Discussing 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' | A Bond Fan Conversation
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Christmas time in Bond fan land can only mean one thing... Well, aside from Denise Richard's... On Her Majesty's Secret Service!
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Saw it opening week December 1969 - was shocked by Connery's absence at first but always, always believed the film was a masterpiece of its kind.
My favourite Bond film
Mine to and my all the time favourite film
Mine as well!
With my favourite Bond girl :)
Probably my number 2 behind Casino Royale. Then From Russia.
Christopher Nolan's too.
Dad and I watched this prepared to ridicule it but it’s a lot better than I thought it would be. Diana really elevates it
Part of Connery interview in Playboy November 1965
PLAYBOY: In any case, ''Dr. No'' turned out to be a hit, and you found yourself under contract for a series ... exactly what you said you wanted to avoid.
CONNERY: Yes ... but it allows me to make other films, and I have only two more Bonds to do.
PLAYBOY: Which ones?
CONNERY: ''On Her Majesty's Secret Service'' and possibly ''You Only Live Twice''. They would like to start ''On Her Majesty's Secret Service'' in Switzerland in January (1966), but I'm not sure I'll be free in time and I don't want to rush it, although they say the snow will be at its best then. I'm not going to rush anything anymore.
PLAYBOY: We'll be looking forward to both films ... especially since we were fortunate enough to serialize both books exclusively prior to their hardcover publication. Do you think the success of the series will continue to snowball?
CONNERY: Well, it's a healthy market and it has been maintained because each succeeding film has got bigger and the gimmicks trickier. 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. In ''Thunderball'' we have Bond underwater for about 40 percent of the time, and there is a love scene underwater, and attacks by aquaparas from the sky, and two-man submarines under the sea, and Bond is menaced by sharks. Instead of the Aston Martin we have a hydrofoil disguised as a cabin cruiser, and Bond escapes with a self-propelling jet set attached to his back. So all the gimmicks now have been done. And they are expected. What is needed now is a change of course ... more attention to character and better dialogue.
I've theorised for a while that Connery not doing OHMSS was part of the reason he didn't want to carry on
@@SFNDMKI think the main reason was his very bad relations with producers, after release of ''Thunderball''.
@@SFNDMK this is likely- OHMSS was expected to be the next Bond more or less up to the release date of Thunderball
Like a lot of things it wasn't just one thing that led to connery resigning, it was a number of things he was dissatisfied with that collided together into a storm he couldn't ignore anymore.
Had OHMSS been his 5th Bond I think he would've seen out his contract. This probably means he wouldn't have come back for DAF, and who knows what would've happened in that alternate timeline??
@@joshbaker1581 I think it would've depended. If they didn't do You only live twice before OHMSS and did it afterwards instead and followed the book more, he might've stayed on just to complete the Spectre trilogy. He probably would've requested the ending to be changed though or the producers would've changed it so that he could get out of the contract without leaving on that massive cliffhanger and the unresolved plot points (given that Bond being a father never got followed up on in The man with the golden gun).
John Barry was at his peak in 1969. In addition to OHMSS, he did the score for Midnight Cowboy, for which I believe he received an Oscar.
For me, OHMSS and You Only Live Twice were Barry's best scores.
The beauty of the no wasted shot mentality, comes from Peter Hunt’s experience as an editor before directing.. because when they direct, they are already thinking from an editors perspective
Perfect day to release this video -
and a great Christmas Present for Bond fans!
Thank you!!
What’s funny is that for years - in the 1970’s -
OHMSS was basically hated by the general public because it was the end of Sean Connery and the debut of Lazenby and a very different style.
Now many hardcore Bond fans still loved it, but many did not.
I remember seeing Diamonds are forever in the theaters and the cheers when Sean Connery introduced himself was the biggest cheer I ever heard in the movies until Luke blew up the Death Star.
So OHMSS was just not popular at that time - at all.
Of course as the years went on this film really rose in prestige to where it is now - considered an elite Bond film and one of the best of all time.
( Christopher Nolan’s favorite!)
It’s influence - and even George’s very human, down to earth performance - has really been enormous on the modern era of not only Bond, but many other films in the genre.
Although the film was DEFINITELY late 60’s in style,
in many ways it really was actually decades ahead of its time
and it’s great that it has finally gotten the recognition it deserves.
Absolutely brilliant in depth discussion - as always!!
Merry Christmas Calvin and David -
to you and your families!
It's a shame George took the wrong advice & quit... ...as he now admits. In time the fans would have accepted him... ...and look how superior OHMSS is to DAF!...[Sean is visibly older & obviously bored stiff!]
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service looked amazing in 4K this summer at the cinema and showed how cinematically special it is.
Great plot also fairly faithful to Fleming’s novel.
Favourite bond movie. Top 5 easily, some of the other Bond movies are hard too watch now.
It’s definitely the number 1 bond film that most people have changed their minds on.
Calvin mentions the music where Bond starts his escape from Piz Gloria on skis. That start is the best moment of the entire movie, at least from an editing standpoint. The build-up of tension is perfect. I love how the music is first quiet and stealthy when Bond's sneaking out of the building, then he pushes himself down the slope, the music gets loud, the guard yells "Hey Rudi, der Engländer ist abgehauen!" Machine gun shots. The alarm sound goes off, it has the same pitch as the music that is holding out until Blofeld answers the call to his office and jumps out of his chair. And then the music gets epic and so is the chase.
July 20 marks 50 yrs since Bruce Lee died , Game of Death wouldve boosted Laz career i bet , alas it was not to happen. Barry did some good music in Game '78 version.
What strikes me looking back at OHMSS is how much less action packed the first half is, but me being completely okay with it. I love that it kind of opens up with a sweet little developing romance with Tracy.
The best bond movie hands down
A film I used to dismiss as just 'the other Bond film' but one that has climbed my ranking over the years. Merry Christmas Calvin and David!
You're dismissed.
It was my least favorite, honestly. I’d rather watch Die Another Day than it
Same view but now it’s on my top 5 bond movie great soundtrack too
I've always loved this movie, ever since I hired it out from Blockbuster Video around 1992 (I had never seen it on the television). I really like Lazenby's performance and wish he'd done more Bond films - the opening fight scene is terrific, and I love his entrance into the Casino after the credits, he strides in to the room and looks like he owns the place! Everything about his performance after his cover is blown at Piz Gloria is gold, too: "It'll take more than cutting off your earlobes, Blofield, to turn you into a Count.". ❤
Brilliant debate of one of the best bond films. Shame George lazenby didn’t do more. He would have grown into the role. Still at least one bond he made is an absolute gem. And Diana rigg one of the best Bond girls. Brilliant.
I would have liked to have seen him come back for a few more. I believe Albert Broccoli said he would have been good if he stuck with it.
The most underrated Bond movie IMO
Some people won't watch it because of Lazemby and end up missing out on one of the better Bond movies IMO.
This is gonna be a controversial opinion but George Lazenby is by far my favorite Bond. He plays it so calmly and humane. I believe him while all the other Bond actors are playing a character. He brings something to the role I think is very special. The final scenes are heartbreaking. He should have done more Bond movies. What a weird situation. I like all the Bond versions in their own way, but I rather have a softer and more human Bond. A real person.
The movie itself is absolutely mesmerizing. It is everything a Bond movie should be and it's kind of grounded. Everything could actually happen. It could be a thriller movie without the James Bond character. The long runtime and the long shots, the wintery scenery and beautiful locations absolutely make this movie kind of perfect to me.
I always thought it would have been interesting to have seen him in For Your Eyes Only. Visiting Tracy's grave and looking back on what could have been.
Respectfully, I disagree. He's the worst Bond who happens to be in a very good Bond film
@@joshbaker1581 arguments?
@@Shaki123 apart from two scenes and a couple line readings here and there, his performance is very flat and threatens to undermine the film around him as he's the lead- fortunately, the elements around him are so strong for the most part that it doesn't affect the film that much.
I think he improved as an actor as time went on (I.e. his performances in Man from Hong Kong and Saint Jack) and I've tried to defend him as much as possible for his work in OHMSS, but to me its clear he wasn't actor and didn't have the chops necessary to carry the film.
I rank him in 5th place of 6 Bonds, there's even a family friend I know who puts Lazenby in 2nd place!
One of the best Bond films.
One of the best Bind villains, and my personal favorite Blofeld actor.
One of the best Bond Girls.
Some amazing action and locations.
All time classic climax.
Dark tragic ending.
Etc.
Yeah Lazenby can be a bit wooden. But he brings a certain vulnerability and humanity to Bond that works for this story as well.
@netexx the thing that’s a shame was that his agent advised him not to do more than 1 Bond movie in fear of him being typecast and he listened to his agent, unfortunately.
For Lazenby, being typecast was worth the risk
Felt like a return to form, in the bill of Dr. No and FRWL. Can tell Hunt was a fan of the series that he was working on, OHMSS not only being a great directorial debut but a love letter to what got him in the chair.
Few things I like about George: He's got a good screen presence and he's the easiest to relate to. I see different aspects of Fleming in each Bond actor, George having that everyman element. He's got this secret service career but at the end of the day he's a person like you or I. He's believable as Bond to me, not cus of any acting prowess but because of his physicality and relatability. You can put yourself in his shoes as you might while reading a Bond book. Sure the grounded script contributes but George was an interesting "mistake" from the producers. It's one of the most unique and fascinating movies ever made due to his casting, a layered story of a production.
He does avery good role of playing an Aussie Bond i,ll giv him that
i can proudly, and honestly, say that...when i saw this in the theatre when it first came out, i praised it so much...i told all my friends to see it and that it was one of the best in the series (at that point...especially coming off of you only live twice))....i really liked lazenby and only understood that he wasn't sean, but he was really good (much better than when roger took over)....i am grateful that this film is finally getting more positive feedback...and by the way...this is a perfect christmas gift..a video with te two of you 'discussing' a film....thank you both for all the time you've shared with us this year..and a very happy new year to both of you and your families....peace...rocky
OHMSS is still one of my favorites. Goldfinger in '64 was my first Bond film and caught FRWL and Dr. No immediately afterward on a double bill. Grew up with Sean but to my shock, I LOVED OHMSS. After the first ten minutes I was sold on the whole new style of 007. Love the "porter" analogy for George. And then we got DAF?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Diamonds Are Forever is not as good.
@@nicholasjanke3476 Agreed it,s average at best
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a Christmas tradition in my house the last couple of years. It’s really a treat to have such a special movie tailor-made for this time of year.
I anticipate watching all year.
There's an idea I keep coming back to. They could do an animated sequel to OHMSS. Have Lazenby reprise his role as Bond with vocal stand ins for the rest. They could use to to tie up the loose ends, Bond seeking revenge and a proper confrontation with Irma Bunt. It maybe 50 years late but it could still work.
Yes. There's a definite untold story between ON Her Majesty's Secret Service and Diamonds Are Forever.
How awesome would it be if it was animated by Takeshi Koike!
I like the idea but the Broccilis better get on with it as Lazenby is in his eighties
Very good idea !
🤩 a Christmas present I was not expecting! Can’t wait to get stuck into this! Thanks guys! Merry Christmas! xx
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
I like that observation about the production value of OHMSS being so incredible that literally anyone could've played Bond and would do fine.
It's not true, though. I would suck at it, for example.
@@SpaceCattttt let's see you try. i would be interested in seeing a regular joe playing bond in some kind of skit just as a joke but with good production value lol
@@Punttipate62 Nah, I can't remember lines. It would have to be a silent Bond! 😂
@@SpaceCattttt my name is bond, james.. uhhh i forgot the rest
@@Punttipate62 Bond, Jason Bourne....dammit!
Raymond Benson ranked OHMSS very highly in his mid 1980's book James Bond Bedside Companion. I first saw it in 1986, and it immediately became my favorite. I also remember the alt.fan.james-bond in the newsgroup in the 1990's (now on Facebook), and the film was highly regarded then. If I could back in history, I would do OHMSS in 1967 and YOLT in 1969 and do things the way Fleming wrote.
For me, this is the film that fully got me into bond. Back in 2019 when I first became a huge bond fan, this was the third one I watched after Dr no and the spy who loved me and this one stuck with me the most and I now clearly rank as my favourite. So much love for this movie and is easily one of my favourite films of all time
You and David never disappoint. Thanks for the conversation and the early Christmas present!
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Yes, I love these collaborations.
As a loooooong time fan of this movie, almost since it's release, it's great to see the fanbase finally giving this one it's due. There is a lot to apreciate here. It's always been one of my favorite movies.
Merry Christmas to you both, Calvin and David. Hope you have a very peaceful and cheerful holiday. My understanding is that 'OHMSS' was shown in a re-edited and voiced-over version on American TV. That could account for the initial response of so many American viewers. I've always ranked it as one of the top 5 in the franchise and my own personal favorite.
I first saw it on American TV in (I think) 1976 or so. It was a terrible way to view it - chopped up and interlarded with ads. It's gone way up in my list since having seen it properly on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Happy Christmas Calvin! 🎅 🎄
And David Zeritsky as well as i always enjoy his content
Re Bond's sleeping around at Piz Gloria: "When on a mission I am expected to sacrifice myself" "What I did was for Queen And Country, you don't think it gave me any pleasure".
Perhaps the next Bond film could be called "ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE" since we now have a new monarch
On His Majesty's Sausage Fingers.
@@lucasoheyze4597 or The spider lerrers writer
I was actually thinking that myself when buying the novel ..it'd be a brilliant title for the new Bond movie AND the new Bond .
While I think this movie has its ups and downs, I really grown appreciate things about this movie thanks to you both discussing it over the years. Merry Christmas Calvin and David, thanks for all the great Bond stuff you brought us over the year.
ahh this chat's a perfect holiday treat, gentlemen! this was one of the films that made me want to make videos about films on youtube years back, and it's a film that I think improves with age (the age of the viewer, that is). OHMSS is the outlier, it's the vulnerable Bond, the tragic Cinderella story Bond; he finds love, it's immediately ripped away, and I don't think anyone could have played *that* Bond better. Tho hard to reconcile w/the rest of the franchise, I think it retains it's own unique identity because the emotional quality of it is so earnest and so relatable. cheers! -RWS
Wow, that's like a really awesome Christmas present. Thank you, Calvin! Merry Christmas!
I saw it first run in the theater. I was devastated at the end. I had watched The Avengers with Diana Rigg.
Yea Bill -
I saw it as a little kid in the theaters as well.
I think probably on a possible rerelease like they used to do a lot with the series in those days.
And I do remember loving the ski chase sequences and action
But being very puzzled at this new James Bond guy that looked very different than the one I knew lol
I was also way too young to understand the ending!
Has anyone seen “Becoming Bond” on Hulu? Pretty interesting. It’s about a 1 hr film/documentary on Lazenby & his life & how he became James Bond for his 1st serious acting role
I watched it for the first time last year. I would highly recommend it to any Lazenby fan.
Like others have stated, I used to pass over this film when I was younger, but in revisiting it some years ago, not recalling how it ended, I came to the realization that this movie is special. It's not what you're used to in the series: a love story with a mission on the side, that doesn't end victoriously. When his his wife dies, especially right after a happy, never ever thought you'd see Bond in this scenario moment (even Moneypenny is all broken up about it), and the movie just cuts to credits, I actually was shocked and shed a tear. That's not how this was supposed to end; there has to be more. That's why I have to immediately put on Diamonds are forever, just to see Bond knocking folks around...I felt his pain. I feel a movie is good if it can get you that invested in it and this is a good addition to the Bond series.
thats a fk christmas gift. Thank you!!
What a treat, Calvin! Wish a merry Christmas to you and yours!
17 years old I had the chance to see all the Bond movies in about a few months. 1985 there was a small cinema in my home town, Sankt Augustin in Germany. Only 50 seats capacity, managed by a youth organization. Barely older boys and girls like me running the projector, selling tickets, drinks and snacks. It was great fun. Weekly changing program - better then Amazon Prime. There I saw OHMSS for the first time. I felt the special kind, the mystery of the movie, bringing it to a special place within the series. Great Soundtrack, great pictures, fine action near to the literally original Fleming novel. I rated the movie even in this days very high.
You're a couple of years older than me (I was born in 1969) The fact that Bond is such a huge British icon, and the way it's part of our national culture, means it always rather surprises me when I see it being embraced and so loved abroad, particularly in non English speaking countries
Merry Christmas Calvin and David!🎅🎄
I’m 43 and hadn’t seen all of the older bond films(pre 80’s/90’s). I’m doing a Bond Marathon and I just finished OHMSS… What a great change of Pace. While I understand why people like the Connery movies, I was able to take this more seriously. The action and fight choreography were excellent. Blofeld felt like an actual threat in this movie. He was Calculating, Intelligent, and a real physical threat. The ending was Brutal….Poor Bond😢
Just watched Quantum of Solace again after many years. I immediately thought of Ronin with Robert DeNiro during the opening scene. Couldn't imagine why so many have QOS so low on their favorite Bond films. As the movie progressed, despite good action and fight sequences, I was gradually fading away from the storyline. Possibly had something to do with the main villain giving the impression of a pip squeak. I'm definitely a fan of action packed movies with great choreography (very impressed with the new Mission Impossible trailer). I just think in order for a film to have a high probability of success it should have all the elements including, as you mentioned, a believable main antagonist who can do real harm. Perhaps a dash of humor (Simon Pegg's character in MI) and of course a bit of romance. Definitely not talking some full on romance novel for the initial reboot. Instead - have Cavill, Hiddleston or the next Bond work along side Paloma's character and see where it goes and/or a different beautiful woman who double crosses him to check the espionage box. OHMSS definitely had a memorable ending for the wrong reasons, very sad.
Fun story related to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. When I was in college, I took a Cinema class, our final was, we had to take a scene from a famous movie and re shoot it in some way. I did the opening scene for Diamonds Are Forever, as if it was Lazenby’s second Bond film. I played Bond as a man hellbent on revenge.
Great chat guys! I have always loved this film. I did not watch it till the early 90's on recommendation of a film colleague, upon 1st viewing I was blown away by the story and cinematography, plus the performances of Telly Zavala's and Diana Ring. I was totally underwhelmed by Lazenby and until recently I saw him as a blemish to the whole production, until I read the novel. Reading the Fleming novels recently has changed a number of my opinions on these films but none more profound than this one. Originally I perceived that Lazenby played Bond as a wimpy, frightened and immature Bond but now, understanding that the Fleming Bond is NOT the superhero of Connery or or Moore but a flawed anti-hero, who does feel fear and makes mistakes and wrestles with his emotions, I really appreciate how Lazenby was directed to act. Hunt wanted to capture the novel as closely as he could, so he directed Lazenby to be the Fleming Bond of the novel. Also to make the romance believable, we needed a younger almost naive Bond. The older, wiser and more cynical Connery Bond would never have fallen for Tracy in the same way.
Nice discussion guys. I really love a lot in OHMSS but unfortunately Lazenby's performance is a barrier for it being in my top 10. To be fair to him, it took someone with the natural charisma and ease in front of the camera as Roger Moore to escape Connery's shadow.
People just prefer funny Bond movies or Craig's definition of emotional.
I don't think Lazenby does much to hinder the quality of the film. The movies are a lot more than a leading man.
Peter Hunt was quoted as saying, “I wanted this to be my James Bond film. My style, no one else’s.” With his fidelity to the novel, his clear sense of Ian Fleming’s world, and a great cast and crew - beginning with the leading man - he succeeded admirably. Guy Hamilton, Tom Mankiewicz, and Bob Simmons weren’t involved, which certainly helped! From the superbly staged and edited fight on the beach, I knew that Bond was in good hands.
I saw this film days after its premiere, during the Christmas holidays of 1969. The setting: a widescreen cinema, The Rivoli, in Times Square, New York. Not a multiplex! Directly across the street was the poster, recreated on almost one whole side of the building! (Customary for many major films, including “Thunderball” and “You Only Live Twice.”) This isn’t a scientific poll, granted, but on the way out I overheard many comments. The worst thing I heard about Lazenby was “Eh, he’s okay.” Many liked him, no one had heard of him (myself included). They loved the action and the Swiss Alps, but were dazed by the tragic ending. Women groaned at the line, “What she needs is a man, to dominate her!” People did laugh in the right places - for example: “This never happened to the other fellow”; “Looks like we’ve hit the rush hour”; and Lazenby sliding on the ice during the final battle. One man standing in line for the next show asked me, “So how was it?” I replied, “The best one ever. And this guy is fantastic!” My opinion hasn’t changed!
To hear George Lazenby described as “wooden” amazed me back then, especially after Sean Connery sleepwalked through two successive films - then returned looking old enough to be Lazenby’s father! Since then, critics have compared Roger Moore to a mannequin wheeled about on canisters, others have said “he made occasional appearances on behalf of the stuntman.” Yet others noted the irony of Moore filling in for his own wax likeness, in one of the worst Bond films. Pierce Brosnan was deemed more suitable for modeling sweaters. No, these others would not have done better than Lazenby - and that includes the death of Tracy. (To prepare for that scene, Lazenby kept the novel close at hand.)
Lazenby brought his natural instincts - athleticism and acting - to the role. He belonged in this world. Unlike the so-called “professional actors,” he brought a freshness and humanity that would not be seen again until “For Your Eyes Only” and “Licence To Kill.” Many cast and crew members have said how good he was as Bond, and how pleasant he was to work with. This despite Diana Rigg’s obnoxious, low-class comments in BBC interviews. Harry Saltzman planned to use Lazenby in non-Bond productions, which unfortunately never came to fruition.
Lazenby declined a long-term contract due to bad advice. (David Picker, head of United Artists, was begging Connery to return, anyway - throughout the filming of “OHMSS.”) It may be just as well, however, that he didn’t stick around to prance through Las Vegas, be roughed up by a dwarf, blow up a villain like a balloon, float through outer space, jump into bed with Grace Jones, ride a crocodile mini-sub, do a Tarzan yell, hide in a gorilla suit, or dress as a clown. Whatever his career difficulties, George Lazenby has remained his own man, been physically active, and kept himself in good shape - what one might expect from a retired 007!
I really just want to thank you and David for opening my eyes to the franchise in a way they never were before. I've gained a huge appreciation for movies that completely flew under my radar, I went from only really being familiar with Craig's movies to owning the whole series and loving every second. Thank you so much, changed my life(style)!
So... you're un able to think for yourself. Needing someone to tell you what's good. Maybe make your own decisions of what YOU like. Not be influenced by what someone else likes. Decide for your damn self
@@Aaliyahchannel2024 I'd never seen the older movies, except in passing on television or something when I was younger. These guys passion made me really take notice, watch and realize that, in my own opinion, these movies are amazing. I particularly enjoy Timothy Dalton, an actor neither of them rank highly. But yeah mate you know exactly what you're talking about, all the time. It was worth your time typing something negative under a comment meant to uplift a creator I really enjoy. Have a great day!
@@oldbay420 basically... you never liked bond movies until you were programmed by a TH-cam video rather then viewing them yourself and deciding to like them. What power youtubers have over brain dead people. I bet I'd they did a video... suddenly saying Every bond movie is terrible... you'd be like... yes... I see it now. Every bond movie is terrible you've opened my eyes.
@@Aaliyahchannel2024 I see it now, you're the kind of person that isn't worth arguing with, if you think Bond is bad could you leave then?
@@oldbay420 what? 😂😂 that's not what I said idiot
Believe it or not The John Barry theme song for OHMSS is also actually used in the teaser trailer for Disney's "The Incredibles" which is so overlooked..
There’s actually rather a lot I like about this film, the theme song by Louis Armstrong is absolutely superb, Diana Rigg is fantastic in it some of the set pieces are just great, but then we come to George Lazenby and my only answer to that is “isn’t it wonderful weather for the time of year Calvin” 😅😅
I really think the Louis Armstrong element and All the Time In the World song is massively over rated.
There was a draft of the script where Bond rescues Tracy (pre-titles sequence) where the Aston Martin turns into a submarine. This idea was dropped but obviously, it came back with The Spy Who Loved Me.
This film greatly benefited from the reduction of gadgets.
@@ricardocantoral7672 honestly reduction in gadgets was often a good idea, especially the most outlandish gadgets. The DB 5 made sense as it was in Goldfinger.
oh reallly??? wooow, where is this info, can you tell me where to find it ??? it makes sense
This was the 5th Bond Film I saw as a double bill in the mid 70s as a teen. Loved it since then. Music, action, plot, closeness to the book, DIANA RIGG!!!!, the best Blofeld - Telly Savalas, direction. THE BEST BOND FILM pound for pound.
This year I had the pleasure of seeing on her majesty's secret service on the big screen this year it was very special experience its ranked up to be my third favourite bond movie it was a very special film
This discussion has made me think about the various directors' cinematography styles. I feel as though Terence Young and Guy Hamilton didn't take advantage of the beautiful locations. The shots were almost always close-up and comparatively claustrophobic. Hamilton did manage to include a wide shot of Miami Beach in Goldfinger and the islands on Golden Gun however. Compare this with the work of Lewis Gilbert, Peter Hunt and John Glen. Of course the latter two worked on other films in the franchise, but they weren't afraid to pan out, take their time, showcase the beauty of the landscape and let the setting breathe. You Only Live Twice was the first film in which that was properly done. In OHMSS, the sunset behind Piz Gloria when the candles are being lit with John Barry's brass and strings is stunning beyond belief, and is spot-on late 1960s; I doubt that that would've felt the same if created in 1970.
When I was younger, the "this never happened to the other fella" line went completely over my head. I'd thought that he was referring to another man who had tried to win Tracy's affections but failed.
Fantastic timing! Just showed my wife this movie! She really enjoyed it but thought that Lazenby really held it back which I can’t argue with
OHMSS is my favorite Bond film and it was awesome to hear you both wax so poetic about its peaks and valleys.
Merry Christmas, 007!
Perfect Christmas Eve viewing
On Her Majesty's Secret Service will forever be not only my all time favourite film, for me there nothing wrong it's perfect from start to finish.
FWIW, Lazenby, Moore, and Connery may have all worked on the same day playing Bond (or in Laz's case, a Bond-like character). Laz filmed his scenes for The Return of the Man From UNCLE on Dec. 2-3, 1982. Roger Moore filmed scenes for Octopussy on those days. What I don't know for sure is whether Sean Connery filmed Never Say Never Again scenes on those days. Given how much Connery is in NSNA, there's a good chance.
Lazenby also played Bond in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents)
"Wooden" isn't outside the realm for a former military man. I can understand the criticism, but Steve Mcqueen was called "understated" in Bullitt.
This movie was so great. Lazenby was the low part of this movie in terms of acting. He tried his best. But I don't think Connery would have done this movie better. I watched it as a kid but didn't go back to it. As I remembered it has a very sad ending but never disliked it. I've watched again this year and I thought this is so good. Just like the book was. I like OHMSS much more than Craig's movies. Emotions in Craig's movies sometimes give me a cringe moment. And in OHMSS it just gave a different feeling. The music brought an edge to it too. The fact that after OHMSS Diamonds are Forever just ignores Bond's breakdown seems strange. And then you have Moore coming and only 2 mentions about Tracy and more comedy style. Bond and Tracy make a better love story than Bond and Madeline.
I like Lazenby more than craig too. This movie is great, but I really dislike craig, can´t help it.
When does Moore mention Tracy in a comedy style? Wtf. He mentions her I'm Spy Who loved me... and it's not plated for laughs. He at her grave laying flowers in For your Eyes only... clearly saddend. What the fuck you on about? Also... lazenby was awesome. Did an amazing Job. His performance in the finale scene is one of the best in the whole damn series.
More absolutely Superb Content, thanks Calvin and David ..... Love this film... Remember watching it on big box rental vhs in the 80's with my dad... good days
OHMSS is in my top 5 Bond films.
Back in 2016, I actually met and chatted with Mr. Lazenby in New Haven, CT at Yale University. He was very cordial and outgoing.
I think he wanted a rock band to score the film. But I'm glad that John Barry did the honors. It's one of his best scores!
There's a YT video of "If Chicago Had Scored the Gun Barrel Sequence of OHMSS" Wild!
I read the book, I would suggest reading it too because it re-textured Lazenby's performance.
I enjoy the movie but I think the atmosphere of the book, when Bond was in Piz Gloria, was kind of creepy.
@@ricardocantoral7672 I think that's because in the book, Bond knows who Blofelt is and knows he's only undergone heavy cosmetic surgery to disguise himself, and instead of bond's allied agent dying off screen in the film, they all come face to face and bond must seal the mans fate by pretending he doesn't know the fellow agent when he's captured. So Piz Gloria instinctually has more stakes in the book. With Bond narrowly even escaping Piz Gloria in the book, it feels realer in the book with the great detail of Bonds inner dialogue. So a statement like 'Lazenby was too wooden' I can personally discard because Bond in the book has that dialogue with himself internally.
Always love these discussions, it's cool to hear Calvin's perspective contrasted with someone who's not only older, but who was around when a lot of these movies originally came out
Watched this classic at 6.30am Christmas morning with a bowl of corn flakes and cup of coffee best Blofeld telly, best bond girl the beautiful Diana rigg, best John Barry score and George is terrific Peter hunt rules
Saw it with friends expecting to trash it. But very quickly we said this doesn't suck at all. This movie rocks! Very very underrated.
Thanks for posting. This film is when the producers, director and screenwriter KNEW who their character was and still understood Ian Fleming. Marks the end of an era. Too bad a faithful YOLT wasn't made after this film with the same cast and crew.
I love these discussions that the two of you do, always thought provoking and get me reassessing my own views on each film. I don't always share your views or opinions but there are always plenty of really valid and interesting points that you both make. Much appreciated!
I'm a fan of the bond films but I don't have a lot of knowledge about the making of them. This was an awesome discussion that taught me a lot! I always hated George Lazenby's bond, but I'm gonna rewatch this movie now and re-evaluate.
I love these fan discussion videos! I do like the debates as it’s great to hear you parrying with David.
Whats your opinion on a new actor and rebooting the entire series. I’m not sure how I could watch Moonraker or Octopussy without ever thinking of Roger Moore!
22:10 Davids opinion of Telly really made me stand back and think! Yes I would have to agree. Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but he was the only Blofeld to actually chase after Bond, in a literal manner on the skis.
I love OHMSS and over time have grown to accept and even really like Lazenby in the role of James Bond. Hypothetically speaking if the exact same film was made, directed by Peter Hunt, exact same music by Barry and exquisite cinematography by Michael Reed with the entire cast including Diana Rigg as Tracy but with Connery starring in the film it would probably be my favourite film in the series. (That film must exist out there in some parallel universe) I’d just love to have seen my favourite Bond to have had that chance to explore the character further and this film is the one which would have really showcased Connery’s range as an actor within the Bond series. OHMSS is still a great film and Lazenby does add to the unique quality the film holds, he’s likeable and looked great in the role. It must also be addressed that Michael Reed the cinematographer passed away recently aged 93. Rest in peace to an amazing cinematographer whose work in the film will be appreciated by not just Bond fans but film fans forever.
OHMSS(1969) is visually a gorgeous Bond film! The best! Of course, Thunderball & YOLT & TSWLM & Moonraker are all visual masterpieces too! R.I.P. Michael Reed! So sad that he died now...
TWINE is more of a News Years movie, OHMSS is the definite James Bond Christmas movie.
John Barry knocked the music 🎵 score out of the park with this one.
Last song for the great Mr Armstrong.
And a beautiful Christmas song sung by Nina.
Still have the UK gatefold vinyl.
Still play it a few times a year.
Always takes me back to the early 1970s.
And the cinemas of that time.
Die Another Day does have an ice palace as the main setting 🎄❄️
I really have been on a journey with OHMSS, I used to be turned off by it because of George Lazenby's performance but I have now come to the conclusion that his performance isn't terrible just a bit uneven. The film is pretty much one of the best Bond films ever made, up there with Goldfinger, Goldeneye and Casino Royale.
"Translucent" is the perfect description. THANK YOU! Ha! I have never been able to describe my issue with this movie until now.
Great video guys ... OHMSS is one of my favourite Bond movies, always in my top 3 somewhere when I make a ranking list. I grew up in the 1980's ( in the UK) and Bond films were a highlight of every bank holiday Mondays TV viewing.. but OHMSS was never shown ! In fact I only knew of its existence because of a conversation with my Dad who told me about this chap called George Lazenby who had once been James Bond! It was also impossible to track down on VHS back then, our local rental stores didn't have a copy. I finally got hold of a copy of a VHS release in 1995 and when I watched it for the first time it blew me away. Everything is just so different in this film compared to previous entry's in the series. Such a shame that George decided to quit, and that Peter Hunt was never to work on a Bond film again and also the death of Lise Steppat ( just 4 days after the films release) as she had already been signed up for Diamonds are Forever at the point :( I would happily swap Sean for George in Diamonds ( and have Peter back to direct) but would then have George quit to make way for Roger :). Happy Christmas !
I just watched OHMSS last night for Christmas Eve, so thank you for this video! Great insight as always.
The best, top of the heap (mountain). The opening theme (!) is wonderful, as are the credits. The pre titles a lot of fun. The whole business from the escape through the avalanche all gold. Love this film. In my novice fan days I always considered it the best Bond "movie." I thought it was one a non or casual Bond fan could turn on and love. It has a real story! Thanks for the video, gents.
I saw "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" in the summer of 1970 at a drive-in theater when I was 9 years old. I loved it then and I still love it. I liked that it was more serious and mature than the previous Bond films. I liked George Lazenby's performance as a more serious and stalwart Bond, although he is certainly not as good at that as Timothy Dalton or Daniel Craig. However, for me the real star of the film is Diana Rigg and her performance is outstanding. Telly Savalas is also great as a more serious and realistically dangerous villain.
Donald Pleasance was deliberately not asked to come back because of the script requiring Bond to fight Blofeld.
Dead right. Pleasance was too camp in his walk and actions which accounts for no movement in YOLT.
I think Telly Savalas wasn't that impressive. Yul Brynner would have made a better Blofeld.
@@ricardocantoral7672 seeing some strange comments on here yours included
@@mikebarratt6767 th-cam.com/video/wivsl8JqLKc/w-d-xo.html
@@mikebarratt6767 ?
I cannot get onboard the OHMSS hype train despite the many admirable qualities about it. I put it in the failed experiment/close but no cigar column along with Licence to Kill. The dubbing, the hyper-promiscuity of Bond in a love story, the nonsensical conflation of psychology with allergies in the villain's plot, the choice of final shot in the movie, and the Bond Girl being a more charismatic James Bond than the lead actor. The film's just too broken for me to embrace the reappraisal. Can't argue with that score though - John Barry elevates so much of that material.
Blofeld's plot isn't as nonsensical as one might believe because it was combination of brainwashing and biological warfare. Remember, Project MKULTRA was still active when this film was released.
@@ricardocantoral7672
As I was just saying to another commenter, I thought The Ipcress File was a much scarier and more successfully cinematic translation of weaponising hypnosis.
@@PurushaDesa I will admit Ipcress File is a better film. As a matter of fact, I think it's better than the Bond films.
@@ricardocantoral7672
Yeah as much as I'm a Bond fan I confess that I like _The Bourne Supremacy_ more than any of the 25 Bond films. It has for my money the greatest car chase ever committed to film followed by one of my favourite endings to any action film.
Excellent choice
Glad say seen at cinema always loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! People sometimes slow to see how good it really is, so long as your getting there.................
My favourite Christmas movie! 🎄☃️
"Edited Aggressively". Have never herd this term before, but it does explain a lot of sense, in a lot of other Movies. Thanks for that (As well as your overviews of corse).
Another great discussion guys, Merry Christmas to you both!
This film for me works better if you watch the first 4 films and skip YOLT after Thunderball and go straight to Majesties. YOLT feels like a sort of ‘alternate universe’ film given how cartoony it goes compared to the first 4 and Diamonds feels more like a better/more appropriate sequel to YOLT than Majesties Secret Service.
Tracy’s death didn’t really have an impact for me as a kid watching it, but now as an adult and having experienced loss and grief myself it hits harder. Also the fact that she starts the film wanting to end her life, and through her love with Bond finds a reason to embrace life again, only to have it taken from her is so sad and tragic.
And also that Bond has to carry on and find a way to live with that tragedy, you get a little hint of it in FYEO in the pre credits the way Roger solemnly and silently looks at her grave, almost like he’s contemplating the life that might have been with her before he gets called away back to reality by the priest.
Always, always loved OHMSS. It was one of the last ones that I watched when I became a Bond fan as a kid, as it was rarely on TV. Moreover, I was introduced to Bond by my mother, a Connery and Moore fan, and I'm not even sure she watched that film in the first place - and if she did, she didn't take it seriously. It was just "that weird Bond film with the young Australian guy". But none of this bothered me. After the first fifteen minutes, I was like "ok, it's not bad at all, what is mom on about?". After thirty minutes, I was like "jeez, it's actually great". After the ski chase, I was like "OK, this might actually be my favourite Bond film". And now, twenty years later, it might still be.
Yes, this is absolutely THE James Bond Christmas movie. & my favorite Bond movie. Haven't watched it yet this Christmas, but plan on watching it soon.
I need to keep an ear out for this Barry sample in Nightfire when I start replaying it tomorrow (getting a new copy for Christmas since I foolishly let mine go years ago)
I really enjoyed this discussion. I was aware of the quality of storytelling the day I first saw OHMSS in 1973 (when I was 16), but then I'm a story / character-oriented person. I wish that Peter Hunt and Richard Maibaum had been allowed to continue their collaboration. They wanted to make Bond films together, as you know, and they would have been good stewards for the franchise thru the 1970s.
I agree that Savalas is the best, and most true-to-Fleming, of the Blofelds. In fact, with the exception of the bald head, he pretty closely matches Fleming's physical description of the character: A tall, solidly built international gangster with decades of experience in the shadow world of espionage and intrigue. The only contemporary actor that comes close would be someone like Alfred Molina -- who I'd love to see cast in the role.
Well, gentlemen; you nailed virtually every point in this discussion; especially things like Bond in Love being where Lazenby was able to show his best work. I originally read OHMSS back in the late 70s while on vacation with the family and loved it. Still sad that You Only Live Twice had been already filmed two years earlier; because with the death of Tracy weighing heavily on Bond at the beginning of the sequel story, possibly George could have had a real meaty plot to play with. And great shout out to part of the OHMSS soundtrack in one of the more recent Bond films. I could swear it was Spectre 2015 but Time Enough to Die possibly. Great job all around. Addendum; Spectre trailer it was. The second Official trailer. 😎
By far !!!! My favorite 007 Movie 👍🏻👍🏻
Had he continued George Lazenby could have been a fantastic Bond... I thought he was rather good..and Dianna Rigg's Tracy was the Best Bond Girl Ever...The ending really got me, so sad....