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On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)

A review by Damian Cannon.
Copyright © Movie Reviews UK 1997
In another globe-hopping, action-filled adventure James Bond returns, with his shoes filled by George Lazenby. Once again the arch-villain Blofeld threatens the safety of the entire world, this time with a virus which will wipe out all crops and livestock. The difference is that this time we find out the Bond has a heart as he falls for the beautiful Spanish contessa Theresa, also known as Tracy. In a further twist, the father of Bond's bride is an international criminal himself although, of course, he's a nice guy really.

The character of Bond is set early in the film as he rescues Tracy from various scrapes and peppers the dialogue with double-entendres. Since her father is keen that someone should tame Tracy he comes to a deal with Bond. If James will continue to help his daughter he will provide information on Blofeld, the subject of a 2-year enquiry. From this fairly relaxed beginning (apart from some excellent fight scenes) Bond is led to Blofeld's lair high in the Swiss Alps, where he impersonates an expert on heraldry. Soon Bond uncovers the evil plan for global destruction (part of which is revealed by Blofeld, as always) and he escapes in a thrilling ski chase. The henchmen are especially tenacious this time and Bond is rescued by Tracy, a nice turn-around on their relationship, and they realise their deep love.

In ever more incredible action stunts, such as a skier falling into a snow-blower ("He had a lot of guts"), we are led to the inexorable conclusion of Blofeld's downfall. Finally, for the first and only time, Bond marries the single woman with the fire and spirit to match him. These scenes are representative of the tone of the whole movie -- fun, exciting and great entertainment. This is a classic of the 007 series with more feeling than most and less reliance on Q's gadgets.

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