To celebrate the release of No Time to Die, we catch up with three generations of Bond girls to talk casting, onset mishaps and the enduring worldwide fascination with 007…
The role of Bond girl in a 007 film is one of cinema’s most discussed, debated, contested and controversial parts. For some actresses, like Michelle Yeoh and Eva Green, it was a star-making role. Other times the title helped small screen actresses make the switch to the big screen, like Teri Hatcher and Kim Basinger. Through it all, for seven decades and seven different men playing James Bonds, the Bond girl has variously been 007’s lover, partner, antagonist and rival. For No Time to Die however, the Bond girl is being reimagined. Instead of the traditional chick sidekick trope, 007 is now becoming a woman thanks to the casting of Lashana Lynch as Secret Agent Nomi. With the passing of the torch (or is it the passing of the Aston Martin?) the Bond girl has stopped playing second fiddle. Here we take a look back at the 007 woman and chat to three ladies who would know best about the role of Bond girl.
MADELINE SMITH
CHARACTER: Miss Caruso
APPEARANCE: Live and Let Die (1973)
OCCUPATION: Italian Secret Agent
BOND: Sir Roger Moore
In 1973, Madeline Smith became Sir Roger Moore’s first Bond girl, appearing in the opening scenes of Live and Let Die as an Italian agent. Despite being English, Smith was every bit the Italian seductress in her small but memorable turn as Miss Caruso, whose dress is unzipped by 007’s custom magnetic Rolex – “Sheer magnetism, darling!”
You were the first Roger Moore Bond girl in his very first Bond movie – what’s your most special memory of filming Live and Let Die?
By then Roger had filmed virtually all of Live and Let Die so he was incredibly relaxed. He brought a little tape with him with the glorious Live and Let Die theme which Paul McCartney and Wings had recorded.
How did it feel when you got to hear theme song for the first time?
The whole team, including the director, we all listened to it. Roger played it on a tiny little player and we all jumped up and down. I think it’s the best of all the Bond music.
What was the best part of playing Miss Caruso?
Humour! I don’t think that there is enough humour now in the James Bond films. It’s all a bit tetchy and a bit serious. Because there were no actual sex scenes, and it was funny, I think it worked very well.
Is it true Roger recommended you for the role?
I learned that much later and didn’t know that at the time! I had been in an episode of a TV series with Sir Roger Moore and Tony Curtis. That’s when he must have thought I would be suitable for the part of Miss Caruso.
Did you go through any Bond girl training before filming?
No. They already knew me very well and this was a little comedy scene. This is a theory of mine – I think Roger carried a lot more weight to do with the production and the direction than the public realise. Roger was much more intelligent than the public realises.
So, it’s safe to say Sir Roger Moore is your favourite of all the men who’ve played Bond?
Definitely. Sean Connery probably had the edge on malevolence, and that sexual energy he had, but Roger is by far and away the nicest and the most charming. Roger had the edge because of his humour and charm. In a way, he was playing himself. He made the character believable.
Where do you think Miss Caruso would be today?
I don’t think she was capable of even shooting a fly. She would have had to stop being a spy and go do something else – and she probably would have taken to the bottle.
What do you think is the legacy of the Bond girls?
I think a very necessary thing is the glamour that we bring. I was talking to Britt Ekland last night and she said something very important. “I am a Bond girl, I will always be glamorous and preserve that image.” People need us to lift them out of their mundane lives and they need that glamour.
VALERIE LEON
CHARACTER: Hotel receptionist and Bahamas woman
APPEARANCES: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Never Say Never Again (1983)
OCCUPATION: Hot girl
BONDS: Sir Roger Moore and Sir Sean Connery
English actress Valerie Leon holds the rare distinction of being a Bond girl to not just one but two 007s. In 1977, she appeared briefly as a hotel receptionist in The Spy Who Loved Me with Sir Roger Moore, before nabbing a bigger role in 1983’s Never Say Never Again with Sir Sean Connery. She remains one of only a handful of actresses to pull double duty in the Bond universe.
What was the best part of playing two Bond girls?
What can I say? It was fantastic! I’m just sorry I never made it a hat trick!
Who was your favourite Bond – Mr Moore or Mr Connery?
I can tell you immediately that my favourite Bond is Roger Moore. He was the most charming man. Everyone thinks of Sean Connery as the definitive Bond, but I preferred Roger.
What were your memories on the set of Never Say Never Again?
I went to the Bahamas not even having had a costume fitting. I had a bed scene with Sean in that movie, and he’s got a nice hairy chest. He never used his stand in once while we were practicing, but when his wife came in the afternoon he couldn’t get out of bed quick enough.
How about The Spy Who Loved Me?
I actually flew to Sardinia and I was a hotel receptionist! That’s amazing as it’s something that could have been done so easily in Britain. But, you know, when you’re in a Bond film you’re transported to another world.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about either film?
Never Say Never Again was a troubled production. I can’t remember exactly why, but there were problems. When people wanted Sean’s autograph he didn’t want to know. He was not the easiest. There were problems and it happened but I feel blessed having had the opportunity to work with both Sean and Roger.
Were you aware at the time of making your Bond films just how influential and memorable they would become?
Not really. I remember going to the casting, to meet the producer in Soho, London. I wore a maroon cat suit. One would never have thought what one did all those years ago would be remembered now. It will go on forever.
What do you think of the more recent films starring Daniel Craig?
The thing about Daniel Craig is he is of today. He’s gritty and down to earth. My feeling is the Bond films have become more action films, they don’t have the humour of the original films.
What do you think is the legacy of the Bond girls?
The extraordinary thing is, whether you had a cameo role or you’re a leading lady, you’re known the world over as a Bond girl. I’ve been able to make a future from my past. The legacy will go on forever. It’s allowed me to be upgraded on airplanes, I go to restaurants and there’ll be a table available. Some people say, “Can I get a kiss from a Bond girl?”
DENISE RICHARDS
CHARACTER: Dr. Christmas Jones
APPEARANCE: The World Is Not Enough (1999)
OCCUPATION: Nuclear Physicist
BOND: Pierce Brosnan
Coming off the back of hit films Starship Troopers and Wild Things, American actress Denise Richards cemented her status as a Hollywood leading lady in 1999’s The World Is Not Enough. As nuclear physicist Dr. Christmas Jones, Richards brought action and vitality to her character which perfectly complemented Brosnan’s Bond. Despite her highly improbable wardrobe for a nuclear physicist, Denise remains a Bond girl favourite to this day.
What was the casting process like for the role of Dr Christmas Jones?
I auditioned [in L.A.] and then flew to England to do the screen test. I got the part and then a few months later I was in London shooting for six months.
Did you go through any Bond girl training before taking on the role?
No [but] luckily I had worked with the same stunt coordinating team on Starship Troopers, so I was familiar with them. So, for all of my stunts and training we had to do, I felt very comfortable with all the guys because I worked with them all before.
How does it feel to be a part of the great tradition of Bond girls?
I am so honoured and flattered to be part of such an iconic franchise!
BY REILLY SULLIVAN
For the full article grab the December 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
