 "Real Bond" | 2008-07-16 |
| - Reviewed By beejayy |
| This and Casino Royale are my all time Bond favorites. The special effects are somewhat hokey but that's what makes it so much more entertaining. The pace is a little slower than the new flicks but you have time to digest the plot. The other Jameses aren't as captivating. |
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 "He Looks & Acts Like James Bond to Me" | 2008-07-12 |
| - Reviewed By dirkodemus |
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) was the sixth James Bond film and the first without Sean Connery in the starring role. Australian George Lazenby took over the part for this ONE AND ONLY film.
The story involves Bond falling in love and ultimately marrying (!) a mob boss's daughter (Diana Rigg) and investigating a Swiss mountain-top lair wherein Blofeld (Telly Savalas) schemes to brainwash an assortment of women from around the world for his bizarre nefarious purposes.
Many Bond fans point out that this picture is the most faithful to Ian Fleming's character and book series. The story is taken from the novel of the same name.
People usually have two problems with this episode in the Bond series: (1.) Lazenby as Bond and (2.) After the first 20 minutes the story lacks any real action for the next hour or so wherein Bond goes undercover to investigate Blofeld's secret lair.
Concerning the second issue: Because the story involves at least one full hour (probably longer) of action-less spy investigation, those with ADD probably won't like this film. Personally, I enjoyed it; I can't stand when films have an explosion every two minutes to supposedly keep things "happening" and maintain the interest of the morons in the audience like, say, "The World is Not Enough." Bond masquerading as Sir Hillary at the "allergy clinic" is both interesting and amusing. Besides, the last 40 minutes or so feature numerous thrilling action scequences: the Alps ski chases, car chase, bobsled chase and the final assault on Blofeld's mountain stronghold.
Needless to say, if you're a fan of winter sports, you'll want to see this film. By the way, George Lazenby was a very accomplished skier and had won two contests in Australia before taking on the Bond role at the age of 29, the youngest Bond as of this writing.
Regarding Lazenby as Bond: Hey, he looks and acts like James Bond to me. Maybe he doesn't have the same charismatic flare as Connery (Who does?), but he certainly has his own unique appeal.
Lazenby, incidentally, was a martial arts expert, which he taught during his stint in the Australian army. He even studied under Bruce Lee and later stated that it was Lee's philisophical teachings that enabled him to go on to have such a successful business career and personal life. In fact, George was actually going to have dinner with Bruce the night he died (!) and even replaced him in what was supposed to be Lee's next film "The Shrine of Ultimate Bliss" (1974).
Lazenby amusingly commented on Pierce Brosnan as the new Bond in 1995's "Goldeneye": "... this is the 90s and women want a different man, a man who shows his feminine side. Pierce definitley has that." (LOL!) He also reflected on the character of Bond himself: "He's a ruthless bastard, really." (So true, so true).
As for the Bond women, Diana Rigg is undeniably good-looking but she doesn't do anything for me personally (too tall and thin), but there are numerous other gorgeous beauties to behold throughout the picture.
"On Her Majesty's Secret Service" is the longest Bond film at 2 hours and 22 minutes and was filmed in Portugal, Switzerland and Pinewood Studios, England.
BOTTOM LINE: Because of Lazenby and the film's literary faithfulness, this is a very unique and worthwhile Bond adventure, certainly far better than Brosnan-era pictures like "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "The World is Not Enough." It's also a MUST for those who love winter sports and spectacular Swiss winter/mountain locales. |
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| "He Looks Acts Like James Bond to Me" | 2008-07-12 |
| - Reviewed By dirkodemus |
| "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) was the sixth James Bond film and the first without Sean Connery in the starring role. Australian George Lazenby took over the part for this ONE AND ONLY film. br /br /The story involves Bond falling in love and ultimately marrying (!) a mob boss's daughter (Diana Rigg) and investigating a Swiss mountain-top lair wherein Blofeld (Telly Savalas) schemes to brainwash an assortment of women from around the world for his bizarre nefarious purposes. br /br /Many Bond fans point out that this picture is the most faithful to Ian Fleming's character and book series. The story is taken from the novel of the same name. br /br /People usually have two problems with this episode in the Bond series: (1.) Lazenby as Bond and (2.) After the first 20 minutes the story lacks any real action for the next hour or so wherein Bond goes undercover to investigate Blofeld's secret lair. br /br /Concerning the second issue: Because the story involves at least one full hour (probably longer) of action-less spy investigation, those with ADD probably won't like this film. Personally, I enjoyed it; I can't stand when films have an explosion every two minutes to supposedly keep things "happening" and maintain the interest of the morons in the audience like, say, "The World is Not Enough." Bond masquerading as Sir Hillary at the "allergy clinic" is both interesting and amusing. Besides, the last 40 minutes or so feature numerous thrilling action scequences: the Alps ski chases, car chase, bobsled chase and the final assault on Blofeld's mountain stronghold. br /br /Needless to say, if you're a fan of winter sports, you'll want to see this film. By the way, George Lazenby was a very accomplished skier and had won two contests in Australia before taking on the Bond role at the age of 29, the youngest Bond as of this writing. br /br /Regarding Lazenby as Bond: Hey, he looks and acts like James Bond to me. Maybe he doesn't have the same charismatic flare as Connery (Who does?), but he certainly has his own unique appeal. br /br /Lazenby, incidentally, was a martial arts expert, which he taught during his stint in the Australian army. He even studied under Bruce Lee and later stated that it was Lee's philisophical teachings that enabled him to go on to have such a successful business career and personal life. In fact, George was actually going to have dinner with Bruce the night he died (!) and even replaced him in what was supposed to be Lee's next film "The Shrine of Ultimate Bliss" (1974). br /br /Lazenby amusingly commented on Pierce Brosnan as the new Bond in 1995's "Goldeneye": "... this is the 90s and women want a different man, a man who shows his feminine side. Pierce definitley has that." (LOL!) He also reflected on the character of Bond himself: "He's a ruthless bastard, really." (So true, so true). br /br /As for the Bond women, Diana Rigg is undeniably good-looking but she doesn't do anything for me personally (too tall and thin), but there are numerous other gorgeous beauties to behold throughout the picture. br /br /"On Her Majesty's Secret Service" is the longest Bond film at 2 hours and 22 minutes and was filmed in Portugal, Switzerland and Pinewood Studios, England. br /br /BOTTOM LINE: Because of Lazenby and the film's literary faithfulness, this is a very unique and worthwhile Bond adventure, certainly far better than Brosnan-era pictures like "Tomorrow Never Dies" and "The World is Not Enough." It's also a MUST for those who love winter sports and spectacular Swiss winter/mountain locales. |
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| "In the top 3 Bond films" | 2008-02-24 |
| - Reviewed By gregv2k |
| It is almost inexplicable that this movie isn't more widely heralded as a benchmark for the series, but I'll give it a shot. First, Lazenby made one of the gravest errors in Bond history by announcing that this would be his only Bond film PRIOR to the movie's release. I think this made audiences wonder if it was worth getting to know him, and so many passed it by (therefore, the low box office). Secondly, an unfortunate many of us are distracted by appearance, and in this film Bond wears ascots and a kilt and there is no doubt that many of our peers used this as evidence that Connery was more "manly" than Lazenby. It's silly. Lazenby is a confident, brilliant Bond in the best Fleming tradition, and Peter Hunt knew everything he needed to know about pacing and directorial execution from Hunt's prior association with the series. One of the best directed, best scripted, most satisfying Bond movies to date. Anyone who considers themselves a Bond fan should have this film in their collection. It's good every time, and as many here have already noted, it may actually improve with age. Very well Mr. Bond. |
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| "George Lanzeby did a great job" | 2007-09-12 |
| - Reviewed By the_goddess_to_be |
| Although George Lanzenby only played James Bond once, he did a great job in "On her Majesty's Secret Service". The film has good acting and amazing action sequences. Diana Rigg does a phenomenal job as "Tracy Bond", the only woman to have actually married James Bond. Blofeld is well performed by Terry Savalas. I really enjoyed Lanzenby as Bond and I wish he had done more. This is truly a fantastic movie and one of the best James Bond films. |
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| "This movie has grown on me..." | 2007-07-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3QSTCRUE04VOP |
| Although I'm a big James Bond fan, I wasn't always a huge fan of this particular movie. But yesterday I felt compelled to dig this out of the stash (I have the entire Bond movie collection from Dr. No to Casino Royale) and I must say that I have a greater appreciation for it now. While he may be no Sean Connery, George Lazenby really shined in the role of 007. Lazenby has all the personality and wit of 007 and it makes me wonder what it would've been like had he done more movies for the franchise. My favorite scene had to be the cool bobsled showdown between Bond & Blofeld (played by Telly "Kojak" Sevalas). Plus, this is the only Bond movie that I remember having a sad ending to it. Bottom line it's a great movie to have in your collection, especially if you're a Bond fan. |
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| "An Overlooked Bond: Don't Even Think About This Edition! Get the Ultimate Edition!" | 2007-03-23 |
| - Reviewed By dsandmanmx |
To say that ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE has grown on me is an understatement. The first time that I saw it a few years ago, I can remember laughing with my friend about how awful Lazenby was as a replacement for Connery. But after a recent second viewing, my tone has changed dramatically. ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE is now one of my favorite Bond films. Of the first six movies, I would definitely place it in the top three and it certainly beats out its predecessor YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, both in its "watchability" and its ranking as a Bond film. What is it about ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE that is so good? Well, it seems that director Peter Hunt (the fantastic editor of the previous films) wanted to return Bond to his roots, emphasizing story and characters over action and gadgets. Indeed, the gadgets are absent in this film. Instead, we get a good old story of espionage as Bond infiltrates the secret mountain-top lair of Ernst Blofeld, posing as a famous genealogist. Lazenby is a superb Bond. Though he doesn't handle women in the same smooth way and his charm and refinement are noticeably lacking, Lazenby does deliver some terrific action sequences. Furthermore, Lazenby handles the scripts "love interest" quite well, showing us one of the most emotional Bonds ever. Understandably, fans either loved or hated this new Bond, and the film went on to be less of a success as the Connery films. Still, one has to wonder what might have become of the series if Lazenby had kept the role for a significant run.
After the opening "gun barrel" sequence, we are greeted with the pre-credits teaser. M and Moneypenny are at a loss of where exactly 007 is located. We have no problem finding him. We watch as Bond chases after a girl, whom we later discover is Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg), and saves her from near suicide, only to be attacked by an enemy. A great fight sequence in the waves is played out, with Lazenby delivering in fine style. It's been a while since Bond has been this fit! The girl escapes Bond during the commotion, leaving him alone on the beach. Lazenby, firmly set in his new role, winks at the camera and says "This never happened to the other fellow." In breaking the fourth wall, Lazenby and the Bond team let us know that James Bond is not Sean Connery; James Bond is James Bond. This line kicks off the titles, another Binder work, this time without a popular singer belting a song. Perhaps after the awkward lyrics of THUNDERBALL, the producers decided that trying to work ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE into a song would just be too difficult. The titles are a classic Binder work, involving shifting images through an hourglass and elaborate silhouettes.
The plot is back to the good old days and adds a love angle, allowing for some character depth on the part of Bond. The first part of the film opens up on that angle. Bond encounters Tracy again (Teresa di Vicenzo) and makes a more "formal" introduction. After their brief encounter, Bond is suddenly kidnapped and taken to see Marc-Ange Draco (Gabriele Ferzetti), head of Europe's second largest crime syndicate (second only to SPECTRE). There it is revealed that Tracy is Draco's daughter. In a weird spin, Draco desires Bond to continue to woo his daughter, ultimately marrying her for a personal dowry of one million pounds. Tracy has had a troubled past (as we have witnessed) and Bond is just the sort of thing she needs to save her. Bond refuses the proposal, but agrees to continue to see his daughter in exchange for information about Ernst Blofeld's whereabouts. Upon returning to MI6, Bond is promptly kicked off his current assignment of tracking down Blofeld. Bond is so irritated that he tenders his resignation, only to have his resignation covertly changed to a leave of absence by Moneypenny. Realizing that he can continue to pursue Blofeld on his vacation, Bond heartily accepts the vacation. After some good old spy work, Bond finally learns that Blofeld is attempting to lay claim to a royal title, under the French surname Bleuchamp. Posing as genealogist Sir Hilary Bray, Bond gains access to Blofeld's new hideout--a "research institute" sitting on top of the Piz Gloria in the Swiss Alps. Once there, Bond learns that Blofeld has developed a bacterial weapon that he plans to distribute throughout the world. The weapon is so powerful that it is capable of destroying vital species of flora and fauna--unless, of course, Blofeld is granted amnesty for all past crimes and given his new title. Will Bond be able to stop the crisis before it is too late?
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE displays many characteristics of the great Bond films. Its plot is intricate and involves good old-fashioned spy work. Bond is a character of great depth in this film, portraying both a recklessness and arrogance towards MI6 and the establishment, as well as great love for his leading lady. Finally, the action in this film is great. The famous downhill ski and bobsled fights are fantastic and do not lack for any excitement. Unlike Lewis Gilbert in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, director Peter Hunt decided to keep the film as close to Fleming's novel as possible, yielding a film that many fans of the books describe as the most accurate Bond adaptation ever produced. It's a shame that it has the negative reputation that it is sometimes branded with.
George Lazenby, as mentioned before, does a find job as Bond. While he certainly doesn't have the same style and class as Connery (who does?), Lazenby is more than adequate in the action sequences and handles the fights wonderfully. Moreover, he turns in one of the more complex Bond performances, culminating in the film's final sequence. I was startled to see a scene like that in a Bond film and welcomed its arrival. Diana Riggs also turns in a good performance, providing us with one of the more complex and dominant female leads ever to show up in a Bond film. Telly Savalas's rendition of Blofeld (the second actor to play the visual part) is one of my favorites. His Blofeld is not quite as pathetic as the one we first meet in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and not quite as quirky as the one we will soon meet in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. While he doesn't live up to the menace of the character originally heard in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, he is certainly a more capable, worldly, and interesting villain than the rest.
Ultimately, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE feels very different from the rest of the Bond films. For my tastes, it was a refreshing return to the source before the Bond series would take on its inevitable Roger Moore phase. Don't bother with this edition! The Ultimate Edition looks very crisp and sounds wonderful. It is also packed with plenty of extras, including a "Making of" documentary, films about the casting of the new Bond, interviews with Lazenby, and all of the usual assorted material. BINDER DOCUMENTARY? If you like the novels or are a fan of the early Bond films, you can't go wrong with ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE. Just promise to give Lazenby a chance.
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| "George Lazenby is first rate as James Bond" | 2007-02-24 |
| - Reviewed By rob7939ash |
The rap that you always read about this film is that is was really good except for the casting of James Bond. Well, I'm here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth!
George Lazenby was a great James Bond! Not only was he perfectly cast but his performance is dead-on, as good as anything Sean Connery did.
Lazenby is a hybrid of Sean Connery and Cary Grant, not a bad combination, particularly when you're trying to find an actor to play James Bond! Grant was often mentioned as a possibility for James Bond but was too old when the series finally got off the ground.
The reason Lazenby only made one James Bond film was NOT because audiences rejected him. Nor was it because the producers didn't want him. The reason Lazenby never played Bond again was because his agent told him to turn the part down!!! The agent thought it wouldn't be "smart" to become typecast as James Bond, as Connery had.
Obviously, that was the worst advice any actor has ever gotten because Lazenby hasn't worked in films since!
The film faithfully adapts the Fleming novel to the screen which is a really good thing because OHMSS is Fleming's best novel. The other cast members are excellent but miscast. Tracy was supposed to be a blonde--Fleming even described her as being a bit like Brigette Bardot. Diana Rigg, of "The Avengers", is obviously a much better actress than Bardot so we are probably better off with her in the part. She's great in the film.
Ditto Telly Savalas. Not a good choice for the sophisticated, German master criminal, Ernst Stravo Blofeld but what s performance!!! Savalas perfectly portrays the character despite being the wrong "type". Savalas makes Blofeld the most fully realized Bond villain since Auric Goldfinger.
The story is great and the action is non-stop in the second half. The producers make you really care about Bond and Tracy and that's quite an achievement for an action-adventure film.
All in all, this is the easily the greatest James Bond film ever made. "Goldfinger", the film that established the Bond "formula", is the only other Bond movie that reaches this high a level. "Goldfinger", incidently, also features an ex-Avenger, Honor Blackman.
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| "A must for the James Bond collector" | 2007-02-22 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1FLRU4K3T3ZD4 |
| Although Sean Connery was my favorite Bond, George Lazenby has really grown on me. Diana Rigg is wonderful too and nice to see after her stint in The Avengers. This is a really great James Bond film and ranks right up there with Goldfinger and Dr. No. |
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| "Faithful to the novel. One of the best James Bond films!" | 2007-01-21 |
| - Reviewed By lawdog2 |
This film is quite faithful to the superb Ian Fleming novel of the same name. George Lazenby surprises as a very serviceable James Bond (although in my opinion no one can play the role as well as the great Sean Connery) although he is a bit too handsome. When he impersonates Sir Hillary Bray, he is authentic and hilarious. Telly Savalas does a fine job as the evil Ernst Blofeld.
This story has class, action, beautiful women, a great storyline, and everything. I was riveted to the screen from the opening credits to the ending. The theme music of this one is one of the very best of the always excellent James Bond music genre. All in all, there is very little not to like about this film. I bought this one used, as it is presently out of production. It needs to be made available immediately, so that everyone can own and enjoy it! |
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