Some of the most empowered women roles in film were actually in the classic James Bond movies – beginning in the very first film “Dr. No”, when the first “Bond girl” emerged from the water…
“Honey Ryder” was strong, smart and of course beautiful – Ursula Andress set the stage for all “Bond Girls” to follow….oh, and she was known as Ursula “Undress” – click here to see why:
From that point on, there was always a “Bond Girl” to match wits with 007, as well as provide the requisite sexual innuendo for the movie – but in each film, the women got a chance to kick ass, and show their brains as well as their beauty…
Diana Rigg – 007’s Most Complicated “Bond Girl!”
The terrific Actress Diana Rigg is, to me, the greatest Bond Girl of all – in part because of how she handled the role, and in part because of the complexities of the film she starred in…here is the story.
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was the sixth James Bond movie, but there was a big difference with this film: it came right after Sean Connery’s decision to retire from the role. It was time for a new 007!
Unknown actor and model George Lazenby was chosen to play the most famous spy in the world, James Bond. That led to Diana Rigg’s casting as well…more on that, but first, here is the trailer:
In the film, James Bond meets and falls in love with Contessa Teresa di Vicenzo, played by Diana Rigg. There is always a beautiful “Bond Girl” in each film, but this role was much different.
Casting A Star Alongside 007!
Because there was a brand new 007 in the role – and a complete unknown, the Producers reached out to legendary Brigitte Bardot to star in the movie, but she was unavailable. So, they went with the popular Diana Ring, who was in the smash TV series “The Avengers.”
Rigg said one of the reasons for accepting the role was that she always wanted to be in an epic movie – and the Bond films were certainly that!
Also, the script for “OHMSS” was smart, sharp, funny and very emotional – with one of the most devastating endings of any Bond film – one reason “OHMSS” is considered by many to be the greatest Bond film of all!
Trouble In 007 Paradise!
While Diana Rigg is great in the film, apparently it wasn’t a smooth movie set…according to legend, the arrogant new Bond was rubbing Rigg the wrong way!
Allegedly, there were personality conflicts between the two. However, according to director Peter Hunt, these rumors are untrue and there were no such difficulties — or else they were minor!
The “Garlic” Myth!
Rumors of a rift on-set may have started with Rigg joking to Lazenby before filming a love scene. She was overheard yelling this at 007:
“Hey George, I’m having garlic for lunch. I hope you are!”
HA! Whatever the truth, Rigg is captivating in the role – showing brains, beauty, and a complexity not usually seen in the 007 films…when we meet her, she is contemplating suicide! Rigg brings gravitas to the movie, and hits very deep emotional notes that you don’t see in a Bond film – for that reason, she is my favorite “Bond Girl”, but she really is so much more – as important to the film’s plot as 007 himself…
Diana Rigg has had a long and distinguished career, and played serious roles AND comedy – even comedic horror with Vincent Price!
Yes, that’s Diana Ring with the mustache and wig – and that’s Vincent Price sporting an Afro! Click her to see the trailer for the film they did together!
If you want to know more about the only “one and done” 007, check this out:
This amazing documentary is out now – the inside story of how George Lazenby became James Bond – and he shares ton of dirt on it – see the trailer here:
And still kicking ass and looking beautiful as ever in Game of Thrones. I am not of the current mindset that OHMSS is one of the best Bonds but I do not hesitate to name Rigg as one of the best Bond girls. I think there’s something interesting in Lazenby’s portrayal too. Bond is being chased and looks genuinely scared at one point. Connery would never have gone so far. That ending packs a hell of a wallop too.
I love Diana Rigg, she made for a commanding Bond girl. It is true that even in the early days some of the Bond girls were very assertive. Though there were times when they were simply a love interest. But I digress as I love them all and the franchise so much.
Yes, Bond girls in the early films were much more than just eye candy or sexual innuendo – in the case of Diana Rigg, her storyline was crucial to the film, and gave it an emotional heft not seen again until “Skyfall”
Diana was so popular here from The Avengers. Just the sort of ‘posh totty’ that everyone always admires in England. I’m no Bond fan, as you know, but I have to go with my top pick of Lana Wood, for a couple of very obvious eye-popping reasons! I could watch her read the news…
Best wishes, Pete.
I do indeed!
I was also reminded of Chesty Morgan, in ‘Deadly Weapons’. Did you ever see that one? It’s a hoot. (ers) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069952/
johnrieber 
And still kicking ass and looking beautiful as ever in Game of Thrones. I am not of the current mindset that OHMSS is one of the best Bonds but I do not hesitate to name Rigg as one of the best Bond girls. I think there’s something interesting in Lazenby’s portrayal too. Bond is being chased and looks genuinely scared at one point. Connery would never have gone so far. That ending packs a hell of a wallop too.
LikeLike
I think those are a few of the reasons it is held in such high regard among 007 fans – I put it in the top five but not at the top, if only he was a better Actor…cannot wait to see this documentary about him! – https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/02/the-sex-secrets-of-james-bond-007-george-lazenbys-swinging-007-days-great-new-documentary-becoming-bond/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I reckon that should be a good watch too, he’s quite the character.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Diana Rigg, she made for a commanding Bond girl. It is true that even in the early days some of the Bond girls were very assertive. Though there were times when they were simply a love interest. But I digress as I love them all and the franchise so much.
LikeLike
Yes, Bond girls in the early films were much more than just eye candy or sexual innuendo – in the case of Diana Rigg, her storyline was crucial to the film, and gave it an emotional heft not seen again until “Skyfall”
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree about the emotional heft. The Bond Girls definitely evolved over time.
LikeLike
Diana was so popular here from The Avengers. Just the sort of ‘posh totty’ that everyone always admires in England. I’m no Bond fan, as you know, but I have to go with my top pick of Lana Wood, for a couple of very obvious eye-popping reasons! I could watch her read the news…
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the words posh totty, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pete, Lana has the most memorable scene of any “Bond Girl” when she goes out the window, that’s for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She’s pretty memorable just standing still, John. Then again, I am a ‘big boobs’ fan!
(Hence my love for Russ Meyer films…)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pete, I also love Russ Meyer films – the women kicked ass and he photographed them “lovingly”, if you know what I mean and I think you do….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do indeed!
I was also reminded of Chesty Morgan, in ‘Deadly Weapons’. Did you ever see that one? It’s a hoot. (ers)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069952/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never saw but know of it…oh my…..
LikeLike
It ‘went the rounds’ in London as a reel to reel at one time, and later a much-prized ‘pirate’ VHS.
LikeLiked by 1 person