The Spy who Loved me (1977)

There's nothing quite like kidnapping a huge vessel (submarine here) with nuclear weapons to set up some grandeur to the plot. And when both the British and Russians lose one, big politics with big consequences set a most intriguing scenario. Top that with a ski chase (done better in OHMSS), ending with a huge parachute with the British flag, and the vignette can roll proudly.

The casting deserves special mention this time. In addition to Richard Kiel and Barbara Bach, Walter Gotell is an exquisite Russian general. Add that to the regulars, Llewelyn and Lee, and quite a few scenes are better than you've come to expect from a franchise that keeps all focus on 2-3 characters. Bach's banter with Moore is most amusing, and brings out the very best of Bond's infantile teasing. A flirt where Bond has to work for it, adds a more modern touch. Curd Jürgens also has a most threatening face, particularly when he smiles whilst leaving his eyes very intense, cold and evil.

Again, they do well in the tension department. Director Gilbert takes full usage of Kiel's slow methodical movements and hulking frame to create the illusion of an immovable object that kills for fun. Bond really must stop travelling by train. It always ends in a brawl with someone very large.

They picked Marvin Hamlisch to compose the score here, and that was a big mistake. Apart from the titlesong, it's mostly bad synth and other unwanted bleeps, apart from variations on the main theme done on a dozen different instruments. There is some excellent usage of classical music early on though, particularly Bach's "Air" set to the background of a terrified young woman being thrown to the shark.

So there is tension, brilliant flirting and mediocre action. Though Gilbert keeps his action-sequences blissfully short, so they still have merit. Apart from where he increases speed of film. That looks stupid in any film age. The end set-piece aboard the tanker is excellent, but with horrid music, and mediocrity in action, the general casting and the fine chemistry of the leads doesn't quite make this film quite stand out

6/10


Best car used: Lotus Esprit S1 - Wet Nellie
Most memorable drink served: Vodka martini, shaken not stirred (ordered by Bach)
Henchmen: Richard Kiel as Jaws. The only henchman cool enough to appear twice.
Villain: Karl Stromberg played by Curd Jürgens. He has a most wicked smile.
Best one-liner: "All those feathers and he still can't fly"
Song: "Nobody does it better". A lovely ballad by Carly Simon
Bond-girl: Barbara Bach as Russian Agent XXX. Feisty and a perfect match to Roger Moore's youthful swagger and charm.