On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – 1969 – English – Action – Adventures
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – 1969 – English
Film directed in 1969 by Peter R. Hunt, and starring George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, Ilse Steppat, Gabriele Ferzetti, Yuri Borienko, Bernard Horsfall, George Baker, Lois Maxwell, Desmond Llewelyn, Julie Ege, Joanna Lumley, Bessie Love, Virginia North…
Synopsis: Australian actor George Lazenby takes over in this new adventure from British agent 007, James Bond, who on this occasion is associated with a mobster – with an attractive daughter Tracy Di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) -, to unite his forces in the fight against the evil organization Spectra. Set in the Swiss Alps, the evil Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) threatens the entire world with an ambitious plan: launch a dangerous bacteria that could end agricultural production across the globe.
Review: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) in my opinion was the best film of the series. I felt that George Lazenby was unfairly slagged by the critics for his performance. He did the best that he could. His acting fit very well for his character.
The direction moved the film at an even pace. The action set pieces were impressive and Diana Rigg was hot. Telly Savalas was excellent as Blofield, he gave the character a suave touch. But you call tell that underneath his mack daddy act he was all business, and violent business indeed.
Everything about this movie had a cool aura to it. The stunt scenes were amazing (for it’s era) and the cinematography was beautifully shot. I had one bone to pick with the film. The in jokes got a bit heavy handed. Other than that it’s a fun film. Too bad George Lazenby was demoted to B-Movie hell after this flick (at least he got a three picture deal with Golden Harvest where he made three classic action films).
I have to give this movie a high recommendation. If you love the James Bond series you’ll enjoy this one.