I met George Lazenby professionally in 2000 and chatted with him at length. A more down to earth, humble, warm and well mannered man you couldn't meet. He was totally candid about his failure in the Bond role - no excuses, he said insecurity in the role had made him behave badly and in his words 'blow it'. I noticed he spoke very warmly about Dame Diana Rigg when she died, a typically generous gesture from a man I found to be thoroughly decent when I met him 20 years ago.
I would have liked to have seen him make a few more Bond films. Watched the film over the weekend and I enjoyed it , first time I went to see the film I was only 10 yrs old so back then things were a lot different for me .
Often many of these stories are exagerrated because it makes good press. In this interview Diana says she didn't eat garlic but goes onto say she had chicken liver pate with garlic in it. So she did eat garlic.
My favourite Bond movie. Lazenby was charismatic and engaging as James Bond. I think Diana Rigg and Lazenby worked well together. I have always liked Diana Rigg.
Lazenby for the death of Diana Rigg georgelazenbyofficial I'm so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty's Secret Service together in 1968-9. I remember the press conference at the Dorchester in London, knowing she was going to play my wife. We had fun together on the set of the movie in Switzerland and Portugal. Her depth of experience really helped me. We were good friends on set. Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the Press looking for a news story. I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago. As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss. Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana's death, I weep again. My deepest condolences for her family. Love George xx
I agree that Diana Rigg was stunningly beautiful in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and she gave the film a gravitas that it wouldn't have had with Lazenby and an undistinguished actress. Rigg was a Shakespearian actress who acted opposite Sir Laurence Olivier in a film production of King Lear, as well as her great work in The Avengers opposite Patrick MacNee.
Rigg also did some real crud, such as “The Hospital,” “The Assassination Bureau,” and the film version of “A Little Night Music.” And she had an NBC sitcom, “Diana,” which lasted about a month.
@@thomaschacko6320Most actors have done some “real crud” to pay the bills. It doesn’t change the fact that Diana was a first rate actor, which no doubt took some pressure off the George, who was not a trained or experienced actor, and elevated the film.
I must say, that despite the difficulties with Lazenby, all of them - including Lazenby himself - worked so well together that you don't see any of these in what is a great film.
For Good or for bad. George Lazenby made that Bond film stand out. One of the reasons why it's so good it because it's a one-time 007 film for an actor, which makes it all the more rewatchable. That along with the story and the music, including 'We Have all the time in the world" just makes it more and more of a beloved gem. Can't wait for Bond 26.
Diana Rigg was a super, wonderful actress. Part of my childhood and teens. Quintessentailly English and a delight to the eye and the sole. 100 out of 100.
George Lazenby was a superb Bond and probably the most believable actor to portray the character. That first fight scene on the beach set the tone for the rest of the movie and it wasn't a stretch to imagine Lazenby performing the physical stunts himself.
Rigg played the woman who melted the playboy's heart and Lazenby played the Bond who opened up to her. The movie perfectly depicts the reasons why her death would haunt him later. The movie is so good that I'm going to watch it, right now. The opening montage of scenes from the old movies wasn't the best choice though. Kudos to Moore for memorializing Tracy in at least two of his films.
They had on screen chemistry even though, they didn't get on set.Would have loved Lazenby to do one more Bond, shame it didn't happen.Cause he was the best Bond at fighting.
To me the best Bond film ever.Lazenby did a fantastic job co star with Diana Rigg beautiful ever.Sadly Lazenby only did only one bond film.Maybe due to his difficult personal character as rumoured.He was very handsome indeed.I watched this movie in cinema wayback back in 1969 when I was only 10.Watched hundreds of times since then on videos.This bond film gives a great emotionaly impact on me.The stars,the action,and sound track theme.Couldnt describe more❤
My dad made we watch a lot of Bond films growing up. And I always found this my fave. It seemed more human, and I felt so much from the ultimate scene. George brought tears to my eyes. I would not call that wooden acting, more that he was probably unsure. That is in experience rather than a lack of talent. Until I researched this I had no idea it was his first gig. I have since watched interviews where he admits his errors. I am amazed he was never picked up by Hollywood. I wish that he perhaps had cut his teeth there. He obviously had to deal with a director who wanted him to copy Sean rather than create his own version. And dealing with a classic actress who seems to be lacking a little humility in this interview didn't help. Some Brits may be didn't like a colonial in a star role. Who knows? If you watch Diamonds are forever you can see how much Sean was dragging himself through it.
I grew up with a crush on Diana rigg, but the more I see her in interviews,the less I like her ...she seems snooty,and somewhat ungrateful of how without the avengers,she would barely be known..
I wish that Sean hadn't done DAF, he'd have been better served to have OHMSS be his last one. I admit, Lazenby was decent enough. As it stands, I'm eternally pleased that Sean came back to do Never Say Never, Again. At least he did get to end on a better note.
George Lazenby was the best Bond, far and away! And then Connery returned for an easy paycheck, looking like Lazenby’s father, in that piece of Vegas-based dreck!
I don't care if she had literally eaten a whole bowl of garlic cloves! I would have still kissed her all in! to me she was the hottest Bond girl ever in her prime!
@@joemoss5138 We all did. Only she became a Dame & continued to be nominated for acting awards half a century on. She's a grandmother now, not just a Bond girl.
u.n. owen she is 81 and will be 82 in July to and was only 30 during filming of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. We all age quite in over 30 years time even 20 years people can change. Lazenby now has aged from he played Bond and got the role at age 28 and is now is 80.
She didn't seem bitter. She's being honest, and saying he was difficult. And she wasn't the only one who thought so. And she was a terrific actress so naturally hiring a fantastic actress to also help direct Lazenby who was a model really was a good call. While wooden in some parts he was alright.
I had a crush on Diana from her Emma Peel character that was just incredible. I felt my heart seriously break when I saw her get a bullet through her head in this Bond movie. Took me a few days to recover. I'll never forget that.
OHMSS is the only Bond movie worth re-watching after seeing all the others. The series peaked with OHMSS. They had the definitive James Bond in George Lazenby and the definitive Bond girl in Diana Rigg. Telly Savalas was excellent as Blofeld, too, but was he the best Blofeld compared to the other actors who portrayed him like Donald Pleasance or Charles Gray.
OHMSS is my favorite because : a) It was faithful to the book ("from russia" is the only other one that is ) b) Lazenby was faithful to the literary bond (cruel, violent and lacking in charm), c) Diana Rigg was both super sexy AND super smart (made her seem a lot more "real" than the previous cartoonish eye-candy types )
+JohnnyFriendly You're right, a great film and now voted in the top 3 all time 007 films. George Lazenby looked like Bond should and was a genuine hard man in real life which showed up well in the fights.Diana Rigg was great and so were the locations and the Bond girls which included a 22 year old Joanna Lumley.
+JohnnyFriendly I agree with a and c, but there was no cruelty or hardness in Lazenby's demeanour. He did some cruel, violent and charmless things, but as Bond, he seemed far more pleasant than Connery, which actually fitted the story, since I can't really see Connery's Bond falling in genuine love.
+JohnnyFriendly For me it's second only to From Russia with love. Thankfully both were fairly gadget free. I go hiking most years in the area the skiing was filmed.
JohnnyFriendly I will disagree. O.H.M.S.S. was not loyal to the book because Lazenby was not faithful to the character of Bond in O.H.M.S.S. We forget that Bond is an experienced man in book and the movie. Diana Rigg was beautiful, charming, smart and the right person for the role.
Diana Rigg. This woman was the 1960s! So beautiful, so cool. There will never be another like her. It would have been so wonderful to see her playing opposite Sean Connery, another total original.
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service " is my favorite Bond movie. Diana Rigg is my favorite Bond girl. I remember her from the television series "The Avengers".
I find George in interviews to be very honest about his experience on the film saying walking on the snowy mountains for around 6 months was a pain. Which I reckon it would of been. But for a guy that's never acted before?! He's one of the best natural talents you can get. But she's been a bit rough on him... Despite them having a fling on set!
Lazenby was NOT a failure as bond, he was tough, charismatic and could act better than most people give him credit for, he's a great guy and never takes himself too seriously and he had the toughest job in the world, : stepping into an established film franchise with a well trained established actor Sean Connery ; the boy did good !
When she said "whatever I may be, I'm not a liar" it sounded extremely similar to Natalie Dorner. Perfect casting choice for grandmother and -daughter.
I didnt see OHMSS exactly for that reason - that or was (supposedly) terrible, but, when I watched it, I was shocked at how GOOD it was. From Bond's opening line of 'this never happened to the other guy', I was drawn in, and I think one problem it had was that so many people - at that time - so identified Sean Connery with the character that it was anathema for anyone else to assume the role. That's probably why I wasn't bothered as much, because I wasn't of that initial Bond fans, I was more agreeable to a different actor (as long as they brought something to the role). BTW; someone I think would be quite interesting as Bond, is Chewitel Ejofor, and the reason I think this, is because I saw Serenity (terrific film - terrific series ender for Firefly), where he was the operative without a name, and he's - aside from the obvious (extremely talented), he's got a magnetic quality which pulls you in - even when he was doing some very violent things, you're just rivited. I digress; OHMSS is a terrific Bind film, and yes I know Mr Lazenby had been offered the contract, but he refused it (and regrets it). I think the whole, 'but he's... ONLY a (fill-in-the-blank)... ' isn't fair, because the Bond area, the projects are tailored to the actor/talent, and I also think that had he continued in the role, his abilities and comfort workgroup increased. I don't think he did a bad job at all, which is a tribute to either his naturalness, the film editors... or both, but it's a really good film.
I've always thought she was the best of all of the actresses in all of the Bond movies (and I've seen every one, multiple times). The best actress, and breathtakingly attractive. She said as much with an eyebrow as many actresses can say with a paragraph. The only problem was that she was so good, she highlighted the sometimes mediocre acting of George Lazenby. Pretty darn good in GoT, too. What a pity they killed her off already.
Actually, George Lazenby continued as a working actor on television and(in small roles)films years after OHMSS, he's still filming(two films in pre-production), and is worth twenty million dollars!
Best performance by a female lead in a Bond film.....by a long way. Rigg means that with an inexperienced new actor playing Bond the supporting cast had to be consistently strong, which they were. The reason why the ending of the film has such impact is because of how vital Tracey was as a character and how well Rigg played her (and Lazenby's best bit of acting in the film too). Rigg did bring conviction and believability to the role and she and Lazenby did have some chemistry.
This is great. I have never seen this. It's a shame Lazenby could never put his ego in check. I would have loved to see him do more Bonds. O.H.M.S.S. is a terriffic film.
The Most Beautiful Bond movie ..the filming,the story,the music and the locations...Classic! If Lazenby had behaved himself and not taken his dumb managers advice and carried on he would have established himself and Diamonds are forever would have been better
Dame Rigg is so eloquently scathing, it's hilarious. "Poor George, I don't know what he's doing now - but he was definitely the architect of his own demise as a film star."
"I was there to steer him through and give it some gravitas... which I did." - her arrogance cracks me up and because she is right in this instance, I find it rather charming. She's a remarkable lady.
She wasn't being arrogant, she's just putting things in perspective. She's just indicating the mindset of her casting. Diana is both gorgeous and bright and insightful.
She was a beautiful, strong and independent woman and a superb actress. But I was taken aback by her lack of modesty and humility in this interview, too. Instead of speaking about herself directly, she should have said: "I was told by the director that I was there to steer him through and give it some gravitas... which I was told I did."
If this movie had Connery in it, it would easily be the best of all the Bond films. The smartest of all the Bond girl characters, and the most complex.
MrStoneycool69 All these may work in favor of the film. An agent tired and without enthusiasm for his job, finds happiness in love and marriage. ''Diamonds are Forever'' showed that Connery was Bond for the 60s and early 70s viewers. A tired and without enthusiasm for playing Bond Connery, had much more success than the youngest and full of enthusiasm Lazenby.
I’m not sure he could’ve played this as well in my opinion. He played Bond extremely well, but this was a very different type of emotion to portray. More like a love story. I think Lazenby nailed it . I think they both did.
This was the best bond movie ever, just wish Lazenby did more, as for Diana Rigg, well, one of the most beautiful bond girls ever, made pussy galore look plain in comparison, even Ursula Andress had nothing on Diana XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
***** Diana Rigg was superb in ''OHMSS'', but Honor Blackman , Ursula Andress and Claudine Auger were more beautiful in ''Goldfinger'', ''Dr. No'' and ''Thunderball''' respectively.
I'm not sure George was a just a male model. seems the truest bond possible. at least the most honest bond film. he and Diana made more people unsettled by the last scene than all the other movies.
George himself has basically admitted that he was immature at the time, and burdened with the pressure of the role, acting out far more than he should have. Am I the only one who would love it if George managed to get a hold of Diana and apologized for being a brat/let bygones be bygones?
I would love to see that but honestly he did nothing wrong to her. She's just an uppity bitty with a grudge for some unknown reason. He went out of his way to say nothing but decent stuff about her on that making of doc and when asked.. she still whines 50 years later. She may be on GOT but he looks way happier and better for his age.. I say he pulls this one out honestly.
I have often mentioned the most beautiful and elegant actresses in my lifetime (I'm 65). Jean Simmons, Audrey Hepburn, Kim Novak, Susan Oliver, Grace Kelly - Etc. But, I forgot to include Diana Rigg. My bad. Diana certainly ranks with them. She was every boy's dream in the mid to late 60's. And, she could and can act. For those people who feel that Diana looks old, just look in the mirror. She will always remain lovely to me in so many ways.
I was blown away to see this interview. Bravo to youtube (the best thing on the net)...I was already crazy about Diana Rigg in "the Avengers" so sad she quit the show but then came the bond film and cemented my love for her AND that movie as I call it my favorite bond film. Diana has always had great roles (check out "Game of Thrones")...she did bomb in America with her comedy series "Diana" which was sad, but not the right thing for her to do. But she didn't want to be "enter Diana Rigg, gun in hand"....
Her sitcom was a rip-off of hit Mary Tyler Moore show, American network botched it, Diana wanted to do a western, like Roger Moore was in Maverick pre-Saint.
What Diana Rigg is saying about George Lazenby is true. He was difficult to work with and that fact was confirmed by a number of people who worked on the film including director Peter Hunt and producer Albert R Broccoli..... She isn't trashing him. She does say was a good actor and handsome but he did have a huge ego about him (which he also admitted himself in later interviews). She nails it when she said that he was the architype of his downfall when he made bad choices regarding his career.
I'm 42 - just getting around to watching all the Bond films now. I dreaded watching OHMSS based on things I read. Lazenby is a great Bond. I'd rate him in the top three. Diana and George looked good together in this film. I think SC largely overrated. Although I suspect much criticism may have come at a time when people didn't want to see SC leave and some newcomer show up. GL almost puts an air or realism and vulnerability into the role. Just my .02.
I think a huge difficulty for George Lazenby was that Connery's were such huge shoes to fill! And he knew unlike Connery, he was not a trained and experienced actor. That filled him with self doubt before he'd even uttered his first line. I think it was a mistake to knock down the 'fourth wall' and make Lazenby mention Connery, with that line he had to deliver referencing 'The other fella". The producers should have forgotten about Connery and allowed Lazenby to start afresh, re-invent the role and make it his own. I agree, a great shame George Lazenby couldn't have been managed and supported to deliver another Bond movie. We only got a sample of what he was capable of in OHMSS, and he actually acquitted himself very well!
Lazenby was okay as Bond, but not a patch on Sean Connery. Stupid greedy producers drove Connery away. OHMSS was a great film, would have been even better with Connery. Or Richard Burton, who was considered for 007 three times - for Thunderball, Dr. No and OHMSS.
George was happy, he had the experiences of the film process, didn't like it much, didn't kiss bottom and taught us you don't have to do what is expected of your career....went home nuff said.
Dame Diana was magnificent as Tracy and George is simply the most unusual pieces casting in the history of film (next to Sophia Coppola in GODFATHER 3) Peter Hunt, John Barry, and of course the perfect source material from Ian Fleming all spot on and have stood the test of time.
I think we ought to get some facts right! I was working in the industry around this time and visited Pinewood on more than one occasion when this film was made. Rigg and Lazenby never got on. He was a male model and a nobody whose main claim to fame was the "Big Fry" ad on TV. He had certain looks and a perceived charisma that they thought would work, but it didn't. The Bond part went to his head and he became more difficult to work with. Rigg is a classical actress, out of his league - end of!
Whatever offscreen, this bond movie had the deepest chemistry between bond and bond girl. George was perfect for this role. No other bond could have done this with classy Diana. RIP Diana Rigg.
I met George Lazenby professionally in 2000 and chatted with him at length. A more down to earth, humble, warm and well mannered man you couldn't meet. He was totally candid about his failure in the Bond role - no excuses, he said insecurity in the role had made him behave badly and in his words 'blow it'.
I noticed he spoke very warmly about Dame Diana Rigg when she died, a typically generous gesture from a man I found to be thoroughly decent when I met him 20 years ago.
What a story though.bond all good
Anyone who has met Sean Connery before?
I would have liked to have seen him make a few more Bond films. Watched the film over the weekend and I enjoyed it , first time I went to see the film I was only 10 yrs old so back then things were a lot different for me .
With all due respect, I disagree with George. I don't think he blew it at all. Blew it out of the water, maybe
Often many of these stories are exagerrated because it makes good press. In this interview Diana says she didn't eat garlic but goes onto say she had chicken liver pate with garlic in it. So she did eat garlic.
RIP Diana Rigg. You will always be loved and never forgotten.💖😢
My favourite Bond movie. Lazenby was charismatic and engaging as James Bond. I think Diana Rigg and Lazenby worked well together. I have always liked Diana Rigg.
I heartily agree.
They were a beautiful onscreen couple. Diana Rigg is a legend
Lazenby for the death of Diana Rigg
georgelazenbyofficial
I'm so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty's Secret Service together in 1968-9. I remember the press conference at the Dorchester in London, knowing she was going to play my wife. We had fun together on the set of the movie in Switzerland and Portugal. Her depth of experience really helped me. We were good friends on set. Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the Press looking for a news story. I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago. As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss. Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana's death, I weep again. My deepest condolences for her family. Love George xx
That's actually beautiful.
a classier send off one could never hope for . especially in light of some of the things she said about him in this interview...
My earlier point exactly!
I agree that Diana Rigg was stunningly beautiful in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and she gave the film a gravitas that it wouldn't have had with Lazenby and an undistinguished actress. Rigg was a Shakespearian actress who acted opposite Sir Laurence Olivier in a film production of King Lear, as well as her great work in The Avengers opposite Patrick MacNee.
Rigg also did some real crud, such as “The Hospital,” “The Assassination Bureau,” and the film version of “A Little Night Music.” And she had an NBC sitcom, “Diana,” which lasted about a month.
@@thomaschacko6320Most actors have done some “real crud” to pay the bills. It doesn’t change the fact that Diana was a first rate actor, which no doubt took some pressure off the George, who was not a trained or experienced actor, and elevated the film.
I must say, that despite the difficulties with Lazenby, all of them - including Lazenby himself - worked so well together that you don't see any of these in what is a great film.
One of my all time favorite Bond girls; actress and character. Love love love her. She was so gorgeous in the film.
Diana Rigg, a beauty beyond comprehension. Just total beauty!
For Good or for bad. George Lazenby made that Bond film stand out. One of the reasons why it's so good it because it's a one-time 007 film for an actor, which makes it all the more rewatchable. That along with the story and the music, including 'We Have all the time in the world" just makes it more and more of a beloved gem.
Can't wait for Bond 26.
Diana Rigg was a super, wonderful actress. Part of my childhood and teens. Quintessentailly English and a delight to the eye and the sole. 100 out of 100.
And we Love her, here in the U.S.A., too! Diana is the best and most beautiful Bond gal, ever. 😍
George Lazenby was a superb Bond and probably the most believable actor to portray the character. That first fight scene on the beach set the tone for the rest of the movie and it wasn't a stretch to imagine Lazenby performing the physical stunts himself.
He did have an athletic background. Like Connery he did want to be a professional football player.
I loved the line after that first fight scene. "This never happened to the other guy!"
Yep. Lazendy and Dalton were streets ahead of the others...
Rigg played the woman who melted the playboy's heart and Lazenby played the Bond who opened up to her. The movie perfectly depicts the reasons why her death would haunt him later. The movie is so good that I'm going to watch it, right now. The opening montage of scenes from the old movies wasn't the best choice though. Kudos to Moore for memorializing Tracy in at least two of his films.
Why did they keep the ending
Wonderful actress. Love her honesty.
They had on screen chemistry even though, they didn't get on set.Would have loved Lazenby to do one more Bond, shame it didn't happen.Cause he was the best Bond at fighting.
Johnny Marlin Connery did his fight scenes as Bond in his Bond movies as well as Lazenby did Lazenby's fight scenes as Bond in ''OHMSS''.
7Lukibi99Tore7 Connery played himself as Bond, brilliant of course.Where as Lazenby was the the first to play Bond Real. like Dalton and Craig!!
To me the best Bond film ever.Lazenby did a fantastic job co star with Diana Rigg beautiful ever.Sadly Lazenby only did only one bond film.Maybe due to his difficult personal character as rumoured.He was very handsome indeed.I watched this movie in cinema wayback back in 1969 when I was only 10.Watched hundreds of times since then on videos.This bond film gives a great emotionaly impact on me.The stars,the action,and sound track theme.Couldnt describe more❤
OHMSS was one of the most important and sadest Bond entries. Stellar John Barry score.
The best Bond girl of them all, by far. Not just in terms of character, but also in terms of acting. Diana Rigg was phenomenal as Tracy. RIP.
For me it was Pussy Galore
My dad made we watch a lot of Bond films growing up. And I always found this my fave. It seemed more human, and I felt so much from the ultimate scene. George brought tears to my eyes. I would not call that wooden acting, more that he was probably unsure. That is in experience rather than a lack of talent.
Until I researched this I had no idea it was his first gig. I have since watched interviews where he admits his errors. I am amazed he was never picked up by Hollywood. I wish that he perhaps had cut his teeth there. He obviously had to deal with a director who wanted him to copy Sean rather than create his own version. And dealing with a classic actress who seems to be lacking a little humility in this interview didn't help. Some Brits may be didn't like a colonial in a star role. Who knows?
If you watch Diamonds are forever you can see how much Sean was dragging himself through it.
Diamonds are forever is by light years the most horrid bond film
I grew up with a crush on Diana rigg, but the more I see her in interviews,the less I like her ...she seems snooty,and somewhat ungrateful of how without the avengers,she would barely be known..
I wish that Sean hadn't done DAF, he'd have been better served to have OHMSS be his last one. I admit, Lazenby was decent enough. As it stands, I'm eternally pleased that Sean came back to do Never Say Never, Again. At least he did get to end on a better note.
Lazenby was not a bad actor at all. He was not a bad Bond at all. Guess he was just too inexperienced to the idea of building a career in acting.
George Lazenby was the best Bond, far and away! And then Connery returned for an easy paycheck, looking like Lazenby’s father, in that piece of Vegas-based dreck!
I don't care if she had literally eaten a whole bowl of garlic cloves! I would have still kissed her all in! to me she was the hottest Bond girl ever in her prime!
I would have to agree. She was even hotter in the Avengers series but somewhere around the mid to late eighties she started aging badly.
@@joemoss5138 We all did. Only she became a Dame & continued to be nominated for acting awards half a century on. She's a grandmother now, not just a Bond girl.
I have to admit; I think she was pretty close to perfection if I was to describe the perfect woman.
I was thinking the same thing. There's not enough garlic in the world, to be a deal breaker, when it comes to Diana Rigg!!
u.n. owen she is 81 and will be 82 in July to and was only 30 during filming of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. We all age quite in over 30 years time even 20 years people can change. Lazenby now has aged from he played Bond and got the role at age 28 and is now is 80.
+ Rest in Peace Diana Rigg. + Another adventurous life comes to an end.
Well said. Regards Dennis.
She didn't seem bitter. She's being honest, and saying he was difficult. And she wasn't the only one who thought so. And she was a terrific actress so naturally hiring a fantastic actress to also help direct Lazenby who was a model really was a good call. While wooden in some parts he was alright.
I had a crush on Diana from her Emma Peel character that was just incredible. I felt my heart seriously break when I saw her get a bullet through her head in this Bond movie. Took me a few days to recover. I'll never forget that.
Diana was the best thing about this movie....GREAT PERFORMANCE!!!!
I had no idea they had a difficult relationship off screen. George and Diana’s love scenes together are the best in the film.
The fact it was done just before the 60s ended and the 70s arrived made it magic. It wouldn't have been the same. The 70s hit the ground running.
OHMSS is the only Bond movie worth re-watching after seeing all the others. The series peaked with OHMSS. They had the definitive James Bond in George Lazenby and the definitive Bond girl in Diana Rigg. Telly Savalas was excellent as Blofeld, too, but was he the best Blofeld compared to the other actors who portrayed him like Donald Pleasance or Charles Gray.
I think the first 4 and OHSS worth re-watching for all life.
I'd say Pleasence was the best Blofeld. Plus he could still have done so up to NSNA so... The perfect choice...
OHMSS is my favorite because :
a) It was faithful to the book ("from russia" is the only other one that is )
b) Lazenby was faithful to the literary bond (cruel, violent and lacking in charm),
c) Diana Rigg was both super sexy AND super smart (made her seem a lot more "real" than the previous cartoonish eye-candy types )
+JohnnyFriendly You're right, a great film and now voted in the top 3 all time 007 films. George Lazenby looked like Bond should and was a genuine hard man in real life which showed up well in the fights.Diana Rigg was great and so were the locations and the Bond girls which included a 22 year old Joanna Lumley.
+JohnnyFriendly I agree with a and c, but there was no cruelty or hardness in Lazenby's demeanour. He did some cruel, violent and charmless things, but as Bond, he seemed far more pleasant than Connery, which actually fitted the story, since I can't really see Connery's Bond falling in genuine love.
+JohnnyFriendly For me it's second only to From Russia with love. Thankfully both were fairly gadget free. I go hiking most years in the area the skiing was filmed.
Looks wise, Lazenby was the most faithful, but personality wise, that honor goes to either Dalton or Craig.
JohnnyFriendly I will disagree. O.H.M.S.S. was not loyal to the book because Lazenby was not faithful to the character of Bond in O.H.M.S.S. We forget that Bond is an experienced man in book and the movie. Diana Rigg was beautiful, charming, smart and the right person for the role.
Thank you Diana, once seen on the screen you are never forgotten, love the quality of your acting,intelligence and beauty combined,
***** I picture her talking with Tywin Lannister as the interview is conducted!
+Bitch Pudding *cough* Doctor Who.
***** Wait, I'm lost now, lol. What are we talking about?
Diana Rigg. This woman was the 1960s! So beautiful, so cool. There will never be another like her. It would have been so wonderful to see her playing opposite Sean Connery, another total original.
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service " is my favorite Bond movie. Diana Rigg is my favorite Bond girl. I remember her from the television series "The Avengers".
Me too!
My favourite Bond girl. So pretty. So believable in the role.
I find George in interviews to be very honest about his experience on the film saying walking on the snowy mountains for around 6 months was a pain. Which I reckon it would of been. But for a guy that's never acted before?! He's one of the best natural talents you can get. But she's been a bit rough on him... Despite them having a fling on set!
Lazenby was NOT a failure as bond, he was tough, charismatic and could act better than most people give him credit for, he's a great guy and never takes himself too seriously and he had the toughest job in the world, : stepping into an established film franchise with a well trained established actor Sean Connery ; the boy did good !
What a beauty, then!!! Diana and Telly does it so right!!! The most underestimated Bond ever!!!
When she said "whatever I may be, I'm not a liar" it sounded extremely similar to Natalie Dorner. Perfect casting choice for grandmother and -daughter.
Fancy having to tell Diana Rigg to 'Get dressed'! [what an accomplished actor Lazenby really was!]
I didnt see OHMSS exactly for that reason - that or was (supposedly) terrible, but, when I watched it, I was shocked at how GOOD it was.
From Bond's opening line of 'this never happened to the other guy', I was drawn in, and I think one problem it had was that so many people - at that time - so identified Sean Connery with the character that it was anathema for anyone else to assume the role.
That's probably why I wasn't bothered as much, because I wasn't of that initial Bond fans, I was more agreeable to a different actor (as long as they brought something to the role). BTW; someone I think would be quite interesting as Bond, is Chewitel Ejofor, and the reason I think this, is because I saw Serenity (terrific film - terrific series ender for Firefly), where he was the operative without a name, and he's - aside from the obvious (extremely talented), he's got a magnetic quality which pulls you in - even when he was doing some very violent things, you're just rivited.
I digress; OHMSS is a terrific Bind film, and yes I know Mr Lazenby had been offered the contract, but he refused it (and regrets it). I think the whole, 'but he's... ONLY a (fill-in-the-blank)... ' isn't fair, because the Bond area, the projects are tailored to the actor/talent, and I also think that had he continued in the role, his abilities and comfort workgroup increased. I don't think he did a bad job at all, which is a tribute to either his naturalness, the film editors... or both, but it's a really good film.
I've always thought she was the best of all of the actresses in all of the Bond movies (and I've seen every one, multiple times). The best actress, and breathtakingly attractive. She said as much with an eyebrow as many actresses can say with a paragraph. The only problem was that she was so good, she highlighted the sometimes mediocre acting of George Lazenby.
Pretty darn good in GoT, too. What a pity they killed her off already.
Actually, George Lazenby continued as a working actor on television and(in small roles)films years after OHMSS, he's still filming(two films in pre-production), and is worth twenty million dollars!
hes living the bond life.recently saw him with a 30 year old girl
At one point, he was more wealthy than Connery.
The movie also has one of the most believable plots Blofeld ever came up with.
They had chemistry. One, if not, the best Bond girl
Best performance by a female lead in a Bond film.....by a long way. Rigg means that with an inexperienced new actor playing Bond the supporting cast had to be consistently strong, which they were. The reason why the ending of the film has such impact is because of how vital Tracey was as a character and how well Rigg played her (and Lazenby's best bit of acting in the film too). Rigg did bring conviction and believability to the role and she and Lazenby did have some chemistry.
Completely agree.
what a wonderful actress
"Poor old George. I don't know what he's doing now"...I love it.
you enjoy spiteful bitchy remarks then?
One of my favorite Bond Movies!Love Diana since the Avengers.
I love her she amazing
OMG, she is such a class act.
How dare anyone call Dame Diana Rigg ugly? she's gorgeous
This is great. I have never seen this. It's a shame Lazenby could never put his ego in check. I would have loved to see him do more Bonds. O.H.M.S.S. is a terriffic film.
The Most Beautiful Bond movie ..the filming,the story,the music and the locations...Classic! If Lazenby had behaved himself and not taken his dumb managers advice and carried on he would have established himself and Diamonds are forever would have been better
Instead they wouldn't even hire the director again, even though he'd already worked on several of the earlier Bond pictures.
Dame Rigg is so eloquently scathing, it's hilarious. "Poor George, I don't know what he's doing now - but he was definitely the architect of his own demise as a film star."
Truer words were never spoken….hopefully, he learned some valuable lessons from the experience & grew as a person.
you enjoy spiteful bitchy remarks?
@@marcokite Where did you see "spiteful bitchy remarks"?
@@marcokite the statement was true though
"I was there to steer him through and give it some gravitas... which I did." - her arrogance cracks me up and because she is right in this instance, I find it rather charming. She's a remarkable lady.
A simple statement of factual truth cannot be arrogant.
She wasn't being arrogant, she's just putting things in perspective. She's just indicating the mindset of her casting. Diana is both gorgeous and bright and insightful.
@@waynej2608 You can acknowledge arrogance without denying she made a salient point.
She was a beautiful, strong and independent woman and a superb actress. But I was taken aback by her lack of modesty and humility in this interview, too. Instead of speaking about herself directly, she should have said: "I was told by the director that I was there to steer him through and give it some gravitas... which I was told I did."
@@DeepScreenAnalysis I see no point in false modesty! A man who said that would not be called 'arrogant', just truthful.
I had a huge crush on her growing up. Always a classy lady, one who would put today's so-called actresses to shame.
God I was in Love with her as Bonds wife in OHMMS.Still am.. Love her!!
I had dinner with her a couple of years ago. She's such a lovely and interesting woman ! As well as a very good cook :)
the best bond movie ever,dark and moving at the same time.every time I see the end I get shit in my eye
If this movie had Connery in it, it would easily be the best of all the Bond films. The smartest of all the Bond girl characters, and the most complex.
I call bullshit, because Connery was sick and tired and lost much enthusiasm for playing Bond. Diamonds are forever showed this.
+MrStoneycool69 He probably would've perked up with a script like OHMSS.
MrStoney, I said IF he had been in it, nothing about the probability. Chill out, fella, it's just a movie.
MrStoneycool69 All these may work in favor of the film. An agent tired and without enthusiasm for his job, finds happiness in love and marriage. ''Diamonds are Forever'' showed that Connery was Bond for the 60s and early 70s viewers. A tired and without enthusiasm for playing Bond Connery, had much more success than the youngest and full of enthusiasm Lazenby.
I’m not sure he could’ve played this as well in my opinion. He played Bond extremely well, but this was a very different type of emotion to portray. More like a love story. I think Lazenby nailed it . I think they both did.
Best Bond film of them all! Lazenby was fantastic if you ask me. Connery's cold-blooded heartless Bond never would have convinced me he loved Tracy.
was a shit movie--you are an idiot
Troll
@@chadhaire1711 you are a low grade moron
@@herbpetrillo163 kiss my ass
@@jamesfrench7299 so says a fucking loser who drives a shit 1989 Laser Ghia......what a dumb fuck...
This was the best bond movie ever, just wish Lazenby did more, as for Diana Rigg, well, one of the most beautiful bond girls ever, made pussy galore look plain in comparison, even Ursula Andress had nothing on Diana XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
***** Diana Rigg was superb in ''OHMSS'', but Honor Blackman , Ursula Andress and Claudine Auger were more beautiful in ''Goldfinger'', ''Dr. No'' and ''Thunderball''' respectively.
@clit_niblr036 of course they were all gorgeous. But, Diana Rigg is just in another class. Yum.
RIP
Diana Rigg
(1938-2020)
Looking at Diana Rigg, you can tell she was a stunner back in the day.
My favourite Bond, George was fantastic
MY FAVOURITE BOND MOVIE TOO. VERY ROMANTIC . HE TRULY LOVED CONTESSA.
I'm not sure George was a just a male model. seems the truest bond possible. at least the most honest bond film. he and Diana made more people unsettled by the last scene than all the other movies.
A shame she and George didn't get along with each other off-camera. They seemed to work so well on.
im pretty sure there were some sweet connection between these two lovebirds at some time 😊
Still a favourite of mine, always a Christmas James Bond movie. With its amazing soundtrack to a serious movie…will continue to watch it
Tally Savalas was great as Blofeld in that film!!
An interesting piece of analysis - pity it is so short.
I think OHMSS is either one's favourite or least liked Bond film.
One of the best bond movies , I wish lazenby had gone on to do more Bond films
Diana was beautiful and watching some of her interviews she has a personality to match.
.On her majesties secret service was massively underrated.
OHMSS MY fav Bond film and I have the DVD which I watch occasionally.
George himself has basically admitted that he was immature at the time, and burdened with the pressure of the role, acting out far more than he should have. Am I the only one who would love it if George managed to get a hold of Diana and apologized for being a brat/let bygones be bygones?
He still has a hard time keeping his big mouth shut.
I would love to see that but honestly he did nothing wrong to her. She's just an uppity bitty with a grudge for some unknown reason. He went out of his way to say nothing but decent stuff about her on that making of doc and when asked.. she still whines 50 years later. She may be on GOT but he looks way happier and better for his age.. I say he pulls this one out honestly.
I have often mentioned the most beautiful and elegant actresses in my lifetime (I'm 65). Jean Simmons, Audrey Hepburn, Kim Novak, Susan Oliver, Grace Kelly - Etc. But, I forgot to include Diana Rigg. My bad. Diana certainly ranks with them. She was every boy's dream in the mid to late 60's. And, she could and can act. For those people who feel that Diana looks old, just look in the mirror. She will always remain lovely to me in so many ways.
Who cares boomers
Best Bond Movie, and George was awesome.
She's still as beautiful as ever.
女王陛下の007は、
最高の恋愛映画でしたね。❤😮
I was blown away to see this interview. Bravo to youtube (the best thing on the net)...I was already crazy about Diana Rigg in "the Avengers" so sad she quit the show but then came the bond film and cemented my love for her AND that movie as I call it my favorite bond film. Diana has always had great roles (check out "Game of Thrones")...she did bomb in America with her comedy series "Diana" which was sad, but not the right thing for her to do. But she didn't want to be "enter Diana Rigg, gun in hand"....
Her sitcom was a rip-off of hit Mary Tyler Moore show, American network botched it, Diana wanted to do a western, like Roger Moore was in Maverick pre-Saint.
What a classy woman you were, Diana, lots of love, rest in peace, you're not forgotten. XX.
What Diana Rigg is saying about George Lazenby is true. He was difficult to work with and that fact was confirmed by a number of people who worked on the film including director Peter Hunt and producer Albert R Broccoli.....
She isn't trashing him. She does say was a good actor and handsome but he did have a huge ego about him (which he also admitted himself in later interviews). She nails it when she said that he was the architype of his downfall when he made bad choices regarding his career.
Broccoli was an asshole.
I'm 42 - just getting around to watching all the Bond films now. I dreaded watching OHMSS based on things I read. Lazenby is a great Bond. I'd rate him in the top three. Diana and George looked good together in this film. I think SC largely overrated. Although I suspect much criticism may have come at a time when people didn't want to see SC leave and some newcomer show up. GL almost puts an air or realism and vulnerability into the role. Just my .02.
SC made Bond as popular as The Beatles @ the time, he started the whole '60's spy craze, without SC we wouldn't even know who GL is.
@@unowen-nh9ov Truth.
I think a huge difficulty for George Lazenby was that Connery's were such huge shoes to fill! And he knew unlike Connery, he was not a trained and experienced actor. That filled him with self doubt before he'd even uttered his first line.
I think it was a mistake to knock down the 'fourth wall' and make Lazenby mention Connery, with that line he had to deliver referencing 'The other fella". The producers should have forgotten about Connery and allowed Lazenby to start afresh, re-invent the role and make it his own.
I agree, a great shame George Lazenby couldn't have been managed and supported to deliver another Bond movie. We only got a sample of what he was capable of in OHMSS, and he actually acquitted himself very well!
Lazenby was okay as Bond, but not a patch on Sean Connery. Stupid greedy producers drove Connery away. OHMSS was a great film, would have been even better with Connery. Or Richard Burton, who was considered for 007 three times - for Thunderball, Dr. No and OHMSS.
She wasn't "stuck" she acknowledges the boost it gave her career. She was amazing in the Avengers.
She only went to television "to put bums in seats", she still performed with RSC while filming.
I had the biggest crush on Diana when she was in The Avengers back in the '60's
Pure class to the end.
George was happy, he had the experiences of the film process, didn't like it much, didn't kiss bottom and taught us you don't have to do what is expected of your career....went home nuff said.
Diana Rigg is my favorite Bond girl. I remember her from the television series The Avengers.
Wow I had no idea about him ! No wonder no one ever saw him again !
*the most beautiful bond girl i ever seen in all james bond's movies,she and carole bouquet*
And Isabella Scorupco!
Always and forever true beauty
Miss you tracy always!!
Diana Rigg was the loveliest Bond Girl, period!
Unbelievably scathing after 45 years. I can't imagine the scenario which could have spawned such contempt.
George talks about it.
i love and miss this woman
I agree! They're both charming actors! OHMSS is my favorite Bond film
Dame Diana was magnificent as Tracy and George is simply the most unusual pieces casting in the history of film (next to Sophia Coppola in GODFATHER 3) Peter Hunt, John Barry, and of course the perfect source material from Ian Fleming all spot on and have stood the test of time.
Diana Rigg is very honest i meet her in new york i find her to be very nice i loved at 6year old and still love her at 50
I think we ought to get some facts right! I was working in the industry around this time and visited Pinewood on more than one occasion when this film was made. Rigg and Lazenby never got on. He was a male model and a nobody whose main claim to fame was the "Big Fry" ad on TV. He had certain looks and a perceived charisma that they thought would work, but it didn't. The Bond part went to his head and he became more difficult to work with. Rigg is a classical actress, out of his league - end of!
Whatever offscreen, this bond movie had the deepest chemistry between bond and bond girl. George was perfect for this role. No other bond could have done this with classy Diana. RIP Diana Rigg.
great to hear the real side of why George did no more Bonds
God I had such a crush on Diana Rigg!