James Bond (007) is Britain's biggest client recruited for a very difficult mission. James's mission is to solve the mysterious murder of a fellow client. James is sent to Jamaica, where he joined forces with Quarrel and CIA agent, Felix Litter. James finds in front of him three of the killers, known as the Three Blind Mice, where he may meet Bond with a beautiful rider honey in order to face a world of evil and excitement.
In the end, it's more gumshoe mystery than action-adventure and, comparative to almost everything that followed, very low-key. But legends must start somewhere, and looking back at its reminders of how Bond wasn't always "Bond" are fascinating.
The James Bond series started in great style with this cleverly conceived dose of sheer escapism that, unlike later episodes, remained true to the essence of Ian Fleming's super-spy novels.
The film geek in me wants to praise it, but the film critic in me wants to expose its flaws. I still have a soft spot for it, but if I'm being truly honest, it's kind of lackluster.
Of course, it's dated -- a Sunbean Alpine isn't exactly cutting edge transport -- but the elegant playboy spy with just a whiff of danger was clearly here to stay.
The first James Bond cast a relatively unknown actor, Sean Connery, who forever defined 007 as a cool, suave, womanizing agent, adept at delivering witty one liners.
Of course, it's nonsense -- pure, escapist bunk, with Bond, an elegant fellow, played by Sean Connery, doing everything (and everybody) that an idle day-dreamer might like to do.
ReelViews
January 01, 2000
While it may appear tame by the standards of the later productions, it's an entertaining look back in movie history at a project that developed into a worldwide phenomenon.
About as perfect a franchise-starter as you could imagine and certainly accomplishes the task of leaving you eagerly anticipating Bond's next adventure.
