- On Her Majesty's Secret Service is perhaps best known as the odd-film-out in Eon Productions' extensive stable of James Bond movies. For starters, its lead role was played by then-unknown Australian model and first-time film actor George Lazenby, the only Eon Bond actor not to reprise the role. The film was also the directorial debut of Peter Hunt, whose resume consisted primarily of editing earlier films in the series. For most of the film, Bond operates outside of the usual British Intelligence command structure, alternately pursuing Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Telly Savalas) for the purposes of revenge and Countess Tracy di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) for purposes of love. And for once, I'm not using "love" as a euphemism. By the end of this film, Bond and the Countess get married, however briefly.
- The strongest connections to the rest of the series are provided by returning cast members Bernard Lee, Lois Maxwell, and Desmond Llewelyn, not to mention John Barry's strong-handed score. Otherwise, the film further distinguishes itself from its predecessors mostly by being incredibly boring. Although the occasional brawl or avalanche erupts to wake the audience, Bond spends enough time discussing heraldry and loitering around a Swiss resort that one immediately misses even the brassy stupidity of Thunderball. Hampering matters further is the matter of late 60's fashion, best represented by Bond's humorously frilled shirt that surely informed the wardrobe of Austin Powers. Although Savalas is adequate as Blofeld, On Her Majesty's Secret Service features essentially no memorable villains, a phalanx of uninteresting Bond girls, and zero great gadgets. If nothing else, this one makes the next few films seem a lot better than they actually are.
- Also, why did anybody think Blofeld wouldn't recognize Bond? It makes no sense.
