George Lazenby’s sole official James Bond film was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Despite its initial mixed reception, this film has risen in critical acclaim and is now recognized as one of the most faithful adaptations of Ian Fleming’s novels, and a standout entry in the 007 franchise.
A Bond Cut Short: Lazenby’s One and Only
George Lazenby, an Australian model with no prior acting experience, unexpectedly inherited the mantle of James Bond after Sean Connery’s departure following You Only Live Twice. His casting was a gamble, a deliberate attempt by producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman to find someone who embodied Fleming’s literary Bond. While Lazenby’s performance was initially criticized for its perceived lack of polish, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service has since been re-evaluated as a sophisticated and emotionally resonant entry in the series, largely due to its strong storyline, stunning cinematography, and dynamic action sequences. Ultimately, a combination of factors, including Lazenby’s agent advising against signing a long-term contract and perceived production friction, resulted in his departure after just one film.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: A Deeper Dive
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service departs from the typical Bond formula in several key ways. It focuses on Bond’s relationship with Contessa Teresa “Tracy” di Vicenzo, played by Diana Rigg. Their relationship is central to the plot, culminating in a wedding that marks a significant departure for the character of James Bond.
The plot revolves around Bond’s pursuit of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the head of SPECTRE, who is attempting to use a bacteriological warfare threat to extort the world’s governments. The film is set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking scenery and thrilling ski chases. Key locations include Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant that serves as Blofeld’s mountaintop headquarters.
The film is also notable for its realism and lack of overly fantastical gadgets, focusing instead on practical espionage and thrilling action sequences. While Lazenby’s performance was initially seen as wooden by some, his portrayal has gained appreciation for its vulnerability and emotional depth, particularly in the film’s tragic ending. The film’s ending, where Tracy is murdered shortly after their wedding, remains one of the most powerful and heartbreaking moments in the entire Bond franchise.
FAQs: Unraveling the Lazenby Bond Legacy
H3: Why did George Lazenby only do one Bond film?
There were several contributing factors. Lazenby’s agent, against the advice of others, reportedly convinced him that the James Bond franchise was on the decline and that he should pursue other roles. This advice led Lazenby to reject a long-term contract. Furthermore, reports of tension on set between Lazenby and director Peter R. Hunt also played a role. He was also relatively inexperienced as an actor, and this showed in his performance, although it is debated how much this influenced the decision to not continue.
H3: Was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service a success at the time of its release?
While it wasn’t a box-office failure, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service didn’t perform as well as previous Bond films, particularly those starring Sean Connery. It received mixed reviews, with many critics focusing on Lazenby’s performance. However, over time, the film’s critical reputation has significantly improved.
H3: How faithful is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service to the Ian Fleming novel?
It’s considered one of the most faithful adaptations of an Ian Fleming Bond novel. The film closely follows the book’s plot, including the romance with Tracy, the confrontation with Blofeld at Piz Gloria, and the tragic ending. Some dialogue and scenes are lifted directly from the novel.
H3: Who played Tracy di Vicenzo in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service?
Diana Rigg, best known for her role as Emma Peel in The Avengers, played Tracy di Vicenzo. Her performance is widely praised and considered one of the strongest female characters in the Bond franchise.
H3: Who directed On Her Majesty’s Secret Service?
Peter R. Hunt directed On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This was his only time directing a Bond film, although he had previously worked on the franchise as an editor. He brought a unique visual style and a focus on realism to the film.
H3: Where was On Her Majesty’s Secret Service filmed?
The film was primarily shot in Switzerland, including locations like Piz Gloria, Grindelwald, and Bern. Other locations included Portugal and England.
H3: What is Piz Gloria in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service?
Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant located on the Schilthorn mountain in the Swiss Alps. In the film, it serves as Blofeld’s research institute and hideout. The restaurant still exists today and has become a popular tourist destination for Bond fans.
H3: What kind of car did Bond drive in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service?
Bond drove an Aston Martin DBS in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This was a change from the iconic Aston Martin DB5, and the DBS became a memorable Bond car in its own right.
H3: Does On Her Majesty’s Secret Service acknowledge previous Bond films?
Yes, there’s a meta-reference to Connery’s portrayal of Bond. Early in the film, Bond quips, “This never happened to the other fellow,” after escaping from assassins, directly acknowledging the change in actor.
H3: Is On Her Majesty’s Secret Service considered a good Bond film today?
Absolutely. Its reputation has grown significantly over the years. Many fans and critics now consider it one of the best Bond films, praising its strong story, realistic action, and emotional depth. It consistently ranks highly in lists of the best Bond movies.
H3: How did the death of Tracy Bond impact the James Bond character in subsequent films?
Tracy’s death had a lasting impact on James Bond. Although later films didn’t always explicitly reference it, the emotional wound was hinted at. In Diamonds Are Forever, Bond visits Tracy’s grave. In For Your Eyes Only, Bond lays flowers at Tracy’s grave, and later films like Casino Royale (2006) explore Bond’s capacity for emotional vulnerability, arguably building on the foundation laid by On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The character, even in later iterations, is demonstrably impacted by her loss.
H3: What lasting impact did George Lazenby have on the James Bond franchise?
While Lazenby’s tenure was brief, his portrayal brought a different dimension to the character, showing vulnerability and a capacity for love and loss that hadn’t been fully explored before. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service also proved that the Bond franchise could adapt and survive even significant changes in lead actors, paving the way for future transitions. Furthermore, the film’s enduring appeal has cemented Lazenby’s place in Bond history, ensuring that his contribution is not forgotten. The fact that it’s a faithful adaptation of a strong Fleming novel has also given it lasting appeal to purists.