007DrNo

007 Dr. No (1962)

In 1954, Barry Nelson starred in an hour-long, live TV program called “Climax!”, which was a weekly series devoted to do drama, a la “Masterpiece Theatre”. The episode was based off of an English gentleman’s novel, which wasn’t selling too greatly on either side of the Pond.

8 years later, two producers exposed us for the first time to a gent with a penchant for handsomely tailored suits, Dom Perignon ’55 and the newfangled idea of sex.

Of course, I am talking about Bond. James Bond.

Let’s get to know his name.

In Jamaica, an agent is killed, so our eponymous agent is sent to investigate why he was killed on the job. Bond finds that the locals fear a nearby island with supposedly evil powers and a metal dragon keeping guard. Not fazed, Bond does some island ‘opping (In my best Cool Runnings accent), scores a hot babe sellin’ sea shells and goes mano-y-mano-metalico with the evil Dr. No from destroying NASA rockets with radio waves.

I’m glad this film didn’t start a…. Wait a moment. This did start a film series, but I don’t see how. Spies, intrigue, great locales, hot babes. And hot babes. And even… hot babes. Of course that will sell a movie franchise. That and some terrific action, superb acting, crisp direction and these women who are hot!

And some Scottish truck driver became a star. I believe his name was Conrad…. or Constance. Connery? I don’t remember, but he did a terrific job playing our hero. Ursula Andress however, did a great job oozing lust on the old 35mm strips of Technicolor. The direction by Terence Young and the screenplay by Richard Maibaum breathe life to the 60’s film scene, trashing the old MGM musical and the occasional kick in the pants to the melodrama for a real treasure of modern cinema. Look at it this way; you don’t see Jason Bourne tap dancing on a thugs face do you?

Anyways, just looking at the film bridges the gap between the sensationalism of the 50’s and our modern view of the world. In other words, Bond has changed our lives in more ways than one, and that is the only reason to watch this film. That, and hot babes doesn’t hurt.

4 out of 4

reviewed by Jake Scarberry