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[Bondaholic :: Nobody Does]

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - 1969

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is regarded as one of the best entries of film in the entire James Bond franchise. However it is notably very underrated among some of the fans. Taking the roll of Bond in this film was a new face, George Lazenby. Lazenby previous careers were interesting; a cars saleman, ski instructor, Australian model. In early drafts of the script Bond was shown to have plastic surgery, to explain why Blofeld wouldn't notice him and to explain the new face to Bond, But this idea was dropped. On Her Majesty's Secret Service was the longest Bond film to date until 2006 when Casino Royale was released.

When George Lazenby's manager told him that he had a chance of getting the roll of Bond Lazenby showed up for rehearsals. Among his competitors were other actors such as Adam West, If whom was to be brought into the role of Bond, It would have become too Americanized no offence to Americans. Lazenby soon met with director Peter Hunt and he soon got the roll of Bond after 4 months of rehearsals. However the 7 movie contract was never signed.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service plays with Lazenby's introduction. At first, we don't see his face -- just the back of his head in an over-the-shoulder shot. The "James Bond Theme" is playing, however, so there's no doubt who's supposed to be on screen. Then, after the beach fight where Lazenby's features are revealed, Bond makes an oblique reference to the actor switch: "This never happened to the other fellow." referring to Sean Connery, his predecessor. The title sequences then kick in. John Barry's score in this film is one of his best. The entire title sequence is completely instumental no lyrics which makes this film even more unique compared to the other films.

George Lazenby handled action sequences well, Which is apparently the best thing he could do considering he had never acted before until this roll. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is a genuine plot which sticks close to Fleming's novel. Ernst Blofeld returns but this time his plans are to start a biological warfare waged from a "research clinic" high in the Alps. Bond must disguise himself as Sir Hillary Bray a genealogist to get in without being noticed. But upon finding out Blofeld's location, Bond falls in love with Teresa 'Tracy' di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg). The love song by Louis Armstrong "We Have All The Time In The World" is a perfect accompaniment to James and Tracy's growing attachment.

The main problem with this film which is hard to admit is the acting. Peter Hunt's background was though a technical profession having been the editor of 4 previous Bond films he had not got got the best performances out of the cast. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is one of the best paced action film in the series, with its outstanding skiing sequences, attacking Piz Gloria, for a full half an hour of the film there is non stop action. The film contains references to previous Bond films such as the gadgets, the janitor whistling the Goldfinger theme and many more. However when Bond is cracking into a safe he uses a huge machine, this has been said to be this big due to the photo copier accomanying it. During this time Bond passes time by reading a playboy magazine.

A heavily edited verson of the film was released by ABC in 1976. In this the film started with the attack on Piz Gloria and ended with the beach scene and the wedding. Deleted scenes of the film include; Bond getting Tracy's ring and a reflection of Irma Bunt is shown. Other scenes include Bond chasing a Spectre Agent through London rooftops. But during this shot Lazenby damagd his shoulder and it was never finished. None of these shots were ever filmed, But some stills still exist.

This is one of the most emotional Bond films alongside Casino Royale. Bond falls in love, Romantic scenes, gets married, But then a tragic ending. Soon after Bond and Tracy's wedding they are driving down a motorway and onto a mountainside road, they pull over to take of all of the flowers decorated on the car. Whilst Bond is taking off the flowers a Silver Mercedes 600 drives past with Blofeld and the wheel and Irma Bunt in the back with a machine gun, Shots are fired and Bond runs over to the his door to get in. "It's Blofeld .... It's Blofeld" he then turns to Tracy. Bullet holes in the front windowscreen, and blood trickling down from Tracy's forehead with a bullet hole centered. In the first shooting of this scene, Lazenby cried, but then Peter Hunt said "Bond dosen't cry" then scene was reshot and Bond did not cry.

George Lazenby's manager talked Lazenby out of the contract saying that he would get much better rolls after this and Lazenby left the roll of Bond before it was released. Lazenby never signed the seven movie contract. In recent interviews with George Lazenby he has said looking back he should have done more than one film.

9.3 / 10

Edited by Bondaholic :: Nobody Does, 02 February 2009 - 10:55 AM.

[HildebrandRarity]

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - 1969

In early drafts of the script Bond was shown to have plastic surgery, to explain why Blofeld wouldn't notice him and to explain the new face to Bond, But this idea was dropped...


...after the beach fight..., Bond makes an oblique reference to the actor switch: "This never happened to the other fellow." referring to Sean Connery, his predecessor.

The film contains references to previous Bond films such as the gadgets, the janitor whistling the Goldfinger theme and many more.

One of the many flaws in OHMSS is that it tries to play it both ways: It wants to be linked to the Sean Connery OO7 films but then fails to account for why Blofeld doesn't notice him. It's very irritating, especially when it breaks the fourth wall, not once but twice (as noted by your post).

OHMSS has an outstanding score by John Barry (probably the best of the series), the best actress providing a great performance as one of the more 'important' Bond Girls in the canon, fantastic cinematography. Where it's not as good are in elements such as weak acting by the lead, weak editing and the failure of the team to really deliver on the love story given his Playboy shenanigans up at Piz Gloria.

OHMSS, i.m.o., is an 8.25 out of 10 and no higher than number 5 out of 22/23...but no lower than number 7 out of 22/23.

[Mr_Wint]

It is 9.3/10.
No! It is: 8.25/10.

How about 8.975488458/10 ?

... or how about rounding of to the nearest integer?

[lazenbyland]

"role" not "roll".
"would have" not "would of".
ABC's version was in 1976 not 1970.
The reasons for ABC's version are known.
Lazenby never did a movie with Bruce Lee as Lee died before any films were made.
"should have" not "should of".

9 point 3??

[Zorin Industries]

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - 1969

In early drafts of the script Bond was shown to have plastic surgery, to explain why Blofeld wouldn't notice him and to explain the new face to Bond, But this idea was dropped...


...after the beach fight..., Bond makes an oblique reference to the actor switch: "This never happened to the other fellow." referring to Sean Connery, his predecessor.

The film contains references to previous Bond films such as the gadgets, the janitor whistling the Goldfinger theme and many more.

One of the many flaws in OHMSS is that it tries to play it both ways: It wants to be linked to the Sean Connery OO7 films but then fails to account for why Blofeld doesn't notice him. It's very irritating, especially when it breaks the fourth wall, not once but twice (as noted by your post).

OHMSS does not break the fourth wall once. "The other fella" line is not breaking "the wall". It's an aside from a character to himself. "The other fella" was not necessarily referencing Connery, but whoever Lazenby's 007 replaced - which is sort of the unspoken poetic licence of all of the series. And a janitor whistling a theme tune is not breaking the wall either.

[Bondaholic :: Nobody Does]

"role" not "roll".
"would have" not "would of".
ABC's version was in 1976 not 1970.
The reasons for ABC's version are known.
Lazenby never did a movie with Bruce Lee as Lee died before any films were made.
"should have" not "should of".

9 point 3??

Thanks lazenbyland

My grammar is not brilliant, My facts are prefect either

Fixed them now

[HildebrandRarity]

On Her Majesty's Secret Service - 1969

In early drafts of the script Bond was shown to have plastic surgery, to explain why Blofeld wouldn't notice him and to explain the new face to Bond, But this idea was dropped...


...after the beach fight..., Bond makes an oblique reference to the actor switch: "This never happened to the other fellow." referring to Sean Connery, his predecessor.

The film contains references to previous Bond films such as the gadgets, the janitor whistling the Goldfinger theme and many more.

One of the many flaws in OHMSS is that it tries to play it both ways: It wants to be linked to the Sean Connery OO7 films but then fails to account for why Blofeld doesn't notice him. It's very irritating, especially when it breaks the fourth wall, not once but twice (as noted by your post).

OHMSS does not break the fourth wall once. "The other fella" line is not breaking "the wall". It's an aside from a character to himself. "The other fella" was not necessarily referencing Connery, but whoever Lazenby's 007 replaced...

Bumkum! "...whoever Lazenby's 007 replaced"?

Who did he replace?

In this movie, this 007 had been after Blofeld for two years...and it's this OO7 that takes out his victory spoils (Honey's diving knife, Grant's watch (I wonder how he acquired that!), re-breather from The Bahamas) from an acknowledged, 'talented' past in Her Majesty's Secret Service..

Your point, my friend, doesn't 'jive' given any known context.

[Major Tallon]

The villain has murdered the woman's husband, but in one scene of dialog persuades her to set aside her feelings of loathing and marry him in the man's place. Having carried this off, he turns to the audience and sneers, "Was ever woman in this humour woo'd?/ Was ever woman in this humour won?" (Richard III, Act I, Scene ii). The audience stalked out in disgust, but not at the monster's villainy.

The prevailing sentiment was, "It's rubbish; broke the fourth wall."

[HildebrandRarity]

Ha ha. I always gravitated towards Hamlet.

[dee-bee-five]

OHMSS does not break the fourth wall once. "The other fella" line is not breaking "the wall". It's an aside from a character to himself. "The other fella" was not necessarily referencing Connery, but whoever Lazenby's 007 replaced - which is sort of the unspoken poetic licence of all of the series. And a janitor whistling a theme tune is not breaking the wall either.

It's a moot point. Lazenby's look to camera teeters on the edge of breaking the fourth wall (Connery's wink at the end of NSNA does break it, I think), but doesn't, quite. The janitor doesn't break it at all in my view.

[lazenbyland]

With the so-called 4th wall, you have to remember the time the film was made. As we now have 6 actors to have played the role of 007, Lazenby is now generally regarded as just being part of the mix like everyone else.

However when he took over as Bond, there was only one actor in everyone's minds, and that was Connery. And even when Roger Moore took over, Lazenby was still very much the 'odd one out' until Dalton took over and the burden was shared around a bit more.

The full expectation of everyone who watched the OHMSS pre-credits was that the female (Rigg) would fall into 007's arms similar to what we had seen with Connery in his pre-credits and Roger Moore with many of his. The sight of Rigg just driving off caught everyone by surprise. So Lazenby saying 'This never happened to the other feller' was just to break the ice, and obviously referring to Connery. As Peter Hunt said, this was the only time in the film you could get away with it. I thought it was great when I first saw it and audiences loved it too.

It's one of those, 'we're all going on an adventure moment' and if there is an elephant in the room, then it gets this out of the way so we can just relax and enjoy the film.

However you have to have seen this on your first viewing of OHMSS. The ABC TV version ruined its effect and took away from most american viewers the impact of the statement, thus damaging the film's unjustified reputation even more.

[Piz Gloria 1969]

"Grant's watch"

Entirely plausible that Q-branch made a similar one y'know.....

[HildebrandRarity]

A handful of OHMSS apologists on these boards won't make the film's several 'issues' disappear and make the film go from #6/7 to #1.

One of the many flaws in OHMSS is that it tries to play it both ways: It wants to be linked to the Sean Connery OO7 films but then fails to account for why Blofeld doesn't notice him.

Where it's not as good are in elements such as weak acting by the lead, weak editing and the failure of the team to really deliver on the love story given his Playboy shenanigans up at Piz Gloria.

If OHMSS came out today as is, audiences would want their money back because Bond just sits there as Blofeld and Bunt blow his wife away into oblivion.

Critics would pan Lazenby's acting too.

[Revelator]

One of the many flaws in OHMSS is that it tries to play it both ways: It wants to be linked to the Sean Connery OO7 films but then fails to account for why Blofeld doesn't notice him. It's very irritating, especially when it breaks the fourth wall, not once but twice (as noted by your post).

It's very irritating for you, but luckily your tastes aren't those of everybody else. OHMSS quite simply asks the viewer to forget that YOLT ever happened (it's not an accident that every other Bond film gets directly referenced but that one [outside of the credits anyway]). Lazenby doesn't "break the fourth wall," which would consist of directly addressing the viewer. He makes a remark to himself while striding roughly in the direction of the camera. The better word to describe the remark is metatextual, and it's a neat way of winking at the audience and admitting that things will be slightly different, while at the same time reinforcing the continuity of the series. And from my experience, audiences appreciate this gesture quite a bit. It also helps that the line comes at the end of an intense scene rather than the middle of it, and it helps lead into a credits sequence that helps remind viewers of the continuity to the older entries in the series.

Where it's not as good are in elements such as weak acting by the lead, weak editing and the failure of the team to really deliver on the love story given his Playboy shenanigans up at Piz Gloria.

None of these are convincing as flaws. Lazenby came through in the most important dramatic moments of the picture, the editing is perhaps the strongest and most razor-sharp of any in the Bond pictures, and Bond's shenanigans are in character: they would have been far less permissible if he had been engaged to Tracy at that point, but he wasn't.

A handful of OHMSS apologists on these boards won't make the film's several 'issues' disappear and make the film go from #6/7 to #1.

And one nitpicker can't obscure the fact that OHMSS's critical reputation has been rising for several decades thanks precisely to those "apologists", who deserve a round of thanks. The film's several issues don't need to disappear for those who view them as either minor blemishes or even assets.

If OHMSS came out today as is, audiences would want their money back because Bond just sits there as Blofeld and Bunt blow his wife away into oblivion.

I think you might want your eyeballs back, because what you describe has little relation to the actual film. Bond wasn't sitting there as Tracy got shot--he was outside the car when the gunshots struck, and right afterward rushed back into the car only to see that his wife was dead, and, quite understandably he couldn't summon the strength to go chase him. Not even the most depraved audience would expect Bond to pitch his just-murdered wife out of the car and drive off after Blofeld.

Critics would pan Lazenby's acting too.

Did it ever occur to you that critics at the time panned Lazenby because they would have pretty much panned any actor who came right after Connery? The reason why so many critics and audience members nowadays like Lazenby's performance is because they're not resentful of anyone who isn't the original actor and are used to more than one interpretation of Bond.

Edited by Revelator, 09 February 2009 - 09:56 PM.

[Major Tallon]

I'm solidly with Revelator on this.

And as my friend Hildebrand Rarity must realize, I'm not an apologist, I'm a fan. I'm not one of a handful. I'm one of a legion!

[sharpshooter]

I will not apologize for a great film. I will, however, defend it. I think the editing style is one of the best parts of OHMSS, myself. If certain people dislike it, it obviously just comes down to personal taste. It doesn't make it terrible. I’m willing to accept an OHMSS editing style, and I’m willing to accept an often maligned QoS editing style.

As for Bond’s antics with the girls atop Piz Gloria, that’s not love, they’re nothing more than disposable pleasures to pass the time. It’s a big element of the Bond character. I don't really have a problem with it.

Bond wasn't sitting there as Tracy got shot--he was outside the car when the gunshots struck, and right afterward rushed back into the car only to see that his wife was dead, and, quite understandably he couldn't summon the strength to go chase him.

Exactly. It’s also a near replica of the scene in Fleming’s book.

[HildebrandRarity]

By editing I mean the numerous instances where lines of dialogue for Lazenby were added in post production and where we don't see his lips move or his his head has just turned. "Royal Baluga...North of the Caspian" (while his mouth is full of toast and caviar), "Mystery tour, eh?", "Perhaps you should have been gift-wrapped", "he had lots of guts", "He's branched off" just to name a few.

Another instance of bad editing: When the timer counts down to zero But a full seven seconds pass before Piz Gloria blows, conveniently allowing Bond to jump out of the Blofeld's escape hatch. Terrible editing.

Also, ever heard of the idea that just because something is done in a novel doesn't mean that it makes good material for a movie? Well, Bond sitting there with his dead wife and not going after her killers is unsatisfactory film-making.

No wonder it was the worst ever received Bond film up until LTK in 1989.

[00Twelve]

"Mystery tour, eh?"

[anal]Actually, that's not one of those instances. That line is clearly readable on his lips.[/anal]

[HildebrandRarity]

"Mystery tour, eh?"

[anal]Actually, that's not one of those instances. That line is clearly readable on his lips.[/anal]

Alright, I wrote those off the top of my head...but if I put in my DVD and dedicate 2h 20mins of my non-working/non-sleeping life, I assure you I shall find several more instances.

Another such instance to replace that one you picked out, and again off the top of my head, is: "Gate-crasher...i'll leave you to clean up".

[Mr Teddy Bear]

No wonder it was the worst ever received Bond film up until LTK in 1989.

http://au.rottentoma...secret_service/
http://au.rottentoma...icence_to_kill/
http://au.rottentoma...ntum_of_solace/

Hmm.

Edited by Mr Teddy Bear, 10 February 2009 - 04:16 AM.

[HildebrandRarity]

No wonder it was the worst ever received Bond film up until LTK in 1989.

http://au.rottentoma...secret_service/
http://au.rottentoma...icence_to_kill/
http://au.rottentoma...ntum_of_solace/

Hmm.

Go by box office, my friend.

[sharpshooter]

Another instance of bad editing: When the timer counts down to zero But a full seven seconds pass before Piz Gloria blows, conveniently allowing Bond to jump out of the Blofeld's escape hatch. Terrible editing.

I’ve always viewed that scene as a flashback of sorts. The events that were happening between Bond and Blofeld whilst Draco and co. were counting down.

Bond sitting there with his dead wife and not going after her killers is unsatisfactory film-making.

For you it is. I think the scene is perfect as is, and one of the best scenes in franchise history. Bond is a broken man and his world has caved in. He can't fathom the situation and he can't do anything. And Bond roaring off with his dead wife in the passenger seat would have been absurd.

[Harmsway]

Well, Bond sitting there with his dead wife and not going after her killers is unsatisfactory film-making.

Nonsense.

[Mr Teddy Bear]

No wonder it was the worst ever received Bond film up until LTK in 1989.

http://au.rottentoma...secret_service/
http://au.rottentoma...icence_to_kill/
http://au.rottentoma...ntum_of_solace/

Hmm.

Go by box office, my friend.

To be honest, I'm not too fussed about dollars or reviews, I go by what's in my noggin. I just found those results interesting.

I'll agree some of the post production dubbing is a bit jarring, but the final scene was perfect as is. For Bond to enter a car chase or pursue Blofeld then and there would've been extremely detrimental to the realisation that Bond's love was gone and a piece of his soul stolen from him.

Edited by Mr Teddy Bear, 10 February 2009 - 06:25 AM.

[HildebrandRarity]

Another instance of bad editing: When the timer counts down to zero But a full seven seconds pass before Piz Gloria blows, conveniently allowing Bond to jump out of the Blofeld's escape hatch. Terrible editing.

I’ve always viewed that scene as a flashback of sorts. The events that were happening between Bond and Blofeld whilst Draco and co. were counting down.

Bond sitting there with his dead wife and not going after her killers is unsatisfactory film-making.

For you it is.

Not only for me. The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

You think the audience today would be happy with that type of ending to a Bond movie today?

Well, audiences were no different then. My parents saw OHMSS during release and they were a little 'dissappointed'. Then my parent's took me to see YOLT re-release and DAF theatrical release, both in late 1971 (movies I vaguely remember) and they (much) later told me that the ending to OHMSS was a 'real downer' and 'extinguished optimism'.

There could have been one scene after...after a fade to black from the ending we got...and Bond could have been seen as being in a different location/season getting his revenge with at least Bunt.

[Zorin Industries]

The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

You think the audience today would be happy with that type of ending to a Bond movie today?

Ask those that highly rate CASINO ROYALE. I don't remember that ending being quite the "Oh James" slow boat to Pinewood moment.

A Bond's film's success should not be boiled down to how many zeros it has at the box office. Artistically, OHMSS is one of two or maybe three blueprints for how far 007 films can push their formula and - ironically - use that formula to its creative advantage.

[HildebrandRarity]

The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

You think the audience today would be happy with that type of ending to a Bond movie today?

Ask those that highly rate CASINO ROYALE. I don't remember that ending being quite the "Oh James" slow boat to Pinewood moment.

No, but the film didn't end with Vesper's death.

Read my above post where a fade to black and then the passage of a season or a different location with Bond hunting down at least Bunt, at least, (the way Mr White was hunted down) would have been more satifying and successful. You dispute the fact that OHMSS had the worst box office of Bonds upto 1989?

[sharpshooter]

The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

I'm cool with that. I don't need my opinions to be validated by the popular majority. Box office does not influence me one bit. It does not make me enjoy it any more, or any less. You could give a film a gold medal in women's figure skating for all I care; it doesn't change my opinion.

[Zorin Industries]

The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

You think the audience today would be happy with that type of ending to a Bond movie today?

Ask those that highly rate CASINO ROYALE. I don't remember that ending being quite the "Oh James" slow boat to Pinewood moment.

No, but the film didn't end with Vesper's death.

Read my above post where a fade to black and then the passage of a season or a different location with Bond hunting down at least Bunt, at least, (the way Mr White was hunted down) would have been more satifying and successful. You dispute the fact that OHMSS had the worst box office of Bonds upto 1989?

ROYALE did end with VESPER's death - tonally, narratively and dramatically. The intent Craig has to reek revenge is still there with Lazenby looking into the distance. We don't need a more upbeat coda framing the film for happiness's sake. James Bond 007 is a trained murderer. His job has its' victims. OHMSS knew to show that by ending in the way it does and so does CASINO ROYALE (and, to a degree, QUANTUM OF SOLACE which echoes the tone and tragedy of the job as much as Bond '69 and '06 ever did).

With all respect, I don't care what monies the Bond films took at the box office (not when, on fiscal paper, DIE ANOTHER DAY was one of the biggest Bonds of all time). It is about more than just the end product. It is about the audiences of 1969 wanting to see EASY RIDER, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT and HEAD. That does nothing to imply OHMSS was a poor film. There is always a cultural and cinematic context to the box office of Bond films. LICENCE TO KILL did not fare brilliantly at the box office because it was an inferior film that took too many risks. LICENCE TO KILL got shunted aside somewhat as 1989 was the year in which the Summer blockbuster (which 007 helped nurture, although not solely) came of age (BATMAN, DEAD POET'S SOCIETY, BACK TO THE FUTURE II, LAST CRUSADE, THE BURBS, GHOSTBUSTERS II, LETHAL WEAPON 2) and Bond got lost in the rush. The higher rating didn't help either, but it didn't hamper the Brosnans which edged up the ratings tree.

[HildebrandRarity]

The planet made OHMSS the worst of the Bonds at the box office...until LTK came along 20 years later.

You think the audience today would be happy with that type of ending to a Bond movie today?

Ask those that highly rate CASINO ROYALE. I don't remember that ending being quite the "Oh James" slow boat to Pinewood moment.

No, but the film didn't end with Vesper's death.

Read my above post where a fade to black and then the passage of a season or a different location with Bond hunting down at least Bunt, at least, (the way Mr White was hunted down) would have been more satifying and successful. You dispute the fact that OHMSS had the worst box office of Bonds upto 1989?

ROYALE did end with VESPER's death - tonally, narratively and dramatically. The intent Craig has to reek revenge is still there with Lazenby looking into the distance.

We'll have to agree to disagree.

Instead of the film fading to the end titles with Bond grieving over Vesper's dead body there are two important scenes right after which elevate the ideas of 'faith' and 'hope' in CR. One is some degree of solace from M's lecture about Vesper doing a deal to save Bond and the other is Bond hunting down Mr White. Bond "looking into the distance" is OHMSS's equivalent?

LOL! It's a rather weak equivalent, that's even if you decide to read something like that into the milliseconds during which he looks into the distance.

Look, if you're trying to convince me that OHMSS is as good as the two Daniel Craig Bonds, save your bullets, my dear Zorin.