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The DAVID NIVEN Appreciation thread - Discuss His Life, His Career, His Bond Films
Thanks @Seve , that was interesting.
Now that Barry has his own thread, I think I might create one for David Niven, who had quite a career, as well.
Why not, however, as David's whole career would take a lot of time to summarise, I'm going to limit my scope to only those roles that I think show him in a "Bondian" light
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VAMPIRA (1973) a.k.a. OLD DRACULA.
A young David, in formal attire, with a mystery, and set in swanky surroundings.. what more could you ask for?
In the middle of a party at his house, Racine, a Parisian banker, is shot dead. He had been concerned about a conspiracy that could ruin his bank. He had revealed that he had posted a letter containing the names of six men, known only to himself, whom he thinks may be the guilty ones. The letter never arrives.
The chief recommendation for Dinner at the Ritz is the location shooting in Paris, Monte Carlo, and London.
Eternally Yours (1939)
Loretta Young meets and falls in love with magician, David Niven. But he's more than a magician, he's the current Houdini wannabe who has skill as a hypnotist and an escape artist. The climax takes place at the 1939 World's Fair and you might want to see Eternally Yours for some nostalgia footage of that event
Raffles (1939)
Man about town and First Class cricketer A.J. Raffles keeps himself solvent with daring robberies. A Young Snappy David Niven and the beautiful Olivia De Havilland spearhead a great cast, including Dame May Witty and E.E. Clive.
The Moon Is Blue (1953)
Two aging playboys are both after the same attractive young woman
Not really very "James Bond-ish", but with David Niven at his most charming it has got to be worth a mention
The Guns Of Navarone (1961)
A legendary WW2 action movie in it's time, with a star studded cast, including David.
Guns of Darkness (1962)
The similarity in title is no co-incidence, but apparently the similarities end there. However it could still be worth a look?
The Captured City (1962)
An Athens hotel, full of refugees and expatriates is captured by Allied troops in the closing days of the War. British Major Whitfield has to prevent a cache of hidden weapons from falling into the hands of renegade troops.
The Pink Panther (1963)
IMO David's finest hour in terms of actually being "Bondesque" and nothing like the Pink Panther sequels that would follow
This is a comedic heist movie in which the focus is mainly on suave jewel thief Charles Litton (David Niven) and his worthless nephew George (Robert Wagner), with Inspector Clouseau (you know his name) kept on the leash, in a supporting role. Great eye candy in the form of Claudia Cardinale as Princess Dala (the owner of the titular stone) and Capucine as Clouseau's wife Simone. The film aims for sophisticated rather than slapstick and you will enjoy it more if you don't come expecting non stop Peter Sellers.
Where The Spies Are (1966)
When one of their agents is killed MI6 is suddenly confronted with a manpower shortage in Lebanon. This results in their contacting a person who served with them during World War 2, a physician by the name of "Dr. Jason Love" (David Niven).
Sounds promising!
Casino Royale (1967)
Contrary to what many people have said, this movie does have a consistent internal logic and the plot does make some sort of "sense", however that still doesn't mean it's actually any good.
Typical of the sub genre of crazy swinging 60s comedy where I imagine those making the movie had far more fun than those watching it afterwards
However, David is in it and he does get to play the part of James Bond!
Sir James: Good lord! Moneypenny, you haven't changed a bit. (Long Kiss)
Miss Moneypenny: Actually, I'm Miss Moneypenny's daughter.
Sir James: How is your dear mother?
Sir James: Ah, this is where you come in Moneypenny. I want you to go through all the Auxiliary Files.
Miss Moneypenny: The lot, sir? It'll take all night.
Sir James: Your mother did some of her best work at night.
I’ve always preferred the original Panther movie over A Shot in the Dark, even though I love that one too, because he’s in it. His return in Trail makes that one, despite its obvious flaws, more bearable as well.
But my very favourite Niven film is in Le cerveau (aka THE BRAIN):
Lovely 1960’s atmosphere.
It also stars Jean-Paul Belmondo, Eli Wallach, Bourvil and Caterina Caselli.
Oh man havent that movie in years!!
Only thing I recall is an animated scene, on a train??
Doesn't he play a villain who's a bit of a Clouseau character?
One of my favourite of his is The Bishop's Wife, with Cary Grant. Here, he plays the part of the titular bishop, who after asking God for guidance, receives the visit of an angel (Grant) who is going to turn his world upside down. Good movie, I recommand it.
And let's not forget that he shared the top spot with Roger Moore (and quite a few other actors) in Escape from Athena.
@Fire_and_Ice_Returns Phenomenal film, I’ll have to revisit that one some time soon.
I have the film on DVD and HD digital download I need to buy the 4K Restoration it looks incredible.
Best lines of dialogue
Dr. Jason Love: Well, so long as its clearly understood that I'm not a cross between Superman and a spy in black.
MacGillivray: Yes, well I do hope you're not; because, that kind of exhibitionism always ends in tragedy.
Vikki: Fix yourself a drink, there. I better get out of these pajamas.
Dr. Jason Love: Call me if you need any help. After all, we're in this thing together.
Vikki: It's such a stupid story, it must be true.
Dr. Jason Love: What's your stupid story?
Vikki: I don't tell this to everyone; but, my mother was Mata Hari and my father was Sherlock Holmes.
Dr. Jason Love: When you look at me like that, I'd tell you everything. I'd give you my spy kit, my password, identity papers, travelers checks, everything.
Vikki: So, I must not tempt you.
Dr. Jason Love: Oh, please do. See how good I'd be under torture.
Vikki: You talk too much. Kiss me, instead.
Dr. Jason Love: Well, it may sound rather British; but, I usually - arrange my own seductions.
Vikki: You're the doctor.
Dr. Jason Love: Thank heavens.
Vikki: For what?
Dr. Jason Love: You're not a patient.
Dr. Jason Love: What is done between people in our, eh, line of business?
Vikki: Not a great deal of sleeping together. Its regarded as - unprofessional.
Dr. Jason Love: Now, if one of the professionals is an amateur?