On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

Plot Outline: James Bond has finally tracked down Blofeld to his hideout in the Swiss Alps which has been doubling up as an allergy clinic. What has Blofeld got in store this time? Well he intends to unleash a bacteriological virus on the world which will render all animal life sterile, unless he is given full pardon for all of his previous crimes. And to do this, he has a group of female patients who believe they are being treated for allergies. But in reality they are going to be carrying the virus to their home countries. Can 007 stop Blofeld once and for all?

The Review: Well regardless of whether he can stop him or not, it's a good film and one of the best Bonds, despite the presence of George Lazenby. Opinion is divided over him like no other - was he as bad as people say? Was he not given enough time in the role? Well he wasn't an actor, he was a model. He tricked the producers into the part. And then vanished from the scene straight away after making his black mark of the world of Bond. He is appalling as Bond and makes some of Moore's worst days look like cinematic classics for acting. He's got no charisma at all and his delivery is stilted and wooden. But hey, I give him his due. This was the first Bond film that really went into depth with the character of 007 and even had him marry. The romance between 007 and Tracy is extremely touching and encapsulates most of the film. Fans weren't happy with this fact and that's why it got slated on its release and not entirely because of Lazenby's delivery. At least Lazenby should have been given another shot in a more action-orientated adventure. Everyone else got another chance so I'd feel hard-done by if I were him. But that's show business and now Lazenby is pretty much a joke in the world of Bond. As for the rest of the film, it's amazing how good it really is. Telly Savalas is arguably the best Blofeld of the Bond films, adding an extreme seriousness to the character in the manner only Savalas can. Diana Rigg also adds a bit of class to the role of the Bond girl. There are some downhill ski chases which are some of the best action scenes in the series. There's a decent soundtrack and the whole film just seems so complete - with the exception of Lazenby who sticks out like a sore thumb. If Connery had done this one, then we'd have the best Bond film of the lot by far.

Final Verdict: As I've said, if Connery or even Moore had done this one, then O.H.M.S.S. would be the best of the Bonds by a long way. It's the closest one to capture the spirit of the books. However because of Lazenby's stilted performance, the film isn't as good as it deserves to be.

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