Rating: 
Summary: Most underrated Bond movie - great extras too
Review: This surely ranks as one of the most underrated James Bond movies ever released. The plot comes directly from the Ian Fleming book and this wise choice shows as it is positively crackling with suspense while including romantic interludes. Accomplished actors Telly Savalas and Diana Rigg make up for the amateur George Lazenbys lack of talent and Ms. Rigg is simply stunning in her role as a Countess. This movie features some solid direction by veteran 007 editor Peter Hunt and there is a nice screen specific optional audio commentary here by the director and quite a long informative dcoumentary on the production of the movie, full of facts that I, as a self proclaimed James Bond nut, did not even know.
Rating: 
Summary: A great movie, only a so-so performance by Lazenby.
Review: Most people will agree that George Lazenby just can't do what Sean Connery did for James Bond. Though On Her Majesty's Secret Service had an excellent plot with the top James Bond villain in Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Lazenby seemed unsure and came off very cheesy. However, excellent action keeps the movie rolling and the plot is well in line with the rest of the 007 series. This movie is definitely worth a ride, and if you can block out Lazenby's acting then you'll simply love it.
Rating:
Summary: if you don't like this one, your not a bond fan!
Review: o.h.m.s.s. is truly one of the best bond films ever made! it has great action, a good story, and a good villan. whats unique about this film is it had a differebt bond (played by george lazenby) and the fact that bond gets married! he marries the beautyfull diana rigg, to bad for the heartbreaking ending. this is truly one of my favorite bond films ever!
Rating:
Summary: The Bond That's Out Of Step With The Others
Review: When other Bond fans first talk to me the the question they always ask is "What do you think of O.H.M.S.S. ?". The answer to that is not a simple one.I first saw the film in the cinima in 1973 and was surprised, given all the negative reports I'd heard about it, how good it was. Although very long by Bond standards the film moves along at a fair clip and has the capacity to engage the viewer. Although several of the earlier films in the series follow the main plot lines from the novels, from which they take their names, this is the only atempt by EON to film an Ian Fleming book as written. Watching the film on DVD all these years later was a joy. The transfer is surperb the, sound crisp and short of watching a pristine print in a film theatre this is the best vision of this film your ever going to see. The additional features particularly the director's commentry make this a must for any of the many fans that this film has. O.H.M.S.S has a tremendous "look" and the deep purple colour that is in the opening sequence, continues in the titles and is seen through out the rest of the film in various guises. There was a kind of chic fashion just at the end of the sixties after the hippies and before the seventies gave style a bad name; this is one of the few films that captures that time. Just look at the cut of James Bond's suits or the dresses worn by the girls in Piz Gloria; it's nostalgia perhaps but I love it! George Lazenby is element of the film that most people seem to dislike and the fact that he started out as a model is usually sited as proof of his lack of acting ability; well actually Sean Connery started out as an art college life model. At least George kept his clothes on in the "Big Fry" ads. ! But seriously, for the most part he looks great in the action sequences and when he has to play the normal affable, laughing in the face of danger, side of Bond he's at least acceptable; but when he has to step out side of that, for instance when he confronts Tracy in his hotel room early on in the film that he becomes less convincing. Compare that with Sean's Bond when he confronts Tatiana in the train in "From Russia With Love" and you'll see what I'm getting at. But actually his attempt is better than Roger Moore's confrontation with Rosie in "Live And Let Die". The only difficulty is that each line Lazenby speaks seems to be made up of several different takes, all recorded at different sound levels, which makes him sound as if he has a perminant attack of hiccups; still you do get used to it. If Lazenby lacks experience his deficiency is compenceted by the standard of acting from the rest of the cast and the superior dialogue in this film; for example, Moneypenny's devastating put down when Bond attempts to resign the Service "What did you expect, a knighthood?" is unforgetable and one of the few times Lois Maxwell's character gets the upper hand in the whole series. The structure of this film is very different from the others in the series; Bond spends the first half of the film meeting and falling in love with Tracy. He then locates Blofeld, discovers his plan and only then does the film shift up into the frenetic pace that we more normally associate with the Bond films. The ski and car chase sequences that follow are terrifically exciting and compare favourably with the best in the series. Then we have the final confrontation with Blofeld and inevitable distruction of Piz Gloria. Incidentally Lazenby's encounter with the St. Bernard dog after the bob sleigh chase was apparently ad-libbed and for an untrained actor he does it better than many RADA graduates I can think of. Peter Hunt, more than anyone else, was the man brought this film together as a first time director it is a brilliant debut. For instance his choice of Simon Ravan to add dialoge to the scenes between Blofeld and Tracy lifts the whole film. Almost every shot seems to reflect his feel for the book. It is only fitting that the opening shot of the film, absent form the VHS version, which containes his reflection in the brass name plate of "Universal Exports" has been restored to this print. Many action film fans dislike this picture well they'd better stick to "Things Keep Exploding III" which at least is better than "Things Keep Exploding II" although not as good as "Things Keep Exploding" although it lacks the characterization of the other two. The rest of us can enjoy the most literate of the James Bond films. It's not better or worse than any of the others just different.
Rating: 
Summary: You Only Live Once? George Lazenby in His One And Only Bond
Review: "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", released in 1969, is the sixth James Bond film produced by Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman and it is still perhaps the most debated and perhaps underrated Bond ever made. The main reason for this is that for the first time, Sean Connery would not play the role that made him famous. Connery's original contract would had required him to appear in this film but because of the intense press coverage of him during the filming of "You Only Live Twice", the contract was modified so he could decide film by film whether to continue playing Bond. When Connery firmly refused to reprise the role, even for a very large fee, Broccoli and Saltzman found their replacement in an Australian actor named George Lazenby. Lazenby, in fact, could hardly be considered an experienced actor having only performed in a few commericals. But it was his appearance that won him the role. Not only did he look somewhat similar to Connery's Bond but many fans believe that Lazenby came closer than any other actor to appearing like Ian Fleming's original description. Lazenby also showed he was excellent in performing fight and action scenes. Another big change was new director in Peter Hunt. Hunt was not new to the Bond series having directed second units in other Bond outings. Hunt would however put his own stamp on this film, with the result that OHMSS would have its own unique feel with compared with the other Bond films. Everyone on the production team agreed on one thing, that the public should think of OHMSS as a continuance of the earlier Bond entries, only the actor had changed. The usual supporting ensemble returned, notably Bernard Lee as "M", Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny, and Desmond Llewelyn as "Q". In fact, all three actors make a rare appearance in the opening sequence before we see Lazenby in order to reinforce the notion Lazenby's Bond is the same as Connery's. In "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", James Bond is on the trail of Enrst Stavro Blofeld (introduced in "You Only Live Twice") when he has several encounters with a most unusual woman, the Countesa Theresa Di Vicenzo ("Tracy to my friends..."). Reports of these encounters make their way back to her father the crimelord Marc Draco who "arranges" to have Bond come meet with him. Far from being an angry father, he wishes Bond to continue a relationship with Tracy. Bond is understandably reluctant but quickly realizes that Draco's underworld connections might help him locate Blofeld. What started out as a business deal turns into a real romance between Bond and Tracy. With Draco's help, Bond finds out that Blofeld is in Switzerland running a health clinic and research institute and posing as German count. Posing as a member of Britain's College Of Arms, Bond attempts penetrate Blofeld's organization but he uncovers an incredible plot to hold the world to ransom with the threat of biological warfare. Can Bond save the world and marry the woman of his dreams? "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" has a strong storyline and a very good cast. Diane Rigg, who was well known as Emma Peel in the television series "The Avengers", is well casted as Tracy and Ilse Steppat portrays Irma Bunt so well that she should be considered one of the finer "henchmen" of the Bond series. Gabriele Ferzetti is also a good fit as the urbane Draco. Unfortunately, Telly Savalas is badly miscasted as the villian Blofeld as his mannerism and accent makes Blofeld come off as a more of a thug rather than the cultured master criminal of the Ian Fleming novels and the other Bond films. Most Bond fans would agree that the strongest attribute of OHMSS are the action scenes. Lazenby was a very good physical actor and it shows up well on the screen. The ski chase scenes and the scenes with the bobsled, filmed with a technique pioneered for this film, is considered one on the best in the series history. Unfortunately, there are some glaring defects to this production. OHMSS seems to suffer from an inferiority complex during the first half of the film. There are so many references to the earlier Bond films in both the opening credits and the script that instead of convincing the moviegoer that this is the same James Bond as always, it tends to point out to the fact that it is NOT the same. Indeed, had the production team had simply used Lazenby's quip at the end of the opening sequence ("This never happened to other fellow!") as a tongue-in-cheek reference to Connery along with appearances of M, Q, and Miss Moneypenny and left out all the other references, it would have been far more effective. George Lazenby's acting outside of the action scene is not as good as it could be although had he continued in the role it would have most certainly improved. Lazenby does display some flashes of brilliance, particularly during the death scene at the end of the film shows a side to James Bond never seen before that may never be seen again. Lazenby would not return to the role however as he felt that Bond as an icon of the 1960s would not survive into the 1970s. When Connery returned as Bond in the next film, Lazenby's association with the secret agent was broken forever. Despite the fact that "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was quite successful at the box office, it nowhere near the blockbuster that "Goldfinger", "Thunderball", and "You Only Live Twice" had been. This plus the fact that Lazenby did not return has branded this film as the biggest "flop" in the series. But OHMSS has received a kinder reception with later generations of Bond fans. Though the film does not stand up quite as well as some of the earlier Bonds, as time past people discovered that producing a Bond as good as Connery's was not as easy as it looked. OHMSS was in the unfortunate position of trying to maintain Bond at his 1960s peak without Sean Connery and it could not do so. The special edition DVD has by far the best print of OHMSS this reviewer has ever seen. The chase scene, particularly the skiing, is spectacular in the widescreen format. As is standard with the Bond special editions there are two audio commentary tracks and lots documentary material which is especially useful considering the history of this film. This DVD should be in the library of every Bond fan. After all it is said and done, it is a film that glimpses a Bond world that might have been.
Rating: 
Summary: ZZZZzzzzzzz.....
Review: As a long time Bond fan, I never took this movie seriously, nor had I ever watched it. However, I finally broke down and ordered it from Amazon and reviewed it last week. This movie was a flop. I know George L. had some big shoes to fill, and maybe that doomed him from the start. His character it very wooden and stiff. The trademarks of Bond films are gadgets, (good) tongue in cheek humor, and (great) action--all of which were missing in this movie. The fight scenes could have come from a spaghetti Western. I only wonder how much they paid Sean to come out of "Bond Retirement" and make "Diamonds are Forever." I fell asleep watching this flick, which leads me to believe it would make a fortune if packaged as a cure for insomnia. The only thing cool about it was the title.
Rating:
Summary: The best Bond movie -- by a Mile
Review: "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" has just about everything I want from a James Bond movie -- beautiful and exotic locations, romance, great Bond girls, amazing action sequences and a powerful plot. It is also the most serious and personal of the series. The escape/action sequences in this movie are easily the best I've ever seen in a Bond: they're stunningly directed, far more realistic than usual, and actually fit logically into the greater story of the film. The screenplay gives us a deeper, more serious Bond than we've seen before (or since): we see a struggle between the traditional womanizer and the man who has tasted true love for the first time. I also like the fact that there are fewer goofy one-liners than usual. One element is missing: a great actor playing James Bond. George Lazenby is good in fight scenes and action sequences, but his lack of previous acting experience shows up elsewhere. We can only wish that Connery had stayed on for this movie; then it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, this is the one movie that transcends the Bond genre to become a great film in its own right.
Rating:
Summary: Next to Goldfinger, the best Bond by Far
Review: I've seen most Bond films several times, but this one at least a dozen. By far the most affecting film in the series with a great performance by Diana Rigg and a credible one by one-shot wonder George Lazenby. Somewhat sub-par elements used on the DVD though.
Rating:
Summary: Great DVD Transfer, Very Good Movie
Review: ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE * * * 1/2 George Lazenby is hit and miss and even a little bit dorky in his only shot at playing James Bond but everything surrounding him is terrific, including exhausting action scenes, colorful settings (thanks to the great widescreen dvd transfer) and a classy supporting cast (Telly Savalas, Diana Rigg, etc). Very entertaining.
Rating:
Summary: The Rehabilitation of OHMSS (spoilers)
Review: With the superb Special Edition DVD of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, it can be safely said that this film, once the orphan child of the Danjaq Bond films, has been embraced as a significant contribution to the Bond series. First of all, the DVD production itself is terrific. Secondly, the 45-minute "Inside the Making of OHMSS" documentary, commissioned for this DVD is unusually frank for a studio product. For one, it gets into the whole controversy of the George Lazenby casting and includes frank comments by Lazenby, director Peter Hunt and Barbara Broccoli. Apparently, there were grave doubts about Lazenby up until 2 weeks before filming started, but Hunt freely admits that he championed Lazenby for the part. To this day, he stands by his opinion that Lazenby would have grown into the part. But the documentary makes clear that Cubby Broccoli and Lazenby never got along. It is implies that Hunt and co-producer Harry Saltzman pushed Broccoli into hiring Lazenby against Broccoli's objections. Then, Lazenby didn't help himself by taking continually irritating Broccoli with a prima donna attitude. Lazenby corroborates all this and says his bad judgment cost himself a second film. He takes most of the responsibility for screwing it up, but does not appear to be bitter. The rest of the documentary accentuates the superb production values, the performances, especially by Diana Rigg, and the screenplay, the action, stunts and ski photography, which have come to be recognized, rightfully, as Bond Film landmarks. Hunt says his goal was to make an "epic" Bond film with an intelligent, mature script and a more realistic story. The death of Tracy was always on the table, but Hunt said there was initial consideration to end the film with the wedding, but save the footage of Tracy's killing for the precredit sequence of "Diamonds are Forever." There is a brief sequence in the documentary to suggest how this might have looked. The DVD treatment, as a whole, continues the more positive bent by Danjaq toward this film. Back in 1969, in the wake of the box office failure of OHMSS, I think Broccoli's first thoughts were to forget the film was ever done and that the events dramatized ever occurred. "Diamonds are Forever" brings back Blofeld, but there is never a mention of Tracy or an allusion to loss. Connery, enticed back by desperate producers, plays the role with his familiar Goldfinger/Thunderball aplomb, without any hint of a man out for personal vengeance (Think of Dalton's Bond in "License to Kill"). Plus the screenplay is weak and Guy Hamilton, hired specifically to bring the film back to its lighter, pre-OHMSS roots, takes a more comic approach. It isn't until "Spy" that the death of Bond's wife is acknowledged, and it's almost a throwaway reference. But at least we know now that it is part of the cinematic Bond's back story. There is nothing in "Diamonds," "Live and Let Die," or "MWGG" that suggest this. It isn't until "For Your Eyes Only" that we actually had an overt reference to Tracy and Bond got a modicum of "revenge," even though it was played somewhat for laughs (could this have reflected Broccoli's ambiguity about the whole thing?). But John Glen, the 2nd unit director of OHMSS, has always said his desire with FYEO was to bring back a more realistic Bond after the fantastic, special fx-filled "Spy" and the excessively silly, over-the-top "Moonraker," much like Hunt wanted a more "realistic" Bond film after fantastic, special fx-filled "Thunderball" and the excessively silly, over-the-top "You Only Live Twice." Nonetheless, FYEO was the first post-Connery film to be influenced by OHMSS and Glen was the first director to acknowledge that there were elements in the film worth emulating. But it wasn't until the Dalton films that the dark Bond was truly embraced. What is interesting is that among serious Bond fans, the discussion not over whether Dalton's Bond was a bad or good portrayal, (the way Moore's Bond is now debated), but whether the shades were too dark. Knowledgeable fans seem to agree he understood the essence of the character the way Moore never did. The debate is did he err too much on the brooding side. What is not debatable is that Dalton and Brosnan, and their scriptwriters, have given us a Bond who is clearly has deep emotional pain and guilt from the failure to protect Tracy. This is the legacy of OHMSS. They are haunted men. The writers have also made this the primary motivation for Bond's hedonism, which, in "GoldenEye," Alex Trevalyan sums up as at futile attempts to "drown out the screams of all the men you've killed and all the women you've failed to protect." In summary, I am grateful that the producers have resisted the temptation to trash OHMSS. Elements of the general media from time to time still treat it with contempt. I recently saw a DVD review that referred it to "the deservedly forgotten Bond film." This is a flip, lazy and uninformed opinion. I'm glad MGM and Danjaq are trying to promote it as a unique, important part of the series then relegate it as a curious footnote or worse, a trivia joke. True, there are serious flaws in the film, and parts are painful to watch. But most of the pain stems from a "woulda, coulda, shoulda" feeling as Lazenby plods his way through an elegant script and a cast of fine actors. It's not the best Bond film, as some militantly say, and it's far from the worst. Undeniably, it is a special film. Ultimately, your opinion of it depend on if you think the material, as a whole, rises above Lazenby's dreadful performance. I think it just manages to do so. Nonetheless, it's well worth its rightful attention.
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