A key film of the 1960s and probably the moment that the James Bond series really hit the top spot. It's a more ambitious, big budget production than the previous two and is often cited as the best of the franchise. That is of course open to debate but I think it can be said that this is Sean Connery's pinnacle in the role as his subsequent three appearances as 007 are not as good films as this one. This has many of the hallmarks that are seen in Bond films ever since; a megalomaniac villain, an army of uniformed henchmen, a lair and there's a postscript scene where Bond must battle one final time. Goldfinger did push boundaries for a mid 60s film with its sexual references, the hints of lesbianism in the main female character and of course her risqué name of Pussy Galore, lifted of course from the source novel. There's plenty of action here too and the set piece sequences are great fun including the introduction of the now iconic Aston Martin DB5 and all its gadgets which are all given an outing here. There's the now famous death of Jill (Shirley Eaton) who gets covered in gold paint and the fight with the chief thug Oddjob (Harold Sakata) and his lethal hat! Connery oozes dangerous sex appeal and manages to seduce women often by force! Gert Frobe as the titular Goldfinger is one of the best of the Bond baddies and definitely one of the most memorable. Fantastically entertaining even after multiple viewings and massively influential on the Daniel Craig films, this is a Bond film to try and see on a big cinema screen if you can as it really is a visually spectacular film.
Goldfinger stands out in my memory as the best of its era. I remember vividly the scandal of death by spray painting, and of odd-job crushing a golf ball. It is worth revisiting just to relive these moments of nostalgia. I was shocked however at the dreadful acting ability of some of the Bond girls. Tania(the one he picks up in the Aston Martin)stands out for me as the worst actress I have ever seen in a professional role. I don't know if you would get away today with calling a leading lady Pussy Galore. The main characters are excellent and the plot terrific. A spy thriller from the early 60's is bound to be dated but this stands the test of time better than most.
Sean Connery is my second favourite Bond (Daniel Craig my first). This must be one of the most famous older Bond films, few cannot have heard of it. Since 1964 it has repeated hundreds of times. The acting of some of the lesser prominent actors/actresses is appalling and even some of the more prominent ones. I was shocked. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be. As a Bond Classic it is great, if you have never seen an old Bond film though, probably don't bother. You need rose tinted specs for these.