20 Things You Didn’t Know About On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)

4. “We Have All The Time In The World.”

The main title theme was impossible to write lyrics for, so John Barry worked with lyricist, Hal David on a romantic song to feature later in the film, crafted around the phrase “we have all the time in the world” from Ian Fleming's 1963 novel.

George Lazenby lobbied for Canadian-American jazz-rock group, Blood, Sweat & Tears to perform it but, inspired by the ironic use of Walter Huston’s “September Song” in September Affair (1950), John Barry requested that the producers hire jazz legend, Louis Armstrong. Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman initially vetoed the idea as Armstrong’s projected salary was $35,000 to $50,000, but relented when Peter Hunt supported Barry.

Frail and having just been discharged from hospital, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong performed the song in New York City in his own inimitable style before the recording was flown to London. Despite John Barry’s assertion that it was Satchmo’s last record, Armstrong continued working until passing away in July 1971.

Lazenby later conceded that Louis Armstrong was the best choice for the song.

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I started writing for WhatCulture in July 2020. I have always enjoyed reading and writing. I have contributed to several short story competitions and I have occasionally been fortunate enough to have my work published. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I also started reviewing films on my Facebook page. Numerous friends and contacts suggested that I should start my own website for reviewing films, but I wanted something a bit more diverse - and so here I am! My interests focus on film and television mainly, but I also occasionally produce articles that venture into other areas as well. In particular, I am a fan of the under appreciated sequel (of which there are many), but I also like the classics and the mainstream too.