I met a thoracic surgeon named James Bond. When he pulled out his surgical headlamp, on its side was plastered the words: 007's head light. Best part was in his OR playlist, there was bond theme music.
Its sad that he never got a better chance at it - all down to his agent demanding more money He did sort of reprise the role in one of the Man From Uncle films
@@wktodd maybe the experienced pros he was working with found him frustrating? I heard that he understandably needed a lot of the direction, but that he was keen to learn.
George Lazonby rocked that one time round as 007! If Roger Moore or Sean Connery had gotten married audiences would have been expecting his bride to die. But GL fell so hard for her that our hearts were ripped out and I don't think any of the other Bonds could have done that.
David Niven should maybe get a mention. he played Bond in the 1967 Casino Royal. Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, better known as "Phantom". He was promoted to war-substantive captain on 18 August 1941 On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive major (temporary lieutenant-colonel).[25] He took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was sent to France several days after D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and reported enemy positions, and kept rear commanders informed on changing battle lines.
Yeah, my mum told me "Your Nan fancied him BEFORE he was Bond !" and I was like 🤔 and she came out with three well worn patterns !. I never saw it, but she made my dad one of the jumpers. Had to cut the size WAY down. :P
The moment Mark started into Rodger Moore, I knew that George Lazenby was that experienced Bond-like actor. Only one film as Bond, but that film is one of the best in the series. The soundtrack to O.H.M.S.S. is brilliant, and when I owned/drove a 1960 Jaguar Mk 2, it was my driving soundtrack. Good show Dr. Felton!
I used to see George Lazenby at a Golf Driving range where I worked on the Gold Coast in Qld Australia in the early 1990's. He was a lovely man who was a real golf tragic. He was fun to speak and have a beer with, and always seemed to have a big smile on his face. I had no idea of his past life. Many thanks for the insight Mark.
This would have been about the time he had the small role of Confederate General Johnston Pettigrew in Gettysburg, leading one of the units of Pickett's Charge.
George Lazenby deserves more respect. As a young boy I didn't think that he was a good Bond, but time and maturity proved me wrong. He was a great Bond. Much respect. ✌🏽🎯
Grew up watching Sean Connery as 007, still impressed by his suit style, tie and pocket square use, Connery illustrated the power of a well tailored suit and how it should be worn for millions of men. Glad to see Lazenby is also recognized.
Lazenby showed up to the London premiere not in a dapper suit but in a beard and other garments...WTF? You have to admit he kind of looked like a stand-in Bond. It is great he was in the Aussie Special Forces but that does not make him an actor. Timothy Dalton was a very seasoned actor and would have been great at doing more Bond films.
Agreed, Brosnan for me is Bond - sadly he didn't do more films and he aged badly! Still, he was the suave, smooth talke and ladies man that you want in the role - something Mr. Craig can never be! For me, that guy is no Bond - especially after he mocked the catchphrase ("Vodka Martini, shaken! Not stirred!" - Craig said "Do I look as if I care!" when asked if he wanted it shaken or stirred -.-)
I recently watched On her Majesty's Secret Service again after having not seen it for decades. I was surprised at how good the movie was and how good he was in the part of James Bond. I've often wondered if he ever wanted to go back and punch his agent for killing a great opportunity for him. BTW The Mark Felton Bond was a great idea! Felton, Mark Felton!
I wouldn't mind betting that George has already taken a piece out of his agent for such poor advice! After all he is Australian, ex- Army, ex-SAS, and an ex-SGT! And Sgts always like to settle their scores! Mark from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺 Former Australian Army Reservist in the 80s. Favourite Bang Stick 7.62mm SLR L1A1 Australian made Inch Pattern FN FAL. Right Arm of the Free World
Absolutely Sean Connery. He had everything needed for the phenomenal James Bond 007. The others, some quite talented talented, look only like they were acting in one of those regular detectives movies. Sean was the best.
@@SuperPatrick777 Well, that was understandable indeed. Lazenby should have gone to acting school along with other schools related to show business as well.
the Bond franchise is actually an interesting exploration of canon because we all know what makes Bond films Bond films, even if two of those Bond films are entirely different in plot, characters, actors, and tone!
@@pegcity4eva It was an UNICEF event. He was a guest, but his wife got ill and he needed to go home, that's why I was sent to film an intreview and adress. Not only he helped me, he bought me a coffee and we talked for some 15 minutes. There is also a story my friend had with Sir Roger. My friend is the biggest living fan of James Bond. He has tons of posters, VHS tapes and DVDs from every possible country, titled or dubbed... Some years ago he was shooting a no-budget action movie. He has heard Sir Roger was coming to my country as UNICEF ambassador and he contacted him since he wanted to meet him. He showed up on his film set and he played a cameo role. For free! How many people can say they had Sir Roger Moore appear in their movies?
Yes, Roger Moore seems to have had a very good grasp of his position and the value of a polite and pleasant behaviour. There was a radio documentary in Sweden about a PR trip that Moore made in Sweden during his time as The Saint in the 60s. The series was very popular in Sweden and large crowds of people were gathering just to see him, in small towns and cities all over the country. In Northern Sweden they drove him around in a Volvo P1800, and it must have been hundreds of kilometers on small gravel roads in scarcely poulated areas with mostly forrest. Hard to believe it could have been financially worth it. But Moore was not complaining and was very polite according to the driver that was interviewed in the documentary. However, somewhere in South of Sweden something happened and the schedule was not kept, and they arrived many hours late to a town, meeting a very irritated crowd. People were angry and even throwing things on them Moore admitted politely when interviewed for the documentary. I got the impression that Moore took the whole trip as an interesting experience. Must have been quite a contrast to the Hollywood luxury as James Bond.
Christopher Lee the 1973 "Man with the golden gun" villain - Was most likely the closest ever of a combined real actor and James Bond, considering his special forces operations service in WW2
I loved the story of how he changed the script of Saruman's death scene by telling Peter Jackson - "when you stab someone in the back, they do not scream." Jackson though he knows what he is talking about.
...and Ian Fleming's step first cousin. The story goes that a director had once said to Lee, "For this scene, imagine what it would feel like to kill a man with your bare hands." Lee's response: "I don't have to imagine..."
Y'all know he lied about all that. Instead of just being proud of his service, he made up stories to make him look better. Stolen valor is what we call it. But sure, he was "anti woke" 😂
Lazenby’s background is certainly impressive! It’s a pity we didn’t get more films from him, because I’ve always thought he did a very good job, especially following the iconic Connery. And OHMSS is often regarded these days as the very best of the classic Bond movies. An unfortunate case of very bad advice from his agent! Worth adding that Penny Mordaunt did serve in the Royal Navy Reserve prior to her appointment as an honorary commander (and now captain).
Well Connery was a bodybuilder, so not much difference there, but he had a very good director. I watched the beginning of OHM and as soon as he goes "this never happened to the other guy" then I just couldn't take it serious anymore. Roger Moore was such a good actor that he could make insane plots actually seem realistic. Dalton mostly glowered.
Christopher Lee, Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun. Fleming’s step-cousin. Who famously corrected Peter Jackson on how a man sounds when being stabbed to death when they were filming LOTR.
Don’t forget that David Niven also played Bond in Casino Royale in the 1960s, a comedy. Niven served as a British soldier and in WWII was a LTC in SOE.
Has to be David Niven. Upper-middle class family. Gave up a successful career in Hollywood to return to the UK to serve his country (and was penalised by the Inland Revenue for doing so). Served in the Rifle Brigade, the Commandos and "Phantom" (a secret reconnaisance and Intel;ligence unit in France) in the aftermath of D-Day. He ended the war as a Lieutenant-Colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit by the USA. The authentic James Bond..
@@Art-is-craft Why? Because it's not made by Eon? It was based on an Ian Fleming book, which makes it far more authentic than most of the latter-day Eon made Bond films. Even if it was a comedy.
Roger Moore is my Bond, a friend of mine who is now 84 was the stage manager at the time and later became the director of Sunday Night at the Palladium, I asked him if he'd ever met Roger Moore and he said he had but didn't like him as he was rude. I asked how? He said that he was standing in the wings when he first saw Mr Moore, he said he must have stared at him because, although not being gay, said he'd never seen such a good looking man. Roger Moore, thinking he was staring at him, stuck his two fingers up to my friend before walking on stage and nailed his act. They don't make them like that now. Great video, thank you.
Christopher Lee, he did Bond-type stuff during the war. Sean Connery fit the character the most (in my opinion) but George Lazenby had the actual training and skill.
@@jacquilayton2557 Christopher Lee was Ian Fleming’s cousin by marriage but he didn’t serve in the SAS. He served in the RAF in intelligence, he was assigned as a liaison for special operations.
I know the 1967 Casino Royale is not canon, but how could you not give honorable mention to David Niven? He was an actual commando in WW2, participating in a raid on Guernsey.
@@robinblackmoor8732 Not really as most special forces are smaller in statue people one reason being everyone remembers the Huge/Tall/muscle guy but no one the smaller normal guy that blends in
@@robinblackmoor8732 David Niven was a good friend of Ian Flemming's and Flemming wanted him to play the role, but was disappointed when it went to a little known Scotsman named Sean Connery. After seeing Connery in the role however he changed his mind and even added a Scottish backstory for the character in the books.
it's as canon as anything. as for if they describe his or bonds physique, we'd have to ask fleming about that. connery was much bigger dude, physically, than we'd think in our context as big dude
Roger Moore was "my" 007. I can't forget going to the biggest theatre in town for moments of absolutely delight. Thanks, Dr. Felton! Absolutely wonderful memories.
I agree. I don't remember when I first saw On Her Majesty's Secret Service, but I had already read all or most of the Fleming Books. I thought at the time that Lazenby looked like who Fleming had described in the books as Bond. I always felt that Lazenby was very under under appreciated as Bond and would have liked to see him in more Bond films.
There's a wonderful drawing of "Bond" somewhere in the early books, I think, (sorry I can't be more specific), but honestly, that drawing looks most like Dalton.
I love these little side quests into quite new perspectives on history and this time you hit a lifelong Bond fan, mon ami. ‘A View to a Kill” was my first Bond in the cinema as well, but my father has me covered on the backlog with VHS! I know that this is not a channel for intense political discord, but Sir Roger Moore was still the best Bond 😂
As someone who up in the Dalton and Brosnan eras I think Connery embodied the character best. JB: Who are you? Girl: Im Plenty, Plenty O'Toole. JB: Named after your father, perhaps.
I'm in a minority, but Timothy Dalton is my favourite Bond. He brings just about the right balance of charm and bruiser, seeming at home in a casino or fist fight.
@@MarkFeltonProductions it was to be Property Of A Lady which was garbage, it leaked a while ago. Goldeneye wasn’t written until Brosnan was signed. Dalton was clearly uncomfortable with the love scenes, which are a vital component of the movie Bond. The literary Bond is irrelevant to the mass market, for better or worse. They’re essentially two different characters.
My dad took me to these movies very young; so I have seen every James Bond movie in the theater upon their release. Favorites: Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diamonds Are For Ever, and Daniel Craig’s Casino Royal. I was waiting for a flight at the San Francisco airport, and could see them filming what would become the blimp scene in A View to a Kill, over the Golden Gate Bridge. This was excellent Mark!
Nice one, im 34 and not a huge bond fan (i liked some of the Brosnan and Craig film’s)but this spring im gonna get the whole movie seeies on thing on blu ray and see if there all as good as people say but they can be silly but hey theres a Bond film for everyone as they went thru different genres , i have a feeling illl like MoonRaker (i love sci fi) and Dalton bonds as they’re suppose to be fairly serious in tone and well they’re 80s films so thats a plus. I have a feeling im gonna hate all of Roger moore bond movies as i herd there bad , silly or plain stupid, I get jelous when older peiple like yourself have seen certain films at the cinema (movie theatre) i wish i could have seen all the old Star Trek Movies at the movie theatre , only seen Star Trek 09 and its sequels at the cinema. also: I hope On Her Majedtys Secret Service is the “Masterpiece people say it is”, People love Goldeneye and i didn’t like it that much.
I'm a diehard Connery fan, but I was always impressed with Lazenby's depiction of 007. (Plus, he had the best Bond girl in the series as far as I'm concerned.) 😘
I was fortunate enough to get to see all of these men play bond , and I am going to guess that we are closer in age than I 🤔 thought we were. I will say that I am 🪝 hooked on these historical videos of yours and I will also say that I always add to my intellectual prowess after I watch the production. From my family of American veterans we salute you for sharing your hard work and time with us all the time you have been on RUclips. Thanks again and I will say as always, God bless you all and your family. And from the shores of Normandy, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, my family would have loved to see what you have done for the remembrance of them and us who have followers in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and hopefully the last one and the worst evacuation/withdrawal of US Military. God bless and looking forward to seeing the next one for a good hour about hunting for a Nazi Bormann.
You’ve outdone yourself this time, Mark. As a Mark Felton fan, and a huge Bond fan, our Venn diagram has just become a single circle. I agree with your choice. I am currently re-reading the Fleming novels and had forgotten how little the movies resemble the books AND how the actors who played Bond have missed the mark. I enjoy them all, each in his own way. Like all Bond fans, I have a favorite, and that argument will never be settled. But for accuracy, Lazenby is the only actor to truly get close to Fleming’s idea of Bond. Thanks for corroborating what I have thought for a long time.
My sense is that the first Connery film, Dr No, followed the book almost to the letter. From Russia with Love was close to an authentic take on Fleming’s opus, and From Russia With Love (my personal favourite) was also fairly true to the original. Thereafter, the franchise rapidly moved away from the books which inspired it, save for a brief interlude with Lazenby’s OHMSS.
Having recently finished Dr. No, the movie differs from the book a great deal. From the crime Dr. No is committing to the way Honey Ryder looks (she has a disfigured face in the book). The Spy Who Loved Me had nothing in common with the book other than the title, and that’s not an exaggeration. You should read them. You’ll be surprised. @@anthonymorris2276
The "from Russia with Love" film is my favourite, how can you beat Istanbul, trains, gypsy queens and Kleb, all with Daniela Bianchi?😃@@anthonymorris2276
Awesomeness!!! Thanks Dr. Felton! Also, though there were a few campy glances towards the camera by the other Bond actors, Lazenby is the only one to actually break the “fourth wall”, including dialog referencing Connery:”that other fellow”. - Lazenby was truly a badass.
My Dad worked for Mr. Fleming in Columbia back in the 1960s and I supposedly met him and have a book with his Signature as well. I watched the Documentary on George Lazenby and man he was a unique chap! 😉
I was so pleased to see that George Lazonby had the closest military background and skills to the "real fictional" James Bond character. Lazonby was my favorite James Bond actor. Loved his fight on the train because it was so intense and physical.
Fascinating and informative documentary, Mark. There are a ton of snippets you've studiously unearthed that are a triva gold. Great work and enjoyably illuminating as ever. Dix points from the west Yorkshire jury.
Having seen all the Bond films, I guessed George Lazenby. Even on screen, he had a certain military air about him. (Yes, I'm retired military and we can pick out fellow veterans easily at times.)
Roger Moore could make a wetsuit look like the height of fashion. But he couldn’t make himself look like an athletic secret service operative. His camp take on Bond was box-office gold, but nearly destroyed the franchise for anyone who had actually read Fleming’s books.
You missed David Niven, who, while not on approved list of Bond films, did play Bond. He reached the rank of Lt. Colonel in WW2 in the GHQ Liaison Regiment, a Long-range penetration; Special reconnaissance unit. Says it all.
Well yes, David Niven played Sir James Bond in the 1960's movie "Casino Royale" but that movie had several James Bonds and was a satire, not a serious Bond film. Personally I thought it was lousy. It deservedly forgotten by most Bond fans.
He was a Lt in the early 1930s before resigning his commission to become a Hollywood actor…then at the outbreak of war he rejoined as an officer in the Rifles, then transferred to the Commandos…then joined GHQ. He played an important role in persuading ME Clifton James to take on the role of Monty’s double before becoming a liaison officer with the Americans and taking part in The Battle Of The Bulge.
Then the title should have read "Which bond actor - not in a movie with several James Bonds which was a satire - was like 007 for real?" However, it didn't say that, so the correct answer is David Niven.@@wayneantoniazzi2706
Thanks Dr Mark. OHMSS has always been one of my favourite Bond films, Lazemby managing a grittiness and yet vulnerability I never thought Connery could have achieved. If he hadn't listened to his agent Diamonds are Forever would have probably been a much darker revenge thriller. . For your Eyes Only was my first Bond film - another thriller.
Side note : all the refinement, class and style was introduced to the movie Bond by director Terence Young. Connery was uncomfortable wearing a suit when he signed up. Terence Young taught him all that.
It’s probably already been mentioned, Mark, but the town that Lazenby was born in is phonetically pronounced ‘Goalborn’, rather than ‘Ghoulborn’. It’s an hour’s drive to the north of Australia’s Capital, Canberra. Interesting post, well done 👍
Yes, except the last vowel is the classic 'schwa.' Thus... it's "Goalb'n." A town I know very well, as I used to go down from Sydney on the Riverina Express pulled by a class 38 steam loco, in order to spend school holidays with my cousins there.
You missed a Bond, David Niven was the second actor to play James Bond in the spoof version of Casino Royale in 1967 and, having served with the commandos during the war, was probably the best suited to the role as far as genuine experience went. Apparently he was also the actor Ian Fleming wanted to play Bond in Dr No but the US director/producer bloke (broccoli or something, at least his name always reminds me of this vegetable) thought he was too old. Dredging my memory a bit there, I remember an interview with David Niven on telly in NZ decades ago and it was mentioned - think it was around the time of The Spy Who Loved Me coming out - and as David Niven has always been a favourite actor of mine I remembered some of the bits discussed. Brilliant video as always.
I recall reading a comment that Fleming envisioned Bond as looking more like the composer-actor Hogie Carmichael. Both Lazenby and Dalton come close to that.
I liked the physicality Craig brought to his 007 role. The first 10-15 min. in Casino Royale is still one of the best action scenes I have ever watched.
What is it with people praising Craig for "physicality" at a time stunt work, practical effects and CGI peaked? When do we talk about the perpetual bored duckface he sports throughout his entire run? He walks around like he's the only guy in the the world to HATE being 007
The real answer is Christopher Lee. Lee played the bad guy in "The Man with the Golden Gun". He was also a special operations Royal Navy commando in WW2, hunted for Nazis after the fighting and was in fact related to Bond author Ian Fleming. Fleming also purportedly said that he based Bond on Lee. For "proof", search the phrase "did ian fleming base james bond on christopher lee" (I edited my poor grammar.)
Man do I love Britain. You’ve got a real-life king who lives in real-life palace and knights real-life knights. Not to mention your awesome culture, particularly your music and your language. Sure, it has 14 vowels, 12 tenses, articles and insane spelling rules, but I still managed to learn it rather effortlessly because it’s so simple otherwise. Thank you, you Brits. This world would have been a much worse place without you. Rule, Britannia!
Reading about history is one thing, but to actually sense it is a whole different beast. I lived in England for a few years and I must say that as a person who enjoys history Great Britain really has it all. You can feel it with all of your senses everywhere you go. Especially historical/archeological sites and landmarks. Amazing!!!
I think the first moving Bond was a yank who played an American version for a TV show. It was also based on Casino Royale so when one adds Craigs debut and Nivens spoof version that makes three renditions of C-R!
Pierce Brosnan will forever be my Bond and my favourite movie is Goldeneye.. i wished he came back and did an older Bond movie. Timothy Dalton is my second one among the list.
I actually had the opportunity and pleasure to hang out with George Lazenby during the late 1980s, which by that time he had settled very well into the Los Angeles area as one of the first notable denizens of Santa Monica before it became known for its wealthy and elite residents that it’s become today. He enjoyed tooling about on dirt bikes in the desert and was quite good at it, a tribute to his years of being an athlete and practitioner of martial arts. And I always got a laugh out of him when I’d declare in my best villainous Euro-trash accent, “We’ve been waiting for you, Mr. Bond.” In winning the Bond role, George was notable for two things: He broke the nose of the stuntman during his audition as noted, which impressed producer Cubby Broccoli; and he demanded - and got - a salary of USD $1 million for his role, which was unheard of for the time. Lazenby was, I think, the first actor in Hollywood to be paid such a staggering sum. One time I asked George why he quit the Bond franchise, he told me, “I didn’t want them to control my life.” This was also a complaint by Sean Connery when he played Bond. So George literally walked away from a situation that could have had him set for life to carry on on his own terms. So, George, if you see this, I still remember all the good times when we were riding about in the deserts of Southern California. I hope that you’re still doing well. There are some things that are more important than money, as I learned myself during my short time in Hollywood. For maybe obvious reasons, I see that you left off one actor who portrayed James Bond - American actor Barry Nelson, who appeared in a televised - and highly condensed - version of Casino Royale in 1954. This wasn’t a movie, but was an episode of an American anthology series called Climax! and Bond was likewise Americanized to suit the viewing audience in the States. This was supposedly a proposed pilot for a James Bond TV series, of which there were no further developments. Nelson continued to play a variety of roles throughout his career, perhaps most notably his appearance as the manager of the cursed Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining. He did serve in the US Army Air Force during World War II, but I couldn’t find any further details of his service beyond that. For the record, Nelson passed in 2007, aged 89. Once again, thanks for the excellent video, Dr. Felton. Mentioning George Lazenby brought back many fond personal memories.
> Perhaps a pathetic bit of nitpickery but wasn't it was the redoubtable Liz Taylor who crossed that line first in the 1964 movie "Cleopatra" (which in the end damn nearly broke Universal Studios). I think the story went that she put out the figure almost as a throwaway line and rather surprised when the studio bought it.
@@HBr-j7c You may be right. And she was worth it! 😀 It could be that Lazenby was the first Bond franchise actor to ask for and receive a million dollar salary. Connery and every actor to play Bond afterward got hefty increases, which they all deserve. If you’re the star of a franchise who’s carrying most of the water, you should be paid accordingly.
Yes! On Her Majesty's Secret Service & Lazenby are my favorite! I am thoroughly disappointed that Lazenby did only 1 movie. I can just imagine if he continued on & 007 hadn't been turned into a comedy with Roger Stinkin Moore.
There was an interview with an actor who knew Connery in the early days in the US. Connery in an appartment/flat on an upper floor. Some guy showed up at his door with a gun because he thought Connery was flirting with his downstairs neighbor which was this guy's girlfriend. Connery promtly took the guy's gun and then closed the door.
i always liked the double entendres and tongue in cheek stuff - oh and the action too and everyone looking great and the fabulous beaches - can't forget them - and of course the gadgets and the maniacal baddies! oh - forgot the damsels in distress and the ones causing the stress and the handsome bonds - no matter who they were lol!
I didn’t know that all about Lazenby being in the Aussie army. I still think David Niven should have been mentioned at the very list. Niven matched the physical description of bathe book Bond and had real WW2 experience doing special operations combat type stuff.
I agree, most people don't even know that he did a James Bond movie. I've seen it, and it was a good movie. But most people don't know about Lazenby play the role of James Bond either.
0:20: 🕵️ Comparison of James Bond actors to the fictional character's skills and military background. 4:12: 🎭 Roger Moore's Career and Impact 8:30: 🎬 Daniel Craig's real-life military honor and its significance in the Bond film series. Recapped using Tammy AI
My all-time favourite was George Lazenby in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" with the lovely Diana Rigg and Joanna Lumley. Telly Savalas was the best Blofeld.
@@ROOKTABULA He played retired WW1 era agent Sir James Bond in the first Casino Royale. He was called back into action after all the current crop of 00 agents were murdered in various brothels around the world....
Felton…Dr. Mark Felton History Professor, my grandfather who was a college business school administrator would introduce himself like that when he was crashing a convention that was meant for medical doctors and the cheap college folks were in the same hotel. Unfortunately he never gained the world fame that you have Dr. Felton, he did publish a couple of books but he was more proud of his students than any thing else. Very cool Dr. Felton and thank you so very much for the presentation !!!
Great video, Mark! I'd really like you to do one about the classic war films and how close to reality they are. eg; were they based on an actual mission (like Where Eagles Dare and The Great Escape were?) or are they entirely fictional and full of holes?
I can tell you right off "Where Eagles Dare" is 100% fiction. "The Great Escape" IS based on a true story which was first told by Paul Brickhill in his book "The Great Escape", a fantastic read! The movie does take some liberties with the actual story but is basically correct and this is a rare case where the book and the movie complement each other very well. By the way, "The Great Escape" is my favorite war movie.
@@jongoth Great movie, and I love the fact they got real Mosquitoes for the filming, but it's fiction. "Battle of Britain" on the other hand is a stunning film and brilliant recreation of the battle. My only complaint is they used fictional squadron leaders as characters instead of real personages like Douglas Bader and "Sailor" Malan.
@@jaykaramales3087 Oh go ahead and admit it, we'll understand. You just GOT to watch that fantastic rendition of "Panzerlied" just one more time! "Obs sturmt oder schneit obs die sonne uns lacht, der tag gluhen heiss oder eiskalt die nacht..." You're singing along with me right now, aren't you? 🤣 Honestly though, as bad as "BoB" is as history as an actioner it's pretty good in it's own right. And with some good human insights as when Konrad (played so well by Hans Christian Blech) realizes the man he's followed so faithfully and for so long is a monster. So, "BoB" does have it's moments.
Did not know that about Lazenby. But my favorite was Sean Connery. Although Ian Fleming did not approve, while having lunch with him Fleming asked a waitress what she thought of Connery. She reportedly relied "Whatever it is, he's got it." But which Bond actor was the closest to what Fleming imagined, it would have to be Daniel Craig. A blunt instrument, not a sophisticate at all but rather someone who could be seduced by the good life. Right after WWII, people could not afford luxuries but they could read about someone who enjoyed them, one reason the books were so successful. M even referred to Bond as a "blunt instrument" in the movie.
Totally agree on Craig being Fleming's ideal Bond actor. A thin veneer of sophistication and civilization over the soul of a man who could explode into someone's darkest nightmare when the occasion called for it.
Grant in NxNW was Flemmings ideal Bond, and he said so, and he was initially hired, but stood down as he felt he could only do one film due to age... the whole franchise is based on this... Many of Hitch's supense films were in cinemas when Flemming was writing he was Dr No... DC does not fit.. they need to get back to what Flemming was actually doing in what many see as the precursor template film NxNW... anything else is bunk!
Craig is nothing like Bond. He looks nothing like him, does not move like him and does not carry him self like a military man of arms. Fleming would not approve.
Agree on Craig as 007. His physicality made him the toughest Bond who was completely capable of the violence Bond was known for. Skinny guys like Connery and Brosnan were a joke as tough guys. Also, Craig played the dark, brooding side of 007 the best!
As someone interested in planes, my favourite scene is when an unpiloted Pilatus Turbo Porter rolls down a launch strip on a mountain and dives down, Pierce Brosnan races after it on a motorcycle, falls down the cliff, gets to the plane, gets in, and pulls out of the dive. Seems like a classical film stunt - but I thought "Hmmm - that could really work out" The Pilatus is a plane where you can put the propeller into reverse thrust, then it can descent vertically and comparably slow, slower than a human falls. So catching up could really work. Whether they really did it (of course with a pilot) I cannot say, when it goes wrong, the stuntman (and expert parachutist could get chopped up by the proppeler.
When you see parachuters jumping out of a plane (that happens to be a Pilatus) that film themselves, you can sometimes see the plane at a weird angle to the ground (for normal flight). That is them going vertically down to save time.
From one Dr to another, the real Bond was Reilly, born in Russia under the name Rosenblum, but who married an Irish woman, and took her name. Yes, you can still do that. He then worked for MI5 - and yes, it did exist in 1918. He was an incredible spy for the British, and the basis for Ian Fleming's books. Or so "Reilly, Ace of Spies" would have you believe...
The Sam Neill series is pretty close to the truth, so far as it can be ascertained. The Reilly legend is strongly corroborated by the memoirs of another WWI-era spy who operated principally under diplomatic cover, Robert Bruce Lockhart. Sadly, Reilly did not survive to publish his own memoirs, as he was bumped off by the Cheka.
Everyone has their favorite. Also, while it's fascinating, being the closest, combat skills-wise, to the Bond character in real life, isn't actually a guarantee of the best performance in the role. In the end, the art of acting requires the ability to portray genuine emotions, and complex psychological issues, plus possessing a certain charm, and usually, professional actors have these skills and traits more than non-actors who have some military background. My favorite Bond will always be Pierce Brosnan - he was very good at playing action, even without any military background, and he had the charm, charisma, a perfect sass, and he was incredibly sexy (for me he had the perfect Bond charm, the best ever in this department). Also, just as you said prof. Felton - Goldeneye is one of the best Bond movies ever made, with one of the best, most realistic Bond villains ever, played by great Sean Bean. I never liked Craig or Connery as Bond.
Barry Nelson was the first actor to play James Bond on screen in a 1954 adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale on the television anthology series Climax!
And Lazenby was in Hong Kong to discuss a role with Bruce Lee and Lee died while he was there. If Bruce had lived I’m confident Lazenby’s career would have taken off again.
Christopher Lee was an RAF intelligence officer. Contrary to what he led people to believe, his job was interpreting aerial reconnaissance and briefing special forces. For a short time after the war, he was seconded to CROWCASS tracking down Nazi war criminals.
The directors of Bond films had very similar backgrounds to Bond himself such as Guy Hamilton who served in the Royal Navy ferrying agents into France and was left stranded in occupied Brittany for a mouth. He would direct Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun.
Hi Mark, that was a very nice well balanced presentation. My first Bond was Roger Moore and I liked the someone’s tongue in cheek and playful nature of his Bond. Bond films have gotten progressively darker through the years and less “fun”. It was much later that I saw Lazenby’s Bond, and at the time I thought he might just be the best one. His was a really good movie. Brosnan was also a favourite of mine but I know many others who didn’t enjoy him in the role. Craig’s Bond is WAY too dark for me. All these actors are very talented, so no criticism from me. The role of Bond changed and evolved through the years to meet audience expectations. Thanks for this video.
Thank you! I've been telling friends for years that Lazenby was the best match for 007. Not the "Best Bond" because that was Sean Connery. But, the most like Bond from the books.
When I was at University (James Cook, Australia) there was a professor Ian Fleming and he picked room 007 for his office.
I met a thoracic surgeon named James Bond. When he pulled out his surgical headlamp, on its side was plastered the words: 007's head light. Best part was in his OR playlist, there was bond theme music.
A thoracic surgeon. Did his playlist also include "Take My Breath Away"? @@syjiang
@@dougearnest7590 ...or "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
@crimsontiger6. Nice touch of the professor.
Couldn't be any other way! Almost a legal requirement...
Best 007 line:
Bond: "Do you expect me to talk?"
Goldfinger: "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"
That was Gert Frobe, wasn't it? Auric Goldfinger.
i grew up with Austin Powers
Whenever I see Klaus Schwab of the WEF I always expect him to say that
@@pyroromancer Yeah Baby.
@@mikebrase5161 A classic Bond villian if there ever was one!
Due respect to George Lazonby. He did a good job on his only outing as Bond and from the look of him in that photo you wouldn't mess with him.
Its sad that he never got a better chance at it - all down to his agent demanding more money
He did sort of reprise the role in one of the Man From Uncle films
He had a good supporting cast too.
I rank OHMSS as one of the best bond films. The helicopter raid scene in particular.
Unfortunately, lazonby was and I quote someone who definitely did know, "a pain in the arse" on set
@@wktodd maybe the experienced pros he was working with found him frustrating? I heard that he understandably needed a lot of the direction, but that he was keen to learn.
George Lazonby rocked that one time round as 007! If Roger Moore or Sean Connery had gotten married audiences would have been expecting his bride to die. But GL fell so hard for her that our hearts were ripped out and I don't think any of the other Bonds could have done that.
You make an excellent point. The casting made the outcome unexpected.
David Niven should maybe get a mention. he played Bond in the 1967 Casino Royal.
Niven commanded "A" Squadron GHQ Liaison Regiment, better known as "Phantom". He was promoted to war-substantive captain on 18 August 1941
On 14 March 1944, Niven was promoted war-substantive major (temporary lieutenant-colonel).[25] He took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944, although he was sent to France several days after D-Day. He served in "Phantom", a secret reconnaissance and signals unit which located and reported enemy positions, and kept rear commanders informed on changing battle lines.
Check out Bedtime Story 1964 with David Niven Marlin Brando . One of the best but a comedy of course.
That "Casino Royale" was not made by EON, as outlined in the guidelines Mark set. So no, he should not be on this list anywhere.
Yes. But Niven's version was semi-parody.
David Niven was the man Fleming saw when he wrote the books. So Niven gets it really.
Not really. He saw Hoagy Carmichael the musician, with a scar. Says so in his description of Bond in the books. @@ElwoodShort
Back in the 1970's my grandmother still had knitting patterns with Roger Moore as the model.
Yeah, my mum told me "Your Nan fancied him BEFORE he was Bond !" and I was like
🤔
and she came out with three well worn patterns !. I never saw it, but she made my dad one of the jumpers. Had to cut the size WAY down. :P
Roger Moore played The Saint on TV.@@uncletiggermclaren7592
that is funny!
The moment Mark started into Rodger Moore, I knew that George Lazenby was that experienced Bond-like actor. Only one film as Bond, but that film is one of the best in the series. The soundtrack to O.H.M.S.S. is brilliant, and when I owned/drove a 1960 Jaguar Mk 2, it was my driving soundtrack.
Good show Dr. Felton!
"We have all ... the time ... in the world."
@@stephenduffy5406 I think that's the last line of the book too or close to it
An ace film, near perfect. The stupid voiceover detracts
From it.
I used to see George Lazenby at a Golf Driving range where I worked on the Gold Coast in Qld Australia in the early 1990's. He was a lovely man who was a real golf tragic. He was fun to speak and have a beer with, and always seemed to have a big smile on his face. I had no idea of his past life. Many thanks for the insight Mark.
This would have been about the time he had the small role of Confederate General Johnston Pettigrew in Gettysburg, leading one of the units of Pickett's Charge.
What's a golf tragic?
Someone who eats, sleeps and dreams golf!@@francisdashwood1760
@@francisdashwood1760 The "tragic" bit is Aussie vernacular for being obsessed with an activity. Safe to say George loves 18 holes.
George Lazenby deserves more respect. As a young boy I didn't think that he was a good Bond, but time and maturity proved me wrong. He was a great Bond. Much respect. ✌🏽🎯
He sure isn't respected for his attitude after the movie was done filming.
007 shouldn't have listen to his agent.
Probably the most accurate of the bond series.
I read a few Ian Fleming Bond books and Lazenby's more serious demeanor than earlier counterparts seemed like the one Fleming wrote about.
I felt the same way about him and then came to realize he was terrific at the role and OHMSS became one f my favorite Bond films.
Grew up watching Sean Connery as 007, still impressed by his suit style, tie and pocket square use, Connery illustrated the power of a well tailored suit and how it should be worn for millions of men. Glad to see Lazenby is also recognized.
Lazenby showed up to the London premiere not in a dapper suit but in a beard and other garments...WTF? You have to admit he kind of looked like a stand-in Bond. It is great he was in the Aussie Special Forces but that does not make him an actor. Timothy Dalton was a very seasoned actor and would have been great at doing more Bond films.
Ever seen Sean Connery's brother? He would have been a better choice than Lazenby.
Possibly, but I don’t think Lazenby did that good a job.
Pierce brosnan in Goldeneye with the casino scene with Onatop absolutely nailed the James Bond suave and swagger to the letter in my personal opinion
Agreed, Brosnan for me is Bond - sadly he didn't do more films and he aged badly! Still, he was the suave, smooth talke and ladies man that you want in the role - something Mr. Craig can never be! For me, that guy is no Bond - especially after he mocked the catchphrase ("Vodka Martini, shaken! Not stirred!" - Craig said "Do I look as if I care!" when asked if he wanted it shaken or stirred -.-)
@@dreamingflurry2729pierce didn't age badly!
@@dreamingflurry2729I couldn't stand Brosnan. I always found him cheesy. But he was good in Goldeneye.
@@dreamingflurry2729i like sean connery the best after him brosnan
Mark You've made my day as both a History Buff and a James Bond fan.
I recently watched On her Majesty's Secret Service again after having not seen it for decades.
I was surprised at how good the movie was and how good he was in the part of James Bond. I've often wondered if he ever wanted to go back and punch his agent for killing a great opportunity for him.
BTW The Mark Felton Bond was a great idea!
Felton, Mark Felton!
Mark Felton Bond is able to travel the world and claim that he's there for the history.
Same here. OHMSS is one of the better Bond films.
I wouldn't mind betting that George has already taken a piece out of his agent for such poor advice! After all he is Australian, ex- Army, ex-SAS, and an ex-SGT! And Sgts always like to settle their scores!
Mark from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺
Former Australian Army Reservist in the 80s. Favourite Bang Stick 7.62mm SLR L1A1 Australian made Inch Pattern FN FAL.
Right Arm of the Free World
Felton. Mark Felton. Licence to thrill.
It's crazy. He only did that one film but it was really good. Underrated.
Absolutely Sean Connery. He had everything needed for the phenomenal James Bond 007. The others, some quite talented talented, look only like they were acting in one of those regular detectives movies. Sean was the best.
I've been vindicated! Lazenby was always my favorite. I think his chemistry with Diana Rigg boosted my enjoyment of that Bond film as well.
Pity he couldn't act .
Absolutely spot on! The hiccough in the franchise!
@@SuperPatrick777 Well, that was understandable indeed. Lazenby should have gone to acting school along with other schools related to show business as well.
Every actor who has played James Bond has brought something unique to the franchise, which we should all appreciate.
the Bond franchise is actually an interesting exploration of canon because we all know what makes Bond films Bond films, even if two of those Bond films are entirely different in plot, characters, actors, and tone!
Agreed. They've done a great job of casting this role
I was never a fan of the brutish and mopey Daniel Craig.
Connery and Craig are the only good ones.
The other were a joke.
@@julianshepherd2038 you're high
Roger Moore helped me carry camera tripod and lights when I was comissioned to film an interview with him. Just an incredibly nice and humble person!
A true gentleman. He also did alot of charitable work.
@@pegcity4eva It was an UNICEF event. He was a guest, but his wife got ill and he needed to go home, that's why I was sent to film an intreview and adress. Not only he helped me, he bought me a coffee and we talked for some 15 minutes.
There is also a story my friend had with Sir Roger. My friend is the biggest living fan of James Bond. He has tons of posters, VHS tapes and DVDs from every possible country, titled or dubbed... Some years ago he was shooting a no-budget action movie. He has heard Sir Roger was coming to my country as UNICEF ambassador and he contacted him since he wanted to meet him. He showed up on his film set and he played a cameo role. For free! How many people can say they had Sir Roger Moore appear in their movies?
Yes, Roger Moore seems to have had a very good grasp of his position and the value of a polite and pleasant behaviour. There was a radio documentary in Sweden about a PR trip that Moore made in Sweden during his time as The Saint in the 60s. The series was very popular in Sweden and large crowds of people were gathering just to see him, in small towns and cities all over the country. In Northern Sweden they drove him around in a Volvo P1800, and it must have been hundreds of kilometers on small gravel roads in scarcely poulated areas with mostly forrest. Hard to believe it could have been financially worth it. But Moore was not complaining and was very polite according to the driver that was interviewed in the documentary. However, somewhere in South of Sweden something happened and the schedule was not kept, and they arrived many hours late to a town, meeting a very irritated crowd. People were angry and even throwing things on them Moore admitted politely when interviewed for the documentary. I got the impression that Moore took the whole trip as an interesting experience. Must have been quite a contrast to the Hollywood luxury as James Bond.
Rodger Moore was better as the Simon Templer The Saint.
The Saint was good and Roger Moore suited it better .
Love the opening photo Mark.....the real 007
He's got the Mojo, baby!
@@hankczinaski915 yah sure right!
The names Felton... MARK Felton.
@@ImperialistRunningDo nice one...
Suprised it didn't say "Austbwerst Broccoli"
Dr Mark Van Velton SSMarkt Zeebun 😂😂
Mark, I didn’t think you channel could get any better - but you just broke new ground! Thank you for this!
Thank you. My Fav is Sean Connery. I am old enough to say may parents took me to the theater so see the early James Bond movies on the Big Screen.
Christopher Lee the 1973 "Man with the golden gun" villain - Was most likely the closest ever of a combined real actor and James Bond, considering his special forces operations service in WW2
Scaramanga? Oh, yes! The man with the golden gun. Born in the circus. Father - the Ringmaster, possibly Cuban…
I loved the story of how he changed the script of Saruman's death scene by telling Peter Jackson - "when you stab someone in the back, they do not scream." Jackson though he knows what he is talking about.
...and Ian Fleming's step first cousin.
The story goes that a director had once said to Lee, "For this scene, imagine what it would feel like to kill a man with your bare hands."
Lee's response: "I don't have to imagine..."
@@ATtravel666 It really doesn't get more bad *ss than this! Woke movie director told off by the real McCoy! How endlessly cool is that?
Y'all know he lied about all that. Instead of just being proud of his service, he made up stories to make him look better. Stolen valor is what we call it.
But sure, he was "anti woke" 😂
Lazenby’s background is certainly impressive! It’s a pity we didn’t get more films from him, because I’ve always thought he did a very good job, especially following the iconic Connery. And OHMSS is often regarded these days as the very best of the classic Bond movies. An unfortunate case of very bad advice from his agent!
Worth adding that Penny Mordaunt did serve in the Royal Navy Reserve prior to her appointment as an honorary commander (and now captain).
Yeah but Lazenby was a crap actor
@@garethde-witt6433 Nah, he did a good job. Zero issue with his acting.
Lazemby was too ugly imho
@@garethde-witt6433Says YOU? That's funny! LOL !
Well Connery was a bodybuilder, so not much difference there, but he had a very good director. I watched the beginning of OHM and as soon as he goes "this never happened to the other guy" then I just couldn't take it serious anymore.
Roger Moore was such a good actor that he could make insane plots actually seem realistic. Dalton mostly glowered.
Christopher Lee, Scaramanga in The Man With The Golden Gun. Fleming’s step-cousin. Who famously corrected Peter Jackson on how a man sounds when being stabbed to death when they were filming LOTR.
was offered Dr No.
As being from America, mr Felton I am a huge fan of the James Bond series and have every movie. So I was happy to see this posted!
Don’t forget that David Niven also played Bond in Casino Royale in the 1960s, a comedy. Niven served as a British soldier and in WWII was a LTC in SOE.
James Mason was set to be Bond but did not want to do that many films.
I see Dr. Felton as having a small, but significant supporting role within the Q Branch...
I could test drive the Astons.
can I ride shotgun ?@@MarkFeltonProductions
@@MarkFeltonProductionswe all assumed you already did.
and I'll test drive the girls. @@MarkFeltonProductions
@@MarkFeltonProductions and teach history.
Has to be David Niven.
Upper-middle class family. Gave up a successful career in Hollywood to return to the UK to serve his country (and was penalised by the Inland Revenue for doing so).
Served in the Rifle Brigade, the Commandos and "Phantom" (a secret reconnaisance and Intel;ligence unit in France) in the aftermath of D-Day.
He ended the war as a Lieutenant-Colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit by the USA.
The authentic James Bond..
But not a real bond movie though.
@@Art-is-craft as real as Never Say Never Again
phantom , good name for a Bond film
@@Art-is-craft Why? Because it's not made by Eon? It was based on an Ian Fleming book, which makes it far more authentic than most of the latter-day Eon made Bond films. Even if it was a comedy.
I was thinking about him as well.
Sean Connery was an AA gunner during WW2?
"Sailor, are we hit?"
"More or less. Captain, I'm sorry, they got us!"
No, right after it ended. Post WW2
All his war related movies are great.
"I didnt know you could fly a plane"
"Fly yes!"
"Land, no"
Sean Connery joined the Royal Navy at 16 in 1946 after World War 2 ended in 1945 but was discharged by 19 due to an ulcer.
Roger Moore is my Bond, a friend of mine who is now 84 was the stage manager at the time and later became the director of Sunday Night at the Palladium, I asked him if he'd ever met Roger Moore and he said he had but didn't like him as he was rude. I asked how? He said that he was standing in the wings when he first saw Mr Moore, he said he must have stared at him because, although not being gay, said he'd never seen such a good looking man. Roger Moore, thinking he was staring at him, stuck his two fingers up to my friend before walking on stage and nailed his act. They don't make them like that now. Great video, thank you.
Christopher Lee, he did Bond-type stuff during the war. Sean Connery fit the character the most (in my opinion) but George Lazenby had the actual training and skill.
Christopher Lee was ian Flemming’s cousin and a member of the SAS during WW2. The character was probably based on him, so it should’ve been him.
@@jacquilayton2557 Christopher Lee was Ian Fleming’s cousin by marriage but he didn’t serve in the SAS. He served in the RAF in intelligence, he was assigned as a liaison for special operations.
True story..he WAS the inspiration for Bond, James Bond.
I know the 1967 Casino Royale is not canon, but how could you not give honorable mention to David Niven? He was an actual commando in WW2, participating in a raid on Guernsey.
Niven is too small. The books describe Connery's body.
@@robinblackmoor8732 Not really as most special forces are smaller in statue people one reason being everyone remembers the Huge/Tall/muscle guy but no one the smaller normal guy that blends in
@@robinblackmoor8732 David Niven was a good friend of Ian Flemming's and Flemming wanted him to play the role, but was disappointed when it went to a little known Scotsman named Sean Connery. After seeing Connery in the role however he changed his mind and even added a Scottish backstory for the character in the books.
The first Casino Royale to me is unwatchable.
The Daniel Craig Casino , however, nailed it!
it's as canon as anything.
as for if they describe his or bonds physique, we'd have to ask fleming about that. connery was much bigger dude, physically, than we'd think in our context as big dude
Roger Moore was "my" 007. I can't forget going to the biggest theatre in town for moments of absolutely delight. Thanks, Dr. Felton! Absolutely wonderful memories.
I agree. I don't remember when I first saw On Her Majesty's Secret Service, but I had already read all or most of the Fleming Books. I thought at the time that Lazenby looked like who Fleming had described in the books as Bond. I always felt that Lazenby was very under under appreciated as Bond and would have liked to see him in more Bond films.
There's a wonderful drawing of "Bond" somewhere in the early books, I think, (sorry I can't be more specific), but honestly, that drawing looks most like Dalton.
I love these little side quests into quite new perspectives on history and this time you hit a lifelong Bond fan, mon ami. ‘A View to a Kill” was my first Bond in the cinema as well, but my father has me covered on the backlog with VHS!
I know that this is not a channel for intense political discord, but Sir Roger Moore was still the best Bond 😂
Really fun video that's a twist from the usual Dr. Felton!
As someone who up in the Dalton and Brosnan eras I think Connery embodied the character best.
JB: Who are you?
Girl: Im Plenty, Plenty O'Toole.
JB: Named after your father, perhaps.
...My favourite, from 'Goldfinger'...
Girl: "My name is 'Pussy Galore'...
JB: "I must be dreaming"...
I'm in a minority, but Timothy Dalton is my favourite Bond. He brings just about the right balance of charm and bruiser, seeming at home in a casino or fist fight.
He was very good - imagine his third film would have been Goldeneye.
@@MarkFeltonProductions it was to be Property Of A Lady which was garbage, it leaked a while ago. Goldeneye wasn’t written until Brosnan was signed. Dalton was clearly uncomfortable with the love scenes, which are a vital component of the movie Bond. The literary Bond is irrelevant to the mass market, for better or worse. They’re essentially two different characters.
You're definitely not alone. As a fan of the books, Dalton is the best imo.
@@thefonzkiss Wait, what do you mean it leaked, i never even knew about all of this.
People say Dalton was closest to the books. Moore was my fave though.
My dad took me to these movies very young; so I have seen every James Bond movie in the theater upon their release.
Favorites: Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Diamonds Are For Ever, and Daniel Craig’s Casino Royal.
I was waiting for a flight at the San Francisco airport, and could see them filming what would become the blimp scene in
A View to a Kill, over the Golden Gate Bridge.
This was excellent Mark!
Nice one, im 34 and not a huge bond fan (i liked some of the Brosnan and Craig film’s)but this spring im gonna get the whole movie seeies on thing on blu ray and see if there all as good as people say but they can be silly but hey theres a Bond film for everyone as they went thru different genres , i have a feeling illl like MoonRaker (i love sci fi) and Dalton bonds as they’re suppose to be fairly serious in tone and well they’re 80s films so thats a plus. I have a feeling im gonna hate all of Roger moore bond movies as i herd there bad , silly or plain stupid, I get jelous when older peiple like yourself have seen certain films at the cinema (movie theatre) i wish i could have seen all the old Star Trek Movies at the movie theatre , only seen Star Trek 09 and its sequels at the cinema.
also: I hope On Her Majedtys Secret Service is the “Masterpiece people say it is”, People love Goldeneye and i didn’t like it that much.
I agree although I would add Dr. No to the list .
@@Titan500J
Yes , and Goldfinger.
@@calsurflance5598 Of course, that one also. I took the Bond seriously so the one I hated was Casino Royale from the 1960's, don't get started.
@@Titan500J
And “From Russia with love”.
I have “Casino Royal “ from the 60s on DVD, but I can’t even sit through it.
It’s just stupid.
I'm a diehard Connery fan, but I was always impressed with Lazenby's depiction of 007. (Plus, he had the best Bond girl in the series as far as I'm concerned.) 😘
I was fortunate enough to get to see all of these men play bond , and I am going to guess that we are closer in age than I 🤔 thought we were. I will say that I am 🪝 hooked on these historical videos of yours and I will also say that I always add to my intellectual prowess after I watch the production. From my family of American veterans we salute you for sharing your hard work and time with us all the time you have been on RUclips. Thanks again and I will say as always, God bless you all and your family. And from the shores of Normandy, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, my family would have loved to see what you have done for the remembrance of them and us who have followers in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and hopefully the last one and the worst evacuation/withdrawal of US Military. God bless and looking forward to seeing the next one for a good hour about hunting for a Nazi Bormann.
You’ve outdone yourself this time, Mark. As a Mark Felton fan, and a huge Bond fan, our Venn diagram has just become a single circle. I agree with your choice. I am currently re-reading the Fleming novels and had forgotten how little the movies resemble the books AND how the actors who played Bond have missed the mark. I enjoy them all, each in his own way. Like all Bond fans, I have a favorite, and that argument will never be settled. But for accuracy, Lazenby is the only actor to truly get close to Fleming’s idea of Bond. Thanks for corroborating what I have thought for a long time.
My sense is that the first Connery film, Dr No, followed the book almost to the letter. From Russia with Love was close to an authentic take on Fleming’s opus, and From Russia With Love (my personal favourite) was also fairly true to the original. Thereafter, the franchise rapidly moved away from the books which inspired it, save for a brief interlude with Lazenby’s OHMSS.
Having recently finished Dr. No, the movie differs from the book a great deal. From the crime Dr. No is committing to the way Honey Ryder looks (she has a disfigured face in the book). The Spy Who Loved Me had nothing in common with the book other than the title, and that’s not an exaggeration. You should read them. You’ll be surprised. @@anthonymorris2276
The "from Russia with Love" film is my favourite, how can you beat Istanbul, trains, gypsy queens and Kleb, all with Daniela Bianchi?😃@@anthonymorris2276
Awesomeness!!! Thanks Dr. Felton! Also, though there were a few campy glances towards the camera by the other Bond actors, Lazenby is the only one to actually break the “fourth wall”, including dialog referencing Connery:”that other fellow”. - Lazenby was truly a badass.
My Dad worked for Mr. Fleming in Columbia back in the 1960s and I supposedly met him and have a book with his Signature as well.
I watched the Documentary on George Lazenby and man he was a unique chap! 😉
I was so pleased to see that George Lazonby had the closest military background and skills to the "real fictional" James Bond character. Lazonby was my favorite James Bond actor. Loved his fight on the train because it was so intense and physical.
Fascinating and informative documentary, Mark. There are a ton of snippets you've studiously unearthed that are a triva gold. Great work and enjoyably illuminating as ever. Dix points from the west Yorkshire jury.
Having seen all the Bond films, I guessed George Lazenby. Even on screen, he had a certain military air about him. (Yes, I'm retired military and we can pick out fellow veterans easily at times.)
Even to this day Roger Moore is still the only man who has made a safari suit look tasteful
Roger Moore could make a wetsuit look like the height of fashion.
But he couldn’t make himself look like an athletic secret service operative.
His camp take on Bond was box-office gold, but nearly destroyed the franchise for anyone who had actually read Fleming’s books.
Sir Roger Moore brought class to the series
And a Gorilla suit. Oh and a clown costume :)
I think Roger had a lot of fun playing James Bond
What about Erwin Rommel ?
You missed David Niven, who, while not on approved list of Bond films, did play Bond. He reached the rank of Lt. Colonel in WW2 in the GHQ Liaison Regiment, a Long-range penetration; Special reconnaissance unit. Says it all.
Well yes, David Niven played Sir James Bond in the 1960's movie "Casino Royale" but that movie had several James Bonds and was a satire, not a serious Bond film. Personally I thought it was lousy. It deservedly forgotten by most Bond fans.
He was a Lt in the early 1930s before resigning his commission to become a Hollywood actor…then at the outbreak of war he rejoined as an officer in the Rifles, then transferred to the Commandos…then joined GHQ. He played an important role in persuading ME Clifton James to take on the role of Monty’s double before becoming a liaison officer with the Americans and taking part in The Battle Of The Bulge.
Then the title should have read "Which bond actor - not in a movie with several James Bonds which was a satire - was like 007 for real?" However, it didn't say that, so the correct answer is David Niven.@@wayneantoniazzi2706
If you include Niven, then logically you have to include Peter Sellers and Woody Allen.
No thanks.
Dalton didn't get enough credit for his grittier take on Bond.
I’ve grown up watching James Bond films, and I very much enjoyed this video Dr Felton . Thank you .
Thanks!
Thanks Dr Mark. OHMSS has always been one of my favourite Bond films, Lazemby managing a grittiness and yet vulnerability I never thought Connery could have achieved. If he hadn't listened to his agent Diamonds are Forever would have probably been a much darker revenge thriller. . For your Eyes Only was my first Bond film - another thriller.
Bond is not a gritty character.
@@Art-is-craftof course he is 😮!
Absolutely loved this. What a treat and something very different!! Bravo Dr Felton!!
Side note : all the refinement, class and style was introduced to the movie Bond by director Terence Young. Connery was uncomfortable wearing a suit when he signed up. Terence Young taught him all that.
Correct and they both shared the same sense of humor. That's where a lot of the side quips came from
Connery wore suits before that due to it being part of the culture.
It’s probably already been mentioned, Mark, but the town that Lazenby was born in is phonetically pronounced ‘Goalborn’, rather than ‘Ghoulborn’. It’s an hour’s drive to the north of Australia’s Capital, Canberra.
Interesting post, well done 👍
Yes, except the last vowel is the classic 'schwa.' Thus... it's "Goalb'n." A town I know very well, as I used to go down from Sydney on the Riverina Express pulled by a class 38 steam loco, in order to spend school holidays with my cousins there.
You missed a Bond, David Niven was the second actor to play James Bond in the spoof version of Casino Royale in 1967 and, having served with the commandos during the war, was probably the best suited to the role as far as genuine experience went. Apparently he was also the actor Ian Fleming wanted to play Bond in Dr No but the US director/producer bloke (broccoli or something, at least his name always reminds me of this vegetable) thought he was too old.
Dredging my memory a bit there, I remember an interview with David Niven on telly in NZ decades ago and it was mentioned - think it was around the time of The Spy Who Loved Me coming out - and as David Niven has always been a favourite actor of mine I remembered some of the bits discussed.
Brilliant video as always.
I recall reading a comment that Fleming envisioned Bond as looking more like the composer-actor Hogie Carmichael. Both Lazenby and Dalton come close to that.
Good one George Lazenby! I thought he made a great Bond.
He really did. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is among my favorite Bond films.
100%. He should have stayed on.
What a terrible agent he had . What on earth.
I liked the physicality Craig brought to his 007 role. The first 10-15 min. in Casino Royale is still one of the best action scenes I have ever watched.
One of my favorite movies and my fav bond movie!
Worst bond ever, worst casino Royale
What is it with people praising Craig for "physicality" at a time stunt work, practical effects and CGI peaked? When do we talk about the perpetual bored duckface he sports throughout his entire run? He walks around like he's the only guy in the the world to HATE being 007
I am not sure did we watch same movie.
@@KristijanRisteski-zp7bx Not only that, but every time I see a photo of Craig, I think to myself "That is Vladimir Putin's stunt double." 🙂
The real answer is Christopher Lee. Lee played the bad guy in "The Man with the Golden Gun". He was also a special operations Royal Navy commando in WW2, hunted for Nazis after the fighting and was in fact related to Bond author Ian Fleming. Fleming also purportedly said that he based Bond on Lee.
For "proof", search the phrase "did ian fleming base james bond on christopher lee" (I edited my poor grammar.)
If I'm not mistaken, Christopher Lee and Ian Fleming are related, cousins I think.....Someone will correct me😊
I made the same comment before I watched the video and before I saw this. Bravo!
Right! His famous line to Peter Jackson: "Have you any idea what kind of noise happens when somebody’s stabbed in the back? Because I do."
Lee never played Bond. The subject is who in real life most resembled was most the character of Bond.
@@ericw3229
Well are you talking about the real bond movies based on the books written by Fleming or are you talking about post Fleming books.
Pierce Brosnan my 007. The 007 Golden Eye movie and then the Nintendo 64 game that came out after makes him my favorite Bond.
Had absolutely no knowledge of Lazenby’s service! Great informative video!!
George is known to stretch the truth...lol
I wonder how many commenters will nominate Commander Felton for the role of 007? He has my vote.
Dr. Felton would do better as a villain.
Got mine too.
Got mine.
I received a like from Mark some time ago for saying he had Bond qualities.
Mine as well.
Man do I love Britain. You’ve got a real-life king who lives in real-life palace and knights real-life knights. Not to mention your awesome culture, particularly your music and your language. Sure, it has 14 vowels, 12 tenses, articles and insane spelling rules, but I still managed to learn it rather effortlessly because it’s so simple otherwise. Thank you, you Brits. This world would have been a much worse place without you. Rule, Britannia!
Reading about history is one thing, but to actually sense it is a whole different beast. I lived in England for a few years and I must say that as a person who enjoys history Great Britain really has it all. You can feel it with all of your senses everywhere you go. Especially historical/archeological sites and landmarks. Amazing!!!
@@GVSolo yeah, I wish I get to visit someday.
Me too🇬🇧
The first actor to actually portray James Bond was Bob Holness (yes the guy from Blockbusters) who portrayed Bond in a South African radio series.
I think the first moving Bond was a yank who played an American version for a TV show. It was also based on Casino Royale so when one adds Craigs debut and Nivens spoof version that makes three renditions of C-R!
Great photo and fun video as always, thank you Mark
Pierce Brosnan will forever be my Bond and my favourite movie is Goldeneye.. i wished he came back and did an older Bond movie. Timothy Dalton is my second one among the list.
I actually had the opportunity and pleasure to hang out with George Lazenby during the late 1980s, which by that time he had settled very well into the Los Angeles area as one of the first notable denizens of Santa Monica before it became known for its wealthy and elite residents that it’s become today. He enjoyed tooling about on dirt bikes in the desert and was quite good at it, a tribute to his years of being an athlete and practitioner of martial arts. And I always got a laugh out of him when I’d declare in my best villainous Euro-trash accent, “We’ve been waiting for you, Mr. Bond.”
In winning the Bond role, George was notable for two things: He broke the nose of the stuntman during his audition as noted, which impressed producer Cubby Broccoli; and he demanded - and got - a salary of USD $1 million for his role, which was unheard of for the time. Lazenby was, I think, the first actor in Hollywood to be paid such a staggering sum.
One time I asked George why he quit the Bond franchise, he told me, “I didn’t want them to control my life.” This was also a complaint by Sean Connery when he played Bond. So George literally walked away from a situation that could have had him set for life to carry on on his own terms.
So, George, if you see this, I still remember all the good times when we were riding about in the deserts of Southern California. I hope that you’re still doing well. There are some things that are more important than money, as I learned myself during my short time in Hollywood.
For maybe obvious reasons, I see that you left off one actor who portrayed James Bond - American actor Barry Nelson, who appeared in a televised - and highly condensed - version of Casino Royale in 1954. This wasn’t a movie, but was an episode of an American anthology series called Climax! and Bond was likewise Americanized to suit the viewing audience in the States. This was supposedly a proposed pilot for a James Bond TV series, of which there were no further developments.
Nelson continued to play a variety of roles throughout his career, perhaps most notably his appearance as the manager of the cursed Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s version of The Shining. He did serve in the US Army Air Force during World War II, but I couldn’t find any further details of his service beyond that. For the record, Nelson passed in 2007, aged 89.
Once again, thanks for the excellent video, Dr. Felton. Mentioning George Lazenby brought back many fond personal memories.
>
Perhaps a pathetic bit of nitpickery but wasn't it was the redoubtable Liz Taylor who crossed that line first in the 1964 movie "Cleopatra" (which in the end damn nearly broke Universal Studios). I think the story went that she put out the figure almost as a throwaway line and rather surprised when the studio bought it.
@@HBr-j7c You may be right. And she was worth it! 😀 It could be that Lazenby was the first Bond franchise actor to ask for and receive a million dollar salary. Connery and every actor to play Bond afterward got hefty increases, which they all deserve. If you’re the star of a franchise who’s carrying most of the water, you should be paid accordingly.
@@RReese08And then he got the stupid attitude
Yes! On Her Majesty's Secret Service & Lazenby are my favorite! I am thoroughly disappointed that Lazenby did only 1 movie. I can just imagine if he continued on & 007 hadn't been turned into a comedy with Roger Stinkin Moore.
Apparently Darren Lamb was his Agent.
There was an interview with an actor who knew Connery in the early days in the US. Connery in an appartment/flat on an upper floor. Some guy showed up at his door with a gun because he thought Connery was flirting with his downstairs neighbor which was this guy's girlfriend. Connery promtly took the guy's gun and then closed the door.
And Steven Segall broke Sean Connery wrist cause Sean angered him
Pierce Brosnan is how imagine a real british 007 agent would look like
i always liked the double entendres and tongue in cheek stuff - oh and the action too and everyone looking great and the fabulous beaches - can't forget them - and of course the gadgets and the maniacal baddies! oh - forgot the damsels in distress and the ones causing the stress and the handsome bonds - no matter who they were lol!
The G. Lazenby documentary is pretty wild…
Sounds interesting, definitely will check it out.
I just watched it because of this comment. It’s just… OK
@@robertdean9236 just ok? That guy did things that we could never do.
@@JohnnyUtahFBI Speaking for the quality of the documentary… not the man. Lazenby was 1000% fresh
I didn’t know that all about Lazenby being in the Aussie army. I still think David Niven should have been mentioned at the very list. Niven matched the physical description of bathe book Bond and had real WW2 experience doing special operations combat type stuff.
And was in Casino Royale !
I agree, most people don't even know that he did a James Bond movie. I've seen it, and it was a good movie. But most people don't know about Lazenby play the role of James Bond either.
Niven never matched by the outlook
0:20: 🕵️ Comparison of James Bond actors to the fictional character's skills and military background.
4:12: 🎭 Roger Moore's Career and Impact
8:30: 🎬 Daniel Craig's real-life military honor and its significance in the Bond film series.
Recapped using Tammy AI
VERY INTERESTING 🤗❤
Love the opening - pure genius 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Love the lead in Mr Felton; Mark Felton. All your content is great, but this 'quirky' one is brilliant with new info. 😊
My all-time favourite was George Lazenby in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" with the lovely Diana Rigg and Joanna Lumley. Telly Savalas was the best Blofeld.
She was the best Bond girl, too. OHMSS is underrated, with arguably the most human Bond as well.
I have a soft spot for both Donald Pleasence and Charles Gray.
The answer is... Christopher Lee. A real life James Bond.
Christopher Lee was a lying fraud who did none of what he claimed. Can't believe there are still people who believe his bullshit
Lee would have made for a very interesting Bond on film.
@@ianmc87or at least a Bond-verse villain
Sidney Reilly was the real James Bond
@@BobRiley
And, of course, Sam Neill was the real Sydney Reilly.
It has to be David Niven. He had an amazing military career
Niven was a Commando in WW2.
Ummm. Niven never played Bond.
oh yeah, he DID play Bond! I like that movie, even if my friends don't. It's like 4 movies in one, what with the different directors.
@@ROOKTABULA He played retired WW1 era agent Sir James Bond in the first Casino Royale. He was called back into action after all the current crop of 00 agents were murdered in various brothels around the world....
@@ROOKTABULA he played him in the non eon 1967 version of casino royale
Felton…Dr. Mark Felton History Professor, my grandfather who was a college business school administrator would introduce himself like that when he was crashing a convention that was meant for medical doctors and the cheap college folks were in the same hotel. Unfortunately he never gained the world fame that you have Dr. Felton, he did publish a couple of books but he was more proud of his students than any thing else. Very cool Dr. Felton and thank you so very much for the presentation !!!
Brilliant ... the twist (sort of) at the end, revealing George Lazenby to be the culprit, was perfect!!
'Live And Let Die' first Bond film I watched at the cinema as a young sprog with my mother!
Roger was the smooth operator! Haha
I was in ❤ with Jane Seymour ever since...
Great video, Mark! I'd really like you to do one about the classic war films and how close to reality they are. eg; were they based on an actual mission (like Where Eagles Dare and The Great Escape were?) or are they entirely fictional and full of holes?
I can tell you right off "Where Eagles Dare" is 100% fiction. "The Great Escape" IS based on a true story which was first told by Paul Brickhill in his book "The Great Escape", a fantastic read!
The movie does take some liberties with the actual story but is basically correct and this is a rare case where the book and the movie complement each other very well.
By the way, "The Great Escape" is my favorite war movie.
@@wayneantoniazzi2706 how about 633 Squadron?
@@jongoth Great movie, and I love the fact they got real Mosquitoes for the filming, but it's fiction.
"Battle of Britain" on the other hand is a stunning film and brilliant recreation of the battle. My only complaint is they used fictional squadron leaders as characters instead of real personages like Douglas Bader and "Sailor" Malan.
Dr. Felton could make an hour-long video about how horrible the 1965 "Battle of the Bulge" was. But damn me, I still watch it every time it comes on.
@@jaykaramales3087 Oh go ahead and admit it, we'll understand.
You just GOT to watch that fantastic rendition of "Panzerlied" just one more time!
"Obs sturmt oder schneit obs die sonne uns lacht, der tag gluhen heiss oder eiskalt die nacht..."
You're singing along with me right now, aren't you? 🤣
Honestly though, as bad as "BoB" is as history as an actioner it's pretty good in it's own right. And with some good human insights as when Konrad (played so well by Hans Christian Blech) realizes the man he's followed so faithfully and for so long is a monster. So, "BoB" does have it's moments.
Did not know that about Lazenby. But my favorite was Sean Connery. Although Ian Fleming did not approve, while having lunch with him Fleming asked a waitress what she thought of Connery. She reportedly relied "Whatever it is, he's got it." But which Bond actor was the closest to what Fleming imagined, it would have to be Daniel Craig. A blunt instrument, not a sophisticate at all but rather someone who could be seduced by the good life. Right after WWII, people could not afford luxuries but they could read about someone who enjoyed them, one reason the books were so successful. M even referred to Bond as a "blunt instrument" in the movie.
Totally agree on Craig being Fleming's ideal Bond actor. A thin veneer of sophistication and civilization over the soul of a man who could explode into someone's darkest nightmare when the occasion called for it.
Grant in NxNW was Flemmings ideal Bond, and he said so, and he was initially hired, but stood down as he felt he could only do one film due to age... the whole franchise is based on this... Many of Hitch's supense films were in cinemas when Flemming was writing he was Dr No... DC does not fit.. they need to get back to what Flemming was actually doing in what many see as the precursor template film NxNW... anything else is bunk!
Craig is nothing like Bond. He looks nothing like him, does not move like him and does not carry him self like a military man of arms. Fleming would not approve.
Agree on Craig as 007. His physicality made him the toughest Bond who was completely capable of the violence Bond was known for. Skinny guys like Connery and Brosnan were a joke as tough guys. Also, Craig played the dark, brooding side of 007 the best!
@@sharpsvilleBill
Connery and lazenby are the toughest looking Bonds. Even Moore comes across tougher.
As someone interested in planes, my favourite scene is when an unpiloted Pilatus Turbo Porter rolls down a launch strip on a mountain and dives down, Pierce Brosnan races after it on a motorcycle, falls down the cliff, gets to the plane, gets in, and pulls out of the dive.
Seems like a classical film stunt - but I thought "Hmmm - that could really work out"
The Pilatus is a plane where you can put the propeller into reverse thrust, then it can descent vertically and comparably slow, slower than a human falls. So catching up could really work.
Whether they really did it (of course with a pilot) I cannot say, when it goes wrong, the stuntman (and expert parachutist could get chopped up by the proppeler.
When you see parachuters jumping out of a plane (that happens to be a Pilatus) that film themselves, you can sometimes see the plane at a weird angle to the ground (for normal flight). That is them going vertically down to save time.
I loved this. Please have more from time to time. BTW, Sean Connery is the Bond I grew up with.
Dr Felton you would make the best James Bond
That's Commander Felton to you!
Totally agree ‼️
Goldeneye was my favorite too
@@MarkFeltonProductions
@@MarkFeltonProductionshey mark off topic but didn't john dillinger serve in the navy?
@@Getouttahere78
I disagree
From one Dr to another, the real Bond was Reilly, born in Russia under the name Rosenblum, but who married an Irish woman, and took her name. Yes, you can still do that. He then worked for MI5 - and yes, it did exist in 1918.
He was an incredible spy for the British, and the basis for Ian Fleming's books.
Or so "Reilly, Ace of Spies" would have you believe...
meh
The Sam Neill series is pretty close to the truth, so far as it can be ascertained. The Reilly legend is strongly corroborated by the memoirs of another WWI-era spy who operated principally under diplomatic cover, Robert Bruce Lockhart. Sadly, Reilly did not survive to publish his own memoirs, as he was bumped off by the Cheka.
Haha!
Dusko Popov seems like a much more convincing model.
Well, Reilly was good enough for Cubby to want to cast that great Australian actor Sam Neill as Bond.
I am a fan of 007 movies but I had not heard of Lazenby.
Thanks for sharing.
Everyone has their favorite. Also, while it's fascinating, being the closest, combat skills-wise, to the Bond character in real life, isn't actually a guarantee of the best performance in the role.
In the end, the art of acting requires the ability to portray genuine emotions, and complex psychological issues, plus possessing a certain charm, and usually, professional actors have these skills and traits more than non-actors who have some military background. My favorite Bond will always be Pierce Brosnan - he was very good at playing action, even without any military background, and he had the charm, charisma, a perfect sass, and he was incredibly sexy (for me he had the perfect Bond charm, the best ever in this department). Also, just as you said prof. Felton - Goldeneye is one of the best Bond movies ever made, with one of the best, most realistic Bond villains ever, played by great Sean Bean. I never liked Craig or Connery as Bond.
I liked Craig to be honest, more human in a way,!found Connery overrated.
Dalton all day long! In ‘license to kill’ he is amazing, a great story line helps with that. I think he’s the closest to Flemmings books!
I agree 100%.
More serious, but still with a twinkle in his eye. Wish we had got his third film...
The first presentation of the real life James Bond was then British TV series l Riley Ace of Spies, much closer to acuracy of real WW 1 character
Barry Nelson was the first actor to play James Bond on screen in a 1954 adaptation of Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale on the television anthology series Climax!
Yes Sam Neil was excellent in that series although I suspect he was a million miles away from the Ukrainian Jew he was supposed to be playing
A brilliant series.
I agree Goldeneye and Brosnan are my favorite as well
Ok. The opening you used should be used on ALL your videos! You've earned that!
And Lazenby was in Hong Kong to discuss a role with Bruce Lee and Lee died while he was there.
If Bruce had lived I’m confident Lazenby’s career would have taken off again.
Even if he didn’t play bond himself, Christopher Lee would be it, 😂
True
Lee was Scalamanga in Man With the Golden Gun. He was Ian Fleming's cousin and was in the SOE in WW2 and spoke 5 languages.
@@captainjoshuagleiberman2778 step cousin
Christopher Lee was an RAF intelligence officer. Contrary to what he led people to believe, his job was interpreting aerial reconnaissance and briefing special forces. For a short time after the war, he was seconded to CROWCASS tracking down Nazi war criminals.
Sadly Christopher Lee was part of one of the worst James Bond movies of all time.
The directors of Bond films had very similar backgrounds to Bond himself such as Guy Hamilton who served in the Royal Navy ferrying agents into France and was left stranded in occupied Brittany for a mouth. He would direct Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun.
Really enjoyed this Mark. Your range of video subjects is wonderful as you never get stuck in a rut
Hi Mark, that was a very nice well balanced presentation. My first Bond was Roger Moore and I liked the someone’s tongue in cheek and playful nature of his Bond. Bond films have gotten progressively darker through the years and less “fun”. It was much later that I saw Lazenby’s Bond, and at the time I thought he might just be the best one. His was a really good movie. Brosnan was also a favourite of mine but I know many others who didn’t enjoy him in the role. Craig’s Bond is WAY too dark for me. All these actors are very talented, so no criticism from me. The role of Bond changed and evolved through the years to meet audience expectations. Thanks for this video.
Thank you! I've been telling friends for years that Lazenby was the best match for 007. Not the "Best Bond" because that was Sean Connery. But, the most like Bond from the books.
Don’t forget David Niven.
Well technically not an official Bond film.
@@WALTERBROADDUS Well, it was a David Niven film, so that outranks Bond.