Diana Rigg, George Lazenby and the controversy behind On Her Majesty's Secret Service

George Lazenby appears for the first and last time as James Bond. Actress Diana Rigg points out Bond’s sexism and a bearded Lazenby answer allegations of being deliberately awkward and hostile. He also discusses his disagreements with director Peter Hunt.

[@BecomeConsciousNow]

Diana Rigg RIP was such a good talker. A beautiful voice and such intelligence, she was a great communicator and very warm with a good sense of humour. A guess the person plus her natural beauty made her very attractive.

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Lazenby for the death of Diana Rigg georgelazenbyofficial I'm so sad to hear of the death of Diana Rigg. She undoubtedly raised my acting game when we made On Her Majesty's Secret Service together in 1968-9. I remember the press conference at the Dorchester in London, knowing she was going to play my wife. We had fun together on the set of the movie in Switzerland and Portugal. Her depth of experience really helped me. We were good friends on set. Much was made of our supposed differences but that was the Press looking for a news story. I was sorry to have lost my wife in the film at the end. The death of Contessa Teresa di Vincenzo Draco created a memorable cinema moment over 50 years ago. As my new bride, Tracy Bond, I wept for her loss. Now, upon hearing of Dame Diana's death, I weep again. My deepest condolences for her family. Love George xx

[@stuartbrown881]

Classy Guy

[@bobjohnson205]

@@stuartbrown881 Remember he was Bond... James Bond! 🙂

[@262marcus]

OHMSS is up there with the very best Bond movies. Lazenby has had a lot of criticism for his acting, but I think he plays the part really well. The plot, supporting actors, scenery, score and action sequences were all tremendous. My favourite Bond film

[@rjleslee]

I like this Bond movie very much. First timer Lazenby isn't that bad. And Diana Rigg is superb: attractive, intelligent and cool.

[@borgduck]

He's like the Paul McGann of the Bond world.

[@timothyball742]

How much did Diana get paid, you know?

[@cathompson58]

Rigg is one of the most attractive actresses I have ever watched..

[@timothyball742]

@@cathompson58 Real true!!!!

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

With the logic of Lazenby's choice, Diana Rigg doesn't need in the film. A blonde model (Tracy is blonde in book) must take the role.

[@johanprx7985]

OHMSS is such an incredible movie. In my opinion the best by far. I wish George would have stayed. Diamonds are forever would have become an epic revenge movie.

[@weigh2playa825]

The potential certainly would have been there.

[@KutWrite]

I thought Lazenby was wooden. I love Rigg, but this movie wasn't for me. I saw it when it came out & won't see it a second time.

[@dtz1000]

@@KutWrite He got me crying, the only Bond to do that. So he must have done something right.

[@interqward1]

Savalas too was outstanding, and the whole tableau of Lazenby and Savalas in that mountain lair was unique at the time. No, this was a really good Bond movie.

[@paulbutcher6713]

Personally, I think it's the best Bond movie. The most balanced in terms of action and storyline. Closest to the book. For a guy who had never acted before, I've never once watched this movie and thought he's not James Bond. Though I totally disagree with George about the music. The score was exceptional and the theme is epic! Not forgetting Louis Armstrong's We Have All The Time In The World. Diana Rigg is also probably my favourite Bond girl. Stunningly beautiful, intelligent but flawed, yet strong willed. Who wouldn't fall for her? Her price is above rubies.

[@irresistablejewel]

Alas Diana Rigg passed away today (age 82) she was my favourite girl from "The Avengers" (Emma Peel); it was an American friend who looks and sounds just like her that told me. I agree it's a great movie and Lazenby made a pretty good James Bond; shame he only made one appearance as 007. I always thought of Rodger Moore as being "The Saint"... my favourite Bond movie is probably "Goldfinger" but as the franchise continues they rather ran out of books and "Octopussy" (if I remember correctly) is really just a short story about someone being eaten by their pet. In Moonraker a trick bridge hand gets replaced by Texas Hold'em (Poker) in the movie (darn producers)... Bond drove a Bentley (at least he bought one with his winnings from Drax) ... while the chess game in "From Russia with Love" seen just briefly wasn't in the book but it's probably Spassky (not Kronsteen) who won in stunning fashion. A lot of great character's (M); evil villains (Blofeld) and a lot of beautiful bond girls (Pussy Galore, huh!?) Diana Rigg was some kind of gem; great actress; but marrying Bond is clearly not good for your health. OHMSS... very underrated movie (imo).

[@TommyRibs]

It’s my favorite Bond Movie of all time.

[@Songbirdstress]

l agree. It's not my favourite (Moonraker is), but as a plot its the best with Casino Royale for me.

[@peter_piper3004]

Personally I like Goldfinger, but I think this def comes in second

[@malefitz6886]

Very well and correctly put. I loved the movie, because it showed a different Bond (falling in love and getting married) and the skiing scenes and stundts were more than remarkable for this day and age. And Diana Rigg was not just stunnigly beautiful, but sensitive and intelligent. And what she said in this interview was so spot on on the role of women in Bond movies. Did you watch "No time to die"? I thought, it had a lot of OHMSS and most importantly it referenced it twice, when first Bond said to Madeleine "We have all the time in the world" and then just before he dies "You have all the time in the world".

[@fw5995]

Diana Rigg’s charisma = off the charts.

[@squallywally]

After this interview, I love Diana even more!

[@decadantdog4444]

For a man with minimal acting experience I'd say he did a fine job!

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

From this point of view yes, but the film requires experienced and professional actors (we see this in the other roles, not in Bond).

[@vaan1520]

@@user-xp2gm8im2c Disagree. Lazenby did a fine job as Bond. This is the role he was chosen for and he pulled it off perfectly. A fine Bond and, as it turns out, a fine gentleman in real life.

[@andrewlankford9634]

Script wasn't very good, and Lazenby didn't add all that much. Lazenby doesn't sound like an idiot. Would have been interesting to see him in other roles. Diana Rigg was way better in the Avengers paired with Patrick MacNee. Might have been a better paycheck but a step down in terms of roles. The cameraman filming Diana Rigg was a perv.

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

@@vaan1520 Lazenby's Bond (relatively young, vulnerable and infinite) has some similarities with Bond in ''Casino Royale'' without the final scene. In this scene we see the character of Bond who had to be in O.H.M.S.S.

[@howie9751]

@N I enjoy "Diamonds are Forever." Maybe not great but a lot of fun.

[@dennymandrake9817]

No women today could hold a candle to her.

[@elrjames7799]

@Denise Saunders Did you know that Dianna died earlier this month Denise?

[@KutWrite]

How 'bout Helen Mirren?

[@stenoch]

This film is probably the closest to the book of any of the Bond movies. It's a good film, a good book, and GL makes a credible JB. At least one thumb up; mine.

[@jimmason8502]

My second favorite bond next to Daniel Craig...and Diana Rigg is my fave Bond girl...total class

[@Li.Siyuan]

@@jimmason8502 Totally agree. I think OHMSS was one of the best Bond films of all time.

[@howie9751]

@@jimmason8502 My third favorite, after Goldfinger and Casino Royale.

[@GiorgiosP13]

@@jimmason8502 I think Clive Owen was the first choice, I know that a group of 'A list' actors had campaigned for him to play the role, I don't know why he didn't get the role, maybe his manager/agent asked for more money or annoyed the producers in some way. He would have been my first choice! PS. What about the original Bond? You didn't like Sean Connery?

[@waynej2608]

@@jimmason8502 I agree about Rigg, she's the 'best'. But Connery, the original, was the 'best' Bond. Imho. I thought Lazenby was alright and should've continued, after Sean though.

[@dake4629]

Having had a crush on D.R. in the early 70s watching Avengers, She is the ONLY woman Bond would have married.

[@bhbluebird]

Diana Rigg looking so pretty and adorable.

[@colinp2238]

I enjoyed this version of Bond. All the actors that play him bring their own something to the part similar to Dr Who but the essence is always there. This actually showed Bond as a human being and not a robot killing machine.

[@Doones51]

i think Diana Rigg was the sexiest woman of the sixties. Even a playboy like Bond married her

[@amarsbarr]

John Didsbury I think you need your eyes testing mate :)

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Diana Rigg was beautiful, charming and the right person for the role.

[@Countdown70s]

She's alright, but I do not think was a world-beater, there were and are far better...

[@pinkcupcake1642]

amarsbarr Do you come from the shit North America?!!!Than that say‘s all!!!!!!!North American actresses from today are all ugly and every of them look like the other one!!!A Woman is not just beautiful when she have uge breasts!!!!!!🇺🇸💩👊🏼💥👎🏼

[@pinkcupcake1642]

amarsbarr European girls are the most beautiful girls in the world!!! The North American girls don‘t have a brain!!!!Buy yourself one!!!!!You Analsex Perver!!!!

[@clearcoat2000]

Diana Rigg was my favourite Bond girl. She would be the woman Bond would give up his bachelor lifestyle for. Lazenby made a very good James Bond. Its sad he did not continue in role.

[@ysmigraarzygler8387]

Diana Rigg is also my favorite Bond girl, with Jill St. John (Diamonds Are Forever) a close second.

[@RaikenXion]

Nah it was the other "Diana" of that time, a Miss Dors i think you mean.

[@brianforbes8325]

Ysmigra Arzygler, Jill St. John may have been a hottie, but her performance in Diamonds Are Forever was atrocious. She was a total airhead! Several of the other Bond girls, or women, were much better than her! Ursula Andress, Maud Adams, Honor Blackman, Daniela Bianchi, to name a few. For a combination of intelligence and gorgeousness, I would even take Lois Maxwell over Jill St. John, even though Moneypenny is a very different character.

[@gsentinel4821]

I totally agree.

[@howie9751]

She was not a Bond girl. She was a Bond woman.

[@cbalducc]

I think Lazenby’s biggest mistake was walking away from the role of James Bond. Apparently, a friend/advisor of Lazenby convinced him that spy movies were falling out of favor with the public. That, combined with Lazenby’s difficult experiences while making the film, convinced him to walk. But what actor could have done the job better if Connery wasn’t convinced to return?

[@jakemay637]

The latestnewsis that ultimately Cubby offered L a 20 year contract, whose aim was to put L as Bond in the public mind, not Connery. Lazenby wanted to accept this and other offers but he gave the right of contract refusal to his inane agent, who refused the contracts. So George's life-changing error was in the end his naivete. He said his friends and relatives thought he was insane to turn down 007. But he didn't mention the base reason. He didn't just listen to bad advice but he didn't have legal recourse. However, it's possible he could have broken the agent contract and should have retained a good lawyer IMO.

[@thomasmulhall4873]

As a boomer, this is my favourite Bond film: gorgeous music, Barry's best, Mrs Peel, a tough, younger Bond who was quite funny at times, Savalas, Hunt, Ferzetti, Ilse, Murren, the Palacio, and,of course, that sleek Aston Martin DBS. How about the Cougar, Draco's Rolls Royce, the fight at Guincho Beach, the wedding at the Vinyasa Estate...and if that world is not enough: the College of Arms, Moneypenny crying, Switzerland, Blofeld's safe. Not enough? Best fashions in any Bond film. Lazenby's suits are still hot today, and Tracy's dresses are now fashion icons. Still not enough? How about Piz Gloria, yes, the whole bloody alp! Ski chases-on one ski, mind you, a stock car chase within a race, another ski chase, and that ending! I would lived to have seen Lazenby do 3 more, then Michael Billington. Diana Rigg has always been my favourite, and yes, I cry at the end. I loved OHMSS so much, I restored a DBS and do scene re-enactments. OHMSSDBS.com

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

agree 100 percent

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

it also was the best book.

[@herbpetrillo163]

Loved this film since it cameout

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Thomas You are a man of impeccable taste !

[@thomasmulhall4873]

@@2msvalkyrie529 Thank you!

[@jennifersman7990]

Very underrated Bond film, even with the romantic subplot, it’s still a solid Bond adventure. Lazenby did a fine job and would’ve gotten better if he’d stayed on for another film

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Underrated is the character of Bond. In O.H.M.S.S. as in the book and the film and like the actors in the other roles, Bond is a mature man with experience. In his position we see, a relatively young, vulnerable and infinite Bond like ''Casino Royale'' without the final scene. In this scene we see the character of Bond who had to be in O.H.M.S.S. About the film's direction, I think that although it's a Bond adventure, it's more like a romantic film.

[@KutWrite]

I thought he was wooden, and resented paying to subsidize his first acting lesson.

[@erniemeyer1342]

Even with the romantic subplot? It was the human aspect that made the film great among other things

[@gs032009]

The most underrated Bond movie, John Barry was still in and the photography is wonderful. GL was irreverent but still played a convincig Bond part.

[@Debonair.Aristocrat]

The two most underrated and criticized Bond movies, this and Quantum of Solace are the finest of the bunch. I can't even watch the silly ones with gadgets and parlour tricks.

[@desotowright]

Telly Savalas was excellent too as Blofeld. 😁

[@Zett76]

I remember getting very annoyed by the editing during fight scenes, sometimes two cuts per second... Besides that, yes, a very good movie.

[@johnrogan9420]

Diana Rigg....a dream girl ...so articulate!

[@jeanfourcade]

back in the days when "politically correct" didn't exist, when speaking your mind didn't trigger ten lawsuits, and studio-scripted and rehearsed fake interviews were unknown... the freedom of those times seems so unreal, nowadays.

[@PungiFungi]

Nowadays, we have the luxury of EXPECTING and ACCEPTING a different actor to play Bond. Back then, all we had was Connery. Lazenby had the bad luck of being the first actor to replace Connery who originated the role (TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW). Had Connery been in OHMSS, would they had cast Diana Rigg as Tracy? Personally, I think Lazenby as Bond was a blessing in disguise because I cannot imagine any other actress pulled off Tracy the way Diana Rigg did. She and Lazenby do share chemistry onscreen and you do believe in the romance between 007 & Tracy.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

PungiFungi They wanted Brigitte Bardot for the role, ironically she was not available because she was making a bad Western with Connery. For anyone who missed it, OO7 caused the '60's spy phenomenon, Connery was as popular as The Beatles & they were more popular than Christ. So had Sean returned for this it would have been a huge hit because his previous 2 were & they weren't great.

[@PungiFungi]

No offense to Brigitte, but I think she would made Tracy a dumb blonde whereas Tracy was one of the more better written Bond girl and Diana Rigg did the part justice. In fact, I think she stole the movie.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

PungiFungi Totally agree! Apparently veteran Rigg was hired to help newcomer Lazenby along - director filmed final scene all day to exhaust him, Rigg said to be digging her nails into him for that pained expression. Lazenby & Bardot might have turned it into unintentional comedy.

[@paultrevorbale2440]

I worked on the movie. It remains my all time favourite job, and I still think it one of the best Bond movies, in spite of Lazenby, Who director Peter Hunt saved in the edit. Lazenby was a very arrogant and unpleasant man who thought himself a superstar from the moment he got the job and did little to endear himself to anybody. Nobody wanted anything to do with him after that as the fact he didn’t get offered another Bond, no he didn’t turn it down, he was never asked, and the way his career tanked displays.

[@bramford7e]

Thanks for the insight, very interesting. I always thought he turned it down. But I also think he regrets his behaviour today. It's rumoured that Diana Rigg disliked him immensely. If that's true, I don't know. But I agree with you, it's a fantastic movie!

[@paulbale3872]

@@bramford7e yes Diana loathed him from the start. She was a lovely lady and an absolute pro as you can tell from her convincing love scenes with Lazenby. BTW Peter Hunt was one of the nicest people I ever worked with and a truly caring man so what he says about Peter is clearly untrue. He was also one of the best editors the industry ever saw. As for not caring about actors, just ask any of the hundreds of other actors who he worked with. Not one will agree with Lazenby. The fact George wouldn't listen to anyone but his tiny clique of friends who gave him bad advice from the get go is more likely closer to the truth. And the fact he wanted to play Bond in a different way to how it was written, his vast experience after all told him he knew best! Awful man! Got the most wanted part in the world and blew it when he took it on through his own stupidity and arrogance.

[@thomaschacko6320]

Actually, Lazenby was offered at least two more Bond films, and turned them down. (Due to bad advice from a gadfly and jerk-off named Ronan O’Rahilly.) The flip side is that David Picker, the American head of United Artists, wanted Sean Connery back at all costs. He was kissing Connery’s ass before, during, and after the making of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Picker laid down the laws: no new actor, no new director, shorter movie, happy ending, and back to the lighter tone of “Goldfinger.” Why else do you think Peter Hunt never did another Bond film? And while Lazenby missed out on stardom, I’m glad his name doesn’t grace such garbage as “Diamonds Are Forever” and “Man With the Golden Gun.” He remains the best Bond, in the best Bond film of all time. John Glen, Vic Armstrong, Terence Mountain, Angela Scoular, Joanna Lumley, and others have all said how professional and pleasant Lazenby was. Peter Hunt later said that there were bumps along the way, but nothing major and nothing he didn’t anticipate; he was pleased with his choice of Lazenby. Harry Saltzman was planning to use him in non-Bond productions, which never came to fruition. So I can’t account for darling Dame Diana and her garlic stories. Or for the British press, which piled on George even before the film was released! Cheers, George, and enjoy your retirement!

[@peter_piper3004]

I was depressed when Tracy died. It was so sad.

[@360whiplash]

To me that is one my favorite Bond films. It just had the saddest ending to the entire series in which the bad guy actually gets the last laugh on Bond at the end of the film by killing his new bride. If Lazenby didn't act up the way he did, he would have stayed on as Bond.

[@clarkkent6026]

thank u very much for spoiling me the end

[@weigh2playa825]

@@clarkkent6026 ...l doubt it.

[@frankroberts9320]

One of the fondest memories of my early teens occurred early one evening in 1968, when my father and I were watching "The Avengers" together in the living room. I suddenly realized that he and I, the only two males in the family, were watching the show for the exact same reason. Dad was a US Air Force officer and a crew member of a strategic nuclear bomber, not your everyday plumber or insurance agent. He was the actual guy with his actual pinky on the actual red button during the hottest time of the Cold War. He was a steely eyed, no nonsense military professional, and our relationship had grown a bit rocky because of it.. Imagine my shock when he turned to my 14 year old self during the commercial break with that poker face of his and exclaimed "You know, I'd just about be willing to crawl through live machine gun fire, under barbed wire, on my belly, for 300 yards with my face in mud and blood and shit, just for the chance to hear Emma Peel fart over a field telephone." I completely lost it. We both laughed so hard I was sure we had both pissed ourselves just a bit, I know I did. The old man has been gone for ten years now and I miss him terribly. Ms. Rigg, on the off chance that you ever get to read this, thank you for being the catalyst that bonded my father and I so long ago.

[@Debonair.Aristocrat]

Diana Rigg has the kind of self confidence and looks that could test any man's valour, short of being a real life James Bond type such as your father was. I, personally would prefer to scurry away from her, unseen and whimpering for my failed manhood.

[@CaptainOatwright]

My favourite Bond film as it happens, and although I respect Lazenby I totally disagree with the idea to replace the bond music with 'pop music'- the addition of Beach Boys song in a much later Roger Moore Bond film ski scene still makes me cringe. Glad they stuck with the classic John Barry score- also one of his very best.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

Yes, the theme for this movie was almost as iconic as the original Bond theme itself.

[@MostCommentsAreFake-ud8by]

Stranded in a barn with Diana Rigg in a snow-storm, aaaaahhhhhh

[@waynej2608]

That is Still, my idea of heaven on earth.

[@joevald3]

Diana Riggs was the first British girl that I really loved what you say that's not good about her . She set the standard for a whole new generation ... But oddly enough no one could replace her ...........

[@jeanfourcade]

Amazing how celebrities spoke their mind freely, and brilliantly so, 50 years ago. Open, promising era where "politically correct" didn't exist, when speaking your mind didn't trigger ten lawsuits, and studio-scripted-rehearsed fake interviews were unknown... the freedom of those times seems so unreal, nowadays.

[@peace-now]

Much better now. There was so much racism around then. I am glad we are politically correct. It means not saying nasty things to Black people, not hurting them. Political correctness is another way of saying to respect people, be nice to them, as Jesus said, "love thy neighbor".

[@southerncomfort7490]

@@peace-now Yes, who can argue with the notion of "love thy neighbour"? Who could possibly argue with the notion that one should be polite and courteous to others, no matter what their colour, creed, sex or sexual persuasion etc? The trouble is that 'Political Correctness' has now gone far above mere courtesy, It has fossilised into a rigid dogma and been weaponised by Human Resources departments throughout the western world. Now the question is not "well I should not say that because it is clearly offensive." Rather it is, "I had better say nothing at all in case anybody is neurotic enough to take offense," no matter how innocent the comment might be. The intention is now deemed irrelevant. All that matters are the sensibilities of the 'victim.' You are now only permitted to speak to the extent of the neuroses of the person who might overhear your comment. If this is freedom of speech, you might as well be in North Korea or Stalin's Russia. The truth is that throughout the ages all change has been deemed 'offensive' be it by the Church or to the state. Now the part of the all too easily offended has been taken over by any group of people who can claim that they being "punched down to." The problem with this is it means that the only people of whom you are free to speak your mind about are themselves a minority group: Namely: white, young or middle aged, heterosexuxual and able-bodied. All else are treated as if they are an endangered species who will wilt and fade away unless they are afforded special protection by the law. Can this be truly labelled as progress?

[@peace-now]

@@southerncomfort7490 Well, I think it is a good thing. I remember the awful days in the US Army, when Black and white soldiers would not talk to each other.

[@southerncomfort7490]

@@peace-now Hi. Now the races not talking to each other is, of course, a terrible thing. One should not forget that the very first integrated service in the US - so that they HAD to talk to each other - was the US Navy. You have President Truman to thank for that. My question concerns not the result, but the means you use to achieve that result. To me it seems a bizarre thing to fight persecution with persecution. All you seem to be doing is inviting a backlash and driving the people that you most need to convert underground. But I appreciate your comments and respect your opinion.

[@southerncomfort7490]

Can I just give you a perfect example of what I am talking about. My son studied at Archeology and Ancient History at the University of Newcastle. One of their lecturers introduced a god-like figure that was important to both the Romans and the Greeks. His name was Niggeronius. Yes, it was pronounced exactly as you might expect and that was the way the lecturer, correctly, pronounced it. But only once. For she was immediately chastised by the Faculty.. The correct pronunciation, she was told, might cause offense. She must (wrongly) call him 'Nijeronious.' Surely yet another example of the infantalisation of Higher Education.

[@ericdew2021]

With the beard, he looks like Christian Bale.

[@ramspace]

A good look.

[@shooter7734]

That was the first thing I thought He looks like Bale with that beard

[@jamesb.9155]

So nice to see Diana Rigg speaking on the subject. She was always so gorgeous and elegant!

[@suburbohemian]

They were both brilliant! They really captured the novel!

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

In novel, Bond is not relatively young, vulnerable and infinite, but a mature man with experience, like the actors in the other roles.

[@MrDavey2010]

It’s actually a very good movie & Lazenby was a good choice for Bond but he blew it. Shame that Lazenby was so arrogant off screen. He threw away his chance for stardom.

[@stephenfoster8800]

MrDavey2010 i

[@Fredders88]

I get the impression he discovered he didn't really want stardom.

[@trythinkingforachange4201]

That's what they all say when they fail. @@Fredders88

[@Fredders88]

Maybe, but I think some just don't fancy it or are willing to make the sacrifices needed - e.g. Graham Parker wasn't willing to change his name, but Declan MacManus was.

[@OnePost909]

@@Fredders88 Sacrifices?? You work two months a year and get handed a check for a million pounds. You show up at the premiere and sign a few autographs. You get all the groupies you want and get invited to all the great parties. You retreat back to your million-pound home (that you paid cash for) and wait for the next movie. I myself would be very interested in making such sacrifices.

[@shaquana12hyatt]

I think he did a fantastic job for his first film

[@trythinkingforachange4201]

You are definitely in the minority.

[@howie9751]

I can't imagine any of the other Bonds falling in love and marrying Tracy. It worked though for Lazenby.

[@mr.vargas5648]

He did to bad he fucked himself.

[@RobertK1993]

Yes not Connery though

[@RobertK1993]

@@howie9751 Connery he is a charmer.

[@billbrimmer1739]

Honest man. I thought he played Bond with humor. Connery was a tough act to follow. Diana Rigg is marvelous in everything.

[@HamanKarn567]

Diana Rigg is probably the best actress to be a Bond Girl no doubt along with Eva Green and Sophie Marceau but I think she's the best out of them.

[@adoozer766]

George was a great Bond. Too bad they didn't do another with him.

[@afhickman]

Lazenby was considered to play Bond again in "Never Say Never Again," but then Connery decided to make the film.

[@johnnymarlin1283]

He would have been brilliant in diamonds are forever.

[@lenblack1462]

@@johnnymarlin1283 Diamonds was a silly film though.

[@johnnymarlin1283]

@@lenblack1462 Lazrmby would have made it better, cause connery by then had had enough of playing bond.

[@deb7457]

Johnny Marlin Agreed!! Connery only came back for the bigger paycheck.... which was ONE of the reasons he left the series in the first place.

[@Jonipoon]

I truly respect Lazenby for standing up for himself and going against the studio in so many ways, something that no other Bond actor has done. However, I completely disagree with him about making Bond more ”hippie”, that was just the talk of the day back then and thankfully the old Bond films stayed consistently out of it.

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

I worked with Diana Rigg a couple of years ago and as she attempted to exit a horse-drawn carriage and got a foot stuck under the seat, it prompted a barrage of non-scripted RSC-quality profanities from the Dame, something I found enormously impressive, truly a day to remember.

[@jbr496]

Was it during the Game Of Thrones filming?

[@heraldeventsandfilms5970]

@@jbr496 The ITV Queen Victoria thing. I usually work with younger actors and it was a joy to be with someone from a generation older than me, not the chancers and dreamers I encounter all the time. What a voice!

[@clarkkent6026]

@Rags Toriches if u think an actress that plays hi society roles conducts herself in the same way in her everyday life... u have a 10 year old mentality

[@clarkkent6026]

@Rags Toriches uhh Im sorry for breaking apart your fictitious image of an actress; come on, grow up, the fact that she's been heard cursing like a sailor shouldnt influence your admiration as an actress; learn to discern a fictional character from a real person

[@clarkkent6026]

@Rags Toriches it's worst than that; that guy cringed about his female princess was caught cursing like a sailor on a casual anecdote; not talking about fake lives in instagram, failbook and social networks

[@canman5060]

Diana Rigg was my crush in Emma Peel. I was only 6 years old then !

[@MedusaRubix]

im totally loving Lazenby, what a man!! and the best body. my favourite movie. Sean Connery the least attactive, Moore the most charming and gentlemanish, the most handsome is Brosnan. the new Bond movies are not the same...

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

connery couldn't do OHMSS...he was not capable of true emotion...he was simply a tool, a user, a manipulator. and not at a good actor. he may have been the first, but then again, there always is a first. don't mean the first is better.....in this case, at least 4 were better as bond then connery....for this great teleplay, OHMSS, .connery would be inappropriate...

[@KRYPTOS_K5]

Excellent. We cannot pretend that we are out of our own reality like to be apart of our own time. Rigg and Lazenby were old fashioned authentic human beings -- even when ardently acting (a rare fact on non theater stages) and so the "on her majesty service" is an unique and more realistic "version" of what a real James Bond secret agent might could ever be. Brazil... sorry for English, not using corrector.

[@woohooboy]

Rigg's observations about the way Fleming wrote female characters in Bond novels is correct. They are either objects to be conquered, exploited or deposed of. Many were victims of abuse or were deranged killers. Largely this was due to the era in which Fleming lived and how society viewed women as secondary characters. It's very much reflected in his style of writing

[@jgc1077]

So?

[@laurenhumphries-brooks4383]

I'd say this was largely due to Fleming's own explicit misogyny, not the era itself. Case in point: Rigg's major rise to stardom was on The Avengers, which did not treat women "as secondary characters," but as capable and intelligent people in their own rights.

[@jgc1077]

Oh, will you stop with this "misogyny" bullshit? Not everything is reducible to some half-assed gender-studies analysis .

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Lauren Humphries-Brooks But Rigg has commented on The Avengers' accidental feminism - it began with 2 male leads, when Ian Hendry left they recast an actress as 2nd. lead - without changing the scripts! Patrick Macnee repeatedly credited Rigg with rewriting their dialogue, so Steed & Peel's relationship became warmer, more relaxed - Honor Blackman's Cathy Gale had to be tougher not only because she was written that way but to put off Steed's advances, he hadn't become a gentleman yet!

[@laurenhumphries-brooks4383]

Yes, I am aware of all of this - I run a blog about The Avengers and have written extensively on it.The Avengers was still explicitly feminist from Seasons 2-5, largely due to Macnee and his co-stars (both Blackman and Rigg). I don't see how it can be "accidental" when the entire show revolves around a man and a woman acting in tandem with each other, and a man respecting and even admiring his female partners' capabilities. Steed was always a gentleman, if you pay attention. (And there's no doubt that he and Mrs. Peel were involved).

[@maple1255]

Years later, On Her Majesty's Secret Service with George Lazenby and Diana Rigg, is considered one of the best Bond pictures. Sean Connery was often rough with women, they were attracted to him, but he had no sensitivity. Lazenby was far more charming with women, clearly he enjoyed women, he was perfect for this picture. It was noted by Lazenby in later years that his agent told him that the Bond pictures were passe' and urged him to abandon the role, George said he wished he had not gotten that poor advice. He was light years ahead of Roger Moore, who always had a weird and awkward vibe with the Bond women in his pictures.

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Sean Connery O.H.M.S.S. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZrZpJ9uf9Z_gcU

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Connery is the only Bond who had the same girlfriend in two movies (Sylvia Trench ''Dr. No'' and ''From Russia With Love''). Roger Moore was the right man at the right time (except ''A View To a Kill''). From ''The Spy Who Loved Me'' begins to stabilize the equal relationship between Bond and his girls. Bond in O.H.M.S.S. (in the book and the film) is an experienced man, like the actors in the other roles. With Lazenby (and the way the film was shot) we see a relatively young and infinite Bond, who plays and shows his feelings, as if it were ''Casino Royale'' or the romantic film ''The Secret Agent and The Countess''. It's the reason that the film had the smallest success, and also the same reason that today is considered one of the best Bond pictures.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

maple1255 Sir Roger Moore saved the franchise. Lazenby would have killed it like he did his career.

[@Laceykat66]

By WHOM ?? This could have been one of the best.

[@cobraaction1365]

"considered one of the best Bond pictures" By who?

[@44032]

I couldn't resist when Dame Diana said the bullet went in one ear and out the other. "Did it hit anything?"

[@scrmepal]

Lazenby caused many of his problems as Bond.....but it was his manager who really screwed things up for him.

[@Mark01962]

Diana Rigg's character definitely wasn't a victim. At one point, when he was overwhelmed by baddies, she literally saved him and fought with him.

[@Babaki]

If i had a time machine, i would have changed Lazenby's stupid decision, made him to do atleast one more BOND movie, the continuation of his revenge story from OHMSS

[@kirkm]

Yes! I would've wrestled him with you

[@Babaki]

@@kirkm ha ha

[@cacauldr]

I saw OHMSS only after all other Bond movies and it made a far greater impact than any of those others. I actually cared about the characters, was surprised by it's unique pace, fully taken by the turn of events and I felt every gritty bit of it. For me it's the only Bond movie that got under my skin and the only one that never feels outdated or backwards. Largely due to the fact that OHMSS showed a more realistic human side, people who have something precious to loose (not just empty concepts of duty or worldpeace) and showing us the fear of knowing they might fail.

[@slyasleep]

„They had a set formula“ True already in the 1960‘s, true all through today.

[@Desertduleler_88]

George Lazenby just didn't want to be tied down and "owned" by the studios as far as PR was concerned, he had too much of a sense of freedom.

[@Zett76]

Now I get why she killed Joffrey... Rest in Peace, Diana.

[@paulmclaine6413]

Just so all of you know Diana Rigg is the most beautiful woman ever to have been born.

[@godstomper]

Lanzenby grew on me. I think hes one of the best bonds.

[@bramford7e]

I agree.

[@Universal_exports87]

One of my fav Bond Films. I think he just needed some time to develop but he said NO after this one.

[@hoorootv1]

⭕ Dianna Rigg was such a knockout in the 1960s. So sad that her final years of her life were so difficult with her illness.

[@lizzey7844]

SEAN Connery and John Barry music-nothing came close ever.

[@2Uahoj]

I always felt bad that in interviews Diana put him down. I think if she had looked at it from his point of view (being treated as a nothing by the director and crew) she might have had more sympathy for his situation and forgiveness for whatever rudeness he displayed during filming. By contrast, in his later interviews he only had nice things to say about her. Would have been great had they gotten together as friends prior to her death.

[@fuckenps3]

Increased respect for both of these leads.

[@spazcoyle1845]

She's lovely!

[@user-em2jc2yx8t]

i liked him as james bond

[@donaldfedosiuk1638]

A black leather cat-suit and a Lotus Elan S2! Saw her on stage in the West End sometime in the 70's. Can't remember the play, but never forgot her.

[@thalastkg]

One of my Fav Bond Movie. Good Story, Amazing Actors, Locations & unexpected twists. Diana Rigg was my Number one Bond Girl.

[@captpicard6894]

Really good bond film OHMSS, Lazenby wasn’t that bad at all. He looked the part, had the charisma, the screen presence, shame he couldn’t act.

[@calebfuller4713]

Well, remember that for a considerable part of the movie, he's actually Bond, pretending to be Sir Hilary Bray. So he's a guy, pretending to be a guy, who's pretending to be another guy...

[@pensylvania65000]

@@calebfuller4713 being dubbed by Inspector Wexford

[@howie9751]

Great chemistry between him and Diana Rigg, at least on screen. And Rigg was a Bond woman, not a Bond girl.

[@rburley204]

I think there must be some regret on Lazenby's part. He was definitely arrogant and probably his dispute with Peter Hunt didn't help. Lazenby was new to the industry and should have learned from others how to be 'politically correct' in the film industry and established himself, before coming across like a know it all. He was a good Bond, but it seems that he was difficult to work with.

[@RnBGarvey]

This is one of the very best bond films, and nobody acknowledges it.

[@Desmomatschi]

Wow! Diana Rigg was ahead of her time. Her analysis is on the spot. Lazenby was great too. The film stands alone in all of the Bonds, if you consider the year of its release

[@johnhennessy7887]

An intelligent, insightful, woman.

[@Tiber234]

This is actually my fave Bond - and the only one Ive ever bought on DVD, the acting is a little ropey in places the fight choreography /continuity ie on the beach are not as refined as in later Bonds but it def has a special charm to it - One big plus is the whole sound track! absolutely wonderful for me its the best score of all the Bond movies. Bond in the phone booth at the ski resort - the bullets come flying and the music kicks in - marvellous

[@AccuCat]

(Difficult on set & with producers? George left the role shortly after its release, and the media pressure at the time.) This is what went down - "mostly". You also have to remember the times & era, and what was going on in the industry. The readjustment with Moore, was the natural choice at the time, just like how Craig was during his. It's easy to look back & evaluate these big budget films, but you have to remember that it's all down to how much the studio can recover, and put into the next project, or in this case, film in the series. A side note on George, that he wasn't a career actor at the time, and he had to follow Connery - and the fan/press following. A difficult thing, and surely a factor in him waking off(other than the film not doing well). A lot of other career actors at the time, declined just for that reason. Looking back now after all the hype, pressure & expectations from the time are over, he was quite fine in the role, and there is little to criticise. On a personal note - I prefer my 007 unmarried & a career agent. The ending here was a warning, that anyone he settles down with, would eventually end up a target. You can't save the world and be a secret agent and spy, and live a normal life.

[@jerryjazzbo2845]

Diana Rigg fits the role of the woman Bond married. She was that special.

[@keithlau3872]

One of the top 3 best bond movies ever! Sucks to see Lazenby moving on after just one film. Looking back, his image was perfectly suited for this role. Also, his decision to leave was one of the biggest career blunders in cinema history tantamount to Duran Duran prematurely breaking up in 1985.

[@ernietarling5829]

This movie also had the best Bond song, " We have all the time in the world", by John Barry and Hal David, sung by Louis Armstrong on his very last record.

[@peterh1353]

Chosen as a favour to his (Barry's) father who actually knew Armstrong!

[@james6825]

that was the only good thing in this movie the song.

[@canman5060]

I think the portrait of James Bond in this movie is close to Ian Feming's novel.

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

In novel Bond is a mature man with experience, like the actors in the other roles.

[@obelix703]

If Lazenby really was that awful, then I’d like to congratulate the director and the editors for working around his limitations so masterfully.

[@user-xp2gm8im2c]

Diana Rigg 20 July 1938 - 10 September 2020 Goodbye. We don't have all the time in the world.

[@leekitchen1195]

I thought he was excellent in the role, had style and physicality especially in the fight scenes

[@alexalex13131]

One problem for Lazenby as Bond was he looked a bit and came across as a lesser version of Sean Connery with the comparison hurting him. The next Bond, Roger Moore, didn't have that problem and was more individually charismatic.

[@billbergendahl2629]

"On Her Majesty's Secret Service" is my favorite Bond film.

[@195Bucks]

In my humble opinion he has always been the best man for the role of James Bond with Sean Connery coming second. He had a certain sophistication and charm the others didn't and he truly loved women as Diana Rigg stated typically Bond used women as vessels...Lazenbies version didn't...shame he didn't do more Bond films!!...

[@Payne1971]

The best Bond film never made would have been the one after this. Bond wracked with grief and consumed with anger. Using all his skills, passed through a filter of rage and going on a world wide tear up for the animals that took away his one true love. God, that would have been beautiful!

[@robertromero8692]

You must have missed the beginning of Diamonds are Forever, where Bond goes on just such a rampage against Blofeld.

[@desotowright]

I so badly wish George Lazenby had stuck around for Diamonds Are Forever. He was so good in the role and could so easily have won back the critics in round two.

[@666MOWZER]

One of my favourite Bond movies.

[@MirzaKhalid]

wow this movie targeted 2021 audiences ... way ahead of its time than typical bond movie

[@Qtrademark]

Diana Rigg is beautiful.

[@emilewicz14]

I have not recognised him. Incidentally, he looked great with his beard and long hair.

[@michaeldorosh5047]

His small part as Johnston Pettigrew in Gettysburg is one of my favourite parts of that film.

[@stevek8829]

Lazenby made a great bond because he brought off the rough part. The new guy brings what's needed as well.

[@chisheen]

Thanks for the upload! Complete respect for these two actors and their honest views.

[@anthonylynch4737]

Lazenby Rules as the ultimate Realistic Bond !

[@brainfat1]

Tell Blofeld, I want him to know it was me.

[@christoph404]

This is one of my favourite Bond movies and there are lots of things to like about OHMSS, the cinematography and the music soundtrack for starters and Lazenby I thought was pretty good, I think he gets unfairly criticised, he showed Bond had some vulnerability and was not just a cold hearted invincible superman as Connery portrayed him, from what I've read and heard, director Peter Hunt showed him little respect and was actually quite mean towards the novice actor, Lazenby at aged 29 by his own accounts reacted to that unhelpful attitude from the director, when Connery made his first Bond film the director Terence Young took him under his wing and was instrumental in helping Connery create the character and the look, its a shame Peter Hunt did not take the same path, I think the fact that Lazenby got through it and gave the performance he did in the face of a director who was by most accounts unfriendly and unhelpful is a credit to him as an actor.

[@jakemay637]

I heard that it was Peter Hunt who told Lazenby that he wanted him and would lobby Cubby. Maybe George showed Hunt ingratitude... it's not beyond impossible. But again, maybe L was just a sweet grateful guy and was side-swipped by EON. However, re Cubby his rep is that he was always kind to his crew and it's rare to find any negative comments. This would be par for a truly smart guy...who realizes giving ppl respect is wise in everything, including business. Only the dumb don't realize this basic rule. That's one reason I like Brosnan and Moore..not just for their performance but for their character. They were ambassadors for the brand. Craig, however, hated the role and did it only for the cash. He insisted that Bond must be killed, what a conceit. I never viewed his Fonds in cinema, only DVD as cheap as I could get! His last one I fast forwarded just for the action. Fond basically gives up when the baddies are peppering the Aston. Pity it wasn't a regular at without armour! Plus, he wasn't a protector, forgetting the human by his side. Bond of the books was a knight and stalwart. Just as Brosnan/Bond said when asked is he would give up: "Never!" As for the gritty realism of Find: sure, Craig breaks off a doorknob with one hand. Then he wastes the audience time with self pity on his henchman face and already out of fashion sausage suits. Barbara B, your dad would have been very disappointed.

[@Facade953]

Teresa Bond: Respect WHAMIN! RRREEE!!!!!!! James Bond: It can't be! What have i done? Blofeld: Don't worry, Mr.Bond! Your arch-nemesis has your back.

[@rickmorrow7592]

George Lazenby turned down a 7 picture deal for James Bond. The greatest fool of all time.

[@amarsbarr]

Saw this film the other day and when I first saw it aged 11 in 2002 I found it to be dull and boring... Years and years later I found it to be one of the BEST.. absolutely love it and can see why it's so good. And boy did George do really well as Bond... Felt sorry for him after all the criticism and backlash he received... He played Bond far better in his 1 film than Moore did in his 7 although I like Roger Moore a lot as a person he was the most worst Bond ever produced...

[@unowen-nh9ov]

amarsbarr As Sir Roger has pointed out repeatedly, every bartender in the world knows Bond's drink order on sight, so much for SECRET agent! His wink & a nod performances saved the franchise, even Connery wasn't playing it straight by Diamond's Are Forever (despite being out to avenge his wife). If George was so good, why wasn't he snapped up by other producers once he made himself available? While Moore starred in movies between Bonds, even when lampooning himself as Bond in Cannonball Run? Moore worked for 2 decades pre-Bond, hired (& fired) by MGM, starred in mutiple series. They had to WAIT for him for Bond because he was a global success in The Saint. George does conventions.

[@TheCmoreButt]

u.n. owen no one wanted to hire him because word got out that he was horrible to work with backstage. He even admitted it himself.

[@Charlie_Fucsard]

@@unowen-nh9ov Clearly because the producers black balled him in the industry, which arguably he deserved. Not really any secret here

[@unowen-nh9ov]

@@Charlie_Fucsard If an actor can make $$$, a producer will hire him. George couldn't.

[@Charlie_Fucsard]

@u.n. owen Despite his shit reputation & being black balled in Hollywood he still had many roles over the years after OHMSS so some producers did hire him in spite of his reputation which I can only assume was because they though he could draw $

[@yorkieelliot2487]

There have been some great actors playing James Bond but to me George was James Bond!

[@slyasleep]

R.I.P. Diana Rigg, what a brilliant person

[@p9a9r21]

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is stands alone in the Bond genre for many reasons. IMHO as a life long Bond fan, George Lazenby was more of a passable caricature of the Connery Bond. I think the casting of the late Dane Diana Rigg and the late Telly Salavlas raised the film's standard. I would go so far as saying Dane Rigg's character of Tracy was the first Bond girl to actually be the lead with Mr. Salvalas as the co-star. Mr. Lazenby was there to make it a "bond" film but really wasn't the action dramatic lead. I salute Mr. Lazenby for his chutzpah as a complete neophyte to walk into the offices of one of the most successful cinema franchises of the late 60s and fake his way into being cast as James Bond. But when he was put into a cast with experienced actors who were masters of their craft he could only be exposed like a piece of glass placed next to a D-Flawless diamond.