I've come to really appreciate "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" as one of the very best 007 films. Of course, it helped that it was a faithful telling of one of Fleming's best novel, perhaps his best.
Casting was excellent--Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, et al. Ah, Diana Rigg. One of the best Bond women and a unique character in that she's the only one he marries, and Rigg captured Tracy perfectly.
I've also come to appreciate George Lazenby's performance. It's a particularly remarkable achievement...
He followed about the toughest act there could be, Sean Connery, who owned the role from his first scene in "Dr. No" and defined the role, at least the cinematic James Bond, who will always be different from the literary Bond--as the latter is a unique creation of both writer Ian Fleming and EACH individual reader's imagination.
Lazenby's performance was not imitative in any way, was quite human. His Bond is a bit younger (he was only 29) and is not as mature as other Bond performers, or, to me, as mature as the Bond of the books. Lazenby was a brash young fellow--it helped him get the part--and that comes through. It works, though, given it was his first time out as Bond. I think he could have grown, as a person, an actor and in his portrayal, had he the good sense to stay with the series.
In "Casino Royale", Daniel Craig deliberately captures a less experienced 007--in fact, one who has just earned 00 status. So, I think Lazenby's Bond influenced the filmmakers in "Casino Royale".
Lazenby, to me, is the most human of the Bonds. Craig brought out a dark side, first touched on in Connery's grim humor and Dalton's attempt to play the character realistically. Craig, though, is more of a super commando than the literary Bond or Lazenby (who actually served in the Australian Special Forces and taught martial arts).
Finally, Lazenby's work was his very first acting job. Moore was a veteran actor when he assumed the part at age 46, likewise the other actors. Connery was a newcomer, but had acted on screen before.
Glad to see others here who appreciate Lazenby's turn as 007, which, I think, has stood the test of time.
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