On Her Majesty's Secret Service has never been a top favorite for most Bond fans. Well, perhaps this does not apply to the die-hard fans. But you have to admit, this particular movie and actor has received more than its share of bad press. At the very least, it is one of the underrated Bond movies. By the way, if you want to watch a 007 movie that deviates from Bond lore, check out some of most recent Bond adaptations. Now, to dispel or confirm some of the rumors, urban legends and misconceptions about this movie, let's check out some trivia.
Was George Lazenby just a really bad Bond? I mean, he was Bond only once!
There are a lot of rumors about Lazenby playing a poor man's version of the beloved secret agent. These range from rather unflattering comments about him being a bit of an emo Bond to him nabbing the role only after Connery rejected it. Well, here are some rather interesting bits of info about his contribution to the Bond movies.
- There is some indication that one of the producers considered him to be a bit immature to play the suave agent. From the sounds of it, Lazenby might have been better suited for modern action-packed versions. You know, ones with less snarky lines and more explosions.
- It also looks like Lazenby didn't want to don a suit and tie to play any more Bond roles. Seems like he was aiming for the arty movies. Isn't that weird, considering one of the producers thought of him as a young and impulsive whippersnapper?
Was George Lazenby in a porn movie?
Wait, are you talking about the same guy who wanted to do arty flicks? How absurd, hahaha ... Yes, I was laughing about that rumor too ... until I found out he did ... er do his bit, strut this stuff for a few soft porn movies. Guess times were tough and he needed the money?
Who else was considered for this role?
413 actors tried to land this much-sought after role. Seems like Timothy Dalton and Roger Moore were considered for this part but neither were up for it. You know, contractual obligations, not being old enough to be 007. Again, that last bit is funny when you consider the minor tiff between Broccoli and Lazenby.
Other interesting facts:
- This is one of the first instances where 007 tries his hand at skiing. Really? Apparently all Bond movies prior to this one did not have the classy agent swooshing down a ski slope.
- The "I can't stand you" feelings between Lazenby and Rigg (Mrs. Bond) might have been an urban legend after all. Many reports note that it probably was a misinterpretation of a garlic joke thrown around by Rigg.
- I spent quite a bit of time browsing through the fun titbits offered by this site. Alright, so these guys fall into the die-hard fan category. Some examples: Blofield's base in the Alps is called Piz Gloria, Bond's family motto is "The world is not enough" and Lazenby version of the Bond steals a Playboy magazine from Gumbold's office. Do check their site for more interesting facts.
Bloopers
- There is one scene where Bond comes to an abrupt halt in his Aston Martin; sure, you can hear the screeching sounds but did anyone else notice that he had stopped on the sandy beach?
- In one of Bond's fights in Piz Gloria, he is hit by a bottle of acid. Alright, so he avoided it and the bottle splashes on to a door. The resulting aftermath includes a noticeable hole which, by the way, is not there in the ensuing scene.
- Oh dear. I have not noticed this but there is one ski chase scene where you could see the safety wires on the stunt double.
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Sites with more bloopers and mistakes:
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