On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

Determined to get the head of SPECTRE, Ernst Blofeld (Telly Savalas), James Bond (George Lazenby) enlists the aid of a mafioso head (Gabriele Ferzetti, L'AVVENTURA) while also romancing his daughter (Diana Rigg). He goes undercover as a genealogist to Blofeld's hideaway in the Swiss alps. This most elegant of all the Bond films is a benchmark in the series as far as quality goes, not surprisingly it is also the most faithful adaptation of the Ian Fleming novels. If Sean Connery had played Bond instead of Lazenby, it would have the greatest of the Bond films. The much maligned Lazenby is adequate but he lacks the screen presence, not to mention the acting chops, of Connery. Directed by Peter Hunt, who was the editor on the previous Bond films, he keeps a firm rein on the storyline despite the two hour plus running time. The ski and bobsled chases are spectacular, among the best of their kind and Rigg brings a strength, intelligence and a strong actress's skills that elevates her above the typical "Bond girl". John Barry's score is simply stunning. The large cast includes Bernard Lee, Lois Maxwell, George Baker, Angela Scoular, Joanna Lumley, Catherine Schell, Desmond Llewelyn and Ilse Steppat who almost steals the film as Blofeld's butch henchwoman.