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@PropertyOfALady - that's a mash up of a quote ("reborn and bopping") from Marc Bolan's final poem in his book of poetry, The Warlock of Love ... and a reference to a love song "Lofty Skies" that he wrote about his wife. Thanks for asking. :)>-
I liked the second part even more. Gives us an understanding of the posters on here. Thank you @4EverBonded. I enjoyed the read.
If only you could find a way to love OHMSS....anyway, you're still a top, top lady.
=D>
Added!
Anyone who has questions for @4EverBonded, feel free to ask them over the next day or two while I get the next interviewee set up, and I'll post who it is either tomorrow or Thursday.
I will give my thoughts on OHMSS in more detail shortly. (in a rush to bike to work in slight rain!) And I will definitely post my thoughts on Bond girls today.
Cheers! :-bd
But now you've got me thinking. Yep. I'm still thinkin' ... ;)
Why I don't care much for OHMSS in spite of the glorious scenery, great music, and a stellar acting performance by Diana Rigg, as well as a great, poignant Moneypenny and a pretty menacing Blofeld ... and the reason is 98% Lazenby, yes. He never sold me as being James Bond, not for a second. And that does ruin an otherwise good film. So he is good looking and moves well in all the action scenes? So does my former neighbor. And he would have been just as convincing as Lazenby. It also does not help that the film ends with Tracy's death. It is a depressing way to leave the theater or finish any viewing of it. It takes the joy right out of everything else. Superb cinematography and great music? Yes! But the ending is so depressing. That is the other 2%. I truly believe it would have been better for DAF to follow on and to have her death in the PTS. I rarely watch this film; it is simply not enjoyable for me.
Don't get me wrong. I love a more serious Bond film: From Russia With Love and Casino Royale in particular. I love having a Moore film such as TSWLM but am very glad we also have FRWL, CR, SF, DN, even QOS.
Anyway, for those interested (perhaps one person), here is my original review, from SirHenry's Originals thread, written Aug 2012:
Do Me Nicely...
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
BOND- 1.5 out of 5 Lazenby misses the mark for me in this role, by some substantial margin. Yes, the man can fight and move very well - action scenes were believable and had power. Good intro, too. And I believe he undoubtedly tried his best, but he is just not a very good actor. He looked the part enough (and I am maybe more flexible in my requirements in this area than other fans), but I just did not get any of the elements I want in Bond, that make me believe it is James Bond, the believability in that character - and that, truly as demonstrated in what is missing in this film, can only come from a fine actor.
WOMEN- 4 out of 5 Diana Rigg is outstanding, an excellent Tracy. She is fully believable, sparkling, serious, playful, witty, a well rounded fully fleshed-out character ... just beautifully played. It is heartbreaking that she died for she was so full of life and a genuine match for James Bond. This was in no way an easy role. I do not see how anyone can really complain about her acting in this movie. The Angels of Death bring this down to a 4; just eye candy and nothing special in any of them. I found them - and actually the main plot using them - boring.
VILLAINS- 4.5 out of 5 ... ah, yes! Who loves ya, baby? We do, Telly. At last, a menacing Blofeld who looks it and sparks in the role. Easy to see why so many prefer his portrayal of Blofeld. Telly Savalas has gravitas and easily shines in this film. How I wish he could have continued in that role! Ilse Steppat is excellent - her cruelness and calculating coldness penetrate every scene. Even when she tries to act nice to the girls, we can smell the evil coming off of her. All others seem to do a fine job. A very good supporting cast!
HUMOR- 2.5 out of 5 Some humor, not much. The playfulness with Moneypenny is nicely done in this film. Sometimes Lazenby's delivery re humor was just okay; I wasn't very impressed (I didn't like the way he tossed out "He had a lot of guts." for example.) And really this is a highly serious plot and downer ending, so I wasn't expecting (or wanting) much humor in this story. But the fun sexiness and chemistry with Tracy had to have that lightheartedness, and it did (especially thanks to Rigg).
ACTION- 4 out of 5 Some very good action scenes and lots of chases. Fortunately, I love watching snow/ice/Switzerland (I hardly tire of it). The action kept on coming, and Lazenby was good in those sequences.
SADISM- 1.5 out of 5 Evil yes, plot to conquer the world, yes - sadistic? Not really. What was sadistic? Only the feed-the-bad-guy-to-the-snow blower scene (suitably gross scene, spouting blood and then globs of flesh, not just blood). Yuk. And come to think of it, it still didn't have any sadistic flavor, just violent and bloody.
MUSIC- 3.5 out of 5 I know, I know, so many fans LOVE this soundtrack. To me, it is good, even really good, but not something to shout great about. It is quite good, and Armstrong's song is perfect, touching, and used well. Just my opinion, after all.
LOCATIONS- 4 out of 5 I love the snow/ice/Switzerland scenes (oh did I mention that already?) So very good indeed. I thought the locations were nicely filmed and fit the story. Loved the helicopters attacking Piz Gloria; Portugal was lovely, too. (But I cannot watch bullfighting at all, had to fast forward that bit.)
GADGETS- 1.5 out of 5. Er .. what gadgets? Do the gloves Bond wears while holding onto the cable count? The film could have used a really good gadget, but I didn't see any.
SUPPORTING CAST- 4.5 out of 5 Gabriele Ferzetti was excellent as Marc-Ange Draco; I don't think one should easily warm to a crime boss but he becomes a decent ally for Bond, reminded me a bit of Mathis when I watched OHMSS today. M and Moneypenny give very fine performances; I enjoy it when they have more to do in a Bond film. Lois as Moneypenny was especially effective: touching, spot on, the right shades of humor and affection and spunk; I think this was her finest film for sure.
OVERALL - There is no getting around the downer ending. Poor Lazenby! Really, truly - especially for a first film, to have to deal with that ending. Not easy. I do feel that the ending helped sink this film. Sure it has become a classic to many in years since its premiere, and many fans love it. I do appreciate its finer points more now than I did years ago. But I can't get around the two elephants in the room: Lazenby is not a strong or charismatic Bond and that does genuinely hurt the film; and the love of his life - and brand new wife - whom we have been growing fond of for two hours or so, is machinegunned to death in the last seconds of the movie. That's the emotional note that we leave the theatre on (or turn off our dvd player). Hmmm.
Overall, not one of my favorite films, not one I would enjoy watching often; but it has many excellent elements, especially Rigg and Savalas.
My fave Bond vehicle is probably the Aston Martin in Goldfinger (though the Lotus in TSWLM comes close for utter coolness and for being so original in its time).
My least favorite (though you didn't ask) is the godawful Bondola in Moonraker, closely followed by the jetpack.
Wardrobe - NOT just Bond's wardrobe, let me list women's wear first. For me (and let me be clear I am thinking of this in terms of when I was 30 years old) ... oh some favorites do come to mind:
#1) Honey's bikini in DN - so iconic. I remember many times looking for one similar and never quite found it. (with that kind of belt band)
2) Anya's deep midnight blue gown in TSWLM
3) Vesper's purple gown in the casino with Bond in CR
4) Melina's cool cotton, lovely summer dress when shopping in the market with Bond in FYEO
5) Moneypenny's gold gown in the casino stroll with Bond in SF (Severine's was ultra stunning but not my style ...)
6) The fur rug (or was it just a sheet?) that was so accommodating for Pierce's Bond and the Danish Prof. Inga TND. She/they wore it well. I'd like to be wrapped in that. Definitely. ;)
7) The little black ribbon worn by Tania in From Russia With Love. You know what scene. ;)
Any other pieces I'd love to own, not just to wear? Oh, Bond's cufflinks - one pair worn by each Bond actor (I can skip Laz, though it may be nice to include his as to have a complete collection).
And Q's (Desmond) lab coat. Yes, that would be special. Always a soft spot for his Q. :)
I can keep adding to this list forever, but let me just add these: A safari jacket worn by Roger Moore (any), the white dinner jacket worn by Connery in Dr. No, and any sweater worn by Pierce Brosnan.
=))
One more question. With Theme songs being a hot topic with the announcement of Sam Smith singing the theme on SPECTRE. What is your favourite, and least favourite theme from the films so far?
Top 8 are:
1) Goldfinger (iconic; a near sonic blast of Bond - classic)
2) Nobody Does It Better (people either love it or cannot stand it as a Bond, but I have always loved it)
3) Diamonds Are Forever (hauntingly beautiful - a perfect true "Bond theme song")
4) You Only Live Twice (Nancy's voice was lovely but it is the incredible John Barry music in it that makes me almost swoon)
5) Live and Let Die (it rocks)
6) A View to A Kill (it rocks in its own 80's way)
7) You Know My Name (fit the film well, too)
8) Skyfall (beautiful, moody, suits the film - was way UNDERUSED in the frickin' score!)
Truly Goldfinger and Nobody Does It Better usually tie as best song.
Least favorites:
Oh, here are 5 for today: #! and #2 nearly always a tie; just awful for me
1) Die Another Day (it was as appealing as having Madonna just vomit; I hated it thoroughly)
2) Another Way to Die (almost sorta kinda okay but ......screeeeeech!!! .... stop those cats from killing each other! ... the rhythm and any sense of musicality or fun just stumbles and all I want is for it to END)
3) The Man With The Golden Guuuuuhhhhuuuuuhhhhnnn (Lulu at her most strident; even she said her performance was "Ethel Merman")
3) The Living Daylights (just so weak, for me; lame and too pop)
4) From Russia With Love (end credits; I only sometimes like "crooner" songs, and not this one)
5) All Time High (Barry used it well in the score but it is a weak effort, not a memorable song for me)
Truly Goldfinger and Nobody Does It Better usually tie as best song.
Least favorites:
Oh, here are 5 for today: #! and #2 nearly always a tie; just awful for me
THANKS!
A few questions if I may.
1. If you could play any character in a Bond film who would you choose? And why?
2. You appear to be well travelled, what are some of your favourite places, and where would you love to visit?
3. I'm a bit of a food and drink kinda guy. Love trying new things. What are some of your favourite dishes and drinks. Be them alcoholic or not?
Benny you charmer!
Thanks! (I will say that Guinness features a tad prominently, as do Celtic locations ...)
Cheers! :)>-
(I don't know if you seen that comment some idiot posted at you in a conflict on another threat so have no idea if you will get this joke but)
Are you saying your better with the ladies than Benny Hill
=))
Character I would like to play and why ~ There are a few that come to mind, actually. Anya in TSWLM, Honey in DN for sure. But as for the arc of the entire film ... and a Bond girl I can partially identify with ... I think today I'll choose another favorite, Natalya from GE. Tossup between her and Wai Lin (because Wai Lin kicks ass!) But Natalya wins. Why? Because of her chemistry with Pierce, the sparkling dialog she gets, and her entire role. She is strong, intelligent, lovely, funny, smart ass (in a 2nd language, to boot), and even though she is scared she takes action the best she can in every single circumstance. Yes, I think Natalya rocks! And for sure Goldeneye would be a blast to be in. :-bd
@Benny, re food & drink:
FOOD - I enjoy many cuisines. Suffice to say I LOVE (and could happily research my way through Europe) cheese in so many forms. I probably cannot count the ways.
I heartily enjoy Italian, French, German, British (yes) cuisine. A smattering of others, too - Spanish; Indian curry I enjoy a lot (but must have it low "heat" threshold), some Mexican, and some Japanese (good thing, that!).
DRINK - Alas, I am honestly a lightweight with alcohol. But I LOVE Guinness, Belhaven nearly as much. I enjoy a good Merlot, Shiraz, but also a nice Riesling. Not really into liquors or heavier .... scotch, bourbon I cannot enjoy. I like a lovely Canadian icewine! But hard to come by here. I do like Champagne. :) I enjoy a spicy Bloody Mary (oh yes!), a perfect Gin & Tonic (I like gin and love tonic), a regular Martini, with big fat Spanish olives (not vodka; sorry, James!) ... and my very favorite cocktail is probably a Sidecar. Splendid! And I always picture myself chatting with P.G. Wodehouse when I have one.
Daily drink is tea and vitamin water. I cannot have coffee (get heart palpitations from it).
(I just am editing this now, because I realize I misinterpreted your use of the word "camp" before. But I leave my next sentence alone because the ending version of "Nobody does It Better" is camp.) I never hear "camp" when I hear "Nobody Does it Better" because I don't listen to the end song! ;) The song itself - for me - is great. But then, I've always loved Carly's voice so much. "Goldfinger" is just iconic; that is why it is up there on my list. I don't hum it all the time. Well, sometimes maybe ... but it's more than just a tune for me, it really indelibly screams "James Bond" to the world. I guess it's just an important song for me.
Bahamas (near enough to Florida, is why) years and years ago
London for 2 weeks in 1996 (FAB!!)
A few places in the U.S. (San Diego, Boston, L.A., KY, NC and NY - but only for 1 weekend, hardly a real visit).
Japan (yes cue the soundtrack from YOLT). 7 years in Japan. Thank God I love sushi and tempura (and I do). ;)
Ireland - land of my ancestors, beautiful beyond words to me, and I want to spend time there (almost feels like a mystical call to my soul, really)
The U.K. - many more areas to explore, ancestry also from England, just so much I want to see and experience (Yorkshire Dales, Cornwall, Oxford, Wales & Scotland, too; so much!)[
And, basically, I want to see and experience Europe & Scandinavia ~
Switzerland
Italy
France
Germany
Portugal (hello, @Sandy! ;)
Norway/Sweden/Finland
The Netherlands