While On Her Majesty's Secret Service is one of my favorite Bond films, it is late as I type this and I am going to be a little more brief in each example of why this one is so great.
1. It took a few viewings for me to truly appreciate the editing style of this picture, but director Peter Hunt, who was an editor on previous movies in the franchise, really does a great job of amplifying the intensity of the action with his cuts and quick edits.
2. "This never happened to the other fella."
3. The entrance we get from Diana Rigg in that low cut dress in the casino is the first of several scenes where the viewer is just left speechless at her beauty and talent.
4. Only having starred as 007 in this one picture, it is unclear what George Lazenby could have become in the role to make it his own, instead of being known as the forgotten Bond. However, it is undeniable that his physicality in the fight sequences are unparalleled by any other Bond actor. And it isn't just the fight scenes that his brutality is on display. While hard to watch with 2021 eyes, the way he twists Tracy's wrist and disarms her is intense.
5. This is such a small touch, but on the way to Draco's office when Bond swings the gate hard back at the henchmen in an attempt to escape, even though it doesn't succeed it is a great character moment. It shows he is always searching for any opportunity to get an advantage on his adversary.
6. Speaking of Marc-Ange Draco, this is the other great Bond ally (not named Felix Leiter) who is constantly ranked at the top of favorite characters in the series. Other than Kerim Bey, there is only one other non-MI6 ally in the franchise who is as liked as Draco, and we will discuss him much later in this marathon.
7. Like Bond in a naval uniform, we don't often see 007's office. This is the first time we get a glimpse of what his work life is like when he isn't in the field saving the world.
8. I'm not that into the fashion of James Bond movies, but everything Tracy is seen wearing I consider to be fabulous. Her fashion sense is unmatched by every other Bond girl.
9. Speaking of Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, lots of actresses have told us how their Bond girl is different and a real equal to our hero, but when it comes to Tracy she actually delivers. Whether its her style, the way she drives a car, skis, fights, etc., she is just as superior as Bond at whatever she is doing. The fact that she can hold her own in any situation makes us believe that James Bond would actually fall in love with this stunning creature and give up his bachelor lifestyle.
10. While I enjoy the gadgets in other films, the fact that this one is gadget-free is quite refreshing. Any scrape 007 happens to find himself in results in him having to use his wits to get out of danger.
11. The ski escape from Piz Gloria isn't just my favorite skiing scene in the movie, but the entire series. I love how things keep getting worse for Bond with the number of armed thugs chasing him, his losing a ski, nearly falling off a cliff, and having to defend himself without a gun when he is in close combat with a henchman.
12. I've always liked the harshness and sound editing of the bell barn fight.
13. I know I've gushed about Tracy a lot already, but when she shows back up in that ice-skating outfit and then drives Bond to safety in the midst of an ice race it just reminds me of why she is the greatest female character in the series.
14. One of the quiet moments that I really like in this movie is when Bond and Tracy are in the barn and he proposes to her. He is willing to quit the service and start a family with this woman that he knows is one of a kind. Lazenby is truly the worst actor out of the six men to currently feature in the official series, but his performance in this scene is his best.
15. Another great ski sequence is when Bond and Tracy leave the barn. We get more confirmation of how much of an equal Tracy is to our hero.
16. Bond sliding and shooting on the ice during the raid on Piz Gloria is just the coolest thing. And how John Barry kicks the James Bond theme song in right at that moment is perfect.
17. Speaking of John Barry, pretty much all of his scores for the Bond series are great, but I think he did dig deep on this one to make sure the music was going to be phenomenal.
18. As if the Piz Gloria raid isn't great by itself, but they give us a spectacular bobsled chase/fight between Bond and Blofeld. I've seen this movie at least 20 times and I still am on the edge of my seat when it gets to that part.
19. One of the saddest moments of the entire series, when you see the bullet hole in the windshield and blood dripping down Tracy's forehead it's like a gut punch. I hate the scene, but at the same time I love it because it stirs so many emotions and to end an action movie on a downer like that is a really bold choice. It is extremely faithful to the novel in that respect, but I applaud the producers for not changing it to a happier ending just to placate the audience.
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