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Lazenby is the definition of fake it till you make it.
I will add that the Lazenby of today is quite self-deprecating. I'm sure if you'd have encountered Lazenby in the mid-60's you'd have met a totally different man to the one you see and hear now.
Started as a mechanic with no education or certifications. But became very successful with dedication, charm and a big vision. Bought into real-estate at the most profitable era to buy property in human history.
He already had money and women. And he enjoyed the simple things in life. Spending the next 10-15 years of his life on a film set on the same role feels restrictive.
In all fairness, OHMSS was probably one of the worst filming conditions. Being stuck on top of a cold mountain for 9 months. That was his first impression of acting. Other films had less remote locations.
I found it on You Tube the other day and watched it
The film was a lot better than I thought it was going to be, and a lot better than its given credit for in my opinion. After leaving the Bond franchise George Lazenby was looking for a project that had personal meaning for him, rather than just a paycheque. It was the late 60s early ‘70s and he was sincerely inspired by the “make love not war” sentiment which defined those times for many. Enough to put his career on the line in order to try and get this message across. His comments at the time indicate that he put his heart and soul into it, but, for whatever reason, the movie critics and the ticket buying public remained unmoved. Looking back, a disheartened and disillusioned Lazenby has been dismissive and disparaging about the project, but I see it as, if not actually a great movie, at least a very worthy attempt to make one.
Black listed Cy Enfield does a good job of directing, in the less stage-bound, semi documentary style of the 60s and 70s, when outdoor shooting became much more common, finding plenty of interesting and imaginative camera angles. I didn’t find the plot at all hard to follow, the dialogue is spare, containing little in the way of exposition, and the story is often advanced via musical montage sequences, which I’m not always a fan of, but in this case worked well enough. I particularly enjoyed the music, by a fellow called Phillip Goodhand-Tait, a talented songwriter in his own right who released a number of albums and has been covered by several well-known artists, which I found was nicely representative of the “Hippy folk rock” sound of those times. Lazenby’s own performance is very good, understated and natural, as are those of the other performers involved (including the infamous Germaine Greer and also Lazenby’s future wife in real life, who plays his girlfriend in the movie).
The Story is about a former mercenary who has tried to retire, but is reluctantly drawn back into “the life” as he is running out of money. His heart is not in it and, part way through, an unfortunate incident triggers him to abruptly abandon his involvement without completing his contract. He finds comfort among the more bohemian elements of London and hopes to live quietly among them, learning yoga and searching for spiritual peace. However his former associates and employers have other ideas and he is forced into taking counter measures. I won’t say any more in order not to spoil it for anyone planning to watch the film.
You spelt "You Only Live Twice" wrong!
Kidding of course, but I would have loved a proper adaption of YOLT with Lazenby, Savalas, and Ferzetti, instead of any iteration of DAF following OHMSS.
I would also replace Guy Hamilton with Peter Hunt as well. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful what if!
Yes, its always the same question "What would DAF have been like with Lazenby?" But I do wonder what Peter Hunt would have been like in the Directors chair, even with Connery?
Cool tradition, I like the link to the book!
Here is a little something for all Lazenby and OHMSS fans out there from American Cinematographer magazine. Here is an on-line reprint of its coverage of OHMSS taken from the March 1970 publication, which has long been impossible to view... until now.
So here it is. Feast your eyes on the making of OHMSS from American Cinematographer. Enjoy.
https://ascmag.com/articles/on-her-majestys-secret-service
That was a great read, and reminded me of what fabulous contributions we got from Glen.
Thanks for this @Red_Snow.
Upon reading above posts on this topic I must agree with the sentiment that PH made a mistake with his idea to dub 'Sir Hilary'.
George is still sharp in his age!
I thought he was perfectly cast in the role and such a shame that he didn't stick with it.
Happy birthday to our man George! Many happy returns!
Just imagine DAF and the films thereafter having the same gritty 'Flemingesque' feel about them? Wow!
BTW this is no sleight on Sir Rog, who is another favourite of mine.