*Diamonds Are Forever*

*Diamonds Are Forever*
Name	Diamonds Are Forever
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Guy Hamilton
Producer	Albert R. Broccoli
Writer	Richard Maibaum, Tom Mankiewicz
Starring	Sean Connery, Jill St. John, Charles Gray, Lana Wood, Jimmy Dean
Music	John Barry
Cinematography	Ted Moore
Editing	Bert Bates, John W. Holmes
Studio	Eon Productions
Distributor	United Artists
Released	1971, 12, 14, United Kingdom, 1971, 12, 17, United States
Runtime	120 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Budget	$7.2 million
Gross	$116 million

*Diamonds Are Forever* is a 1971 spy film and the seventh installment in the James Bond film series produced by Eon Productions. It marks the return of Sean Connery to the role of MI6 agent James Bond after his absence in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The film follows Bond's investigation of a global diamond smuggling ring that leads him to confront his arch-nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, and thwart a plot to hold the world hostage with a satellite weapon. Directed by Guy Hamilton and featuring a score by John Barry, the film is noted for its blend of action, humor, and iconic Las Vegas settings.

Plot

Following a ruthless pursuit of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, James Bond is assigned by M to infiltrate a diamond smuggling pipeline. Posing as professional smuggler Peter Franks, Bond travels from London to Amsterdam and then to Los Angeles, where he meets his contact, Tiffany Case. The trail leads to Las Vegas and the reclusive billionaire Willard Whyte, who is being impersonated by Blofeld. Bond discovers Blofeld's plan to use a diamond-encrusted satellite, launched from Whyte's launch facility, to extort nuclear supremacy from the governments of the United States and the Soviet Union. After battles with assassins Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint, and a climactic fight aboard an oil rig, Bond disables the satellite and defeats Blofeld.

Cast

Sean Connery returns as MI6 agent James Bond, with Jill St. John portraying the smuggler Tiffany Case. The primary antagonist, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, is played by Charles Gray, who had previously appeared in You Only Live Twice as a different character. Lana Wood plays Plenty O'Toole, and country singer Jimmy Dean appears as the reclusive billionaire Willard Whyte. The memorable henchmen Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint are portrayed by Putter Smith and Bruce Glover, respectively. Supporting roles include Bernard Lee as M, Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny, and Desmond Llewelyn as Q.

Production

The film is based loosely on the 1956 Ian Fleming novel, with the screenplay developed by Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz. After the commercial disappointment of On Her Majesty's Secret Service, producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman successfully lured Sean Connery back with a then-record salary and a promise to fund two of his chosen films. Principal photography, under director Guy Hamilton, took place in multiple locations including England, the Netherlands, Germany, and extensively in the United States, with key sequences shot at the Las Vegas Strip and the Pioneer Hotel in Las Vegas. Stunt coordination was handled by Bob Simmons, and special effects were supervised by Derek Meddings.

Release

The world premiere was held in London on December 14, 1971, with a royal charity performance attended by Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. It was released widely in the United Kingdom and the United States through United Artists in December 1971. The marketing campaign heavily emphasized the return of Sean Connery and the glamorous Las Vegas setting. The film was accompanied by the release of the soundtrack album by John Barry and the title song performed by Shirley Bassey.

Reception

Initial critical reception was mixed, with some praise for its entertainment value and Connery's performance but criticism for its campy tone and convoluted plot. It was a significant commercial success, grossing over $116 million worldwide against a $7.2 million budget, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1971. The title song, performed by Shirley Bassey, was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and became a signature tune for the singer. The film's success reaffirmed the viability of the James Bond franchise after a period of uncertainty.

Legacy

While not considered among the pinnacle of the James Bond series, it remains a culturally significant entry for marking the final official portrayal of Ernst Stavro Blofeld by Eon Productions until *Spectre*, and the last appearance of Sean Connery in an Eon-produced film until a cameo in Never Say Never Again. The film's depiction of Las Vegas and its duo of assassins, Mr. Kidd and Mr. Wint, have attained a cult status. Its blend of humor and action influenced the tone of subsequent Bond films like Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun. The movie is also remembered for its contributions to the James Bond aesthetic in the early 1970s.

Category:James Bond films Category:1971 films Category:British spy films