“Live and Let Die” is the first James Bond film to feature Roger Moore in the title role. The movie produced mixed results, with the good new being Moore put his own stamp on 007 with his sarcastic wit, numerous puns, and more of an English manner than Sean Connery’s Scottish-Celtic demeanor. Moore would go on to be the longest reigning Bond, spanning twelve years and seven movies. (If “Never Say Never Again” of 1983 is counted along with Connery’s six Eon Productions, the two are tied.)
The bad new about “Live and Let Die” is the convoluted plot and weak storyline in Tom Mankiewicz’s screenplay. Sloppy direction by Guy Hamilton did not help, bringing down the quality of the eighth Bond picture.
Jane Seymour displayed exceptional pulchritude as Solitaire, the primary Bond woman of “Live and Let Die.” Yaphet Kotto did double duty as antagonists Dr. Kananga and Mr. Big. His goons were played by Julius Harris, Geoffrey Holder, Earl Jolly Brown, and Tommy Lane. Madeline Smith and Gloria Hendry are good as additional Bond girls. David Hedison made the first of two appearances as Felix Leiter of the CIA. Clifton James played the inimitable Sheriff J. W. Pepper.
Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell return as big boss M and Miss Moneypenny, respectively. They helped Moore’s transition go smoother, no doubt. The theme song to the film was composed by Paul and Linda McCartney, and performed by their band Paul McCartney & Wings. It was the first rock-and-roll song to open a Bond film, and became a big hit on the music charts. “Live and Let Die” was a blockbuster in theatrical release for Eon Productions and United Artists.
Live and Let Die (1973)
cinema
My Review
“Live and Let Die” is the first James Bond film to feature Roger Moore in the title role. The movie produced mixed results, with the good new being Moore put his own stamp on 007 with his sarcastic wit, numerous puns, and more of an English manner than Sean Connery’s Scottish-Celtic demeanor. Moore would go on to be the longest reigning Bond, spanning twelve years and seven movies. (If “Never Say Never Again” of 1983 is counted along with Connery’s six Eon Productions, the two are tied.)
The bad new about “Live and Let Die” is the convoluted plot and weak storyline in Tom Mankiewicz’s screenplay. Sloppy direction by Guy Hamilton did not help, bringing down the quality of the eighth Bond picture.
Jane Seymour displayed exceptional pulchritude as Solitaire, the primary Bond woman of “Live and Let Die.” Yaphet Kotto did double duty as antagonists Dr. Kananga and Mr. Big. His goons were played by Julius Harris, Geoffrey Holder, Earl Jolly Brown, and Tommy Lane. Madeline Smith and Gloria Hendry are good as additional Bond girls. David Hedison made the first of two appearances as Felix Leiter of the CIA. Clifton James played the inimitable Sheriff J. W. Pepper.
Bernard Lee and Lois Maxwell return as big boss M and Miss Moneypenny, respectively. They helped Moore’s transition go smoother, no doubt. The theme song to the film was composed by Paul and Linda McCartney, and performed by their band Paul McCartney & Wings. It was the first rock-and-roll song to open a Bond film, and became a big hit on the music charts. “Live and Let Die” was a blockbuster in theatrical release for Eon Productions and United Artists.