DR NO
UK, 1962, 110 minutes, Colour.
Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, Jack Lord, Bernard Lee, Anthony Dawson, Zena Marshall, Eunice Gayson, Lois Maxwell.
Directed by Terence Young.
As everybody knows, Dr No was the first James Bond film. Not so much was expected of it although it had a good budget, fine production values, an interesting cast.
Sean Connery made his mark as James Bond, the scene in the card room where he uses the immortal and oft-quoted words, “Bond, James Bond”. Later there is a reference to martinis shaken, not stirred. In fact, so much of what was to become James Bond folklore is to be found in this original film.
It is surprising to find that there is only a brief sequence with Bernard Lee as M, he was to feature so strongly in the coming films. The same with Lois Maxwell’s Miss Moneypenny. However, the tone of Bond’s interactions with them was set in this film. Desmond Llewellyn’s Q did not appear but was introduced later.
The film is also famous for the scene where Ursula Andress emerges from the water – but moves very quickly and it is surprising in retrospect that it had such an effect (and was imitated as a tribute by Halle Berry in Die Another Day). Ursula Andress also has much more to do than the usual James Bond women. Jack Lord appears as Felix Lighter.
However, the film introduces SPECTRE and the first of the James Bond villains, Dr No. As played by Joseph Wiseman, he is quietly sinister and effective. In fact, the first time Dr No appears is only in audio with his quiet voice.
Anthony Dawson, the murderer in Dial M for Murder, is Professor Dent who attempts to kill James Bond.
Dr No was not the first of the novels that Ian Fleming wrote – and he saw the film and was pleased with it as with Sean Connery. Casino Royale was the first Bond novel. However, while it doesn’t echo the Cold War that was prevalent at the time of the film’s release, it anticipates some of the events of 1962, the Missiles of October and the Cuban-Russian-American? confrontation.
Director Terence Young was to make From Russia With Love and Thunderball.
Almost fifty years after the release of Dr No, the franchise still continues.
1.The popularity of the James Bond films? Dr No as the original film? So many of the popular ingredients found in the original?
2.The settings: the Caribbean, London? Offices? The water sequences? The elaborate building of Dr No? The interiors? The musical score – and the familiar theme? The three blind mice during the credits? The familiar designs and sketches during the credits sequence?
3.The opening in the Caribbean, Jamaica, the group playing cards, the death of the agent, the assassination by the local men? The assassination of the secretary? Concern in London, M and his calling in James Bond? Giving him a mission? Equipping him with arms? The change of gun and M’s insistence? (And the repartee with M, M’s orders and severity, the repartee with Miss Moneypenny?)
4.The introduction to James Bond, playing cards, the suave gentleman, licensed to kill? With Sylvia Trench? The famous introduction? His being called away?
5.Bond in Jamaica, the chauffeur, his phone call, realising the truth, the confrontation with the driver, the driver killing himself? Bond going to the embassy? Getting the support? Getting further equipment for the radio contact? His interrogation of the card players? Suspicions of Professor Dent?
6.Meeting Quarrel, Felix Lighter and his pursuit? The car chase? The collaboration with the Americans, the moon launch and American concern, wanting British help? Quarrel, his superstitions, the dragon? His participation in the action – and his sudden death?
7.Bond and his investigations, the geological interest of the dead agent? Finding out about Dr No? Dr No’s headquarters?
8.Going out to the project, getting aboard? On the island, the encounter with Honey Ryder, the gunboat, their being taken? Imprisoned?
9.Dr No, his Chinese background, his staff? Miss Taro as the agent? Listening in, the date, the car chase, the death of the pursuers? Bond suddenly turning up, her surprise? The sexual encounter – and her arrest?
10.Dr No and his plans, his wealth, background in China, going to America, his vast fortune? His not being interested in money? Interested in power, world domination?
11.The countdown for the American rocket? The television contact? His staff and crew and their expertise? James Bond and his getting out through the vent? His getting the disguise coverall? His spoiling the attempt to sabotage the rocket? His causing mayhem, the evacuation? Dr No, his anger, his death? Bond rescuing Honey, the escape and going into the lifeboat?
12.The Coast Guard picking Bond up, his decision to stay with Honey – and the promise of a sequel?
13.The Bond films setting the pattern for espionage films of the 1960s and beyond? The imitations? The spoofs? The consciousness of James Bond and his manner and style, licensed to kill, sardonic repartee, ladies’ man and the effect for many generations?
