11 replies to this topic

[booyeah_]

Most readers say Fleming's books have no humor but what was the book involving a quip about peninsulas. I think it was Casino Royale or Live and Let Die. I haven't read all of Fleming's books yet but is it safe to say that his Bond novels do involve some humor?

[brendan007]

The books obviously arent known for the humour, but i remember getting a few laughs every now and then.
I remember in OHMSS Bond wanting to land a kick on Irma Bunt's large backside, the way Fleming described it had me in stiches.

[Qwerty]

I laugh every time Tatiana gets disgusted by Rosa Klebb prancing around the room in her hideous night gown, I believe. There are many other scenes too, but that one just popped into my head.

[[dark]]

Originally posted by brendan007
I remember in OHMSS Bond wanting to land a kick on Irma Bunt's large backside, the way Fleming described it had me in stiches.

I was reading this on the train a few weeks back when I got to that bit. It was no use stifling my laugh.

It seemed completely unlike Bond to think of that, which only made it funnier.

[Pussfeller]

I laughed at this exchange, which takes place as Bond is prepared for torture:

...Bond said politely, 'Then you can go and ---- yourself.' He expelled all the breath from his lungs and closed his eyes.

'Even I am not capable of that, Mr Bond,' said Goldfinger with good humour....

[[dark]]

That is a good one!

[SnakeEyes]

Fleming's Bond is laced with humour, however it's 'dark' humour. Not like the 'ha ha' Moore type but the through gritted teeth situational humour like Dalton.

It's the sort of stuff you utter through your mind when thinking about that silly customer or maybe that mother in law.

[Johnboy007]

I find this to simply be the most amusing line in any book:

'No self respecting man could get through the day without his battery of four-letter words to cope with the roughage of life and let off steam. If you're late for a vital meeting with your superiors, and you find you left all your papers at home, surely you say, well, Freddie Uncle Charlie Katie, if i may put it so as not to offend'

-Bond to Dikko, You Only Live Twice

[SirMiles83]

The funniest part in any of Fleming's novels is when Bond believes he is going to heaven after he was in the "Pressure Room" in Goldfinger! Bond ponders what he will say to his past girlfirends in heaven and which one he will like best.

[White Tuxedo]

There was humour in the Fleming novels, but it didn't have the prominence that the films and later authors give it.

It's just a different kind of humour.

[White Tuxedo]

This type of self-referential and parody humour is an invention of the films from the 70s or so onwards.

Exactly, I think some newer fans expect the kind of humour in the films or something.

[Four Aces]

My personal opinion is that any humor inferred from Fleming's writings were certainly not intended by Fleming. Perhaps some sarcasm, though sarcasm may be considered a sort of "dark humor" by some.

Fleming's writings in the Bond series, when viewed outside the context of the movie character, I believe reflect his seriousness about the battle of good vs. evil, and these writings strongly characterize those who [1] choose to engage in this battle, [2] those who benefit from the battle, and [3] those who send others off to engage in the battle. One will notice that the battle always continues, though separte vignettes of victory may be accomplished.

It's been like this since the beginning of time. Look around events in the real world today, and one can see Fleming's characterizations in real life.

4A