“You can either grow old gracefully or begrudgingly. I chose both.”
May 23, 2017 7:03 AM Subscribe
Roger Moore – Saint, Persuader and the suavest James Bond – dies at 89. [The Guardian] “He was the epitome of the suave English gent, quipping sweatlessly in a bespoke three-piece suit, who enjoyed an acting career spanning eight decades. On Tuesday, Roger Moore’s children announced his death at the age of 89 in Switzerland, saying: “he passed away today ... after a short but brave battle with cancer”. Moore was best known for playing the third incarnation of James Bond as well as his roles in hit shows The Saint and The Persuaders. He also devoted a lot of his time to humanitarian work, becoming a Unicef goodwill ambassador in 1991.”
A class act, in work and in life.
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:07 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:07 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Don't forget his turn as himself (sorta) in The Cannonball Run.
posted by jonmc at 7:11 AM on May 23, 2017 [13 favorites]
posted by jonmc at 7:11 AM on May 23, 2017 [13 favorites]
One of my personal favorite Roger Moore movies was ffolkes, wherein he played the title character, an anti-terrorism expert who was essentially the anti-Bond -- fussy and particular, bearded, fond of big sweaters, pussycats, and tea. It used to play on HBO quite a lot back in the early 1980s.
posted by briank at 7:14 AM on May 23, 2017 [20 favorites]
posted by briank at 7:14 AM on May 23, 2017 [20 favorites]
My husband interviewed him once about the work he had done on an iPad poetry app, and he was apparently a gracious and lovely man. Very sad to hear this news. RIP.
posted by holborne at 7:15 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by holborne at 7:15 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
Growing up I was always a fan of Sean Connery but some where in the last 10 years I found myself gravitating more towards Roger Moore's portrayal. There's a quality that he possesses that all the other Bond's lacked. Call it grace, charm, whatever you like. He had it.
He shall truly be missed.
posted by Fizz at 7:15 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
He shall truly be missed.
posted by Fizz at 7:15 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Oh man! My least favorite Bond, but he was still Bond, and did so much other really great stuff.
God speed.
posted by Naberius at 7:18 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
God speed.
posted by Naberius at 7:18 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
The realization that this is also the first Bond that we've lost. :(
posted by Fizz at 7:19 AM on May 23, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by Fizz at 7:19 AM on May 23, 2017 [11 favorites]
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posted by mikelieman at 7:19 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by mikelieman at 7:19 AM on May 23, 2017
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posted by lalochezia at 7:21 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by lalochezia at 7:21 AM on May 23, 2017
My first Bond. And my favorite. So sad to hear this.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:22 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:22 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
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Wasn't my favorite Bond but definitely my favorite Saint.
And to be fair, I always liked him in the role, it was the producers that decided to make the '70s Bond movies so goofy.
posted by octothorpe at 7:23 AM on May 23, 2017 [7 favorites]
Wasn't my favorite Bond but definitely my favorite Saint.
And to be fair, I always liked him in the role, it was the producers that decided to make the '70s Bond movies so goofy.
posted by octothorpe at 7:23 AM on May 23, 2017 [7 favorites]
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I liked the show 'The Saint' better than Moore as Bond.
posted by Gadgetenvy at 7:23 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
I liked the show 'The Saint' better than Moore as Bond.
posted by Gadgetenvy at 7:23 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
We just watched A View to a Kill last night. He had the singular ability to pull off the most ridiculous dialogue, action scenes, all of it with charm and elan.
Also: he was SO GOOD in Spiceworld.
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posted by everybody had matching towels at 7:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
Also: he was SO GOOD in Spiceworld.
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posted by everybody had matching towels at 7:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
A View to a Kill is probably my favourite James Bond film. Christopher Walken, Grace Jones and Roger Moore in his peak Bond era. I'll be watching it in honor of this fine gentleman tonight.
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posted by Fizz at 7:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
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posted by Fizz at 7:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Also the only Bond with a name that worked in the same way as Bond girl names.
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posted by acb at 7:25 AM on May 23, 2017 [56 favorites]
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posted by acb at 7:25 AM on May 23, 2017 [56 favorites]
Loved his appearance on the Muppet Show.
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posted by Melismata at 7:28 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
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posted by Melismata at 7:28 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
One of my personal favorite Roger Moore movies was ffolkes, wherein he played the title character, an anti-terrorism expert who was essentially the anti-Bond -- fussy and particular, bearded, fond of big sweaters, pussycats, and tea.
I came here hoping someone would mention ffolkes, as it showcased what he could do outside of Bond. A great talent.
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posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 7:29 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
I came here hoping someone would mention ffolkes, as it showcased what he could do outside of Bond. A great talent.
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posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 7:29 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Not my favorite Bond --- not his fault, the plot lines in his Bond movies got pretty silly --- but I can't see anyone else doing even half as well as the Saint.
And ffolkes, heck yes!
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posted by easily confused at 7:34 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
And ffolkes, heck yes!
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posted by easily confused at 7:34 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
I think that A View to a Kill may be the only canon Bond film that I've seen in its entirety (I also saw Connery's non-canon Never Say Never Again, which was negligible), and I loved it--not only did it hew to the classic Bond formula, but it was the most 80s-ish Bond imaginable: Christopher Walken! Grace Jones! Dolph Lundgren in a cameo! A plot involving microchips and Silicon Valley! Duran Duran doing the theme song! The only way it could have been more 80s is if it had somehow worked in Shabba Doo breakdancing and a Max Headroom cameo (and bottle-blond Walken was practically Headroom already).
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posted by Halloween Jack at 7:35 AM on May 23, 2017 [10 favorites]
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posted by Halloween Jack at 7:35 AM on May 23, 2017 [10 favorites]
The realization that this is also the first Bond that we've lost. :(
The first Eon Bond. Barry Nelson and David Niven are gone.
Roger Moore was my first Bond as well; The Spy Who Loved Me was my introduction to the character and it took me years to warm to Sean Connery and those who supported him. At this point, I see virtues in all of the portrayals, but I have always maintained a certain fondness for Moore.
However, the Lotus Esprit submarine remains the coolest Bond car; on this matter, there can be no argument
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:36 AM on May 23, 2017 [16 favorites]
The first Eon Bond. Barry Nelson and David Niven are gone.
Roger Moore was my first Bond as well; The Spy Who Loved Me was my introduction to the character and it took me years to warm to Sean Connery and those who supported him. At this point, I see virtues in all of the portrayals, but I have always maintained a certain fondness for Moore.
However, the Lotus Esprit submarine remains the coolest Bond car; on this matter, there can be no argument
posted by ricochet biscuit at 7:36 AM on May 23, 2017 [16 favorites]
Loved his appearance on the Muppet Show.
Me too! Here's Talk To The Animals.
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:39 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Me too! Here's Talk To The Animals.
posted by Pallas Athena at 7:39 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
I agree with everything you've written Halloween Jack. That film is the epitome of 80s and I'm in love with every moment of it.
posted by Fizz at 7:39 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Fizz at 7:39 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Great bloke, terrible Bond. He could have been a good one but he was just too old by the time it came up.
posted by Segundus at 7:40 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Segundus at 7:40 AM on May 23, 2017
He was both well-cast and miscast as Bond. The producers wanted a suave and good-guy Bond, which doesn't make much sense, but he was the best suave and good-guy Bond you could have hoped for.
posted by ardgedee at 7:46 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by ardgedee at 7:46 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
He was also very easy to parody, given how he played Bond, as Spitting Image gleefully proved. Which was unfair, but part of the bargain for that particular gig at that particular time.
posted by Devonian at 7:55 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Devonian at 7:55 AM on May 23, 2017
he was apparently a gracious and lovely man.
The Time interview on the occasion of Skyfall, suggests that he was a man who wore his fame lightly. He reveals that when he retired, Sam Neil was one of the actors he recommended follow him. I have trouble imagining Neil in that role, but I would've liked to have seen it.
A View to a Kill is probably my favourite James Bond film.
I remember thinking that it was a gorgeously silly movie at the time, but for reasons that probably have as much to do with me as with Walken's, Jones', and Moore's ability to sell the silliness, I think it's aged remarkably well. (It's still gorgeously silly, but it has become gloriously gorgeously silly.) I think it's certainly the Moore-y-ist of the Moore Bonds and probably my favorite of them.
I remember ffolkes. Along with Heart Like A Wheel, it was one of the movies you couldn't escape on HBO in the early 80s.
posted by octobersurprise at 7:57 AM on May 23, 2017 [8 favorites]
The Time interview on the occasion of Skyfall, suggests that he was a man who wore his fame lightly. He reveals that when he retired, Sam Neil was one of the actors he recommended follow him. I have trouble imagining Neil in that role, but I would've liked to have seen it.
A View to a Kill is probably my favourite James Bond film.
I remember thinking that it was a gorgeously silly movie at the time, but for reasons that probably have as much to do with me as with Walken's, Jones', and Moore's ability to sell the silliness, I think it's aged remarkably well. (It's still gorgeously silly, but it has become gloriously gorgeously silly.) I think it's certainly the Moore-y-ist of the Moore Bonds and probably my favorite of them.
I remember ffolkes. Along with Heart Like A Wheel, it was one of the movies you couldn't escape on HBO in the early 80s.
posted by octobersurprise at 7:57 AM on May 23, 2017 [8 favorites]
He might not have had the best Bond movies, but he was the most fun Bond. And his Cannonball Run performance was absolutely hilarious.
posted by azpenguin at 7:59 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by azpenguin at 7:59 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
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posted by scaryblackdeath at 8:02 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by scaryblackdeath at 8:02 AM on May 23, 2017
"Moore was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2013, which left him unable to drink martinis." - wikipedia.
posted by srboisvert at 8:10 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by srboisvert at 8:10 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
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Not the best Bond, but probably the best human being to ever play Bond.
posted by Ndwright at 8:18 AM on May 23, 2017
Not the best Bond, but probably the best human being to ever play Bond.
posted by Ndwright at 8:18 AM on May 23, 2017
One of my personal favorite Roger Moore movies was ffolkes, wherein he played the title character, an anti-terrorism expert who was essentially the anti-Bond -- fussy and particular, bearded, fond of big sweaters, pussycats, and tea. It used to play on HBO quite a lot back in the early 1980s.
I was going to mention this film (also known as North Sea Attack) as well. He's the anti-Bond indeed; ffolkes is also misogynist, though if memory serves me correctly, he comes to respect the female lead after initially mistaking her for a man, as she had disguised herself as one. It also stars James Mason as a British admiral and Anthony Perkins as the bad guy, so you can't go wrong. And Moore obviously had a ton of fun playing the title character, at one point grousing when he can't find his second-in-command on the precisely timed mission, after ffolkes himself had tossed the man overboard due to mistaken identity.
Oh, hey, here it is on YouTube!
posted by Gelatin at 8:38 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
I was going to mention this film (also known as North Sea Attack) as well. He's the anti-Bond indeed; ffolkes is also misogynist, though if memory serves me correctly, he comes to respect the female lead after initially mistaking her for a man, as she had disguised herself as one. It also stars James Mason as a British admiral and Anthony Perkins as the bad guy, so you can't go wrong. And Moore obviously had a ton of fun playing the title character, at one point grousing when he can't find his second-in-command on the precisely timed mission, after ffolkes himself had tossed the man overboard due to mistaken identity.
Oh, hey, here it is on YouTube!
posted by Gelatin at 8:38 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Twitter is filling up with testaments to the man, and this one is brilliant. It's a two-parter, so don't forget to click through to the epilogue.
posted by rory at 8:50 AM on May 23, 2017 [51 favorites]
posted by rory at 8:50 AM on May 23, 2017 [51 favorites]
I'm sorry, y'all, but while I have the utmost respect for Moore as an actor, ffolkes is easily one of the most miscast films of all time. I can understand why he would want to seek a role against type, but Moore is the exact opposite of the curmudgeonly British naval officer that the role was written as. Moore would have needed a complete suavectomy to be believable in that film.
posted by 1970s Antihero at 8:51 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by 1970s Antihero at 8:51 AM on May 23, 2017
Oh that Twitter story rory linked to is awesome.
posted by holborne at 8:53 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by holborne at 8:53 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Don't be hating on ffolkes!! After all, his parents died in childbirth!
posted by Billiken at 8:55 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Billiken at 8:55 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
oh man, The Saint was the height of sophistication for me growing up. I wanted to live in that world.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:05 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 9:05 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Also Beau Maverick. Awesome, there. What a great postmodern thing was Maverick.
posted by allthinky at 9:05 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by allthinky at 9:05 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
I won't get into a debate about the best Bond, because you are wrong and should feel bad about being so wrong. Roger was the best. Yes, those movies were... not the greatest, but they were the ones I found first and I love them for it.
And that voice! I could listen to him read a phonebook.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 9:08 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
And that voice! I could listen to him read a phonebook.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 9:08 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Roger Moore on why he was such a fan of Daniel Craig's Bond:
"To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon."
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:11 AM on May 23, 2017 [50 favorites]
"To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon."
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:11 AM on May 23, 2017 [50 favorites]
He reveals that when he retired, Sam Neil was one of the actors he recommended follow him. I have trouble imagining Neil in that role, but I would've liked to have seen it. Well, you want Reilly, Ace of Spies .
posted by hawthorne at 9:12 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
posted by hawthorne at 9:12 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Thanks for sharing the Time interview, octobersurprise. It's worth reading, he's hilarious. I especially liked this observation:
Presumably you’d seen the other two Daniel Craig Bond movies?
Yes, I thought Casino Royale was tremendous. I thought his action was quite extraordinary—he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.
posted by everybody had matching towels at 9:22 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Presumably you’d seen the other two Daniel Craig Bond movies?
Yes, I thought Casino Royale was tremendous. I thought his action was quite extraordinary—he did more action in the first 30 seconds of the film than I did in 14 years of playing Bond. To me, he looks like a killer. He looks as though he knows what he’s doing. I look as though I might cheat at backgammon.
posted by everybody had matching towels at 9:22 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
And who could forget Ivanhoe, a short-lived late 50's TV show.
posted by Jode at 9:50 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Jode at 9:50 AM on May 23, 2017
I'll add to "View to a Kill" as one of my favorites. I know that it's always panned by the critics, and Moore himself said that he was far too old to play the part by then, but it's wonderfully camp, period perfect and enjoyable.
posted by tgrundke at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by tgrundke at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017
Loved the Saint as a kid and always thought moore was a good bond. After all you don't really want your super spy to look like a spy.
posted by Mitheral at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Mitheral at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017
Never again will we have such magnificent hair in our international intelligence community.
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posted by Samizdata at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
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posted by Samizdata at 9:56 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
*
My favorite Moore anecdote: drunken Lee Marvin was convinced that Moore was not tough enough to replace Connery as Bond. And so, they got into a brawl. After kicking Marvin's butt, Lee Marvin had this to say of Moore" "He's built like granite. No one will ever underestimate him again.
Then there's also this exchange, at Cannes:
"Excuse me sir, I'm a Swedish journalist."
"Well, we all have our problems, don't we?"
RIP Mr. Moore
posted by LeRoienJaune at 9:59 AM on May 23, 2017 [11 favorites]
My favorite Moore anecdote: drunken Lee Marvin was convinced that Moore was not tough enough to replace Connery as Bond. And so, they got into a brawl. After kicking Marvin's butt, Lee Marvin had this to say of Moore" "He's built like granite. No one will ever underestimate him again.
Then there's also this exchange, at Cannes:
"Excuse me sir, I'm a Swedish journalist."
"Well, we all have our problems, don't we?"
RIP Mr. Moore
posted by LeRoienJaune at 9:59 AM on May 23, 2017 [11 favorites]
Live and Let Die - my dad drove us out of town to the only theatre that was playiing this movie back when it came out. He's a fan of the James Bond/Nick Carter/Erle Stanley Gardner genre
I am glad he had a long life.
And yes, loved the Saint
posted by infini at 10:00 AM on May 23, 2017
I am glad he had a long life.
And yes, loved the Saint
posted by infini at 10:00 AM on May 23, 2017
it took me years to warm to Sean Connery and those who supported him. At this point, I see virtues in all of the portrayals, but I have always maintained a certain fondness for Moore.
I second this
posted by infini at 10:02 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
I second this
posted by infini at 10:02 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
For me, Roger Moore will always be associated with The Persuaders, which I watched in reruns on Belgian television in the eighties before I'd ever seen his Bond. In it, Moore is basically James Bond before he ever got to play him.
posted by MartinWisse at 10:03 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by MartinWisse at 10:03 AM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
Roger Moore was always the shorthand phrase for "ideal man" for my aunt. After watching reruns of The Saint with us kids she'd say, "Well, maybe one day I'll find my Roger Moore." She'll be a bit sad today, I expect.
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 10:27 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
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posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 10:27 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
One of my automotive dream projects is to get a Volvo P1800... you're goddamn right it'll be named Roger.
Peace.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 10:28 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Peace.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 10:28 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
As a child I used to watch Bond films on TV with my mom, and it being the early 80s, it was all Roger Moore all the time. As such, not only will he always be my Bond, but the two 007 films most imprinted on me from that early age are largely considered to be two of the worst from the series: Moonraker and The Man with the Golden Gun. And I loved them both; Moonraker because of Jaws and outer space, and The Man with the Golden Gun because of Hervé Villechaize (Tattoo!) and Christopher Lee's baffling supernumerary nipple.
posted by Atom Eyes at 10:35 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Atom Eyes at 10:35 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Somebody upthread said he was the worst Bond. He may not be my favorite, but really, you liked George Lazenby better? No one believes you.
That picture of him in the DB blazer is stylish as hell except for his glasses. Give him some Michael Caine hornrims, and he's a silver fox.
posted by radicalawyer at 10:41 AM on May 23, 2017
That picture of him in the DB blazer is stylish as hell except for his glasses. Give him some Michael Caine hornrims, and he's a silver fox.
posted by radicalawyer at 10:41 AM on May 23, 2017
Also the only Bond with a name that worked in the same way as Bond girl names.
Oh yeah, Roger Moore, I never picked up on that before, that is so cool!
posted by e1c at 10:43 AM on May 23, 2017
Oh yeah, Roger Moore, I never picked up on that before, that is so cool!
posted by e1c at 10:43 AM on May 23, 2017
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posted by Faintdreams at 10:51 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Faintdreams at 10:51 AM on May 23, 2017
He reveals that when he retired, Sam Neil was one of the actors he recommended follow him. I have trouble imagining Neil in that role, but I would've liked to have seen it.
I'm finding Sam Neill's old and grey work far more appealing than a lot of his early stuff.
posted by flabdablet at 11:18 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm finding Sam Neill's old and grey work far more appealing than a lot of his early stuff.
posted by flabdablet at 11:18 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
There's a quality that he possesses that all the other Bond's lacked. Call it grace, charm, whatever you like. He had it.
It's the tuxedo. Moore wore a tuxedo like no other Bond.
Moore wore the living hell out of that tuxedo.
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posted by rokusan at 11:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
It's the tuxedo. Moore wore a tuxedo like no other Bond.
Moore wore the living hell out of that tuxedo.
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posted by rokusan at 11:24 AM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
He beat up a giant with steel shark teeth!
Not many of us can make the same claim.
posted by Chitownfats at 11:25 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Not many of us can make the same claim.
posted by Chitownfats at 11:25 AM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
Definitely make sure you read the two part Twitter story that rory linked to! It made me smile and sniffle a little.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:29 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 11:29 AM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
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posted by Joey Michaels at 11:36 AM on May 23, 2017
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:36 AM on May 23, 2017
Something I learned years ago but never had a chance to look into further (until today) is that Moore first played Bond in 1964, in a sketch on the comedy show Mainly Millicent. Weird. Eerie.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:37 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 11:37 AM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
The Spy Who Loved Me was the first Bond film I saw in the theatres, and it has remained my favourite. To a 12 year old boy in a small logging town Moore seemed so smooth, capable, witty, and stylish that it seemed like he was from another world.
It's lovely to hear about what a fine human being he was too in this thread, so thanks for that.
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posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:33 PM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
It's lovely to hear about what a fine human being he was too in this thread, so thanks for that.
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posted by Phlegmco(tm) at 12:33 PM on May 23, 2017 [5 favorites]
This is excellent: One-Line Reviews of Roger Moore’s ‘James Bond’ Movies [The New York Times]
posted by Fizz at 12:58 PM on May 23, 2017
• Live and Let Die (1973) - Moore’s first outing as James Bond. Enough color and zing, if no house afire.Though I have to disagree with their review of A View to a Kill. That's peak Moore as James Bond. It's clearly the best.
• The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) - James Bond in New Orleans. No powerhouse but O.K.
• The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) - James Bond teams up with Russian agent. Still percolating at this point.
• Moonraker (1979) - James Bond goes intergalactic. Very zingy, though not the crest.
• For Your Eyes Only (1981) - Moore retains an ageless cool. Not the best of the series by a long shot, but it’s far from the worst.
• Octopussy (1983) - Bond adventure No. 13, with fake Fabergé egg and threats of WWIII. Formula still working.
• A View to a Kill (1985) - Wicked financier plans to destroy Silicon Valley. Moore’s last Bond, and probably just as well.
posted by Fizz at 12:58 PM on May 23, 2017
The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) - James Bond in New Orleans. No powerhouse but O.K.
Here and elsewhere, I'm genuinely astonished by the lack of love for MWTGG. There's not much wrong with it. Fantastic villain, fantastic lair, great henchmen and Bond women, superb opening sequence which is bookended by the climax, just the right amount of silliness, and so many great lines. Sure, it's formulaic, but the formula is what makes the franchise work. We relax and enjoy in the formula. And (I'd say) it's Moore at his very best -- suave, skilled, and effortlessly focused. But this Bond also needed to resist to the uncomfortable truths presented by his opponent, who for once is pretty much his equal. Sure, it has its problems as they all do, but it's well above merely being 'OK'.
"Come, come, Mister Bond! You disappoint me!"
"I am aiming precisely at your groin. So speak, or forever hold your piece." Classic.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:50 PM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Here and elsewhere, I'm genuinely astonished by the lack of love for MWTGG. There's not much wrong with it. Fantastic villain, fantastic lair, great henchmen and Bond women, superb opening sequence which is bookended by the climax, just the right amount of silliness, and so many great lines. Sure, it's formulaic, but the formula is what makes the franchise work. We relax and enjoy in the formula. And (I'd say) it's Moore at his very best -- suave, skilled, and effortlessly focused. But this Bond also needed to resist to the uncomfortable truths presented by his opponent, who for once is pretty much his equal. Sure, it has its problems as they all do, but it's well above merely being 'OK'.
"Come, come, Mister Bond! You disappoint me!"
"I am aiming precisely at your groin. So speak, or forever hold your piece." Classic.
posted by Capt. Renault at 1:50 PM on May 23, 2017 [4 favorites]
Also, Man With The Golden Gun is Bond in Thailand, not New Orleans. Live and Let Die is in New Orleans, and Harlem.
That being said, my first Bond was The Spy Who Loved Me, and there's no disputing that Moore was a bad-ass in that one. That's my favourite of his movies, by a long shot. He was the smoothest, most laconic Bond, but still dangerous.
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posted by wabbittwax at 1:58 PM on May 23, 2017
That being said, my first Bond was The Spy Who Loved Me, and there's no disputing that Moore was a bad-ass in that one. That's my favourite of his movies, by a long shot. He was the smoothest, most laconic Bond, but still dangerous.
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posted by wabbittwax at 1:58 PM on May 23, 2017
I saw Live and Let Die in the theater as a little kid and my mind was blown. He was the suavest.
posted by bongo_x at 2:03 PM on May 23, 2017
posted by bongo_x at 2:03 PM on May 23, 2017
Christopher Lee is just perfect in Golden Gun as Scaramanga, and the whole we-are-not-so-different-you-and-i bit is some of the Bond series' best bantering. Moore kept up incredibly well with him in the charming and sauvely-voiced stakes, and was ruthless at cutting him down to size in assessing him as a deluded and petty psychopath. It's hard to judge the quality of the film as a whole, but the interactions of those two really elevated it above the silliness, and are some of the Bond bits going.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:11 PM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Jon Mitchell at 2:11 PM on May 23, 2017 [3 favorites]
I saw Live and Let Die in the theater as a little kid and my mind was blown. He was the suavest.
Also, Live and Let Die is basically a blaxpoitation film that just happens to have Bond in it. And it's phenomenal.
posted by Fizz at 2:24 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Also, Live and Let Die is basically a blaxpoitation film that just happens to have Bond in it. And it's phenomenal.
posted by Fizz at 2:24 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
My all-time favorite Bond film is "Goldfinger," but a very close second is "The Spy Who Loved Me." It's a gloriously fun movie (with a spectacular opening sequence) for one reason: Roger Moore.
It also has one of my all-time favorite Bond witticisms:
"But James, I need you."
"So does England!"
RIP, Commander.
posted by zooropa at 3:56 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
It also has one of my all-time favorite Bond witticisms:
"But James, I need you."
"So does England!"
RIP, Commander.
posted by zooropa at 3:56 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
He is James Bond for me. The first I ever saw, and the epitome of the character.
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posted by Kevin Street at 4:51 PM on May 23, 2017
.
posted by Kevin Street at 4:51 PM on May 23, 2017
If anyone wants to remember Roger Moore with a donation, he was an active supporter of UNICEF. My contract position just ended, but when the next one starts I will donate in his memory; I invite you to do the same.
posted by pxe2000 at 6:23 PM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by pxe2000 at 6:23 PM on May 23, 2017 [2 favorites]
I like Golden Gun, but there's also Sheriff Pepper
posted by Ray Walston, Luck Dragon at 6:30 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Ray Walston, Luck Dragon at 6:30 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Presumably you’d seen the other two Daniel Craig Bond movies?Noticeable there also how gracefully he avoids giving an opinion on Quantum of Solace.
Yes, I thought Casino Royale was tremendous.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 6:41 PM on May 23, 2017 [1 favorite]
Of the two Rogers who died this week, this one will be missed.
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posted by dannyboybell at 7:24 PM on May 23, 2017
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posted by dannyboybell at 7:24 PM on May 23, 2017
Moore's the pity
posted by wabbittwax at 7:31 PM on May 23, 2017
posted by wabbittwax at 7:31 PM on May 23, 2017
The first non-kid movie I ever saw in a cinema was Octopussy. I always loved him as Bond.
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posted by 4ster at 7:50 PM on May 23, 2017
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posted by 4ster at 7:50 PM on May 23, 2017
My favorite Bond by far. I love all of those movies unreservedly. Bond was supposed to be effortlessly cool, not grim or thuggish. He was always perfect.
posted by fshgrl at 12:07 AM on May 24, 2017
posted by fshgrl at 12:07 AM on May 24, 2017
.
posted by On the Corner at 4:21 AM on May 24, 2017
posted by On the Corner at 4:21 AM on May 24, 2017
I like Golden Gun, but there's also Sheriff Pepper
Clifton James (Who also, sadly, passed away just last month).
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:44 AM on May 24, 2017
Clifton James (Who also, sadly, passed away just last month).
posted by AlonzoMosleyFBI at 4:44 AM on May 24, 2017
.
Watched all of his Bond flicks with my Dad. Moonraker appealed to both of our tween brains.
posted by DigDoug at 6:08 AM on May 24, 2017
Watched all of his Bond flicks with my Dad. Moonraker appealed to both of our tween brains.
posted by DigDoug at 6:08 AM on May 24, 2017
I'm not a Bond fan at all, but as a knitter I do appreciate Moore's early career as a 1950s knitwear model.
posted by orange swan at 5:02 PM on May 24, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by orange swan at 5:02 PM on May 24, 2017 [1 favorite]
I'm not a Bond fan at all, but as a knitter I do appreciate Moore's early career as a 1950s knitwear model.
From knitter to knight. But this is not the time for jokes, I'm sorry to see him gone.
posted by NotSam at 7:50 AM on May 26, 2017
From knitter to knight. But this is not the time for jokes, I'm sorry to see him gone.
posted by NotSam at 7:50 AM on May 26, 2017
Fizz: "Octopussy (1983) - Bond adventure No. 13, with fake Fabergé egg and threats of WWIII. Formula still working."
This is the first Bond film I saw in theatres (and probably the first Bond film I saw) at the age of 11. Having just now rewatched it what the heck were my parents thinking letting an 11 year old see this film?
posted by Mitheral at 10:24 PM on May 26, 2017
This is the first Bond film I saw in theatres (and probably the first Bond film I saw) at the age of 11. Having just now rewatched it what the heck were my parents thinking letting an 11 year old see this film?
posted by Mitheral at 10:24 PM on May 26, 2017
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posted by leotrotsky at 7:05 AM on May 23, 2017 [15 favorites]