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*** This review may contain spoilers ***
This insightful and engrossing documentary covers everything from the casting to the shooting of the trend-setting initial James Bond outing "Dr. No." Earlier attempts at adapting Ian Fleming's Bond novels proved fruitless, with only an instantly forgettable TV adaptation of "Casino Royale" getting made prior to "Dr. No." The original script had to be revised. Both Cary Grant and Richard Johnson were also considered to play the world's greatest secret agent, but of course the part ultimately went to a then unknown Sean Connery. Director Terence Young was hired because he had the right sense of style. Bond's suits were tailer made. Ursula Andress wasn't cast until two weeks before principal shooting began in Jamaica. Andress had to have make-up applied to her whole body in order to look tan and wound up being dubbed by another actress. Moreover, she posed for a photo shoot with legendary glamour photographer Bunny Yeager. As for Ursula's indelible introduction coming out of the sea in a white two piece bikini, well that's one of the all-time great moments from the movie. Noel Coward was offered the part of Dr. No, but turned it down; Joseph Wiseman was cast instead and played the main villain with complete calmness. Director Young and Connery gave Bond a very distinctive sense of dry and dark humor which became one of the character's beloved trademarks. Ken Adam's impressive set designs set the high standard for future 007 entries. Maurice Binder came up with the classic opening shot from the point of view of a gun barrel which shows Bond pointing his gun and firing right at the camera (stuntman Bob Simmons doubled for Connery in this particular shot). John Barry used lots of reverb for the signature theme. Editor Peter Hunt expertly created a constant rush of motion. Naturally, the film proved to be a massive international smash. Patrick Macnee does the perfectly suave narration. Essential viewing for fans of the movie.
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