My favourite Connery (and Bond) film is Goldfinger, followed by Dr. No. They were incidentally the first Connery films I ever saw and they remain the standard I compare all Bond films to. I also love From Russia With Love and Thunderball however I find From Russia With Love a little 'small' for my tastes; and while I love Thunderball, I just don't think it's as good as Goldfinger. You Only Love Twice and Diamonds Are Forever are my two least favourite Connery films, however both films IMO have good elements. (I don't consider Never Say Never Again to be a real Bond film.)
Tragically my confession is going to make you all believe that I am the village idiot of the Bond boards. I love DAF. It was the first Bond film I saw, and whenever I need to be re-energised into the Bond frame of mind, DAF does it for me. I agree that Blofeld was a littel too much of a mouctache twirling villain from the 1920s in this.
Whay do I like it? Maybe I have fond memories of it as it was my first, maybe because I have seen t more than any others, maybe its the Vegas locale (never been, but would love to go!!), I dunno. I appreciate it is the silliest Bond, but still...my fav.
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
Tragically my confession is going to make you all believe that I am the village idiot of the Bond boards. I love DAF. It was the first Bond film I saw, and whenever I need to be re-energised into the Bond frame of mind, DAF does it for me. I agree that Blofeld was a littel too much of a mouctache twirling villain from the 1920s in this.
Whay do I like it? Maybe I have fond memories of it as it was my first, maybe because I have seen t more than any others, maybe its the Vegas locale (never been, but would love to go!!), I dunno. I appreciate it is the silliest Bond, but still...my fav.
DashDangerous,
No need to be ashamed of your love for DAF. I myself place DAF in the top tier of the Connery Bond films. There's a lot to love: The PTS: (Bond strangling Marie with her bikini top, his confrontation with "Blofeld"), the title theme (Shirley Bassey should sing them all), Wint and Kidd (Two of the series's best henchmen), Tiffany Case (One of the most firey Bond girls), the fight in the elevator with Peter Franks, the cremation scene, Plenty O'Toole, Las Vegas, the car stunt, shooting the Blofeld double with the piton gun, Bambi and Thumper, and Bond's final skirmish with Wint and Kidd.
Of all the Connery Bond films, DAF is hands down the lightest. It contains a few gags that are very characteristic of the era to follow (Blofeld in drag, an elephant playing the slots). In fact, one could say that it was DAF that set the tone which would dominate the 70s and early 80s. DAF was probably a film better suited to Roger Moore's strengths, however Sean Connery makes the necessary adjustments (including a number of toupees ) and gives an excellent performance! It is as if the 3-4 year hiatus successfully recharged Sean after his tired performance in YOLT.
As I prefer my Bond film lighter (Roger Moore is my favorite), it shouldn't come as a surprise that I would take to DAF. Those who curse the film's very existence ( ) ), dislike it because of the all the gags and silliness, as well as because of the missed opportunity, based on the tragic events of OHMSS, to better avenge Tracy's death and give Blofeld a more appropraite send-off*.
To many, DAF is a film that had the potential to be great (providing it met the criteria I mentioned), but failed. However, there are also many of us who like it just the way it is. As usual, it comes down to personal taste. Either way, whenever we here at AJB ponder the question "What if?" you can count on DAF receiving a lot of attention**.
* Ironically it is the same people who wish DAF was a direct continuation of OHMSS, who defended CR by saying that continuity didn't exist in the world of Bond. No need to mention any names, you know who you are. :v
** Not only because of the "missed opportunity," but also because John Gavin was signed to play Bond before Connery decided to return!
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
* Ironically it is the same people who wish DAF was a direct continuation of OHMSS, who defended CR by saying that continuity didn't exist in the world of Bond. No need to mention any names, you know who you are. :v
) It's so true. I love DAF, for many of the reasons you mention, as well as for Connery's performance; the sixth greatest Bond performance of all time IMO.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
I have just had a sudden rush of self esteem... thanks fellas!!
No problem. However, when it comes to Bond there is nothing that should lower your self-esteem. Well, except if you like AVTAK.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Ironically it is the same people who wish DAF was a direct continuation of OHMSS, who defended CR by saying that continuity didn't exist in the world of Bond. No need to mention any names, you know who you are. :v
In reality, it was the YOLT-to-OHMSS snafu which screwed series continuity for all time, as far as I'm concerned. It would have been nice to have DAF be more of a natural coninuation of OHMSS...but at that time I think Eon was terrified that they'd made a horrible mistake with the tragic ending of Majesty, and sought to create as different a film as possible...and thus, a new Bond era was born.
BTW, I love DAF as well. It's by far my favourite Roger Moore Bond film :v *
* The fact that it stars Sean Connery is a great redeeming feature
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
BTW, I love DAF as well. It's by far my favourite Roger Moore Bond film :v *
* The fact that it stars Sean Connery is a great redeeming feature
I'll let this one go, for if the great Roger Moore must have an understudy, to take his place in the event that he cannot somehow fulfill his duties as Bond, may it be Sean Connery! )
{[]
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
-Roger Moore
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
BTW, I love DAF as well. It's by far my favourite Roger Moore Bond film :v *
* The fact that it stars Sean Connery is a great redeeming feature
I'll let this one go, for if the great Roger Moore must have an understudy, to take his place in the event that he cannot somehow fulfill his duties as Bond, may it be Sean Connery! )
{[]
Quite right---a great pity it is, IMO, that Moore was indeed able to fulfill (arguably) his duties as Bond, from '73 to '85...I'd have preferred his understudy B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
3rbrownMI6 Top Secret - Scotland, GlaPosts: 100MI6 Agent
Acting:
Thunderball
Goldfinger
Dr. No
From Russia With Love
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
Film:
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
Dr. No
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
Quite right---a great pity it is, IMO, that Moore was indeed able to fulfill (arguably) his duties as Bond, from '73 to '85...I'd have preferred his understudy B-)
It's always fun challenging you to in a battle of wits Loeffelholz. Did I by any chance prompt you to replace LALD with NSNA in the #10 slot of your favorite films list? :v
Blasphemous!
)
"My acting range? Left eyebrow raised, right eyebrow raised..."
-Roger Moore
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Quite right---a great pity it is, IMO, that Moore was indeed able to fulfill (arguably) his duties as Bond, from '73 to '85...I'd have preferred his understudy B-)
It's always fun challenging you to in a battle of wits Loeffelholz. Did I by any chance prompt you to replace LALD with NSNA in the #10 slot of your favorite films list? :v )
Very perceptive, my young apprentice ) I just did that...!
I figure, might as well be consistent...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Tee HeeCBT Headquarters: Chicago, ILPosts: 917MI6 Agent
]Very perceptive, my young apprentice ) I just did that...!
I figure, might as well be consistent...
Loeff, I know you don't like Moore (and prefer Connery, as I do as well), but NSNA in the top 10 ahead of LALD?
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
1 - FRWL - One of the best in the series if not the best. Shows Bond as a character rather than action man. Great lines and a great fight on the train.
2 - TB - Largo makes good villain, and Fiona Volpe is one of the most stunning women to be in the series. Connery gets some classic lines.
3 - GF - tied with TB. Lots of memorable moments, good villains, great lines but drags in places.
4 - Dr No - A great start which makes you feel like you have been watching the series for years. Connery dones well for his first time and it has one of the best scenes in the series where Bond kills Professer Dent.
6. YOLT - The volcano lair is brilliant but the whole thing drags before it and Connery is on autopilot. The women are useless but Biofeld is great.
6 - DAF - Connery's moonraker. Camp humour, bad bond girls, crap villians and tacky fights. Feels more like the 60s Batman tv show with Adam West.
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
]Very perceptive, my young apprentice ) I just did that...!
I figure, might as well be consistent...
Loeff, I know you don't like Moore (and prefer Connery, as I do as well), but NSNA in the top 10 ahead of LALD?
Yeah...I really think so. Sean Connery's worst beats Moore's best, in my mind---no matter which Moore one considers 'best.'
No disrespect for Sir Roger, mind you...just my own personal taste.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
]Very perceptive, my young apprentice ) I just did that...!
I figure, might as well be consistent...
Loeff, I know you don't like Moore (and prefer Connery, as I do as well), but NSNA in the top 10 ahead of LALD?
Yeah...I really think so. Sean Connery's worst beats Moore's best, in my mind---no matter which Moore one considers 'best.'
No disrespect for Sir Roger, mind you...just my own personal taste.
I think it's a bit silly to consider Connery infallible. To put his movies on a high pedestal -regardless of quality- simply because they are Connery Bonds would, as I suggest, only lessen the greatness of the best of Connery. You could argue that Connery's best can't be touched by Moore's best, but to say that worst of Connery is better than the best of Moore is a bit ludicrous. Just my personal opinion, really.
but to say that worst of Connery is better than the best of Moore is a bit ludicrous. Just my personal opinion, really.
Not if you think Moore brought NOTHING to the table in terms of James Bond the character. And that his movies are responsible for the downfall of a once great series.
to say that worst of Connery is better than the best of Moore is a bit ludicrous. Just my personal opinion, really.
How nice.
As it happens, I feel Connery's Bond is on a pedestal; not that I've put him there myself. I'm unable to summon such power alone 8-) And, of course, I've never claimed Connery is 'infallible' 8-) I rank three non-Connery Bond films (including OHMSS, in which Bond was portrayed by a non-actor!) ahead of several Connerys.
I've never been a fan of Moore's Bond, and make no mistake: I'll take Connery's worst Bond---ANY DAY---over anything Moore did as 007.
It so happens that this is my personal opinion. Really. But be assured, I'll never call one of yours 'ludicrous'---even if I think it is.
One of countless differences between us, I've no doubt Good day to you, sir.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Hold on there, chief, I meant no disrespect to you. It just seems that Connery (and his movies) get praised for no other reason than the fact that Sean Connery is somehow involved.
I think we would be more in line to blame Cubby Broccoli rather than Roger Moore for the change of direction in the 70's. It's quite apparent even during a Sean Connery film, Diamonds are Forever. I see little difference between that movie and most of Moore's films.
LazenbyThe upper reaches of the AmazoPosts: 606MI6 Agent
I see little difference between that movie and most of Moore's films.
To some of us (I can't speak for anyone else here) Moore just wasn't a credible Bond. He was a "nice boy" to be sure, but that's not what I personally look for in a Bond.
I think it's completely subjective. Loeff, Lazenby and Krassno Granitski dislike Moore; I feel the exact same way about Dalton whom I really loathe and whom I think almost destroyed the series. IMO the worst Connery film (NSNA) will always be better than the best Dalton film (IMO LTK.) Is it ludicrous? No, because the lead actor is massively important and I can not enjoy a Dalton film, no matter how good, because of him. I'm sure others feel the same way about Moore. In fact Kirk James Kirk, I would suggest that the reason that you can't understand Loeff placing NSNA above LALD is that, like me, you are a Moore fan. I too can't understand it; I had thought that his placing LALD in the top 10 meant he wasn't a completely lost case. I guess I was wrong.
BTW, as someone who loved Moore's films (well, most of them) I don't 'blame' anybody for the the change of direction in the 70's.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
It just seems that Connery (and his movies) get praised for no other reason than the fact that Sean Connery is somehow involved.
There are other reasons for praising the Connery films:
(1) They were obviously the first and freshest, establishing the pattern not only for the later Bond films but other action movies- eg, Schwarzenegger's quips after an action scene ("Consider that a divorce", et al) are straight from Bond.
(2) Terence Young and Peter Hunt created a unique atmosphere and editing style, still enjoyable forty years later.
(3) They're (generally) closer to Fleming.
(4) John Barry's work is at his highest level.
(5) The early Bond films aren't imitating anything, while the later ones are "inspired" by blaxploitation, kung-fu, Star Wars, and particularly the early films in their own series as above.
(6) The casting was a lot more careful back then than later- Gert Frobe, Lotte Lenya, Robert Shaw, etc as well as the series regulars- with the admitted exception of Felix Leiter.
Ahhh, now Barbel, that was a fine reaction. Some valid points made. I just assume that any really hardcore Bond fan would let the old bias subside for the sake of an appreciation for the entire series. I, at one time, had a strong loathing for George Lazenby and OHMSS for the sole reason that it had "that guy" in it. I despise Brosnan's movies with a firey passion, but even I admit that Brosnan himself was a great Bond. I find there's something great to pull from all angles in the series.
Don't really dislike the man, not a fan of his interpretation of James Bond.
That's what I meant. I would hope that none of the people here disliked any of the actors personally since the people here are unlikely to have met any of them. ) With me and Dalton; I think he's a good actor and I love that, like Moore, he has nothing but good things to say about being Bond, however I am less than thrilled with his interpretation of Bond.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
however I am less than thrilled with his interpretation of Bond.
I can't see how, since he based it on the literary interpretation. Oh thats right what the hell does Fleming know about James Bond. At least he did his own stunts, can't you give him credit for that?
Comments
2. FRWL
3. YOLT
4. GF
5. DN
6. DAF
7. NSNA- Terrible...just terrible
Goldfinger
From Russia With Love
Dr. No
Thunderball
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
Whay do I like it? Maybe I have fond memories of it as it was my first, maybe because I have seen t more than any others, maybe its the Vegas locale (never been, but would love to go!!), I dunno. I appreciate it is the silliest Bond, but still...my fav.
DashDangerous,
No need to be ashamed of your love for DAF. I myself place DAF in the top tier of the Connery Bond films. There's a lot to love: The PTS: (Bond strangling Marie with her bikini top, his confrontation with "Blofeld"), the title theme (Shirley Bassey should sing them all), Wint and Kidd (Two of the series's best henchmen), Tiffany Case (One of the most firey Bond girls), the fight in the elevator with Peter Franks, the cremation scene, Plenty O'Toole, Las Vegas, the car stunt, shooting the Blofeld double with the piton gun, Bambi and Thumper, and Bond's final skirmish with Wint and Kidd.
Of all the Connery Bond films, DAF is hands down the lightest. It contains a few gags that are very characteristic of the era to follow (Blofeld in drag, an elephant playing the slots). In fact, one could say that it was DAF that set the tone which would dominate the 70s and early 80s. DAF was probably a film better suited to Roger Moore's strengths, however Sean Connery makes the necessary adjustments (including a number of toupees
As I prefer my Bond film lighter (Roger Moore is my favorite), it shouldn't come as a surprise that I would take to DAF. Those who curse the film's very existence (
To many, DAF is a film that had the potential to be great (providing it met the criteria I mentioned), but failed. However, there are also many of us who like it just the way it is. As usual, it comes down to personal taste. Either way, whenever we here at AJB ponder the question "What if?" you can count on DAF receiving a lot of attention**.
* Ironically it is the same people who wish DAF was a direct continuation of OHMSS, who defended CR by saying that continuity didn't exist in the world of Bond. No need to mention any names, you know who you are. :v
** Not only because of the "missed opportunity," but also because John Gavin was signed to play Bond before Connery decided to return!
-Roger Moore
In reality, it was the YOLT-to-OHMSS snafu which screwed series continuity for all time, as far as I'm concerned. It would have been nice to have DAF be more of a natural coninuation of OHMSS...but at that time I think Eon was terrified that they'd made a horrible mistake with the tragic ending of Majesty, and sought to create as different a film as possible...and thus, a new Bond era was born.
BTW, I love DAF as well. It's by far my favourite Roger Moore Bond film :v *
* The fact that it stars Sean Connery is a great redeeming feature
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I'll let this one go, for if the great Roger Moore must have an understudy, to take his place in the event that he cannot somehow fulfill his duties as Bond, may it be Sean Connery!
{[]
-Roger Moore
Quite right---a great pity it is, IMO, that Moore was indeed able to fulfill (arguably) his duties as Bond, from '73 to '85...I'd have preferred his understudy B-)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Thunderball
Goldfinger
Dr. No
From Russia With Love
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
Film:
From Russia With Love
Goldfinger
Thunderball
Dr. No
You Only Live Twice
Diamonds Are Forever
It's always fun challenging you to in a battle of wits Loeffelholz. Did I by any chance prompt you to replace LALD with NSNA in the #10 slot of your favorite films list? :v
Blasphemous!
-Roger Moore
Very perceptive, my young apprentice
I figure, might as well be consistent...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I like to look at your favorite films list from time to time. Just checking to see if I've made any headway...
-Roger Moore
-Roger Moore
2 - TB - Largo makes good villain, and Fiona Volpe is one of the most stunning women to be in the series. Connery gets some classic lines.
3 - GF - tied with TB. Lots of memorable moments, good villains, great lines but drags in places.
4 - Dr No - A great start which makes you feel like you have been watching the series for years. Connery dones well for his first time and it has one of the best scenes in the series where Bond kills Professer Dent.
6. YOLT - The volcano lair is brilliant but the whole thing drags before it and Connery is on autopilot. The women are useless but Biofeld is great.
6 - DAF - Connery's moonraker. Camp humour, bad bond girls, crap villians and tacky fights. Feels more like the 60s Batman tv show with Adam West.
Yeah...I really think so. Sean Connery's worst beats Moore's best, in my mind---no matter which Moore one considers 'best.'
No disrespect for Sir Roger, mind you...just my own personal taste.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I think it's a bit silly to consider Connery infallible. To put his movies on a high pedestal -regardless of quality- simply because they are Connery Bonds would, as I suggest, only lessen the greatness of the best of Connery. You could argue that Connery's best can't be touched by Moore's best, but to say that worst of Connery is better than the best of Moore is a bit ludicrous. Just my personal opinion, really.
How nice.
As it happens, I feel Connery's Bond is on a pedestal; not that I've put him there myself. I'm unable to summon such power alone 8-) And, of course, I've never claimed Connery is 'infallible' 8-) I rank three non-Connery Bond films (including OHMSS, in which Bond was portrayed by a non-actor!) ahead of several Connerys.
I've never been a fan of Moore's Bond, and make no mistake: I'll take Connery's worst Bond---ANY DAY---over anything Moore did as 007.
It so happens that this is my personal opinion. Really. But be assured, I'll never call one of yours 'ludicrous'---even if I think it is.
One of countless differences between us, I've no doubt
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I think we would be more in line to blame Cubby Broccoli rather than Roger Moore for the change of direction in the 70's. It's quite apparent even during a Sean Connery film, Diamonds are Forever. I see little difference between that movie and most of Moore's films.
To some of us (I can't speak for anyone else here) Moore just wasn't a credible Bond. He was a "nice boy" to be sure, but that's not what I personally look for in a Bond.
BTW, as someone who loved Moore's films (well, most of them) I don't 'blame' anybody for the the change of direction in the 70's.
There are other reasons for praising the Connery films:
(1) They were obviously the first and freshest, establishing the pattern not only for the later Bond films but other action movies- eg, Schwarzenegger's quips after an action scene ("Consider that a divorce", et al) are straight from Bond.
(2) Terence Young and Peter Hunt created a unique atmosphere and editing style, still enjoyable forty years later.
(3) They're (generally) closer to Fleming.
(4) John Barry's work is at his highest level.
(5) The early Bond films aren't imitating anything, while the later ones are "inspired" by blaxploitation, kung-fu, Star Wars, and particularly the early films in their own series as above.
(6) The casting was a lot more careful back then than later- Gert Frobe, Lotte Lenya, Robert Shaw, etc as well as the series regulars- with the admitted exception of Felix Leiter.