Rent James Bond: Doctor No (1962)

1st 007 Worthy Of Rediscovery - James Bond: Doctor No review by GI

So this is where it all began! And who knew then what this quite humble film would spawn. Based reasonably closely on the novel of the same name, which was chosen as it had a simple and filmable plot, this first 007 film is worthy or rediscovery. Not only will you easily spot the influence on Daniel Craig's interpretation of the character but you maybe surprised by how brutal Bond is in this. He kills in cold blood, he uses sex to control women and is open to torturing them for information. Because this is all presented somewhat tongue-in-cheek the film gets away with it. Considering the massive, lavish spectacles the Bond films have become renowned for this one may appear rather dated, and the restriction of budget and technical know how is evident in the use of back projection and a rather quick climax with the death of the chief villain a bit lacklustre. But overall this is an entertaining action adventure film where the suave and sophisticated British secret service agent is sent to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of an agent there and to see if there is a link to the disruption of American rocket launches. There are several links to the series that would follow, Bond's later close friend Felix Leiter is introduced here played by Jack Lord of Hawaii 5-O fame along with Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell) and M (Bernard Lee) of course. The action is at times bloody and the sex is raunchy for its time courtesy of Ursula Andress as the main 'Bond girl' and her famous walk out of the sea. It's a colourful, fast paced film and Sean Connery, despite his then relative newness, is clearly a movie star. It's not the best of the Bond's but it's definitely up there above quite a few that would follow.