did the writer's and the director not realise this?
It's inexplicable. This should not be ignored.
In the original script, Bond undergoes plastic surgery to disguise him from his enemies. The intention was to allow an unrecognisable Bond to infiltrate Blofeld's hideout and help the audience accept the new actor in the role. However, this was dropped in favour of ignoring the change in actor (On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Wikipedia).
It’s a Christmas Eve movie for me too.
I love the film and clearly remember seeing it at the cinema with my parents. I even now own an Aston Martin DBS. But the more I see it, just like all Bond films, I can't help seeing all the ridiculous plot lines and anomalies that distract from the enjoyment. I mean, why would Drako's men attack Bond for saving his daughter?? Why would he have taken the Penthouse magazine from the solicitor's office which would have given away his visit?? They drive and find a barn to spend the night, and then in the morning are at the very highest point in the mountains way above the tree line skiing down (what - they took a cable car up??)?? There are so many, but most of all, why, when Blofeld gets caught by the neck in a overhanging tree when coming to the end of the toboggan run (which would in real life would probably have taken his head clean off) and Bond just walks away (we presume) and didn't go back to see what had happened to him. But all bond films are this way.
Great job folks BUT why don't you listen to the directors commentaries on the film? They dubbed Lazenby because they shot that part of the film first when he was most nervous and unsure of himself and they figured it was great for Lazenby to play NOT Bond until he had found his comfort with the crew and beeing on set :) Really smart of Peter Hunt! LOVE this movie too!
Great review, thanks guys. It's also my fave Bond film, fave book, fave Blofeld, fave soundtrack, and my all time fave Bond scene: Gumbold's safe. 9.5/10. I deduct half a mark because of the Hilary Bary dubbed voice.
Watched it for the second time after a gap of many years. Really enjoyed it. The movie has great action, it has great pacing and Lazenby gave a great freshness and enthusiasm in his performance which was surprisingly good. It rejuvenated the series. Shame he didn't stick around in the role as I think he would have had more creative clout and his performance would have been even better. That said it paved the way for Roger who has always for me been the best 007. 😊
A great reviw and some awesome comments here. Well done folks!
Joe your a genius
aw shucks...
100% agree on the dubbing of George, shouldn't have been done. It's the only thing I dislike about the film. FRWL, OHMSS & Casino Royale are the holy trinity of Bond films for me
I really like the history you guys have....seems like you’ve been mates for a while...it’s good to see 👏🏽
Best Bond movie ever! 😊
35:28 I may have posted this on the forums waaaaay long ago (2008 ... second place in the Being James Bond contest, I skied in the Lazenby tux if you remember) but I saw a double feature of original 35mm prints - From Russia With Love and OHMSS in Seattle. Before I hear you talk about the beach scene on the big screen (maybe you noticed this) the way it's lit and shot is meant to be in a dark theater on a projection screen - it works so wonderfully that way (the whole picture does).
The hypnotism lights work in a theater when it's projected way better that on a TV ... kinda looks cheesy on a modern TV
I am so pleased I have found you guys and have been following Bond since I was 12 at Dr No. I idolised Connery as a teenager but in retrospect wish they had played d it a bit more realistic and gritty like OHMSS in subsequent films.We had to wait for Daniel for that although Dalton tried to get there. Connery had physically let himself go with Diamonds and looked disinterested.Just a thought but I have always thought Anton Diffring the old German actor who is remembered by many as the SS Colonel in Where Eagles Dare would have made a great Blofeld. Great reviews by you both I am getting through them in order! 👍
Thank you sir! Glad you're enjoying!!
No Bond was not dead and the series was not bad her majestys secret service was dead and Lazenby and Peter Hunt got booted out. They were not invited back. Connery came back and Diamonds are forever made a killing at the box office Roger Moore got the role later on and made a spectacular debut and live and die also made a killing.
My fav book and third fav movie after The first two Connerery movies.
It's my favourite bond movie .l have watched it so many times .first seeing when l was 12 part of the first James bond double bill at my local cinema. Years later at the official james bond convention at pinewood studios in uk in 1990 .l saw the complete version. . Its probably the best bond so closely to lan Fleming novel which the reason for me to love it so much .Sean is my favourite bond .1960s bond movies are the best . I like the review of this classic movie .007 😎
Like you, I love On Her Majesty's Secret Service and I just watched it again on Christmas Eve. My favorite part is the whole sequence from Bond's escape from Piz Gloria to his proposal to Tracy at the barn. One part that stuck out to me was when Bond says "Perhaps, they didn't see me" and Tracy says "I wouldn't go Banco on that." I also liked when Bond is in the phone booth and Blofeld's henchmen start shooting at him and Tracy yells "James!" and drives up to rescue him. I agree that the dubbing when Bond is pretending to be Sir Hillary is the weakest part of the movie. I also agree that Peter Hunt did a masterful job of directing this film and never got the credit he deserved. The performances he got out of Lazenby and even Lois Maxwell, who was never better as Moneypenny, were memorable. It was so touching when Bond threw her his hat and she caught it with a tear in her eye. The soundtrack is fantastic in my opinion from the instrumentals to Louis Armstrong to Nina (Do You Know How Christmas Trees are Grown?). Fun fact, Diana Rigg did not know how to ski or ice skate.
Fab directing of Diana: suicidal, breasts, beauty at casino (could be any girl), then more & more into her depth against Bond-girl 'ideals' - more impact than going at human qualities right off.
I always think OHMSS felt like it was shot in the 1950s. The sets decor looks so dated I notice that a lot. Production value ? Piz Gloria good location.
21:39 That is the biggest complaint I have with this movie... We have the love montage, then Bond goes on his mission and goes with all these women despite having an existing relationship (he had already picked out a wedding ring) and then when Tracy reappears he is suddenly very affectionate (probably guilty about having cheated on her) and then asks her to marry him. The middle section of the film is the weakest area for me... along with the love montage
agreed, 10/10. By far my most favourite Bond movie and my favourite Bond novel too ( Casino Royale and Moon Raker novels a second and third)
Peter Hunt directed 'Shout at the Devil' & Gold. Two of the best Roger Moore non Bond films.
Diamonds should have been a revenge movie with George !
I have to be in the mood to enjoy this one, but there are elements I like. Peter Hunt was a great director. The overall plot is very romantic and the movie works well as a stand alone in the series. Diana Riggs is terrific; I don't care for Telly Savalas. Lazenby tried, and I think his acting in the final scene is actually good, understated. But it's a pity they couldn't have found someone who was a more skilled or experienced actor. His look is also very dated by today's standards.
I agree, most people including myself can't put up with Lazenby which is why he never amounted to anything after this film...
Love these reviews! Watching through them all over again. I really want to see you and Scott tackle No Time To Die and see how you feel, especially compared to OHMSS.
What's the word on Scott, Joe? Can you give us a video update?
watching your review again !
Diana Rigg 20 July 1938 - 10 September 2020 Goodbye. We don't have all the time of the world.
Michael Lonsdale (1931 - 2020) and Honor Blackman (1926 - 2020) : worst ever year in recent times!.
Can you believe that I watched OHMSS because of you guys! I always had this negative thoughts about this movie, because it was not Sean Connery in the feature. But this has become of one of my Favorites! The only thing is that I DO believe that Telly Savalas was the PERFECT Blofield!