Pros and Cons: On Her Majesty's Secret Service

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  • DutchJamesBondFanDutchJamesBondFan the NetherlandsPosts: 414MI6 Agent
    I wanted to buy the whole set, but because it didn't include Dr. No I thought it looked incomplete. If it are all the SPECTRE related films it should be there. But it's still beautiful.
    Don't confuse me with the other DutchBondFan, but be sure to follow his YouTube account. You can read my articles on James Bond Nederland: www.jamesbond.nl/author/gosse/
  • DutchJamesBondFanDutchJamesBondFan the NetherlandsPosts: 414MI6 Agent
    On topic: Yes, DAF should have included Lazenby, but I prefer Roger Moore, so I'd still let him take over in LALD. But DAF could've been better with Lazenby and as The Wicker Man said, the return of Draco would have been great.
    Don't confuse me with the other DutchBondFan, but be sure to follow his YouTube account. You can read my articles on James Bond Nederland: www.jamesbond.nl/author/gosse/
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,467MI6 Agent
    (Response to an earlier post)

    Surely they couldn't have forseen what the weather was going to be like?

    Someone said they ditched OHMSS because it was seen as 'Thunderball on skis' which I can kind of see, and also to use YOLT to cash in on the Bond fandom in Japan.
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • am747am747 Posts: 720MI6 Agent
    (Response to an earlier post)

    Surely they couldn't have forseen what the weather was going to be like?

    IIRC, in one of the videos in special features section, they talk weather in Switzerland playing a key role in making the decision
  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    edited November 2015
    BluRay marathon number 6!

    Pros:

    - George Lazenby is fantastic, he looks great, fights well, has good chemistry with other actors and is playing the role with everything he had.
    - Locations are stunning.
    - Plot line is easy to follow and nicely contained with locations.
    - TS as Blofeld delivers IMO the best Blofeld from all films.
    - Irma Bunt is a fantastic presence.
    - Action sequences are well done and look sharp, especially the bob-sled chase.
    - Diana Rigg is excellent as Tracy.
    - Best performance from Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell. Scene at wedding the Moneypenny is touching.
    - Cinematography is simple, elegant.
    - Death of Tracy is incredibly sad, and extremely well acted by GL.
    - John Barry furthers his great work from YOLT to create something original sounding.
    - Avalanche scene is well done.

    Cons:

    - Dodgy green-screen work, especially in bobsled chase.
    - Some choppy editing to allow for dubbing, especially in stock car rally.
    - Inconsistencies in GL's performance in places.
    - Bond theme in closing credits.
    - 1st act has some overly-stylistic elements, which have dated.
    - PTS is slightly off. The intro is good of Bond, but the involvement of Draco's men and frenetic fight scenes are a little choppy.

    Observations:

    GL's acting in some scenes is amazing: at the wedding, sad interaction with Moneypenny on departure, reaction to death of Tracy, debating with M about Piz Gloria, Tracy/barn, even with dubbing - his Hillary Bray cover is well done. Some scenes, he's not so convincing: in the car with Tracy in the chase, first meeting with Draco, conversations with Blofeld and just general delivery of some lines (especially one-liners). Still - he puts in a fantastic performance and I wish I could've seen him in more - his potential was certainly there.

    BluRay:

    They keep getting better, but this was particularly good - probably because of the quality in which OHMSS appears to be filmed anyway. Colours are extremely vibrant, in Portugal in particular.

    Overall:

    Still my 5th favourite Bond. I really enjoy Lazenby's portrayal as Bond, especially given the fact OHMSS is a very different Bond to all others - FYEO is probably the only similar one - but OHMSS is something very special and original in the mix. This IMO does Lazenby's single outing major favours as it adds to the whole intrigue of the film. I love the Hillary Bray cover, the girls, Blofeld being more-normal and the simplicity of everything that happens - fall in love, get there, cover for as long as possible, escape, return, chase, marry. It's all done so well.

    A fantastic Bond film that I've always enjoyed immensely for something a bit deeper.
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • Agent PurpleAgent Purple Posts: 857MI6 Agent
    I love this line from Savalas's Blofeld:

    "You'll be useful in helping me to convince the authorities that I mean what I say, and I'll do what I claim." (hope I got it right)
    "Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
    New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
    1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
    Bond actors to be re-ranked later
  • am747am747 Posts: 720MI6 Agent

    Cons:

    - Dodgy green-screen work, especially in bobsled chase.
    - Some choppy editing to allow for dubbing, especially in stock car rally.
    - Bond theme in closing credits.
    - 1st act has some overly-stylistic elements, which have dated.
    - PTS is slightly off. The intro is good of Bond, but the involvement of Draco's men and frenetic fight scenes are a little choppy.

    a) I would not be too critical on the green-screen work of a film from 60s
    b) Agree with your point on editing. The shout from Bunt when the MB explodes appeared out of place. I though that she would have died in the explosion :))
    c) I guess, after the unusual ending, they wanted to re-create the mood before the audiences left the cinema
    d) I think it is getting better with age :D
    e) I like the PTS and rate it amongst the best :007)
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,610MI6 Agent
    am747 wrote:

    Cons:

    - Dodgy green-screen work, especially in bobsled chase.
    - Some choppy editing to allow for dubbing, especially in stock car rally.
    - Bond theme in closing credits.
    - 1st act has some overly-stylistic elements, which have dated.
    - PTS is slightly off. The intro is good of Bond, but the involvement of Draco's men and frenetic fight scenes are a little choppy.

    a) I would not be too critical on the green-screen work of a film from 60s
    b) Agree with your point on editing. The shout from Bunt when the MB explodes appeared out of place. I though that she would have died in the explosion :))
    c) I guess, after the unusual ending, they wanted to re-create the mood before the audiences left the cinema
    d) I think it is getting better with age :D
    e) I love the PTS :007)

    I agree. I think the Bond theme at the end was absolutely necessary. It's the same reason for CR not ending on a sad note after Bond both losing the girl and failing his mission.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • BondJasonBond006BondJasonBond006 SwitzerlandPosts: 870MI6 Agent
    The terms con and OHMSS in the same thread let alone in the same post let alone in the same sentence results in a temporal paradox and makes the universe implode :o
    Dalton Rulez™
  • eric7064eric7064 USAPosts: 344MI6 Agent
    Truly a great film. Not much to con here. Anyone else think this version of Blofeld was the best?
  • am747am747 Posts: 720MI6 Agent
    eric7064 wrote:
    Truly a great film. Not much to con here. Anyone else think this version of Blofeld was the best?

    Probably. The screen lights up when he is on the screen :)
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    He's still my favourite. -{
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • heartbroken_mr_draxheartbroken_mr_drax New Zealand Posts: 2,073MI6 Agent
    Yep, my cons are certainly pretty weak! {[]
    1. TWINE 2. FYEO 3. MR 4. TLD 5. TSWLM 6. OHMSS 7. DN 8. OP 9. AVTAK 10. TMWTGG 11. QoS 12. GE 13. CR 14. TB 15. FRWL 16. TND 17. LTK 18. GF 19. SF 20. LaLD 21. YOLT 22. NTTD 23. DAD 24. DAF. 25. SP

    "Better make that two."
  • Agent PurpleAgent Purple Posts: 857MI6 Agent
    I prefer Pleasence's Blofeld to Savalas's, although I might be the only one here who does.
    "Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
    New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
    1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
    Bond actors to be re-ranked later
  • Willard WhyteWillard Whyte Posts: 166MI6 Agent
    Savalas is a great actor and his Blofeld was by far the best, saying that Waltz could grow into the role with a better script and more screen time.
    I smell a rat
  • Willard WhyteWillard Whyte Posts: 166MI6 Agent
    The terms con and OHMSS in the same thread let alone in the same post let alone in the same sentence results in a temporal paradox and makes the universe implode :o

    This {[]

    There's no Cons in this film or a Connery :o
    I smell a rat
  • OddjoblofeldraxorinOddjoblofeldraxorin CaliforniaPosts: 195MI6 Agent
    The only con for me is when George breaks the fourth wall in the beginning. That was more ridiculous than anything from a Rog movie.

    Favorite pro: Tracy's cleavage ;)
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,320MI6 Agent
    The only Con is that it took bloody ages to release on blu ray!!
    Instagram - bondclothes007
  • Agent PurpleAgent Purple Posts: 857MI6 Agent
    The terms con and OHMSS in the same thread let alone in the same post let alone in the same sentence results in a temporal paradox and makes the universe implode :o

    This {[]

    There's no Cons in this film or a Connery :o

    Blackleiter might be pleased with that comment.

    You must be a major Connery fanboy.
    "Hostile takeovers. Shall we?"
    New 2020 ranking (for now DAF and FYEO keep their previous placements)
    1. TLD 2. TND 3. GF 4. TSWLM 5. TWINE 6. OHMSS 7. LtK 8. TMWTGG 9. L&LD 10. YOLT 11. DAD 12. QoS 13. DN 14. GE 15. SF 16. OP 17. MR 18. AVTAK 19. TB 20. FRWL 21. CR 22. FYEO 23. DAF (SP to be included later)
    Bond actors to be re-ranked later
  • IanTIanT Posts: 573MI6 Agent
    The terms con and OHMSS in the same thread let alone in the same post let alone in the same sentence results in a temporal paradox and makes the universe implode :o

    This {[]

    There's no Cons in this film or a Connery :o

    Blackleiter might be pleased with that comment.

    You must be a major Connery fanboy.

    I don't think you can say that there are no cons in a Connery Bond. Have you seen DAF? Charles Gray in drag! Jill St. John's "acting". Bambi and Thumper being dunked and then changing positions? I could go on...

    My biggest con with OHMSS is the Bond theme at the end, and I agree that TS is the best Blofeld ever!
  • IanTIanT Posts: 573MI6 Agent
    Oh I forgot one of my favourite lines/exchanges in OHMSS when Bond and Bunt are about to get in the helicopter...

    Bunt: "First you must bash out your pipe."
    Bond: "Knock out, you mean? I hope"

    Such a classic, subtle joke. Sadly missed by many.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    " Bambi and Thumper being dunked and then changing positions ?"
    :)) This is something ( even after many, many viewings ) I've never
    noticed !, so guess what I'll be watching today. ;) Thanks Ian T. {[]
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • IanTIanT Posts: 573MI6 Agent
    " Bambi and Thumper being dunked and then changing positions ?"
    :)) This is something ( even after many, many viewings ) I've never
    noticed !, so guess what I'll be watching today. ;) Thanks Ian T. {[]

    Well, technically, they don't both change sides. He dunks Thumper with his left hand and releases her with his left hand. Then a short time later, releases Bambi with his left hand. Despite her being dunked with his right hand.
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    -{ I've never noticed before, I guess now. I'll be thinking "How'd
    I not notice that" Although, it's always fun to find out new facts. :)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • GrindelwaldGrindelwald Posts: 1,341MI6 Agent
    002 wrote:
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Ruby - just cannot take to the accent (sorry Northerners :#)

    No problem....it's NOT a Northern accent :))

    Indeed, it's not! :))

    However, I agree with the sentiment that OHMSS is definitely (one of) the best film(s) of the Bond franchise.

    Manchester-accent is like British Bulldog Davey Boy I think , he pronounced "town" as "taun" :p
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,761Chief of Staff
    002 wrote:
    Sir Miles wrote:

    No problem....it's NOT a Northern accent :))

    Indeed, it's not! :))

    However, I agree with the sentiment that OHMSS is definitely (one of) the best film(s) of the Bond franchise.

    Manchester-accent is like British Bulldog Davey Boy I think , he pronounced "town" as "taun" :p

    No...trust me...it isn't ;) :))
    YNWA 97
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I'm guessing it's as true a Northern accent as the London accents
    on EastEnders :D or the multitude of accents on The Archers. ;)
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • 002002 New ZealandPosts: 558MI6 Agent
    To me, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is perfect. In fact it is my first-equal favourite film, sharing the top spot with From Russia With Love.
  • am747am747 Posts: 720MI6 Agent
    002 wrote:
    To me, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is perfect. In fact it is my first-equal favourite film, sharing the top spot with From Russia With Love.

    {[]
  • GrindelwaldGrindelwald Posts: 1,341MI6 Agent
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36AuZgPHRbE

    Nice to have a complete set like that :x
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