Love the film and finally watched it on Blu Ray this weekend which is stunning!!!!!!!
I just got it on Blue ray myself and it IS stunning!!
I'm warming up to the film, there is a LOT to like in this one no doubt.
-as mentioned before, Lazenby wears the JB suit better than anyone, including Brosnan. i imagine Lazenby slapping that suit and telling it 'you're mine' before putting it on, and the suit being thoroughly obedient...
-the fight scenes are great
-we see M outside of his office doing something other than MI6 work, though that was a nice touch...
-the ending of the film with the drive by shooting was PERFECT! , the most sinister thing Blofield does in the entire series (considering all the grandiose events he's responsible for).
-not too fond of Tracy, but then again, she was suppose to be 'wife' material, not Plenty O'Toole...
What i love about this film is its bleak ending, its hippy 60's feel and Lazenby can kick ass better then Connery in the fight scenes. He's nowhere near as bad as anyone makes him out to be. Probably lacks the charamisa factor of Connery but for a first film he was good. Dame Rigg was excellent and very touching in the romantic scenes. Really pisses me off that they didn't do a second film shown Bond out a la Craig just on a revenage mission instead of the 5 minutes it got in DAF. Excellent film only behind Casino Royale Skyfall FRWL and Golfinger in my top 5.
Love the film and finally watched it on Blu Ray this weekend which is stunning!!!!!!!
I just got it on Blue ray myself and it IS stunning!!
I'm warming up to the film, there is a LOT to like in this one no doubt.
-as mentioned before, Lazenby wears the JB suit better than anyone, including Brosnan. i imagine Lazenby slapping that suit and telling it 'you're mine' before putting it on, and the suit being thoroughly obedient...
-the fight scenes are great
-we see M outside of his office doing something other than MI6 work, though that was a nice touch...
-the ending of the film with the drive by shooting was PERFECT! , the most sinister thing Blofield does in the entire series (considering all the grandiose events he's responsible for).
-not too fond of Tracy, but then again, she was suppose to be 'wife' material, not Plenty O'Toole...
-the family crest scene, very cool.
Have seen it in high def, and up scaled in my Blueray is it significantly better in 1080P ( Blueray) ? If it is I'll get it as I feel like watching it tomorrow ! I thought that m up scaled DVD was better than high def at 720.
OHMSS is my Favourite Movie and Book. -{
It's almost as if they went out to make my Perfect Bond film. )
OHMSS is the absolute best, and when collecting Bond memorabilia it is first on the list.
It was the first "new" Bond film I saw in the cinema, and had just read the books, and it was so close to it.
OHMSS (1963) was the 1st book written when Dr No film had arrived (1962) and the book has Irma Bundt referring to
the film star Ursula Andress in Piz Gloria !
It has a great romantic adventure story with superb skiing chases and Telly Savalas is very menacing as Blofeld.
The Aston Martin DBS was relatively new. Diana Rigg-great actress but I loved Angela Scoular as Ruby.
So many upcoming actresses like Joanna Lumley, Jenny Hanley and Anoushka Hempel and lovely Julie Ege.
I thank Peter Hunt for doing a thorough directing job and taking the story seriously.
Who has seen it originally in the cinema in 1969/70? I did. (I was 13 at the time.)
When the helicopter looks down on Birg cafe near Piz Gloria, on the big screen it is dizzying as
the picture revolves !
The Charles Helfenstein book is superb also, even if it's £40-"The Making of OHMSS."
Bleuville. "Q - "007 never had any respect for government property!"
I rate On Her Majesty's Secret Service as the second best Bond film behind From Russia With Love.
I don't get why there's so much criticism for OHMSS in some circles. Lazenby may not have had acting experience, but I thought he did a superb job with that film, in combination with the writers and the director. The film was very much true to the Fleming novel from which it originated. That, in my view, is the single most important factor in the determination of whether a film is a good Bond film.
OHMSS is a brilliant film (but FRWL is even better )
I rate On Her Majesty's Secret Service as the second best Bond film behind From Russia With Love.
Agreed entirely. Beautiful film. It has my favorite moment in the series: Bond crouched in a coat by the skating arena, oddly vulnerable and almost frightened. And then...Tracy.
It's all right. It's quite all right, really. She's having a rest. We'll be going on soon. There's no hurry, you see. We have all the time in the world.
Apart from Lazenby, everything else in OHMSS is pitch perfect, and its only real competitor in the entire series is indeed FRWL, which might have an edge, performance-wise. But OHMSS is the better story, with the better script, better locations, best feel (Christmas-y as it can get), the best action and overall best... Aside from Lazenby.
You see, if Connery had been in OHMSS, the film would've been a whole new level of amazing... It might've been considered today a real classic thriller, instead of being consistently underrated solely because of a rather underrated (but still a bit wooden) peformance by Lazenby.
Even so, the film is amazing. Its everything a Bond film should be, and then some.
Apart from Lazenby, everything else in OHMSS is pitch perfect, and its only real competitor in the entire series is indeed FRWL, which might have an edge, performance-wise. But OHMSS is the better story, with the better script, better locations, best feel (Christmas-y as it can get), the best action and overall best... Aside from Lazenby.
You see, if Connery had been in OHMSS, the film would've been a whole new level of amazing... It might've been considered today a real classic thriller, instead of being consistently underrated solely because of a rather underrated (but still a bit wooden) peformance by Lazenby.
Even so, the film is amazing. Its everything a Bond film should be, and then some.
While a agree with almost everything you wrote here about OHMSS, as I wrote before, I don't think that Connery at
this point in his career had the acting ability to show the necessay emotional depth of Bond's relationship with Tracy.
And I suppose to rever to a Connery in the Bond mood of FRWL or GF not the bored and annoyed one of his later years.
Apart from Lazenby, everything else in OHMSS is pitch perfect, and its only real competitor in the entire series is indeed FRWL, which might have an edge, performance-wise. But OHMSS is the better story, with the better script, better locations, best feel (Christmas-y as it can get), the best action and overall best... Aside from Lazenby.
You see, if Connery had been in OHMSS, the film would've been a whole new level of amazing... It might've been considered today a real classic thriller, instead of being consistently underrated solely because of a rather underrated (but still a bit wooden) peformance by Lazenby.
Even so, the film is amazing. Its everything a Bond film should be, and then some.
While a agree with almost everything you wrote here about OHMSS, as I wrote before, I don't think that Connery at
this point in his career had the acting ability to show the necessay emotional depth of Bond's relationship with Tracy.
And I suppose to rever to a Connery in the Bond mood of FRWL or GF not the bored and annoyed one of his later years.
I think Connery would have delivered, especially given how gadget-free the story is, and especially since his complaints about the franchise have always been about the overreliance on gadgets and technology. And the part would've allowed him to act, which he certainly showcased in films like THe Hill and Marnie around that time. Plus, as per Peter Hunt "what we needed was another Sean Connery."
Besides, how amazingly fullfilling would it have been with Connery playing the Bond who LOVED for the first time, and loses his wife to Blofeld?
Lazenby handles himself well in the fight scenes and his athletic physique shows off the clothing to good advantage
I believe that he did a stint in the army before taking up modelling and this enabled him to perform well in the audition, where he allegedly broke the stuntman's nose
I've often heard it said that his voice in OHMSS had to be dubbed but on the DVD extras he says that he had coaching to moderate his natural accent
Lazenby handles himself well in the fight scenes and his athletic physique shows off the clothing to good advantage
I believe that he did a stint in the army before taking up modelling and this enabled him to perform well in the audition, where he allegedly broke the stuntman's nose
I've often heard it said that his voice in OHMSS had to be dubbed but on the DVD extras he says that he had coaching to moderate his natural accent
Anyone have the truth on this?
In the scenes where he is posing as Sir Hilary his voice is dubbed by George Baker (who played the real Sir Hilary). Also during the attack on Piz Gloria later in the movie 007 says "Guns make me nervous" in his Hilary voice, you can hear quite clear this is not his own voice. Lazenby found out the producers/director did this at the premiere and wasn't amused because he had tried really hard to learn a posh British accent.
My all time favourite - Aussie Bond, movie set in Portugal and the Swiss Alps, Bond has a fight with M and joins forces with the underworld, Bond wears a kilt, Bond skis and bobsleds like the Jamaicans in 'Cool Runnings', Bond marries and wife dies...and Bond does two women in one night! That's one awesome movie - best of the range! B-)
It's Christmas . . . and I'm watching it right now. I forgot how wonderful Barry's score was in this film. And yes, it's still my favorite Bond flick.
Also during the attack on Piz Gloria later in the movie 007 says "Guns make me nervous" in his Hilary voice, you can hear quite clear this is not his own voice. Lazenby found out the producers/director did this at the premiere and wasn't amused because he had tried really hard to learn a posh British accent.
I wondered if they had tried that nonsense with Connery, who never really had a posh British accent, himself.
Is this the only Bond film that captured a particular holiday?
The Christmas feeling pervades so much of it...the train station arrival, the sleigh ride, the winter weather, the festivities in the village Bond escapes too, etc.
Lazenby handles himself well in the fight scenes and his athletic physique shows off the clothing to good advantage
I believe that he did a stint in the army before taking up modelling and this enabled him to perform well in the audition, where he allegedly broke the stuntman's nose
I've often heard it said that his voice in OHMSS had to be dubbed but on the DVD extras he says that he had coaching to moderate his natural accent
Anyone have the truth on this?
In the scenes where he is posing as Sir Hilary his voice is dubbed by George Baker (who played the real Sir Hilary). Also during the attack on Piz Gloria later in the movie 007 says "Guns make me nervous" in his Hilary voice, you can hear quite clear this is not his own voice. Lazenby found out the producers/director did this at the premiere and wasn't amused because he had tried really hard to learn a posh British accent.
On the DVD extras Lazenby says that his own voice was straight out of Queanbeyan (rural New South Wales)
Diana Rigg is without a doubt the most beautiful, essential Bond girl in any film! She helps Bond along h mission and I think Peter Hunt sets up her character in a way that makes me realize that I too am in love with her. Brilliant characterization by Diana Rigg! Greatest Bond girl of all time!
I definitely share your view that Connery would have delivered had he starred in OHMSS. Sir Sean has always been underrated as an actor, in my opinion, and the script for OHMSS would have given him an opportunity to show his range. As it is, I rank OHMSS very high on my list of best/favorite Bond films. It Connery had starred, I feel confident it would rank as the best of the series.
Apart from Lazenby, everything else in OHMSS is pitch perfect, and its only real competitor in the entire series is indeed FRWL, which might have an edge, performance-wise. But OHMSS is the better story, with the better script, better locations, best feel (Christmas-y as it can get), the best action and overall best... Aside from Lazenby.
You see, if Connery had been in OHMSS, the film would've been a whole new level of amazing... It might've been considered today a real classic thriller, instead of being consistently underrated solely because of a rather underrated (but still a bit wooden) peformance by Lazenby.
Even so, the film is amazing. Its everything a Bond film should be, and then some.
While a agree with almost everything you wrote here about OHMSS, as I wrote before, I don't think that Connery at
this point in his career had the acting ability to show the necessay emotional depth of Bond's relationship with Tracy.
And I suppose to rever to a Connery in the Bond mood of FRWL or GF not the bored and annoyed one of his later years.
I think Connery would have delivered, especially given how gadget-free the story is, and especially since his complaints about the franchise have always been about the overreliance on gadgets and technology. And the part would've allowed him to act, which he certainly showcased in films like THe Hill and Marnie around that time. Plus, as per Peter Hunt "what we needed was another Sean Connery."
Besides, how amazingly fullfilling would it have been with Connery playing the Bond who LOVED for the first time, and loses his wife to Blofeld?
This should be of interest to those unaware. George Lazenby was recently re-united with the original Aston Martin DBS from On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Melbourne's premier picture palace The Astor Theatre. The DBS has been privately owned by a Melbourne collector since 1978, who restored it to pristine condition (complete with rifle handle and telescopic sights seen in the film.
OHMSS is far & away the best James Bond film. It's not representative of the series & it's for that reason I like it so much. It is quite simply its own film & the perfect marriage of character & spectacle. Lazenby's 007 is a flesh & blood secret agent who carries this film wonderfully throughout, aided by a knockout cast, slick direction from Peter Hunt & quality writing by Richard Maibaum. Without it we wouldn't have the more realistic takes on the character from Dalton & Craig. Hats off to this film. May it forever reign as the most unique James Bond film of all.
I agree entirely. It’s a pity Lazenby didn’t continue in the role. I think that was a true loss to the series. He had the look of Cary Grant (who was among the actors originally approached to play the part), the assuredness of Connery, the charm of Moore and the emotional depth of Dalton.
Just watching that avalanche scene again. That must have been incredible for people in 1969. It almost looks like it came straight out of a current day movie.
1: Casino Royale 2: Goldeneye 3: Skyfall 4: Octopussy 5: Goldfinger 6: Tomorrow Never Dies 7: The World Is Not Enough 8: The Living Daylights 9: From Russia With Love 10: The Spy Who Loved Me
While I am critical of OHMSS, when I saw it at the Imax two years ago, I was amazed how modern it looked, surely it's the least dated of any Bond film, because it's so un-urbanised.
Settings on the beach in Portugal or in the snow in Switzerland just don't date. Then you have an unusually young leading man, as with today's action films, and the jerky in your face editing (like Bourne) and lack of gadgets (like any films today, including Bond) and it could have been made yesterday. The cinematography seems much advanced too, and better than any of the others (YOLT is great, but a bit too opulent imo). Oh, even Lazzer's cardies are sort of back in fashion now.
I'm watching the film right now. It's certainly growing on me a lot. When I first saw it I didn't think much of it but every time I watch it, I like it more and more. I think Lazenby does a great job to say he had no prior acting experience and Diana Rigg is a great Bond girl.
I think it's a shame that Bond never really revenged Tracy's death, the scene in FYEO doesn't do it credit.
One criticism I have of the film is how does Bond think Blofeld won't recognise him? His disguise isn't that good )
"You are about to wake when you dream that you are dreaming"
Comments
I just got it on Blue ray myself and it IS stunning!!
I'm warming up to the film, there is a LOT to like in this one no doubt.
-as mentioned before, Lazenby wears the JB suit better than anyone, including Brosnan. i imagine Lazenby slapping that suit and telling it 'you're mine' before putting it on, and the suit being thoroughly obedient...
-the fight scenes are great
-we see M outside of his office doing something other than MI6 work, though that was a nice touch...
-the ending of the film with the drive by shooting was PERFECT! , the most sinister thing Blofield does in the entire series (considering all the grandiose events he's responsible for).
-not too fond of Tracy, but then again, she was suppose to be 'wife' material, not Plenty O'Toole...
-the family crest scene, very cool.
Have seen it in high def, and up scaled in my Blueray is it significantly better in 1080P ( Blueray) ? If it is I'll get it as I feel like watching it tomorrow ! I thought that m up scaled DVD was better than high def at 720.
OHMSS is the absolute best, and when collecting Bond memorabilia it is first on the list.
It was the first "new" Bond film I saw in the cinema, and had just read the books, and it was so close to it.
OHMSS (1963) was the 1st book written when Dr No film had arrived (1962) and the book has Irma Bundt referring to
the film star Ursula Andress in Piz Gloria !
It has a great romantic adventure story with superb skiing chases and Telly Savalas is very menacing as Blofeld.
The Aston Martin DBS was relatively new. Diana Rigg-great actress but I loved Angela Scoular as Ruby.
So many upcoming actresses like Joanna Lumley, Jenny Hanley and Anoushka Hempel and lovely Julie Ege.
I thank Peter Hunt for doing a thorough directing job and taking the story seriously.
Who has seen it originally in the cinema in 1969/70? I did. (I was 13 at the time.)
When the helicopter looks down on Birg cafe near Piz Gloria, on the big screen it is dizzying as
the picture revolves !
The Charles Helfenstein book is superb also, even if it's £40-"The Making of OHMSS."
Bleuville. "Q - "007 never had any respect for government property!"
I don't get why there's so much criticism for OHMSS in some circles. Lazenby may not have had acting experience, but I thought he did a superb job with that film, in combination with the writers and the director. The film was very much true to the Fleming novel from which it originated. That, in my view, is the single most important factor in the determination of whether a film is a good Bond film.
OHMSS is a brilliant film (but FRWL is even better
Agreed entirely. Beautiful film. It has my favorite moment in the series: Bond crouched in a coat by the skating arena, oddly vulnerable and almost frightened. And then...Tracy.
You see, if Connery had been in OHMSS, the film would've been a whole new level of amazing... It might've been considered today a real classic thriller, instead of being consistently underrated solely because of a rather underrated (but still a bit wooden) peformance by Lazenby.
Even so, the film is amazing. Its everything a Bond film should be, and then some.
While a agree with almost everything you wrote here about OHMSS, as I wrote before, I don't think that Connery at
this point in his career had the acting ability to show the necessay emotional depth of Bond's relationship with Tracy.
And I suppose to rever to a Connery in the Bond mood of FRWL or GF not the bored and annoyed one of his later years.
Besides, how amazingly fullfilling would it have been with Connery playing the Bond who LOVED for the first time, and loses his wife to Blofeld?
Well, I for one am glad to see Lazenby finally reprise the role, even if it is a spoof.
I believe that he did a stint in the army before taking up modelling and this enabled him to perform well in the audition, where he allegedly broke the stuntman's nose
I've often heard it said that his voice in OHMSS had to be dubbed but on the DVD extras he says that he had coaching to moderate his natural accent
Anyone have the truth on this?
book that room for me as well -{
OHMSS is the perfect Bond film for me - particularly nice to see it over the christmas holidays!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
In the scenes where he is posing as Sir Hilary his voice is dubbed by George Baker (who played the real Sir Hilary). Also during the attack on Piz Gloria later in the movie 007 says "Guns make me nervous" in his Hilary voice, you can hear quite clear this is not his own voice. Lazenby found out the producers/director did this at the premiere and wasn't amused because he had tried really hard to learn a posh British accent.
I wondered if they had tried that nonsense with Connery, who never really had a posh British accent, himself.
The Christmas feeling pervades so much of it...the train station arrival, the sleigh ride, the winter weather, the festivities in the village Bond escapes too, etc.
OHMSS is like the top of Piz Gloria and the other Bond films are way down in Mürren, wishing they could make it to the top but not even on the slope.
On the DVD extras Lazenby says that his own voice was straight out of Queanbeyan (rural New South Wales)
1. GoldenEye 2. Goldfinger 3. Skyfall 4. OHMSS 5. TWINE
The FULL article + more pics.
GEORGE LAZENBY "BONDS" WITH HIS ORIGINAL "OHMSS" ASTON MARTIN DBS
http://www.cinemaretro.com/index.php?/archives/7109-GEORGE-LAZENBY-BONDS-WITH-HIS-ORIGINAL-OHMSS-ASTON-MARTIN-DBS.html
Thanks for sharing!
Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
http://www.ohmssdbs.com/appearances/
“It reads better than it lives.” T. Case
I agree entirely. It’s a pity Lazenby didn’t continue in the role. I think that was a true loss to the series. He had the look of Cary Grant (who was among the actors originally approached to play the part), the assuredness of Connery, the charm of Moore and the emotional depth of Dalton.
Settings on the beach in Portugal or in the snow in Switzerland just don't date. Then you have an unusually young leading man, as with today's action films, and the jerky in your face editing (like Bourne) and lack of gadgets (like any films today, including Bond) and it could have been made yesterday. The cinematography seems much advanced too, and better than any of the others (YOLT is great, but a bit too opulent imo). Oh, even Lazzer's cardies are sort of back in fashion now.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I think it's a shame that Bond never really revenged Tracy's death, the scene in FYEO doesn't do it credit.
One criticism I have of the film is how does Bond think Blofeld won't recognise him? His disguise isn't that good