On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

1969 2 hr 22 min

PG

George Lazenby takes on the role of James Bond for his one appearance. To help track down the villain Blofeld, Bond must woo a mob boss’ daughter and go undercover in Switzerland to unravel a nefarious plot. This installment includes stunning Bond action sequences and all the expected charm from the British agent. OHMSS is noted for being one of the most grounded entries in the 007 series.

No composer has crafted a more unforgettable theme for a single character than John Barry has for James Bond. Although he did not score the inaugural 007 film, Dr. No, he was instrumental in creating the "James Bond theme" featured in that film and went on to compose music for an impressive 11 out of 14 films in the iconic franchise. Barry's background as a jazz musician is evident in the series' brass-dominated compositions, which mesh well with his lush string arrangements. His skillful use of intricate key changes adds contrast, often reflected in the variations of the title songs that enhance the narrative. We have chosen to focus on Barry’s work in OHMSS due to many critics regarding it as the finest Bond score ever created. Additionally, Barry's early incorporation of electronic instruments contributed to a more intense sound in the music. The OHMSS theme is centered around a lament bass, a technique frequently employed in opera to convey feelings of melancholy and sorrow. This choice in the film underscores the narrative as Bond's most operatic adventure to date.

Director Peter R. Hunt

Cast George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas

Country UK

Language English

Aspect 2.39

More info on IMDB ››