Thursday, November 12, 2009
George Lazenby & Diana Rigg Film On Her Majesty's Secret Service
I love these pictures of George Lazenby and Diana Rigg during the filming of the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I hope you enjoy these photos as well. All the photos feature George and Diana. The last one also features director Peter Hunt and producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli. Let me know what you think of these photos.
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70 comments:
Hey Keith--
It's Ben, formerly of the Dancing Girls blog. I've had to close that down due to "issues" with blogger, but have just started a new one:
http://loveandsexappeal.blogspot.com/
C'mon by.
i love how u show these fantastic people that deserve forever accolades, and how you keep these beautiful ones intact (tho lazenby should have ever been a bond :-( )
I love the images because they are in black and white. I love the quality of the photos, I know they were shot in film.
Hey Ben. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know. I knew something had happened to Dancing Girls. Glad to see you're back up and running with a new blog. I'll be sure to check it out.
Hey Invisible Woman. Thanks for commenting. It was great hearing from you. I'm glad you enjoy what I'm doing here. I actually am one of those that like Lazenby as Bond. Not as good as Connery, but I do love OHMSS.
Hey Leah. Thanks. I love these photos. I was very happy when I came across them because I had never seen them before.
Awesome photos Keith! I love the ones with the mountains in the background especially... such gorgeous photography. Must see the film!
Ohhhh...beautiful Diana Rigg!!!. It was my favourite avenger...unforgettable Emma Peel...
Oh they are fabulous photo's, have never seen them.
they look like they are having so much fun.
xx
Wow, George Lazenby is a VERY handsome man! I am so surprised, I never considered him much before, but these pictures have completely changed my mind. I have never seen actually the only Bond film that he did, but now I really want to.;)
Man did I have a crush on her!
i love these, got me wishing for snow and the alpes!
Classic, sexy, amazing.
Thanks for these.
Graham
suckmysavvy.com
Great photos and stupendously clear!
Thanks for posting photos of la Rigg in her prime!
And, OHMSS is my favorite Bond film and George is my 3rd favourite Bond after Sean and Daniel.
But, Diana Rigg wil always be my Number One :-)
Great shots - George was probably the closest to my mental image of what Bond should look like..
Hey Maison. Thanks. She's beautiful. She's the woman that won Bond's heart.
Hey Gabbi. Thanks. I love this film. It's in a beautiful locale. I love these photos.
Hey Dana. Thanks. She was totally unforgettable as Emma Peel. I love the Avengers.
Hey Dustjacket. Thanks. I had never seen these photos before until I came across them. I had to share them up here.
Hey Protege. Thanks. I think he's a handsome man. He's aged well in my opinion. I love this film. It's one of my favorite Bond films.
Hey Bruce. You're not the only one.
Hey Insider. Thanks for commenting. I would love to be in the Alps right about now.
Hey Graham. Thanks. I'm happy you enjoyed these photos.
Hey Divicenzo. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I really love George and Diana. This is one of my favorite Bond films.
Hey Dave. Thanks. Yeah, I agree. He looked a lot like what I imagined Bond looking like.
I love this film. It is one of the best James Bond movies. I always liked George. He and Diana made such a beautiful couple.
Hey Phoebe. Thanks. I thought you had said this was one of your Bond favorites. It is definitely one of mine. Glad you liked the photos.
Great photos from the most underrated and ahead of its time Bond movie. Still not the best, but it doesn't deserve the sliming it's received.
Those are great photos Keith. They seem so natural and relaxed and having fun! Hope you are well :-)
xoxoxo
Hey Tommy. Thanks. I appreciate your comment. I do think it doesn't get the credit and recognition it deserves.
One of the best in the franchise. It's definitely better than the next Bond film. I know you told me that you and your sis neither one care much for that one. lol
Hey Veronica. Thanks. That's what I love about these photos. They are different from what I've usually seen.
Hey Wolf. Thanks. Oh yeah. Steph really hated DAF. It's definitely not one of the best out there. This was a much better film in my opinion.
Haven't seen this one yet, but it's in my Netflix queue.
retrohound.com
I was lucky enough to see a cleaned up version of this at the BF Southbank earlier this year and I took friend swho had nevers een it and they thought it was brilliant!
This is what happens - the people who say OHMSS is no good generally haven't seen it. I have this problem with another of my 'likes/ loves' - the films of Ken Russell. I get ' Don't like him, Don't like his films' and 9 times out of ten you find out that they have never even seen one of his films!
It didn't bomb at the box office - it broke quite a few box-office records. I think it didn't help that George wasn't allowed to publicise the film in the US with Diana because he refused to go looking like 007. He sported a beard and long hair and that wasn't acceptable.
I have the letters written by Diana to George and vice-versa which were printed in the Press way back. Should I copy them here?
And, you see I love DAF - but I do like films set in Las Vegas and the John Barry soundtrack was superb!
Hey Robert. I hope you enjoy it when you see it. It gets mixed reaction from fans. I think much of that has to do with the fact that he took the place of Connery.
Hey Divicenzo. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate hearing from you. I've talked to quite a few people who judge this film without ever having seen it. They should at least watch it before they decide whether they like it or not. I thought it's an amazing film. I loved when I was a boy and I love it even more as a man. I do wish George would have done a few more Bond films. I've never seen those letters so I would love to see those. Thanks so much. There are a few things I like about DAF, such as the theme song, Plenty O'Toole, the car chase, etc. Overall it's not one of my favorite Bond films. I hate saying that since Connery is my favorite 007.
Really nice pictures...like all of them. The backdrop makes me want to go skiing...
...or at least sip wine by a fire in a ski lodge...hahaha!
I remember seeing OHMSS for the first time in a snowy-cold Bradford, West Yorkshire. It had just opened and I couldn't get into the cinema so I waited (2nd in the queue) in the snow until the 2nd showing....it was worth it!
I'll post the letters separately.
The first one 'Dear George'
THE BIGGEST ROW IN SHOWBUSINESS
28, Finchley Road
London NW8
Dear George,
The film has opened as is, I hear, making a lot money at the box office. This means you have been accepted by the public, which bodes well for your future career. Why, then do you persist in dwelling on your petty grievance?
I’m tired of reading those paranoid statements to the Press wherein you were solely surrounded by hostile people. I agree that by the end of the film most of the crew were hostile, but only because of your extreme behaviour.
Why else would your dresser threaten to hand in his notice? Why would three chauffeurs leave you within a week? Why else was one member of the unit restrained from striking you after one inexcusable and crude outburst against one of the girls in the film?
Remember once telling me you valued honesty greatly and that I was “if nothing else, honest”? Perhaps you would prefer … But, let’s get those highly-coloured incidents between us straightened out truthfully.
NO GEORGE I did not eat garlic on purpose. Why would I? To ruin an important scene for both of us? That is not what acting together means. And, if you recollect on discovering what I’d done, I apologised and took every precaution – sprays, pills, etc,
NO GEORGE I was not guzzling champagne in some warm bar when we had the row. I was attempting to back the Cougar car on a very icy road – you were telling me what to do and since you know more about cars than I do you had every right.
But the manner of telling me with threats to “Bash my ……. face in” was hardly the best way. I felt (ill?), unable to fight back on that level-I cried.
Later, some weeks later you apologised but the damage was done.
Neither do I think it was entirely truthful of you to suggest that I was keeping the crew waiting. This was your particular pleasure and it is to their everlasting credit that they treated you throughout with patience and consideration.
Even the cameramen took it in his stride when only after a few weeks of filming you began telling him what to do.
Yes, I did talk to the crew rather than you. Quite simply I preferred their company. And as to Peter Hunt, the director not once did he lose his temper under constant provocation of your storming off the set, turning up late and sulking.
And as far as money is concerned George, let’s face it £22,000 for your first film – with perks thrown in – cannot be a hardship. Few would consider it so.
And as for your relations with the producers, I know little except they found it impossible to meet your demands for more money, bigger chauffeur-driven cars and grander apartments, etc.
I do know too that the producers are both men capable of generosity and I was present on the occasion when ‘Cubby’ Broccoli spontaneously gave you –off his wrist- a gold watch you had admired.
It is against all my principals and beliefs in the work we as actors do to fight at all – let alone openly and crudely as you have been doing.
However, your ….. and blatant distortions to the Press have finally forced me to speak.
It is all in the past now George. The people concerned have been prepared to forget – why can’t you?
Yours faithfully,
Diana Rigg
PART TWO
THE BIGGEST ROW IN SHOWBUSINESS
49 Eaton Square
London SW1
Dearest Diana,
I cannot understand what you have written, but I am trying to answer it in the most honest way.
I have dwelt on my present grievances because they have been petty to you at the time because you have been in the business for 15 years. I am just a beginner.
My grievances and ‘my paranoid statements to the Press’ as you put it, are all part of somebody trying to co-operate and become a good actor. I am, as you know a raw recruit to showbusiness.
We all make mistakes and I know I have made mine, as there are in every film. But at the end of the film we’re all good mates.
The chauffeurs? The one I had in London, Ernie Freeman, I took to Portugal to film. Because he was a stranger there he stayed as my guest more than anything. My second chauffeur was a bullfighter who drove like a lunatic.
And, if I die young I’d rather drive myself. The third chauffeur was not outside a restaurant one night. We left and found no car, but there was a rowdy mob of fishermen sending me up as James Bond.
The only thing I could do was to walk into the centre of them, rather than let them descend on me.
I was frightened to be honest and I shook the ringleader’s hand. Then the car arrived. I took the…..out of the chauffeur and that was wrong, I admit. But he won because I walked home.
I don’t remember any outburst worth speaking of that would get someone (tight?) enough to want to have a go, I am sure we had slight disagreements but they are past and forgotten.
I never said you had garlic on purpose although it was unfortunate that you did. Darling I’ve seen you drink champagne for breakfast. I have it too, but it’s not really my scene. Give me … juice any day.
OK, I said things about your driving but you don’t think I was right, OK?
The film crew I respected and never said otherwise. If I can always get a crew like that I will be very happy. They kept me from going insane.
The cameraman I could go on and on about. A great guy, Michael ….. He was a gentleman.
You will laugh, Diana about the money (scene?). But I would have accepted nothing for the part because I wanted to become an actor. It was the greatest screen test of all ….
The watch!! I admired Cubby’s watch at the Variety Club Ball, and he said he would get me one when he went to Switzerland (which I told you about anyway, but you must have forgotten).
Anyway, another actor had bought one and I mentioned that Cubby was going to give me one. And, two hours later Cubby, being the generous man that he is, handed his over.
Obviously the word went down the line. I was very embarrassed and tried to give it back but he insisted that his wife wanted me to have it.
I am sorry you brought that up. But what knocks me out the most is that you said it was against your principles and beliefs to bring other people into a fight.
I am sorry it worked out this way but there is a statement that a bigger man than I am has made recently. He puts it in a nutshell: “War is over if you want it”
Peace.
George
Hey Tights. Thanks for commenting. I know what you mean. I feel the same way. Cheers!
Hey Divicenzo. Thanks. I look forward to those. I saw this film the first time on television. The first Bond movie I saw was For Your Eyes Only. I was like 11. I started watching the older ones on television with my dad. That's the first time I saw the earlier ones. Over the years I've seen them on video and dvd.
Hi Keith,
My first Bond, I think was 'Goldfinger' in the cinema when I was very young. And, then I would go over and over again and you would get Bond double-bills and the cinemas were always packed.
In 1970 when I saw OHMSS for the first time I would have been 14 and I had just seen Diana Rigg for the vey first time on stage in 'Abelard & Heloise' so I knew she really wasn't dead - ha!
I have all the Bond DVDs and they keep re-issuing them with extra extras but i only re-buy the Connery and OHMSS re-issues. My favourite Bond is Sean but not in 'Never Say Never Again' and my least favourite is Roger even though I love him dearly.
Hey Divicenzo. I've seen every Bond film at the cinema since For Your Eyes Only. I've not missed a single one that way. The others I first saw on tv and then later on video and dvd. I love them all. Some I enjoyed better than others, but there are none that I hate. Just like I'm a fan of all the Bonds we've had. Some I like better, but there aren't any of them that I despise.
These stills are fabulous - I love the clothes! :)
I love them, too. Timeless is coolness and vice versa. Hey, that's your header! :)
Very romantic!
xoxo
B* a la Moda
Hey Erika. Thanks. I love their clothes.
Hey Lance. Thanks. Yep, that's my header. :-)
Hey B a la Mode. Thanks. I agree.
Fantastic photos, Keith!
What a treat!
xoxox,
CC
Thanks Carrie. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed these. Cheers!
What terrific shots, I especially like the last one, they all seem to be having a genuinely fun time.
With the temps dipping lower by the day here, I'm sure it won't be too long until Toronto starts looking like a sky hill soon, so these shots are just the ticket for this time of year :)
Have a really fantastic day, my friend!
♥ Jessica
Hey Jessica. Thanks. Glad you liked these. I thought they were all great. The last one is really good. I thought it was a good time of year to post these. I know some places are getting snow now.
Keith, these photos are stunning.
I completely adore the second one!
lululetty.blogspot.com
these photos are super! and they make me want to travel back in time and make a pit stop there! or more! :)
Amazing details are captured with black and white timeless classic photos...wonderful share! I haven't see the movie though..I've only seen the recent ones and those with Sean Connery (ahhh)..
great great stills!what is amazing to me is that i could see myself wearing a lot of those clothes!
have a good day
xx
marian
fabulous images. love the last one best. her fur coat is adorable!
Love this photo shoot these two have such great chemistry! Love the black and white too! It adds such a perfect romantic quality
simple perfect as always, kisses, hun, thank u to comment in my blog...
Hey Maria. Thanks. Glad you like these. I love that second one.
Hey Droll. Thanks. I'd love to go back to that era and locale myself.
Hey Yyam. Thanks for commenting. I love these photos. It's a cool glimpse at this movie. I do hope you get a chance to see it. This is one of my favorite Bond films.
Hey Marian. Thanks. I do like the clothes they are wearing in these pictures.
Hey Bananas. Thanks. I love her fur coat too. I love what's in it...her! :-)
Hey Clare. Thanks. Glad you loved these photos. I think they are awesome. They did make a great looking couple.
Hey Fashion. Thanks. I appreciate your comment. You're super cool. Cheers!
i had really enjoyed that film, never understand why it was not a big hit like the others Bond movies ...
I absolutely loved this movie. And George was so kickass. It was awesome. :)
Hey Giannis. Thanks for commenting. I do think this movie deserves more credit and recognition than it gets.
Hey Steph. Thanks. I was so happy that you enjoyed this one. It's one of my favorites so I was hoping you would like it when you saw it for the first time.
Keith - have you seen the movie; How to Murder Your Wife? it's 1965 with Virna Lissi and Jack Lemmon and it's basically the Breakfast at Tiffany's version but for men. I'm throwing a cocktail party next saturday and that's the theme - u would love it.
Hey Cool Things. Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it. No, I've never seen that film. I've heard of it though. I'll definitely have to check it out. I'll see if Netflix has it. Have fun at your cocktail party. Sounds so cool and swingin'.
how amazing they look like they are having so much fun in the mountains. just makes you want to go away for a winter break:)xx scisi
Hey SCISI. Thanks for commenting. These are great photos. They definitely make me want to take a winter vacation.
Diana Rigg is so beautiful in these photos! They look like a very handsome couple. The backdrop is gorgeous too. They were in a most beautiful place with their beautiful selves!
Hey Cheryl Lynn. Thanks. Glad you liked these photos. George and Diana did make a great look couple. This is such a beautiful locale.
OHMSS is my favorite movie and it is always nice to see pictures that I hadn't seen before! There are beautiful!
Hey Mirko. That's so great that you love this film. I do too. It's one of my favorite Bond films by far.
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