On Her Majesty's Secret Service (OHMSS) is one of the most distinctive and underappreciated entries in the James Bond series. Released in 1969, the film marks a significant departure from previous instalments, with a new Bond, a more emotional storyline, and some of the most thrilling action sequences ever put on screen. Though it struggled at the box office upon release, OHMSS has since found a special place in the hearts of Bond fans and is now regarded as one of the franchise’s finest moments.
Sean Connery’s Departure and George Lazenby’s Casting: A Bold Gamble
By the late 1960s, Sean Connery, the original James Bond, had grown weary of the role and stepped down after You Only Live Twice. His departure left the producers with the daunting task of finding a new 007. Enter George Lazenby, an Australian model with no prior acting experience but an undeniable screen presence. Lazenby landed the role through sheer tenacity, even wearing a borrowed suit from Connery’s tailor to his audition.
Though Lazenby brought a raw, unpolished energy to the role, his casting was seen as a risk. For the first time, audiences were introduced to a James Bond who was tougher, less suave, but still incredibly charismatic. Lazenby’s physicality and his martial arts background made him an excellent fit for the more action-driven sequences of OHMSS.
Peter Hunt’s Direction: A Vision of Grit and Realism
Peter Hunt, who had worked as an editor on several previous Bond films, was chosen to direct On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Hunt wanted to bring the Bond series back to its roots, opting for a more faithful adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel. His vision was to create a Bond film that was both emotional and realistic, departing from the increasingly fantastical elements seen in earlier instalments.
Hunt’s direction gave OHMSS a grounded feel, emphasizing character development and dramatic tension. This approach was a stark contrast to the gadget-heavy, larger-than-life style that had begun to define the franchise, and it left a lasting impact on how future Bond films approached storytelling.
Diana Rigg as Tracy: The Ultimate Bond Girl?
As Tracy di Vicenzo, the woman who would become Bond’s wife, Diana Rigg delivered one of the most powerful performances in the franchise. Tracy was unlike any Bond girl before her—strong, independent, and deeply emotional. Her relationship with Bond formed the emotional core of the film, and Rigg’s portrayal of Tracy brought intelligence, depth, and vulnerability to a role that could have easily been reduced to a simple love interest.
Many Bond fans consider Rigg to be the perfect Bond girl, and her chemistry with Lazenby adds a richness to the film that elevates it beyond a typical action movie.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions: Rigg and Lazenby’s Strained Relationship
Despite the on-screen chemistry, rumours of tensions between Diana Rigg and George Lazenby have persisted for decades. Allegedly, Rigg was critical of Lazenby’s lack of acting experience, leading to clashes on set. While these rumours add intrigue to the film’s production, the final result shows little sign of any tension, with both stars delivering memorable performances that stand the test of time.
Action Sequences in OHMSS: A Showcase of High-Stakes Thrills
One of the defining features of OHMSS is its breathtaking action sequences. From exhilarating ski chases down the Swiss Alps to high-speed car chases and nail-biting bobsleigh stunts, the film set a new benchmark for action in the Bond franchise.
The ski chase scenes are among the most iconic in Bond history, blending adrenaline-pumping excitement with stunning cinematography. Hunt’s use of practical effects and real stunts added a layer of authenticity to these sequences, making them some of the most memorable in the series.
George Lazenby as a Fighter: A Connection to Bruce Lee
George Lazenby’s physicality was one of his greatest assets as Bond. Having trained in martial arts, Lazenby was well-prepared for the film’s intense fight scenes. His connection with martial arts legend Bruce Lee is a fascinating, lesser-known detail of his career. Lazenby was set to collaborate with Lee on future projects and was waiting for Bruce to join him for dinner the night that Lee tragically passed away.
This connection underscores Lazenby’s dedication to the role and his potential as an action star, even though his time as Bond was brief.
Bond Gets Married: A Groundbreaking Moment in 007’s Story
OHMSS stands apart from all other Bond films for one reason: it’s the only time James Bond gets married. Bond’s wedding to Tracy is a pivotal moment, marking a rare instance of emotional vulnerability for the character. The wedding scene is both touching and bittersweet, especially given the tragic events that follow.
This storyline adds depth to Bond’s character, showing a side of 007 rarely seen—a man capable of love, commitment, and heartbreak.
Box Office Performance: Lazenby and Hunt Unfairly Blamed
Despite the film’s artistic merits, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service did not perform as well at the box office as previous Bond films. This underperformance was largely attributed to George Lazenby’s inexperience and Peter Hunt’s more grounded approach, leading to both men being unfairly blamed for the film’s shortcomings.
Lazenby chose not to return as Bond after just one film, and Hunt was not invited back to direct. In hindsight, both men’s contributions have been reevaluated, and they are now recognized for delivering one of the most unique entries in the Bond canon.
Re-evaluation of OHMSS: A Cult Classic in the Bond Franchise
Over time, Bond fans have grown to appreciate OHMSS for what it is—a bold, emotional, and action-packed film that offers a different take on 007. The film’s deeper emotional beats, coupled with its thrilling action, have endeared it to a new generation of fans. Today, it is considered by many to be one of the best Bond films ever made, with George Lazenby’s performance gaining newfound respect.
The Iconic Throwing Knife Scene
One of the standout moments in OHMSS is the Throwing Knife Scene, where Bond dramatically prepares to throw a knife at Draco, only to be interrupted by Draco himself, who quips, “Do not kill me, Mr. Bond. At least not until we’ve had a drink.” Bond’s quick-thinking aim lands the knife on a calendar, with a memorable exchange following. This scene encapsulates the perfect blend of tension, humour, and cool headedness that defines Bond.
James Bond, On Her Majesty's Secret Service - Throwing Knife Available from Kudos Memorabilia
Fans of the film can now own a piece of Bond history with the Throwing Knife featured in this iconic scene, available to buy at Kudos Memorabilia. The knife, with its dark wooden handle and steel blade engraved with "WHITBY Solingen Germany," is a beautifully crafted piece that comes with a brown-leather Solingen sheath.
This exclusive collectible is part of the personal collection of Peter Nelson, who displayed it in his famous museums — ‘The Cars of the Stars’ and ‘The Bond Museum’ in Keswick, Cumbria, before their closure in 2011. For any Bond fan or memorabilia collector, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history.
To learn more and purchase, visit www.kudosmemorabilia.com.
The Legacy of OHMSS and George Lazenby’s Bond
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a film that has aged beautifully, offering a fresh take on James Bond that still feels relevant today. Though initially misunderstood, the film has earned its place among the greats of the franchise, with George Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond gaining the respect it deserves.
Whether it’s the breathtaking action, the emotional depth, or the iconic throwing knife scene, OHMSS continues to stand out as one of the most memorable and groundbreaking Bond films ever made.