75 replies to this topic

[dodge]

DINO, YOU'VE OUTDONE US ALL. This may be the single most astonishing question ever posted on the site. May I get back to you later? I'm stunned. Right now, I do feel certain that Rog would have brought a higher tone to the Bond torture scene: Bond, half dressed...no, raised eyebrows but mild grimaces at best as his jewels are whacked...possibly a look of distaste at the crassness of his plight. I think the film makers would have spared us a pun here. But the whole scene would have been cut far shorter. And..wait, yes, to get us all off the emotional hook, Rog's Bond may have managed a pun after being rescued.

[MHazard]

Obviously in the African run down chase, Bond would leap from one crane to the next assisted by a giant Union Jack parachute. Even worse, Vesper survives drowning in the elevator by use of her miniaturized re-breather, issued by Q as she was also working for the Secret Service to flush out the terrorist network by pretending to turn over the money. This, of course, follows the motorized gondola chase in Venice (and sheriff J.W. Pepper just happens to be there sightseeing with his wife). Instead of the "Bond, James Bond" ending, the movie ends with Vesper and Bond making out in a gondola as M calls on Bond's wrist radio/t.v. and asks him what he's doing to which he replies "hoping for a money shot". The thought of who would be cast as LeChiffre and his henchman is, of course, too horrible to contemplate.

[mrsbonds_ppk]

Yep, nobody does it better than Rog...except his plastic surgeon

Something Craig is in sore need of.

Oh pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase... Shedloads of 'sexiest man in the world' polls would beg to disagree with you and, while Rog had, in theory, the 'tradtional' good looks, he could hardly be called sexy. Although I wouldn't say no to him (but that's down to his personality, most certainly not his looks).

You have got to be kidding me lol, but to each his own, eh.

[Safari Suit]

The "Royale" would have been the world's first space casino.

[dinovelvet]

Campy or not, at least we would've gotten a handsome actor playing Bond in CR.

Yeah, but Moore was also in his early 50s in 1980, so might there be the teensiest case for saying that the 30-something Craig was more suitable for a relatively faithful and serious adaptation of CASINO ROYALE?

Anyway, back to the topic of this thread (which is "What if CASINO ROYALE starred Roger Moore?", not "Is Daniel Craig handsome enough for Bond?"), I posted the following here on CBn a while back:

ROGER MOORE IS IAN FELLMING'S JAMES BOND 007 IN "CASINO ROYALE"

THE TORTURE SCENE

Le Chiffre thwacks Moore's Bond.

MOORE'S BOND (as though delivering a line like "I heard the price of eggs was going up...."): Calm down, Le Chiffre. Looks like you're at the end of your rope.

Ah, brilliant stuff Loomis! (And finally someone replies to the thread in the spirit it was intended). I'd imagine Rog would still have his shirt on in this scene for no particular reason.

[dinovelvet]

The "Royale" would have been the world's first space casino.

Hmm its tempting to go there, but we don't want to rehash Moonraker...and an underwater casino would be too TSWLM. I've got it - a casino in Antarctica. And of course we wouldn't be messing around with any petty stock market fiddling, Le Chiffre would be using Obanno's $100 mil to buy nuclear warheads, one of which he would attempt to detonate in Venice at the end. It would have a big red countdown timer on it.

[Judo chop]

I suppose the defibrilator in the car would have had a lot more use.

[plankattack]

I'd imagine Rog would still have his shirt on in this scene for no particular reason.

For the audiences sake, I hope sincerely hope so.....

[LadySylvia]

That's fine. But for me, "parrot" and "gritty" just don't go together, and its that odd mixture of campiness and ultra-seriousness that turns me off FYEO for the most part.

Oh yeah, and I'm certain that Bond's "my little finger" joke and the "Money" and "penny" comments between Bond and Vesper really added to the grittiness of CASINO ROYALE, as well.


I'm sorry, but I don't buy the joke or comment that CASINO ROYALE would have been another MOONRAKER if Moore had made the film in 1980. For me, it doesn't mesh well with the fact that Moore went the complete opposite direction and did his own gritty Bond flick during that same year.

Edited by LadySylvia, 18 April 2007 - 07:47 PM.

[crheath]

Campy or not, at least we would've gotten a handsome actor playing Bond in CR.

... not to mention out of shape also ...

[Andrew]

Campy or not, at least we would've gotten a handsome actor playing Bond in CR.

You're still on this eh?

[Loomis]

While it's tempting to think that Moore's Bond would not have engaged in the Madagascar pursuit wearing anything other than a "tux", I do feel that his safari suit was made for this sequence, during which he'd have taken time out to patronise "the natives" in a "That'll keep you in curry for a few weeks" kind of way, for instance: "I'm sorry to barge into this charming little embassy of yours like this, but it appears you have a sudden infestation of mad bomber - excuse me." Cue crashes, shots, explosions, wild swinging punches that clearly miss the mark by yards yet still fell the victim, and multiple appearances by that red-headed stuntman.

[MarkA]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

[Judo chop]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

[plankattack]

While it's tempting to think that Moore's Bond would not have engaged in the Madagascar pursuit wearing anything other than a "tux", I do feel that his safari suit was made for this sequence, during which he'd have taken time out to patronise "the natives" in a "That'll keep you in curry for a few weeks" kind of way, for instance: "I'm sorry to barge into this charming little embassy of yours like this, but it appears you have a sudden infestation of mad bomber - excuse me." Cue crashes, shots, explosions, wild swinging punches that clearly miss the mark by yards yet still fell the victim, and multiple appearances by that red-headed stuntman.

We've gone two pages and we've only just reminded ourselves to order in safari suits for Rog, stuntmen, and the backscreen projector chap who will be working furiously when the Madagascar sequence gets more than three feet off the ground. I am looking forward to Rog clinging onto the tanker in Miami in true AVTAK fire-truck fashion. In fact, perhaps we could get that chief-of-police transferred to airport security. His brand new car could be blown away by a jet engine.....oh sorry, that is in the original script.

[Mike00spy]

Interesting posts. I tend to think of it a different way, however. Most people are looking at the 2006 CR through the eyes of Roger Moore, which has led to some good and amusing replies. I'm trying to think of it in its proper historical context, if that is possible at all.

Look at as the follow up film to Moonraker.


Well, keep in mind that the other 4 Roger Moore Ian Fleming adaptations bore little resemblance to any of the novels, so it is highly possible Casino Royale could have been quite different. Although since FYEO did use some Fleming material, CR probably wouldn't have been as different from the book as the first 4 movies were. It would have been further from the book than the 2006 version, however.

Since it was still the Cold War, I would imagine the terrorist angle would have been deleted. So, I would say that the entire pre Casino sequences would not be there. Russia would still be the force behind Le Chiffre. Perhaps this would have given General Gogol and interesting part to play.

While it may seem heretical to omit the torture scene from CR, it would have been most likely not been in Moore's film. I just don't see how they could have gone that far in 1981. Remember, while FYEO was a more down to earth Bond, it still had some of that humor.

I honestly can't think of a way for the movie to start. Maybe someone else can fill us in here. However, the PTS might have still been there, which would be okay. Moore could pull off the Casino scenes, and it would be Baccarat instead of Hold 'Em Poker. I would have liked to see Leiter and I wonder who would have played him. I do think the chemestry with Mathis would be have been great, due to Moore's charm.


I do think that Vesper's kidnapping would still be there, but it would be a more action packed chase, with a few Q gadgets thrown in the mix. The car (Lotus) would be totaled, but it would have Moore walking away from it with just a few cuts and stuff. This would lead to the grand finale, where Moore finds Le Chiffre's hideout (with the help of Gogol who is intent on killing him?) You would have a "storming the fortress" scene where Bond rescues Vesper and destroys the whole hideout.

I wonder what other ideas you all have?

[LadySylvia]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

After watching movies like GOLDFINGER, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, I can honestly say that the words "Connery" and "campy" go very well together.

[David Schofield]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

After watching movies like GOLDFINGER, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, I can honestly say that the words "Connery" and "campy" go very well together.

I would certainly agree in the case of YOLT and DAF, and would add in NSNA.

Surely, only the most blinkered Connery fanatic would suggest that Connery wasn't far more campy in DAF than Rog in LALD.

[plankattack]

Surely, only the most blinkered Connery fanatic would suggest that Connery wasn't far more campy in DAF than Rog in LALD.

I love SC, but you're right - Rog is doing a better SC/Bond in LALD than any of SC's last three movies.

[Spurrier]

For Roger to have made CR, it would have had to been done early in his Bond tenure....about the time he made LALD or TMWTGG...1972-74 when he was in his mid-40s but looked 10 years younger. I think he could have pulled it off.

Regarding Daniel Craig's looks, let's be real. He apparently has or at least had for CR a great looking body. But to refer to Daniel as handsome would be a stretch. His Bond projects a Steve McQueen-like charisma that makes him believable as a leading man. The bottom-line is that he does a very good job as an actor and as James Bond. In the final analysis, that's all that matters anyway.

[00Twelve]

But to refer to Daniel as handsome would be a stretch.

There are quite a few ladies who'd beg to differ. Sorry, Rog! Back to topic!

If Rog had undergone the scolding from M, he would have immediately told him the entire Nassau plan and gotten M's consent and goodwill again.

After he rescued the still-alive Vesper, she'd have asked what happened to Gettler, and he'd have replied, "You'll no longer need to worry about that one-eyed monster." And, wait for it, EYEBROW.

[plankattack]

But to refer to Daniel as handsome would be a stretch.

There are quite a few ladies who'd beg to differ. Sorry, Rog! Back to topic!

If Rog had undergone the scolding from M, he would have immediately told him the entire Nassau plan and gotten M's consent and goodwill again.

After he rescued the still-alive Vesper, she'd have asked what happened to Gettler, and he'd have replied, "You'll no longer need to worry about that one-eyed monster." And, wait for it, EYEBROW.

Rog would have been telling M about stock market prices after 9/11, rather than the other way around. Rog always had the answers!

[Judo chop]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

After watching movies like GOLDFINGER, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, I can honestly say that the words "Connery" and "campy" go very well together.

Thanks for agreeing.

[LadySylvia]

Rog would have been telling M about stock market prices after 9/11, rather than the other way around. Rog always had the answers!

Why do people keep forgetting that Connery and Brosnan were similar?

[MHazard]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

After watching movies like GOLDFINGER, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, I can honestly say that the words "Connery" and "campy" go very well together.

I would certainly agree in the case of YOLT and DAF, and would add in NSNA.

Surely, only the most blinkered Connery fanatic would suggest that Connery wasn't far more campy in DAF than Rog in LALD.

Alright, I have to defend Sean's honor here. The reason that Connery fans forgive him the campiness of later Bonds is based on DN, FRWL, GF, and TB (I don't have time to argue the merits of GF, but despite some camp elements it is not in total a camp movie and still allows suspension of disbelief-I will save that argument for another thread). I don't believe Roger Moore could have given an appropriate performance in any of the above movies. I'd rather watch late Sean camp than any Roger Moore Bond film. Which leads me to a question I've been thinking of posting on another thread but I'll raise it here-why do you like this guy? I understand why Bond fans could like each of the other movie Bonds, but I've never found Roger convincing as Bond-his fight scenes are never convicing (I think Herve Villachase could have taken him in real life) and his take on Bond has all the gritty realism of Adam West's Batman (and I don't think I'm being fair to Adam West). It seems to me the only things you can say in his defense are: 1. He was a prisoner of the scripts and 2. The Saint was a pretty good t.v. show.

[Santa]

Maybe he's not convincing as Bond, but he is utterly convincing as a great human being. Not a very good explanation, I know, but it works for me .

[Spurrier]

The words 'Moore' and 'gritty' don't go together in my book.

I wish I could say that about the words 'Connery' and 'Campy'.

After watching movies like GOLDFINGER, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, I can honestly say that the words "Connery" and "campy" go very well together.

I would certainly agree in the case of YOLT and DAF, and would add in NSNA.

Surely, only the most blinkered Connery fanatic would suggest that Connery wasn't far more campy in DAF than Rog in LALD.

Alright, I have to defend Sean's honor here. The reason that Connery fans forgive him the campiness of later Bonds is based on DN, FRWL, GF, and TB (I don't have time to argue the merits of GF, but despite some camp elements it is not in total a camp movie and still allows suspension of disbelief-I will save that argument for another thread). I don't believe Roger Moore could have given an appropriate performance in any of the above movies. I'd rather watch late Sean camp than any Roger Moore Bond film. Which leads me to a question I've been thinking of posting on another thread but I'll raise it here-why do you like this guy? I understand why Bond fans could like each of the other movie Bonds, but I've never found Roger convincing as Bond-his fight scenes are never convicing (I think Herve Villachase could have taken him in real life) and his take on Bond has all the gritty realism of Adam West's Batman (and I don't think I'm being fair to Adam West). It seems to me the only things you can say in his defense are: 1. He was a prisoner of the scripts and 2. The Saint was a pretty good t.v. show.

As I've said before, I like Roger's...Bond because his take gave me what I look for in movies. That is, he provided good, entertaining fun with an opportunity to get a chuckle here and there. Convincing in fight scenes? If I based my preferences on how an actor carries out fight scenes, there may not be many actors I then like. Not gritty realism? I guess for us Roger fans, his take was gritty enough. Besides, I would never confuse ANY Bond movie with the real world. I know that's probably not the answer you were looking for. But then again, every Bond take is not suitable for everyones tastes. There are some Bond actors I don't like. But the wonderful thing is that there are so many Bond movies, that we can pick and choose the ones we like and the actors we like to watch. I have no complaints.

[jaguar007]

Alright, I have to defend Sean's honor here. The reason that Connery fans forgive him the campiness of later Bonds is based on DN, FRWL, GF, and TB (I don't have time to argue the merits of GF, but despite some camp elements it is not in total a camp movie and still allows suspension of disbelief-I will save that argument for another thread). I don't believe Roger Moore could have given an appropriate performance in any of the above movies. I'd rather watch late Sean camp than any Roger Moore Bond film. Which leads me to a question I've been thinking of posting on another thread but I'll raise it here-why do you like this guy? I understand why Bond fans could like each of the other movie Bonds, but I've never found Roger convincing as Bond-his fight scenes are never convicing (I think Herve Villachase could have taken him in real life) and his take on Bond has all the gritty realism of Adam West's Batman (and I don't think I'm being fair to Adam West). It seems to me the only things you can say in his defense are: 1. He was a prisoner of the scripts and 2. The Saint was a pretty good t.v. show.

Roger is not my favorite James BOnd, but he is one of my favorite actors. I agree that he does not fit the bill as Fleming's James Bond, but the man has loads of charisma and charm and is very enjoyable to watch in anything he does. I tend to be more forgiving of Moore and his bond films than I am of Brosnan's Bond films even though I think Brosnan took the role more seriously.

Back on track. Moore during the torture scene would have made some quip about comparing the size of "the rope"

PS. Every woman I know who has seen CR find Criag much more attractive than most of the previous Bonds, including Moore and Brosnan. Craig certainly has a much stronger female following than any Bond has had in 40 years. Do you notice that it is always men who claim that Craig is ugly and never women.

[Judo chop]

My advice to anyone who can't see Roger Moore as Bond is to practice, practice, practice.

A third of the series is closed to you until you do! That's just not healthy!

[plankattack]

Rog would have been telling M about stock market prices after 9/11, rather than the other way around. Rog always had the answers!

Why do people keep forgetting that Connery and Brosnan were similar?

SC knew more than his boss when it came to sherry, etc. but I never felt that he wasn't being briefed by his boss. Rog and M's scenes were always written the other way around (teacher ultimately chastising the pupil) - to cash on that wonderful twinkle in Rog's eye. Watch the briefings with M in TMWTGG - M is running all of them start to finish ("Oh shut up, Q!)and Rog isn't as good. One film later in TSWLM the relationship is turning, and it plays to Rog's strengths as an actor and what he brought to the role.