The Look goes on...

[am55]

I am in probably a small minority in thinking OHMSS is the most artistically worthy Bond.

Starting with the obvious, it took an enormous amount of cojones to have such a serious development and sad ending when the entire world had come to expect light entertainment and a kind of colonial* fantasy from the series, not to mention the self-awareness and criticism of where the series had headed. But the acting from Rigg** (especially) to Lazenby was subtle, powerful, intelligent, with appropriate in-jokes and extraordinary character development all leading to the final surprise, which itself spelled the end for Lazenby and shook the series. Funnily enough by the time Casino Royale (bis) rolled around everybody was ready to take Bond seriously, tired with Moore's antics and "blue ice" Brosnan (TM) the almost-yank and the downer ending was seen as the pinnacle of Bondian script writing. At least Rigg's love story and character were real, beautiful and endearing which made it all the more poignant. Oh why did you have to pull out that photo... now I'll tear up a bit.

* I am honestly quite surprised at how willingly people praise not just Connery's acting but his version of the character. I ascribe it to a collective loss of memory about how the 20th century really was run, or selective teaching of history. It is even more obvious when you read Fleming's books - even for his time he was not exactly politically correct.

** Still my favourite GOT character and a damn shame that she was killed off, in the unstoppable slide of the series as it gathered popularity.

 

[Mr Knightley]

I am with you in that minority group. I don't think it is simply the fact that this was the first Bond I was 'allowed' to see at the cinema that keeps it special in my mind, but rather all the things you have said above.

But trying to keep on track for the thread, odd waistcoats have been part of the Look. I once had to attend court as a witness in a case involving the alleged theft of a marled petrol blue Wolsey crew neck! My friends - a highly sought-after piece of kit in 1969. Anyway, the defendant looked resplendent in bespoke tailoring which involved three non-matching but beautifully-coordinated mohair pieces. Regrettably he was found guilty...

I think we should have a waistcoat event - what say?

 

[Botolph]

I am with you in that minority group. I don't think it is simply the fact that this was the first Bond I was 'allowed' to see at the cinema that keeps it special in my mind, but rather all the things you have said above.

But trying to keep on track for the thread, odd waistcoats have been part of the Look. I once had to attend court as a witness in a case involving the alleged theft of a marled petrol blue Wolsey crew neck! My friends - a highly sought-after piece of kit in 1969. Anyway, the defendant looked resplendent in bespoke tailoring which involved three non-matching but beautifully coordinated mohair pieces. Regrettably he was found guilty...

I think we should have a waistcoat event - what say?

If I’m home when it happens, I’ll contribute.

 

[am55]

Alas, I have but one waistcoat with me and the tropical heat precludes me from wearing it (a jacket is already a tall order when the A/C is set at 26 Celsius). However, the antipodean winter is approaching... and I may just be there then. Nevertheless I can only heartily approve such initiative even as a spectator.

 

[Thin White Duke]

Co-signing the general admiration for OHMSS. As an avid Bond watcher this was never on the telly nor on the summer holiday double bills which I watched as a kid to catch up on all those films made when I was too young. I read the book first and reckon this was the last film to follow the book more or less closely until Craig’s Casino Royale, mores the pity. I didn’t like Lazenby in the role originally (bloody frilly shirt) but have warmed up to him over time.
That picture above is reversed I think. The fellas have their boutonnierres on the right side and the big Black body guard appears to have the buttons of his jacket on the left side.

 

[covskin]

I'll just chime in just to say Connery is best and against that OHMSS is a nice change of pace - the fuddy-duddy pursuivant cover story, the wedding, the realistic location.

 

[Clouseau]

I agree Connery is the best. Some great villains in the Moore series (Christopher Lee, Michael Lonsdale come to mind) and some lovely french girls in the Craig series (Eva Green, Lea Seydoux)...

On another subject, the new 'Ivy league/style' friday challenge should interest you guys, have a look on the CM board.

 

[Thin White Duke]

I'll just chime in just to say Connery is best and against that OHMSS is a nice change of pace - the fuddy-duddy pursuivant cover story, the wedding, the realistic location.

Yeah but after OHMSS Connery returned and they decided to literally throw the books away which set them on the wrong path IMO. Lazenby is often credited with some very nice threads if you get past the frilly tux shirt, kilt, riding breeches etc. A few years later we have Sean with his bad hairline, pot belly and nothing remarkable at all about his clothes. Right on cue for the sartorially disastrous seventies.

 

[Clouseau]

Today. Very rare to see so much snow in Paris !



Good old Monkey Boots perfect for the weather BTW.

 

[Mr Knightley]

Co-signing the general admiration for OHMSS. As an avid Bond watcher this was never on the telly nor on the summer holiday double bills which I watched as a kid to catch up on all those films made when I was too young.

That picture above is reversed I think. The fellas have their boutonnierres on the right side and the big Black body guard appears to have the buttons of his jacket on the left side.

Fixed - apols.

 

[Mr Knightley]

Great pics, Inspector!

 

[Man-of-Mystery]

I have always rated Lazenby. Apparently Diana Rigg couldn't stand him, and ate garlic before their love scenes.

 

[Purplelabel]

I agree Connery is the best. Some great villains in the Moore series (Christopher Lee, Michael Lonsdale come to mind) and some lovely french girls in the Craig series (Eva Green, Lea Seydoux)...

On another subject, the new 'Ivy league/style' friday challenge should interest you guys, have a look on the CM board.

Don't forget Bérénice Marlohe, she put me in a trance when I first saw Skyfall.

 

[Clouseau]

Don't forget Bérénice Marlohe, she put me in a trance when I first saw Skyfall.

Indeed!

 

[am55]

On the subject of odd waistcoats:

Great movie, great cars, great actors wearing their great suits just right. If only mine moved like this. Also quite fun to see Belmondo not wearing jeans, and Delon occasionally smiling for a change.