Cary Grant. Before he grew old he'd have been PERFECT. Albert R. Broccoli asked him to play Bond first, and Grant said he'd do it but only for 1 movie. "I don't DO sequels Cubby." Mr. Broccoli needed someone to commit to at least 3.
Laurence Harvey. He was considered very seriously for the role when the franchise was originally being put together. With his cold, aloof demeanor, looks, and tall, lean physique he would've been a good Bond, if he could've made the transition to action movies, not a genre he was known for.
George Lazenby. Yes he WAS Bond -- in 1 movie. He should've stayed on for more. He did it well and actually made Bond look good in a kilt. An Aussie, he's the only non-Brit ever cast as Bond. He was a professional soldier and accomplished martial-artist. Interestingly, he was close friends with Bruce Lee and went on to replace him in the movies Mr. Lee had contracted to star in before he died.
Tom Selleck. Sure! Once upon a time. He's the perfect physical type and has the look. IF he could've cultivated a believable British accent, IF he would've shaved off the moustache, IF he would've left the 'aw shucks' attitude at home . . . . IF -IF-IF. . .
Burt Reynolds. Quit rolling your eyes! He was offered the role before anyone else when Sean Connery quit. He thought a non-British actor couldn't portray Bond and turned it down, a decision he says was the dumbest of his career. Other accounts say it was Cubby Broccoli who believed an American couldn't play Bond and nixed casting Burt. I doubt this as he asked other Americans at other times. At any rate Burt says that sometimes he still wakes up at night thinking,"Bond! I could've been James Bond!"
James Brolin. The thought of Mr.Streisand as Bond doesn't appeal to ME, but he was a strong contender before they signed Roger Moore, even though he was 43 at the time.
Patrick McGoohan. Again, not as far as I'm concerned, though I have great respect for his acting and directing ability. He was seriously considered. My bias against him as Bond is only aesthetic. He certainly proved himself as more than capable as an action/secret agent star in "Danger Man" (aka "Secret Agent") and the bizarre and wonderful "The Prisoner".
Mel Gibson. Mr. Gibson says he turned down the role "several times" in the '80s. He is a very capable actor and action star, but I couldn't see him as Bond - until I watched "Payback" and saw the hardness they must've detected. Could've worked. At least as well as Pierce Brosnan, maybe better.
Adam West. Considered as Connery's replacement. Strong resemblance to Roger Moore. He'd have had to overcome a HUGE image problem as he was indelibly stamped in the public's mind as 'Batman'. Couldn't have been worse than Roger Moore dressing as a circus clown in 'Octopussy'. (Bond's all-time low).
Billy Zane. Style, panache, attitude, menace, more acting ability than required, and could easily provide the accent. Even so, might not be 'rugged' enough to be Bond.
Clive Owen. Could've redefined the role, much as Sean Connery originally defined it. Has the look, the height, powerful build, can be gritty and suave at the same time. Strong resemblance to George Lazenby. And they picked Daniel Craig over him??
Christian Bale. Dylan Hageman thought of this while watching Batman Begins. The more I considered it the more I liked it. He's a Brit, well, Welsh to be precise (his flat, Mid-West non-accent is an affectation). He's the proper physical type, although a bit on the slim side, dark-haired, intense, can be menacing (watch American Psycho), apparently loads of sex appeal. Christian lacks what to be Bond? BESIDES a haircut.
Denzel Washington. IF a black James Bond were cast he'd be the natural choice. Now that Sidney Portier is old.
Antonio Banderas. IF a Latino James Bond were cast he'd be the natural choice, now that Fernando Lamas is dead. Actually, aside from his accent, he could be the CURRENT Bond. Antonio is # 2 on a list of actors I didn't want to like but do. #1 is Brad Pitt.
John Gavin. You may remember him for a role in 'Psycho', as Ceasar in 'Spartacus', or as Julie Andrews' beau in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". In 1971 he was UNDER CONTRACT to play Bond in 'Diamonds Are Forever'. So for a time he actually WAS Bond. When Sean Connery was lured back, he allowed the studio to buy him out of his contract (for his full salary). If anyone looked as much like Bond as Sean Connery it's Mr. Gavin. Study this photo and imagine him in Armani, holding a Walther PPK. He went on to great success in other venues: president of the Screen Actors Guild, special adviser to the Organization of American States and in keeping with the image of Bond was said to have done secret intelligence work for them. Most importantly, he was US Ambassador to Mexico for several years.
Others said to have been considered are Sam Neill, and Hugo Weaving, and Sean Bean. (The later gets my first vote for a blonde Bond). All three of these gentlemen are far better actors than required for the wonderful but one-dimensional role of James Bond. While Sam Neill was in all of the Jurassic Park movies, Hugo Weaving in particular seems to have fared quite well after being passed up for the role. He was the evil Agent Smith in all three "Matrix" movies (say what you will, they were all huge $$$ makers) and Elrond in the Lord of the Rings movies. He was also the man behind the Guy Fawkes mask in "V".
More on Bond: 'Casino Royale' is the most plot-driven, taut, well-acted, and human Bond movie yet, but a homely, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Bond doesn't work. Daniel Craig is a talented and competent actor (watch 'Layer Cake') but Ian Fleming described Bond as being dark-haired and 'severely handsome' and Mr.Craig is neither. Like Patrick McGoohan above my bias against him as Bond is only aesthetic. He IS very manly, rugged-looking, and in great shape for "Casino", but he simply just doesn't look like Bond.
The literary description of Bond's facial features most closely describes not Sean Connery, but Timothy Dalton. Ian Fleming's most succinct description of Bond is that "he looked something like a young Hoagy Carmichael."
Roger Moore, looks the least like Bond, but apparently 'Cubby' Broccoli thought the opposite as he asked Roger to be Bond BEFORE asking Sean Connery. Mr. Moore was contracted to 'The Saint' and could not accept. He is my least favorite Bond, though I liked him as Simon Templar and especially in 'The Persuaders',a good but nearly forgotten TV show in which he co-starred with Tony Curtis,(http://bondambitions.com/2010/02/the-persuaders/). Mr. Moore was Bond in 7 movies, tied with Mr. Connery's total if we discount 'Never Say Never Again', the 'unofficial' Bond movie filmed by a studio other than EON and a simple remake of "Thunderball". It was so named because it's what Connery said when done shooting "Diamonds Are Forever".
Who was in all the 'official' Bond movies until his death? Desmond Lewellyn, who portrayed 'Q' (Major Boothroyd). It was fitting, respectful and appropriate how the 'passing of the torch' to his successor 'R' - played by John Cleese - was handled. British cinema lost one of its finest stars when Mr. Lewellyn died shortly after filming this episode.
Ian Fleming created another famous story, the phenomenally popular children's tale "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The movie version had several other James Bond tie-ins: Director: Albert R. Broccoli. Desmond Lewellyn was in it, as the kindly owner of the junkyard where the children discovered the magical car. Gert Frobe (Goldfinger)played the villian Baron Bomburst. Anna Quayle, the Baroness Bomburst, was in the 1967 spoof "Casino Royale". Albert Dore', who played Spy Number 1, was also in the 1967 "Casino Royale".
Mr. Fleming also wrote a non-fiction book entitled "Thrilling Cities" which is an interesting and worthwhile read, though now very dated. I've finally procured a copy of another non-fiction book by him entitled "The Diamond Smugglers." Like the Bond stories, Mr. Fleming tells a story of people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances as if they were everyday occurances. I believe this is a wonderful example of the British "stiff upper lip". However, in the case of "The Diamond Smugglers" the story happens to be true
When Cary Grant passed on the role of Bond, James Mason was asked. Mason said he'd do 2, but not the 3 Bond films they were trying to cast, and so was not considered further. While Mr. Mason was a competent actor, he definitely was NOT Bond.
As of this writing (04/08) all the actors to portray James Bond in an 'official' movie are still living. Roger Moore is 80. YES, he is OLDER than Sean Connery, who is 77. George Lazenby is third eldest at 68. The TWO 'unofficial' exceptions to this are: David Niven, who died in 1983 at the age of 73, and Barry Nelson, who died in 2007 at the age of 89. I can hear it now: "David Niven?! And who is Barry Nelson?!" Let me explain:
Casino Royale was the 1st Bond story in the written series but the MOVIE series began in 1962 with 'Dr. No' - the 2nd Bond story. Reason: Film rights to 'Casino Royale' were owned by Columbia Pictures who released thier version in 1967. EON Studios released 'From Russia With Love' in 1963, 'Goldfinger' in 1964, and 'You only Live Twice' 1967, 2 months after Columbia's "Casino Royale". In Columbia's version David Niven played an older James Bond called out of retirement to battle evil. Mr. Niven shared the screen with a stellar cast: Orson Welles, John Huston, William Holden, Deborah Kerr, Charles Boyer, George Raft, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ursula Andress (THE Bond girl from "Dr. No"), Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, Anna Quayle, and David Prowse (the huge man under Darth Vader's black costume). Peter O'Toole, Jacqueline Bisset, and Anjelica Huston also appeared in UNCREDITED roles! 2 of the writers were Joseph Heller ("Catch 22") and Billy Wilder (12 Academy Award nominations for screenwriting)! Columbia asked Eon Studios about making it as a collaborative effort, but Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman refused. Columbia decided then to make it as a spoof of Bond and spy movies in general. Though far over-budget it was considered a financial success in its day, but even so was quickly and deservedly forgotten. This only goes to show that brilliant writers and a brilliant cast cannot overcome a screwed-up concept. I've seen it. Bond fans can take a pass with no demerits.
NOW, even further back in time, to 1954 when the story of Bond beyond the printed page REALLY begins. CBS Television had a show called 'Climax Theater' and an episode of this was 'Casino Royale', featuring Barry Nelson as AMERICAN CIA agent James Bond. In a wierd re-writing of Mr. Fleming's storyline, he was assisted by a BRITISH agent named Leiter, although it was Clarence Leiter not Felix. Peter Lorre' was the evil Le Chiffre', and is therefore the first actor to play a Bond Villian. Linda Christian, as Valerie Mathis, became the first actress to be a Bond Girl.
Of course it was a black and white production, and as it was broadcast live it was essentially a play with only about 3 scenes, one of which is the famous card game. Since a card game is not very interesting to watch, this version of 'Casino Royale' isn't terribly exciting, but in all fairness, the players did a creditable job in a very limited venue and in what was a brand-new media. It WAS amusing to see a stocky, moon-faced character in a tux introduce himself as "Jimmy Bond", though it made me cringe also.
In 2000 EON Studios finally secured rights to 'Casino Royale'. A few years later Pierce Brosnans' reign as Bond ended and the Craig-as-Bond 'Casino Royale' was produced, resulting in a gritty, interesting, and action-packed film, but just as notable for its total disregard of continuity as anything else.
Now, armed with this knowledge, imagine this scenario at your next party or night out with the gang:
You begin a conversation about James Bond. Easy enough to do with anyone interested in movies, cars, gadgets, guns, or girls. Ask who their favorite Bond actor is. The majority of the time the answer will be "Sean Connery".
This sets you up perfectly! Proceed with --
"Okay everybody, who was the SECOND man to play James Bond?" (Don't say "-in a movie" since the Barry Nelson episode was on TV.)
The typical answer: "Roger Moore."
The wrong but sharper-than-average answer: "George Lazenby", but if no one names him don't bring him up.
The REAL answer: "Sean Connery."
Once you relate the facts of Barry Nelson and "Casino Royale" you then follow up with:
"Okay then, who was the THIRD person to play James Bond?"
The typical answer: "All right, THAT was Roger Moore!"
The still wrong but still sharper-than-average answer: "George Lazenby."
The real answer: "David Niven."
So you relate the facts of the SECOND filming of 'Casino Royale'. Then, if by that time no one has yet demonstrated any knowledge of George Lazenby, you ask:
"Then who was the fourth?"
At this point they should be INSISTING: "Roger Moore!"
The real answer (presented smugly) : "George Lazenby."
YOU CAN WIN BETS WITH THIS STUFF GUYS. WRITE IT DOWN!
More interesting trivia:
What film was Sean Connery in before 'Dr. No'? Guesses as to the studio and movie? This can be one of those "D'oh!" head-slappers for those of us middle-aged.
Answer: It was a DISNEY movie -- 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People'.
It's said that Albert Broccoli just happened to look out a window and saw Sean Connery walking by "like a panther" and decided on the spot to cast him as Bond. Alternately and more believably is that Ian Fleming's wife saw 'Darby O'Gill' and told her husband that Sean Connery should be James Bond. Mr. Fleming was very involved with the early Bond movies and could well have convinced Broccoli and company of the same. Thank goodness, however it happened.
Ian Fleming actually appears briefly in a scene in 'From Russia With Love'. Look for a man with a cane in a crowd outside the train. Sean Connery's son, Jason Connery got his start as an actor by portraying Ian Fleming in 'The Secret Life Of Ian Fleming', while Sean's brother Neil, was in an Italian movie called 'His Younger Brother' playing Bond's younger brother! Jason's movie was a decent one. Neil's was not - except for the score by Ennio Morricone.
Sean Connery represented Scotland in the 1950 Mr. Universe competition in London. He has downplayed this and laughingly said that he came in "dead last". He did not. He came in a respectable third.
Sean's very first acting gig was as a song and dance man! He was one of the sailors in a stage production of "South Pacific". The story is that he landed the part because it called for the sailor to be bare-chested and he looked better with no shirt on than any of the other fellows who auditioned.
Laurence Harvey. He was considered very seriously for the role when the franchise was originally being put together. With his cold, aloof demeanor, looks, and tall, lean physique he would've been a good Bond, if he could've made the transition to action movies, not a genre he was known for.
George Lazenby. Yes he WAS Bond -- in 1 movie. He should've stayed on for more. He did it well and actually made Bond look good in a kilt. An Aussie, he's the only non-Brit ever cast as Bond. He was a professional soldier and accomplished martial-artist. Interestingly, he was close friends with Bruce Lee and went on to replace him in the movies Mr. Lee had contracted to star in before he died.
Tom Selleck. Sure! Once upon a time. He's the perfect physical type and has the look. IF he could've cultivated a believable British accent, IF he would've shaved off the moustache, IF he would've left the 'aw shucks' attitude at home . . . . IF -IF-IF. . .
Burt Reynolds. Quit rolling your eyes! He was offered the role before anyone else when Sean Connery quit. He thought a non-British actor couldn't portray Bond and turned it down, a decision he says was the dumbest of his career. Other accounts say it was Cubby Broccoli who believed an American couldn't play Bond and nixed casting Burt. I doubt this as he asked other Americans at other times. At any rate Burt says that sometimes he still wakes up at night thinking,"Bond! I could've been James Bond!"
James Brolin. The thought of Mr.Streisand as Bond doesn't appeal to ME, but he was a strong contender before they signed Roger Moore, even though he was 43 at the time.
Patrick McGoohan. Again, not as far as I'm concerned, though I have great respect for his acting and directing ability. He was seriously considered. My bias against him as Bond is only aesthetic. He certainly proved himself as more than capable as an action/secret agent star in "Danger Man" (aka "Secret Agent") and the bizarre and wonderful "The Prisoner".
Mel Gibson. Mr. Gibson says he turned down the role "several times" in the '80s. He is a very capable actor and action star, but I couldn't see him as Bond - until I watched "Payback" and saw the hardness they must've detected. Could've worked. At least as well as Pierce Brosnan, maybe better.
Adam West. Considered as Connery's replacement. Strong resemblance to Roger Moore. He'd have had to overcome a HUGE image problem as he was indelibly stamped in the public's mind as 'Batman'. Couldn't have been worse than Roger Moore dressing as a circus clown in 'Octopussy'. (Bond's all-time low).
Billy Zane. Style, panache, attitude, menace, more acting ability than required, and could easily provide the accent. Even so, might not be 'rugged' enough to be Bond.
Clive Owen. Could've redefined the role, much as Sean Connery originally defined it. Has the look, the height, powerful build, can be gritty and suave at the same time. Strong resemblance to George Lazenby. And they picked Daniel Craig over him??
Christian Bale. Dylan Hageman thought of this while watching Batman Begins. The more I considered it the more I liked it. He's a Brit, well, Welsh to be precise (his flat, Mid-West non-accent is an affectation). He's the proper physical type, although a bit on the slim side, dark-haired, intense, can be menacing (watch American Psycho), apparently loads of sex appeal. Christian lacks what to be Bond? BESIDES a haircut.
Denzel Washington. IF a black James Bond were cast he'd be the natural choice. Now that Sidney Portier is old.
Antonio Banderas. IF a Latino James Bond were cast he'd be the natural choice, now that Fernando Lamas is dead. Actually, aside from his accent, he could be the CURRENT Bond. Antonio is # 2 on a list of actors I didn't want to like but do. #1 is Brad Pitt.
John Gavin. You may remember him for a role in 'Psycho', as Ceasar in 'Spartacus', or as Julie Andrews' beau in "Thoroughly Modern Millie". In 1971 he was UNDER CONTRACT to play Bond in 'Diamonds Are Forever'. So for a time he actually WAS Bond. When Sean Connery was lured back, he allowed the studio to buy him out of his contract (for his full salary). If anyone looked as much like Bond as Sean Connery it's Mr. Gavin. Study this photo and imagine him in Armani, holding a Walther PPK. He went on to great success in other venues: president of the Screen Actors Guild, special adviser to the Organization of American States and in keeping with the image of Bond was said to have done secret intelligence work for them. Most importantly, he was US Ambassador to Mexico for several years.
Others said to have been considered are Sam Neill, and Hugo Weaving, and Sean Bean. (The later gets my first vote for a blonde Bond). All three of these gentlemen are far better actors than required for the wonderful but one-dimensional role of James Bond. While Sam Neill was in all of the Jurassic Park movies, Hugo Weaving in particular seems to have fared quite well after being passed up for the role. He was the evil Agent Smith in all three "Matrix" movies (say what you will, they were all huge $$$ makers) and Elrond in the Lord of the Rings movies. He was also the man behind the Guy Fawkes mask in "V".
More on Bond: 'Casino Royale' is the most plot-driven, taut, well-acted, and human Bond movie yet, but a homely, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Bond doesn't work. Daniel Craig is a talented and competent actor (watch 'Layer Cake') but Ian Fleming described Bond as being dark-haired and 'severely handsome' and Mr.Craig is neither. Like Patrick McGoohan above my bias against him as Bond is only aesthetic. He IS very manly, rugged-looking, and in great shape for "Casino", but he simply just doesn't look like Bond.
The literary description of Bond's facial features most closely describes not Sean Connery, but Timothy Dalton. Ian Fleming's most succinct description of Bond is that "he looked something like a young Hoagy Carmichael."
Roger Moore, looks the least like Bond, but apparently 'Cubby' Broccoli thought the opposite as he asked Roger to be Bond BEFORE asking Sean Connery. Mr. Moore was contracted to 'The Saint' and could not accept. He is my least favorite Bond, though I liked him as Simon Templar and especially in 'The Persuaders',a good but nearly forgotten TV show in which he co-starred with Tony Curtis,(http://bondambitions.com/2010/02/the-persuaders/). Mr. Moore was Bond in 7 movies, tied with Mr. Connery's total if we discount 'Never Say Never Again', the 'unofficial' Bond movie filmed by a studio other than EON and a simple remake of "Thunderball". It was so named because it's what Connery said when done shooting "Diamonds Are Forever".
Who was in all the 'official' Bond movies until his death? Desmond Lewellyn, who portrayed 'Q' (Major Boothroyd). It was fitting, respectful and appropriate how the 'passing of the torch' to his successor 'R' - played by John Cleese - was handled. British cinema lost one of its finest stars when Mr. Lewellyn died shortly after filming this episode.
Ian Fleming created another famous story, the phenomenally popular children's tale "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". The movie version had several other James Bond tie-ins: Director: Albert R. Broccoli. Desmond Lewellyn was in it, as the kindly owner of the junkyard where the children discovered the magical car. Gert Frobe (Goldfinger)played the villian Baron Bomburst. Anna Quayle, the Baroness Bomburst, was in the 1967 spoof "Casino Royale". Albert Dore', who played Spy Number 1, was also in the 1967 "Casino Royale".
Mr. Fleming also wrote a non-fiction book entitled "Thrilling Cities" which is an interesting and worthwhile read, though now very dated. I've finally procured a copy of another non-fiction book by him entitled "The Diamond Smugglers." Like the Bond stories, Mr. Fleming tells a story of people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances as if they were everyday occurances. I believe this is a wonderful example of the British "stiff upper lip". However, in the case of "The Diamond Smugglers" the story happens to be true
When Cary Grant passed on the role of Bond, James Mason was asked. Mason said he'd do 2, but not the 3 Bond films they were trying to cast, and so was not considered further. While Mr. Mason was a competent actor, he definitely was NOT Bond.
As of this writing (04/08) all the actors to portray James Bond in an 'official' movie are still living. Roger Moore is 80. YES, he is OLDER than Sean Connery, who is 77. George Lazenby is third eldest at 68. The TWO 'unofficial' exceptions to this are: David Niven, who died in 1983 at the age of 73, and Barry Nelson, who died in 2007 at the age of 89. I can hear it now: "David Niven?! And who is Barry Nelson?!" Let me explain:
Casino Royale was the 1st Bond story in the written series but the MOVIE series began in 1962 with 'Dr. No' - the 2nd Bond story. Reason: Film rights to 'Casino Royale' were owned by Columbia Pictures who released thier version in 1967. EON Studios released 'From Russia With Love' in 1963, 'Goldfinger' in 1964, and 'You only Live Twice' 1967, 2 months after Columbia's "Casino Royale". In Columbia's version David Niven played an older James Bond called out of retirement to battle evil. Mr. Niven shared the screen with a stellar cast: Orson Welles, John Huston, William Holden, Deborah Kerr, Charles Boyer, George Raft, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Ursula Andress (THE Bond girl from "Dr. No"), Peter Sellers, Woody Allen, Anna Quayle, and David Prowse (the huge man under Darth Vader's black costume). Peter O'Toole, Jacqueline Bisset, and Anjelica Huston also appeared in UNCREDITED roles! 2 of the writers were Joseph Heller ("Catch 22") and Billy Wilder (12 Academy Award nominations for screenwriting)! Columbia asked Eon Studios about making it as a collaborative effort, but Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman refused. Columbia decided then to make it as a spoof of Bond and spy movies in general. Though far over-budget it was considered a financial success in its day, but even so was quickly and deservedly forgotten. This only goes to show that brilliant writers and a brilliant cast cannot overcome a screwed-up concept. I've seen it. Bond fans can take a pass with no demerits.
NOW, even further back in time, to 1954 when the story of Bond beyond the printed page REALLY begins. CBS Television had a show called 'Climax Theater' and an episode of this was 'Casino Royale', featuring Barry Nelson as AMERICAN CIA agent James Bond. In a wierd re-writing of Mr. Fleming's storyline, he was assisted by a BRITISH agent named Leiter, although it was Clarence Leiter not Felix. Peter Lorre' was the evil Le Chiffre', and is therefore the first actor to play a Bond Villian. Linda Christian, as Valerie Mathis, became the first actress to be a Bond Girl.
Of course it was a black and white production, and as it was broadcast live it was essentially a play with only about 3 scenes, one of which is the famous card game. Since a card game is not very interesting to watch, this version of 'Casino Royale' isn't terribly exciting, but in all fairness, the players did a creditable job in a very limited venue and in what was a brand-new media. It WAS amusing to see a stocky, moon-faced character in a tux introduce himself as "Jimmy Bond", though it made me cringe also.
In 2000 EON Studios finally secured rights to 'Casino Royale'. A few years later Pierce Brosnans' reign as Bond ended and the Craig-as-Bond 'Casino Royale' was produced, resulting in a gritty, interesting, and action-packed film, but just as notable for its total disregard of continuity as anything else.
Now, armed with this knowledge, imagine this scenario at your next party or night out with the gang:
You begin a conversation about James Bond. Easy enough to do with anyone interested in movies, cars, gadgets, guns, or girls. Ask who their favorite Bond actor is. The majority of the time the answer will be "Sean Connery".
This sets you up perfectly! Proceed with --
"Okay everybody, who was the SECOND man to play James Bond?" (Don't say "-in a movie" since the Barry Nelson episode was on TV.)
The typical answer: "Roger Moore."
The wrong but sharper-than-average answer: "George Lazenby", but if no one names him don't bring him up.
The REAL answer: "Sean Connery."
Once you relate the facts of Barry Nelson and "Casino Royale" you then follow up with:
"Okay then, who was the THIRD person to play James Bond?"
The typical answer: "All right, THAT was Roger Moore!"
The still wrong but still sharper-than-average answer: "George Lazenby."
The real answer: "David Niven."
So you relate the facts of the SECOND filming of 'Casino Royale'. Then, if by that time no one has yet demonstrated any knowledge of George Lazenby, you ask:
"Then who was the fourth?"
At this point they should be INSISTING: "Roger Moore!"
The real answer (presented smugly) : "George Lazenby."
YOU CAN WIN BETS WITH THIS STUFF GUYS. WRITE IT DOWN!
More interesting trivia:
What film was Sean Connery in before 'Dr. No'? Guesses as to the studio and movie? This can be one of those "D'oh!" head-slappers for those of us middle-aged.
Answer: It was a DISNEY movie -- 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People'.
It's said that Albert Broccoli just happened to look out a window and saw Sean Connery walking by "like a panther" and decided on the spot to cast him as Bond. Alternately and more believably is that Ian Fleming's wife saw 'Darby O'Gill' and told her husband that Sean Connery should be James Bond. Mr. Fleming was very involved with the early Bond movies and could well have convinced Broccoli and company of the same. Thank goodness, however it happened.
Ian Fleming actually appears briefly in a scene in 'From Russia With Love'. Look for a man with a cane in a crowd outside the train. Sean Connery's son, Jason Connery got his start as an actor by portraying Ian Fleming in 'The Secret Life Of Ian Fleming', while Sean's brother Neil, was in an Italian movie called 'His Younger Brother' playing Bond's younger brother! Jason's movie was a decent one. Neil's was not - except for the score by Ennio Morricone.
Sean Connery represented Scotland in the 1950 Mr. Universe competition in London. He has downplayed this and laughingly said that he came in "dead last". He did not. He came in a respectable third.
Sean's very first acting gig was as a song and dance man! He was one of the sailors in a stage production of "South Pacific". The story is that he landed the part because it called for the sailor to be bare-chested and he looked better with no shirt on than any of the other fellows who auditioned.
"QUANTUM OF SOLACE"
Dylan Hageman and I just returned from seeing "Quantum of Solace", an exciting, action-packed spectacle. We are always entertained by Bond, but is this 22nd installment of the series a "GOOD" movie? It is enjoyable, but after contemplation my answer is a qualified no. NO Bond flick will ever be remembered as a 'classic' movie like "Casablanca" or "Lawrence of Arabia", but even in the context of action/adventure movies it is unsatisfying. I am quite able to suspend my disbelief in order to enjoy a movie, but the story must be consistent within itself and the world it creates, and this is where "Quantum of Solace" breaks down. It begins minutes after the end of the last movie, with a breathtaking car chase in the gorgeous Aston Martin that we watched get totalled in the last part of "Casino Royale". Don't EVEN tell me scores of them are stashed around the world just in case 007 needs one, or that they're airlifted to him constantly to ensure availibility as he destroys one after another. There is no explaination of who chases him or why. If its to rescue the man Bond has stuffed in the trunk then why do they perforate it with machine gun fire? A big part of why "Casino Royale" was so good is that it showed the most human Bond ever: tough, resourceful, and uber-capable, but flawed, vulnerable, and sympathetic. That Bond is gone, replaced by an emotionless, bulletproof, British Terminator. The diabolical plan of the enemy (a vast, shadowy criminal order with "people everywhere" that MI6 doesn't even know exists) is to usurp control of the water in a remote section of Bolivian desert. Not petroleum, not uranium, or even diamonds. What their purpose in doing this is not disclosed. Bolivia is a fine country and I have been honored to know some of its citizens, but why this causes a global emergency is never addressed. Also, this criminal organization makes its desert headquarters in a modern luxury HOTEL. Not a hidden underground complex or fortress, a HOTEL, located in the middle of a barren wasteland, miles from anything of interest. Uhm, so why is there a hotel there? "Well they built it just to meet in." Okay, then why NOT build the hidden underground complex or fortress? They certainly weren't making any money renting out rooms - you don't see a single guest there other than the bad guys, though it is fully staffed. Bond finally captures the villian, he who was responsible for the death of his love in "Casino Royale". Rather than simply executing him in coldly efficient manner (FLASHBACK:"Thats a Smith&Wesson and you've had your six." Pfft pfft *silencer*) he hands him a quart of motor oil and maroons him in the desert. His body is found later with a stomach full of motor oil. Are we to believe that thirst causes him to DRINK A QUART OF MOTOR OIL?! I've been in the desert and been damn thirsty and motor oil was availible, but I didn't even consider drinking it because A) I craved WATER, not motor oil, and B) it would've killed me. If driven to suicide by his hopeless situation it would be far easier, quicker, less hideous, and less painful to jump off a cliff, or even just lay down and die. Much like "Casino" this movie is notably devoid of any of the wonderful high-tech gadgets that are a Bond trademark. Sorry, NO, his Blackberry doesn't cut it. This worked in "Casino" because it was a story-driven movie but it leaves "Quantum", with it's overdose of action and next to no story at all, strangely wanting. Q Branch isn't even mentioned. While the gadgetry became ridiculous with the Aston Martin "Vanish" in the Brosnan-era, I LIKE 007's super-conducting magnetic and/or laser beam wristwatch, exploding ballpoint pen, deadly attache case, and I'm certain I'm not the only one. NO car has ever been cooler than the DB5 'Espionage Special' with its gadgets, ejection seat, and armaments galore. I reiterate my earlier statement on Daniel Craig (see article below:"They Could've Been Bond - James Bond"): He is a good, interesting, and competent actor. I LIKE him. He is rugged, masculine, and posseses a rough but powerful charisma - but HE DOESN"T LOOK LIKE Bond. All the literary descriptions of Bond state he is dark-haired, dark-eyed, and handsome and Mr. Craig is none of these things. Undoubtedly he will appear at least once more as Bond, and undoubtedly I will be entertained by it, but when his contract is done can we PLEASE have Clive Owen and a Q Branch-issued watch?
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Best collection of info on Bond I've seen yet! Keep up the good work.
ReplyDelete"Casino Royale" 1967 was a spoof but very innovative and entertaining one.
ReplyDeleteMany late 60s (especially from 1966 -- 68) experimental movies are underrated because contemporary public didn`t understand them yet.
I think the most Fleming`style Bond was Dalton. Fleming`s Bond was pretty nervous, a bit paranoic guy, just like Dalton`.
PS. Interesting, in some novels Bond is born in 1912 (so he is in his 40s) and in others 1924 (so he is in 30s).