"Thunderball" represents the final instalment of Bond films that truly represented a zeitgeist that was present in 1963 - 1965. It is perhaps impossible for those who were not alive in those times to comprehend how thrilling it was to experience the images and lifestyles Mr Bond brought to us but, for those of us who were, it opened up a whole new world of sophistication, travel and adventure. For a taste, watch the opening title/credit sequence. It remains a high point in what we all anticipated after the "Dr No" title sequence had introduced us to a new level of visual and aural excitement.
The scope of the scheme was also raised to a new level in "Thunderball" as was the astounding - for those times - size of the amount to be extorted - £100 million. Added to that was SPECTRE's weapon of choice - atom bombs. Nuclear weapons build up and threat had become an accepted part of life in those days.
Whilst Danielle Bianchi in "From Russia With Love" remains my favourite Bond major conquest/confederate, Claudine Auger was utterly beguiling as Domino and Luciana Paluzzi wonderfully sexy/evil as Fiona Volpe. It is said by some critics that Adolfo Celi was one of the weaker Bond villains but I find him at least adequate. Martine Beswick makes a welcome return as Bond's agency contact in Nassau and Rik Van Nutter does well as Felix Leiter - a charater with an ever-changing face, physique and age throughout the series.
The sets and locales were another highlight as was the underwater action. The underwater photography is a bit murky when compared to today's crystal clarity but, for that time, it was brilliant. And the sharks were very real!
I particularly liked the vignettes and set pieces such as the chase through the parade in the streets of Nassau and its climax in the Kiss Kiss Club. The intrigue and casual romance with Molly Peters at Shrublands was another. Check for a glimpse of young Suzy Kendall in her shorty nighwear after Bond casually pushes the fire alarm button as a means of escaping the enemy's clutches. She had an instant presence that had people asking "Who was that girl?"
Enjoy the conch chowder, avoid the sea egg spines and remember that Domino has two moles on her left thigh.
Whilst Danielle Bianchi in "From Russia With Love" remains my favourite Bond major conquest/confederate, Claudine Auger was utterly beguiling as Domino and Luciana Paluzzi wonderfully sexy/evil as Fiona Volpe. It is said by some critics that Adolfo Celi was one of the weaker Bond villains but I find him at least adequate. Martine Beswick makes a welcome return as Bond's agency contact in Nassau and Rik Van Nutter does well as Felix Leiter - a charater with an ever-changing face, physique and age throughout the series.
The sets and locales were another highlight as was the underwater action. The underwater photography is a bit murky when compared to today's crystal clarity but, for that time, it was brilliant. And the sharks were very real!
I particularly liked the vignettes and set pieces such as the chase through the parade in the streets of Nassau and its climax in the Kiss Kiss Club. The intrigue and casual romance with Molly Peters at Shrublands was another. Check for a glimpse of young Suzy Kendall in her shorty nighwear after Bond casually pushes the fire alarm button as a means of escaping the enemy's clutches. She had an instant presence that had people asking "Who was that girl?"
Enjoy the conch chowder, avoid the sea egg spines and remember that Domino has two moles on her left thigh.