Merry Christmas From James Bond (And John Barry & Louie Armstrong)

One may not think of a James Bond film as traditional holiday fare, but every Christmas season I watch On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The film, which was released in December of 1969, has a Christmas setting and takes place in the snow-covered Swiss Alps.

The film, despite not having the great Sean Connery as Bond, is one the best in the series in my view. 

Considering that the new Bond, George Lazenby, had to follow Connery in the role, and that he had not acted before, I believe he delivered a better than fair portrayal of Bond. 

 He looked like Ian Fleming's Bond and he was very good in the fight and action scenes.

The film was also graced with Diana Rigg as Tracy, a strong, yet troubled woman with whom Bond has a serious - if ultimately tragic - love affair. 

Although I would have preferred a European actor to portray Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Telly Savalas was a commanding, brilliant and truly mad  Blofeld. The supporting actors were also very good.

The director of this fine film was Peter Hunt. Hunt, who edited the earlier Bond films, was faithful to Ian Fleming's novel, even going with the thriller's dark ending. Peter Hunt gave us a true Bond thriller.

The film also offers a terrific soundtrack by John Barry. 

You can watch a trailer of the film via the below link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVP2n_GcdlQ

And you can listen to John Barry's great love song sung by the late, jazz great Louie Armstrong via the below link:

Louis Armstrong - We Have All The Time in The World - 007 At Her Majesty' Secret Service (Lyrics) - YouTube

Merry Christmas from Bond, James Bond.