Friday, October 05, 2012

Happy 50th anniversary, Bond ... James Bond

Today - October 5 - marks the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond movie, "Dr. No," and the beginning of the longest-running character franchise in cinematic history. It made its star, Sean Connery, and international sensation and his co-star, Ursula Andress, the model for all future "Bond girls."
The movie differed in one aspect from the next 21 films (and the 23rd, "Skyfall," to debut in early November) - Dr. No had NO song incorporating the title into the lyrics. Even the tune, "Nobody Does it Better," contained a line which said, "The Spy Who Loved Me," tht name of the film.
More than sex, religion or politics, the debate over who IS the best Bond is as heated as anything else (it's Connery, of course!).
And 50 years in a long, long time to enjoy them all.
P.S. - On a personal note, my late parents were in Las Vegas when "Diamonds Are Forever" was shot, mostly at the International (now the Hilton) and, if I can stop the DVD at the right moment, I can see my mom and dad in the background of two scenes. And, yes, she WAS impressed by an aging Sean Connery (toupee and all).

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