Sadly, last week Bond legend Sean Connery died peacefully at the age of 90. In his honour, we have a look back at his time as the one and only 007…
Dr No (1962)
The film – Dr No – was the one that started it all off. Not only did it welcome the world to James Bond, but it welcomed the world to the one and only Sean Connery. In Dr No, we see Bond travel to Jamaica to investigate the death of a station chief in Kingston. Whilst there, we met the first ever Bond girl Honey Ryder – played by Ursula Andrews – however the pair are kidnapped to a secret lair where the infamous villain Dr No is waiting, alongside other members of Spectre (sound familiar…), initiating their plan to take over the world…
From Russia with Love (1963)
Next up for Connery came From Russia with Love – the following year in 1963. Next up for Bond in this classic was a trip to Istanbul, then to Belgrade and finally to Venice where he once again fights the evil Spectre. This time round he is joined by Bond Girl Tatiana Romanova – played by Daniela Bianchi.
Goldfinger (1964)
The year is 1964 and the world was once again granted with an addition of Sean Connery playing everyone’s favourite British spy. Bond adventures this time round to Kentucky, USA chasing the villain Goldfinger and of course – as usual – Bond saves the day by defeating Goldfinger’s devious plan to rob Fort Knox. Alongside Connery this time is the most famous Bond girl of all, Pussy Galore – played by Honor Blackmon.
Thunderball (1965)
It seems the 60s was a very busy time for Connery as only 14 months after the release of Goldfinger, Connery was back on our screens in Thunderball. The opening to Thunderball is considered one of the most cliché openings as it sees Bond escaping whilst using a jet pack…
This time we see Bond take on villain Emilio Largo – after attempting to steal nuclear bombs on behalf of Spectre. This is done alongside the help of his mistress, and next Bond girl Domino – played by Claudine Auger.
You Only Live Twice (1967)
You Only Live Twice was due to be Connery’s final Bond movie. Halfway through filming this one in the series, he announced he was going to resign from playing the spy. Although it may have been his “last” Bond movie, You Only Live Twice remains a classic.
Mostly set in Japan, we see Bond once again fighting with old foe Ernst Blofeld and this time, Bond girl Kissy Suzuki – played by Mie Hama – by his side to fight his crimes, as well as looking suave as always.
Diamonds are Forever (1971)
Back by popular demand – after the one film stint of George Lazenby – Connery was back in what was his final Bond film in Diamonds Are Forever. In this classic, Bond strikes lucky twice this time as there is not only one Bond girl, but two! Tiffany Case and Plenty O’Toole – played by Jill St. John and Lana Wood venture with Bond to Las Vegas.
Although Sean Connery extended his career beyond his years as Bond, it is those years as 007 he is most famous for and those years fans of both the franchise of him will be thankful for as we mourn in the loss of one of the greats.
By Katie Green
Feature image: Sky News