Sometimes a film is more than just what you see on the screen. I will always recall this fondly as it was the first film I ever saw in a cinema that wasn't a cartoon - and I really enjoyed it. This time "007" receives a rather intriguing golden bullet through the post. After some detective work he concludes that he is a target of he eponymous character - "Scaramanger" (Christopher Lee) who charges $1m per hit. Why, though? Off to Hong Kong he goes, and soon his own dangers are intertwined with a perilous search for a "solex" - a revolutionary gadget that can convert solar energy into electricity. Of course the ending is never in doubt, but Guy Hamilton makes the most of an on-form Roger Moore with plenty of action. There is also enough light-heartedness - not least the canal urchin with his teak elephant and "bloody tourist" and some engaging - if very of their time - interventions from Clifton James returning in his role as the imbecilic sheriff "J.W. Pepper". We have two "Bond" girls - Britt Ekland as the light and fluffy "Goodnight" with Maud Adams ("Miss Anders") the unloved and unhappy girlfriend of the gunman who tries to help "Bond" stay alive, and of course there is the legend that is "Nick Nack" (Hervé Villechaize) who at three foot tall, provides much of the menace and a fair degree of the humour throughout. The scenarios give the photography a chance to shine - beautiful Thai locations, some kick boxing and a fun river boat chase before an suitably pyrotechnic denouement. One of my favourite Bond films - well paced and with a strong baddie. Under-rated, I think - well worth a watch.
