Aug 12, 2003 09:41 AM
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(Updated Aug 13, 2003 09:00 PM)
Like Edgar Rice Burroughs' immortal character Tarzan, and Conan Doyle's hero Sherlock Holmes, Ian Flemming's super hero James Bond became the ideal hero to millions of readers and movie goers. The film adaptation of these best sellers received mixed reaction from movie goers. Tarzan films started with Elmo Lincoln as the hero and later dozens of actors including Buster Crabbe, Gordon Scott, Johnny Weismuller and others played the title role. When the best selling Bond books began to print millions of copies to satisfy the demand, it caught the eye of the Hollywood film makers.
The first attempt was titled CASINO ROYALE with Woody Allen as Jimmy Bond, and David Niven as his father. It was a slapstick comedy, and do not really count as a Bond film.
In 1962, Harry Saltzman and Cubby Broccoli with a small budget of less than one million dollars, produced the first ever serious Bond film DR. NO. The man who played James Bond was a virtually unknown actor from Scotland named Sean Connery. The villain (Dr. No) was played by the veteran actor Joseph Wiseman, and the Bond girl was Ursula Andress from Switzerland. The film was a huge success, prompting the producers to acquire the rights of many more Bond books by Flemming.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE was released in 1963, again Sean Connery as Bond. An Italian actress Daniella Bianchi played the Bond girl and the villain was British actor Robert Shaw. It was filmed in London, Istanbul and Venice. The film became an instant box office hit around the world, making Sean Connery an international star.
The third Bond film starring Connery was the GOLD FINGER released in 1964 with Gert Forbe as the villain and Honor Blackman as the Bond girl. It also introduced a Japanese judo expert whose weapon was a razor trimmed steel hat. It was filmed in various parts of Europe including the Swiss Alps. Incidently this was Connery's all time best Bond film. The film was once again a huge success at the box office. I remember seeing this film in a theatre near Connaught place in New Delhi in 1965.
The fourth Bond film starring Connery was THUNDERBALL. It had a lavish budget and spectacular locations. By this time Connery became so famous, there were several fan clubs in his name mushroomed out around the world. His good looks and deep vocals and serious acting made him a sure box office winner. In this film, released in 1965, the villain's part was played by the brilliant Italian actor Adolfo Celi and the Bond girl was Claudine Auger.
YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE was the fifth and final film for Sean Connery according to the original contract. It was filmed in Japan, and the actor was virtually attacked by huge crowds of photographers, reporters and autograph seeking fans. It became so unbearable, Connery had to call a press conference and pleaded for some privacy. Here the villain was played by Donald Pleasence and it included some spectacular stunts.
Connery refused to sign up for the 6th Bond film. He was tired of getting a small amount for his work while the producers raked in millions of dollars. The producers thought that it did not matter who played Bond, people were going to rush in to see the film anyway, as the formula was already set. When ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE starring George Lazenby was released, it was a major box office disaster. The formula did not work. The audience wanted Connery back!
In 1971, Saltzman and Broccoli convinced Connery to star in the next Bond film, by offering him a million dollar up front as well as a generous donation to his Scottish National Fund and other incentives. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER was released with great success, It broke all the box office records. Filmed in London, Amsterdam and Las Vegas, the villain's part was played by Charles Gray and the Bond girl was Jill St. John. The film examined the diamond smuggling business involving some of the most powerful characters.
Although other actors including Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan played the role of James Bond, I think Connery's Bond was the best by far.
A major reason for the phenomenal success of the Bond films is the electrifying music scores conducted by academy award winning John Barry, with appealing title songs sung by Nancy Sinatra (Gold finger), Mat Monroe (From Russia with Love), Sheena Easton (Diamonds are forever), Tom Jones (Thunderball) and other international singers.
These six original Bond films will remain as the best Bond films and Sean Connery who coined the phrase ''BOND, JAMES BOND'' may remain as the best Bond in the history of Bond films. Even in his old age, his final Bond film NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN ( a remake of THUNDERBALL) received great success in the box office.
