Review of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) by James H — 10 Dec 2010

After five movies, Sean Connery decided to (briefly) retire as James Bond (although he would return for 1971's Diamonds Are Forever and 1983's "unofficial" Bond film Never Say Never Again). Taking his place for one time only is Australian actor George Lazenby, who has some rather large shoes to fill. Fortunately, he's good as Bond, and given a couple more films, he could have really found his own place.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service does try to breath new life into the series, especially after the tired and overwrought You Only Live Twice. Despite it's 140 minute running time, director Peter R. Hunt moves the film briskly with many exciting action set pieces, including the stunning pre-credits sequence and a cool ski chase (a first for the franchise). As well there is more emotional resonance, thanks to the romance between Bond and Tracy Di Vincenzo (Diana Rigg). Ultimately, the film is at odds because it tries to replicate much the style and tone of the early Connery Bonds, while trying to branch out into a new direction giving Lazenby a distinctive film. Despite this short-coming, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is one of the most memorable Bond films, thanks in part to some terrific action and an incredibly downbeat ending.