Film #156 - Dr. No (1962)
Dr. No initiated the James Bond film series and, while not the first appearance of the character*, it established many of the standard features that would carry the series for over four decades. That being said, there is much about this production that makes it more in line with the most recent film, Casino Royale, than the many films in between.
For one thing, there are a lot fewer gadgets than the series would come to be known for. “Q” as we know him would not appear for two more films**, in the one that really established the template, Goldfinger. Here, we get a fairly straightforward action/adventure story with little of the flair we are used to.
It helps that Sean Connery (obviously) was a perfect choice for Bond. At this point in his life, he was an established actor, but not a star. He had proven that he had screen presence, but here he takes it to a whole new level, dominating the screen, as he needs to. Also to be noted is Ursula Andress who establishes the “Bond girl” with her performance as Honey Ryder, pulled unwittingly into the events of the film, yet capable of handling herself. *** And Jack Lord (of later Hawaii Five-O fame) makes a fine appearance as the first of many Felix Leiters. Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny and Bernard Lee as M are in place, but like Major Boothroyd/Q, not yet their definitive selves.
Where the film does not set a good precedent is with its villain. Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman) is far too cold and dispassionate. Again, it is not until Goldfinger that we see the true megalomaniac that defines a great Bond villain.
The action in Dr. No is also more subdued than later films. While quite exciting and certainly well done, they aren’t particularly spectacular or even that memorable. The same goes for the script, which lacks any distinctive lines besides those that would become trademarks.
Dr. No is certainly a good film in and of itself. It’s also a very good Bond film. But it is hardly the best. Overall, distancing oneself from its historical position, it is a weak entry (probably only worsted by Diamonds Are Forever among “official” Connery films). That, of course, only goes to show how good the series was when it got things right; that a movie this good can be considered a weak entry. But for an introductory film, it was just perfect. It established the characters and much of the feel for the series, making its long-term success possible.
* Bond was first adapted for an episode of the live television action show Climax! featuring Barry Nelson as an Americanized “Jimmy” Bond in “Casino Royale”.
** Although the character of Major Boothroyd (Q) appears in Dr. No, he is played by Peter Burton. Desmond Llewellyn would debut in the role in the next film, From Russia With Love, but does not take on the moniker of “Q” (as well as his traditional characteristics) until Goldfinger.
***Every few Bond films they talk about how some new actress has “redefined” the Bond girl. They’re all still looking to Andress.