Ranking All 7 James Bond Movies from the 1960s

“The name is Bond…James Bond.” Since the early ’60s, these immortal words have introduced everyone’s favorite gentleman spy. Created by British author Ian Fleming, James Bond is a secret agent working for MI6 under the code name 007. The cool gadgets, exotic locations, and bounty of beauties Bond’s job comes with, have no doubt contributed to it being a highly coveted role, which has been played by seven actors over as many decades.

Bond’s transition from page to screen began in 1961, thanks to producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, who purchased the filming rights to Fleming’s novels. They later founded Eon Productions, which has produced all but two of the 27 Bond movies. The 1967 version of “Casino Royale” and “Never Say Never Again” (1983) are the exceptions. Bond is undeniably big business, with the franchise grossing more than $20 billion if adjusted for inflation. Here’s a look back at three memorable Bond movies from the early years.

Definitely not to be confused with the 2006 Daniel Craig Bond film, “Casino Royale” (1967) was a rather silly spoof, starring David Niven as the ‘original’ Bond, forced out of retirement to take on the evil Dr. Noah and SMERSH. The parody storyline also includes six other agents who pretend to be Bond at different points in the movie, including Evelyn Tremble (Peter Sellers) and Vesper Lynd, played by the first-ever Bond girl, Ursula Andress.

Fans of Fleming and the character brought to screen by Eon Productions will probably squirm at the thought of “Casino Royale” even being considered a Bond film. Despite the cheesy lines and hammy acting, the film’s success serves to prove how prominent Bond had become in just a few short years. “Casino Royale” had no fewer than six directors, three screenwriters, and several uncredited writers. With its star-studded cast, it’s clear many people were vying for a piece of the Bond action.

In “You Only Live Twice” (1967), when an American spacecraft is hijacked from orbit, the United States suspects the Soviets. However, the British suspect Japanese involvement, and Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to Tokyo to investigate. With help from allies, Bond discovers a secret base inside a volcano, operated by Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Donald Pleasence), the criminal mastermind and leader of SPECTRE. Blofeld’s objective is to start a Soviet-American war. Bond foils Blofeld’s plan, but Blofeld escapes after triggering a volcanic eruption.

“You Only Live Twice” was Connery’s fifth consecutive Bond film, but his relationship with the producers had become strained. He even refused to do his lines if producers were on set, making for a lackluster performance. However, the movie’s special effects made up for it. Nearly one-tenth of the film’s budget was spent on creating the impressive volcano set at Pinewood Studios.

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” (1969) opens with Bond (George Lazenby) rescuing the only daughter of a European crime syndicate leader. Using this connection, Bond uncovers the whereabouts of Blofeld (Telly Savalas). He goes undercover, accessing Blofeld’s research institute in the Swiss Alps, where he meets the ‘Angels of Death,’ 12 women brainwashed into spreading a virus that will destroy the world’s food supply. Bond manages to thwart Blofeld’s plans, but Blofeld kills Bond’s new bride in a drive-by shooting.

This was the first and only time Lazenby played 007. His performance was admirable, but he didn’t match up to Connery. Lazenby lied to get the role, claiming to be an experienced actor. Although offered a contract for more Bond films, Lazenby walked away, believing the franchise had run its course—a decision some think he regrets.

In “Thunderball” (1965), two nuclear warheads are stolen by SPECTRE agents who hijack an Avro Vulcan jet bomber. The mastermind is Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), demanding a ransom of one million pounds from NATO, under threat of destroying a major city in the US or the UK. Bond’s investigation leads him to the Bahamas, where he discovers the Vulcan bomber camouflaged underwater and learns Largo’s plans to smuggle the warheads aboard his ship. Bond calls in the US Coast Guard and Navy, resulting in an underwater battle.

Despite containing thrilling action sequences, about a quarter of “Thunderball” was filmed underwater, slowing the action considerably. The opening scenes set high expectations for future Bond ventures, featuring a thrilling fist fight, a jet-pack escape, and a getaway car rigged with bullet shields and water cannons.

After the chief of MI6 is murdered in Jamaica in “Dr. No” (1962), Bond is sent to investigate. His investigation leads him to a private island owned by Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman). Bond meets Honey Ryder (Andress), and together they are taken to Dr. No’s lair. Dr. No reveals he joined SPECTRE after being shunned by the government and plans to use a radio beam to disrupt the Project Mercury space launch. Bond manages to escape and put an end to Dr. No’s plan.

This was the first time James Bond ever appeared on screen. Connery nearly died filming a stunt where he drove a car underneath a crane with inches to spare. Fortunately, he survived and went on to star in six more Bond movies, establishing himself and his character as household names.

“From Russia with Love” (1963) sees Bond being lured to the Russian consulate in Istanbul to procure an encryption device. Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi) becomes entangled in a plot led by SPECTRE agent Red Grant (Robert Shaw) to assassinate Bond. After a thrilling chase across Europe, Bond escapes with the device and the girl.

Connery said “From Russia with Love” was his personal favorite Bond film. Its exotic locations in Turkey and Scotland added to the appeal. Although scenes on the Orient Express were filmed at Pinewood Studios, the film’s engrossing story makes it a fan favorite.

“Goldfinger” (1964) follows Bond as he tracks gold smuggler Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) to his refinery in Geneva. Bond overhears plans to break into Fort Knox and discovers Goldfinger’s intent to detonate a dirty bomb inside the vault, contaminating the gold to increase the value of his own. Bond uses his charm to get help from one of Goldfinger’s operatives, and American authorities arrive just in time to disarm the bomb.

“Goldfinger” often tops the best Bond films list due to its broad appeal and playful plot. Its larger-than-life characters like Oddjob (Harold Sakata) and Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) are unforgettable.

Source: Collider