1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service is one of the most divisive Bond films out there. Although it's probably the closest adaptation of one of Fleming's books, this was actually the first film that didn't have Connery playing 007 and instead brought in newcomer George Lazenby. The film features Blofeld (played by Telly Savalas this time out) threatening to sterilize the world's food supply unless he's granted amnesty for past crimes, given recognition of his title the Count de Bleuchamp, and allowed to retire to private life. Although Lazenby isn't the Bond that Connery was, he does a decent enough job in his one and only outing. And Telly Savalas may not be as sinister as Pleasance, but he brings more physicality to the role and he's far superior to Gray's subsequent portrayal. The film also features Diana Rigg as Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, the daughter of a mob boss. Her and Bond fall in love and marry at the film's climax, which also makes this perhaps the most tragic film in the series; right after their wedding, Teresa is killed by Blofeld, with Bond cradling her body and saying the final words of the film: "We have all the time in the world..." The trailers for Spectre show there will be some skiing scenes, and those played a very big part in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, while the Spectre logo of the bullet hole in the glass cracking to form the Spectre octopus definitely brings to mind memories of the way Teresa died - being shot through the car window - so this is the must-see film in preparation for Spectre. Excited for Spectre now? Join the conversation down in the comments.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
