17 replies to this topic

[Righty007]

Does anyone know why Connery didn't play Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)?

*Sorry if there is already an established thread on this topic but I haven't seen one.

[Bond111]

I think Connery got fed up with the press prying into his life so he quit. I couldn't blame him.

[Righty007]

If thats the case, why did he return in 1971 (two years later)?

[Dr. Tynan]

Money

[Bond111]

He got $1.25 million dollars for DAF. But Connery, being the good person he is, gave all of it to charity. After that he said "never again" to the role of Bond, hence the name Never Say Never Again.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Originally posted by bond111
After that he said "never again" to the role of Bond, hence the name Never Say Never Again.

Which was his wife's suggestion, I believe.

[JimmyBond]

Theres a Bond fan here that doesnt know!!?!?

Nah, just kidding, I understand.

Connery got fed up with the Press hounding him constantly and such, and he was also pretty tired having to work on the Bond films, with filming almost always going over schedule, he was just tired of devoting so much of his life to the Bond films, plus he felt he should have been made a producer.

For DAF, money talked. MGM went all out to get Connery, they gave him a substantial amount of money, a share of the profits, and MGM promised to make two movies of his own. He later donated all his money to charity.

Hope that helps.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Originally posted by JimmyBond
Theres a Bond fan here that doesnt know!!?!?  

Nah, just kidding, I understand.

Connery got fed up with the Press hounding him constantly and such, and he was also pretty tired having to work on the Bond films, with filming almost always going over schedule, he was just tired of devoting so much of his life to the Bond films, plus he felt he should have been made a producer.

Plus he wanted more time to be able to do other projects without rushing between the Bonds.

[ChandlerBing]

Connery was so screwed over as Bond moneywise that BOTH James Coburn and Dean Martin made more from their spy movies than Connery did with his. Hard to believe, but it's true.

[Double-Oh-Zero]

Actually, I think the sum of money he was given to return to the role was a record amount at that time. Rather extraordinary when you think about it. The charity that he gave it to was the Scottish Educational Trust Fund, if I'm not mistaken.

[Tarl_Cabot]

He did a western but it tanked.His career wasn't taking off like he expected so the Tux looked pretty good. I wish George had done DAF instead.Few actors do a great job without enthusiasm.

[Blofeld's Cat]

That western was "Shalako," which he followed up with "The Molly Maguires" which I liked a lot. "The Red Tent" was next I think, and before Diamonds Are Forever "The Anderson Tapes," wich I also liked.

If Connery was allowed to do a Bond every 3-4 years or so (God forbid!), I think he wouldv'e continued because it would've given him time to do other things more often.

The only thing I can remember about Shalako is Brigitte Bardot ( ) and a pretty good score by Robert Farnon of which the original LP pressing is quite rare these days.

[Double-Oh-Zero]

I looked up Shalako on IMDB, and apparently, Pussy Galore herself is also in it. The film did tank, along with the sci-fi fi film he did, Zardoz.

[David Somerset]

Has he ever given an opinion of Lazenby and OHMSS??

[Turn]

Originally posted by David Somerset
Has he ever given an opinion of Lazenby and OHMSS??

I don't think he's ever seen OHMSS. At least, I've never seen him mention so. I remember hearing he saw Moonraker and I think LALD. He didn't like either.

[JimmyBond]

He had good things to say about Brosnan as Bond, so I assume he saw GE.

[ChandlerBing]

I might be wrong, but I don't think he liked OHMSS. But, no one's perfect.

[DLibrasnow]

Originally posted by ChandlerBing
Connery was so screwed over as Bond moneywise

Well he did end up taking the Broccoli's to court -- there's still bad blood between him and Cubby's kids to this day!