Directed by:
Peter R. HuntScreenplay:
Richard MaibaumCinematography:
Michael ReedComposer:
John BarryCast:
George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, Gabriele Ferzetti, Ilse Steppat, Lois Maxwell, George Baker, Bernard Lee, Desmond Llewelyn, Jurij Borienko (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
James Bond woos a mob boss's daughter and goes undercover to uncover the true reason for Blofeld's allergy research in the Swiss Alps that involves beautiful women from around the world. (official distributor synopsis)
Videos (2)
Reviews (9)
Lazenby is not charismatic but rather arrogant, the Bond girl is an unsympathetic bitch, and the bland script lets 007 sail through a story where absolutely nothing happens for the first hour. Then, documents are stolen in Switzerland, there’s a bit of skiing, and finally, the Blofeld mansion is attacked. Two and a half hours of cruel boredom. PS: The fact that Blofeld doesn't recognize Bond in their first scene together (given that the film sort of picks up from the previous film) amazes me more than the sloppy wedding.
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A great Bond film with one mammoth and inherent BUT. Almost everything works the way it is supposed to for agent 007 – a very decent script, excellent action scenes (unless they happen to be spoiled by the editor with his epileptic and illogical alternation of views), a truly exceptionally charismatic Bond girl, the traditionally excellent John Barry in the orchestra pit, and Blofeld in the luxurious version of Telly Savalas. Peter R. Hunt directed the film with an overview, and the only BUT also relates to his work. The BUT is George Lazenby, playing the lead role of Agent 007, the man on which it all hinges. I have nothing against Lazenby trying to do Bond his own way, give him some warmth of the family fireplace and a desire to settle down. The real stumbling block is the lack of acting skills of the main protagonist, who takes Bond into the role of a wooden doll whose catchphrases sound so starchy and forced that after a while they get on one's nerves. Although Lazenby had excellent physical qualifications, he did not sell them in the film, because he could not smuggle real passion or aggression into Bond. He's just riding along with the rest of the movie, and his chosen Diana Rigg, even his opponent Telly Savalas, are better actors. It's a shame that Albert Broccoli met Lazenby three years before making this film at the barber's. It’s too bad he caught his eye, and it's a shame that no one noticed that this guy might have the skills to play a mannequin and an advertising actor, but he's desperately not suitable for a big film. On Her Majesty's Secret Service could have been one of the best Bond films – it has strength, momentum, tension, a touching and rough finish, but it doesn't have the main thing. A hero. Truly a pity... ___ Bond Song: John Barry: “On Her Majesty's Secret Service"
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This film has faced plenty of negative criticism over the years, which I think is totally undeserved. I get that George Lazenby is the main problem. I certainly agree that he comes across as wooden and even a bit sleazy. Except for the lead, I have no major complaints, though. I enjoyed the story, it had some funny lines, if I ignore the ridiculous reference to Connery in the beginning. The pace was great, plus, Bond vs. Kojak!
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After Sean Connery's departure (who later returned as one of the highest-paid actors of his time in the subsequent Bond film), expectations were high. On Lazenby himself, you can really see how hard he tried to fulfill the role, perhaps he was even forced to do so. Perhaps if he had acted more according to himself and not like Connery, he would have come across a bit more believably. Still, I don't think it was a bad move. What intrigued me the most about this Bond film, though, was Diana Rigg. She's just amazing. I literally fell in love with her in the series The Avengers, where she was the perfect match for John Steed's character. They had perfect chemistry. And here she demonstrated how she can sell her charm, captivating me once again. Despite the criticism it received, one cannot deny that the film is entertaining and action-packed, but due to its length, it does feel a bit drawn-out. But the ending...
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With much hindsight, and having finally seen this Bond film in its original version, I have to admit that it's not bad at all. I'd even argue that it's a great pity Lazenby didn't (want to) get another chance. He plays 007 quite convincingly, although he lacks Connery's charm. He's tough and his fights, for example, are a joy to watch. The film also features the first of Bond's ski chases, an impeccably shot avalanche scene, a bobsled chase, and a final mega-action set piece with helicopters. Blofeld, with the face of Telly Savalas, once again has an admirable diabolical plan, and the Bond girl (Bond wife?), who always gives me goosebumps, is really hot. There's a wonderful song to go with it (when Louis Armstrong sings John Barry's tune, everything is perfect). Five stars.
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