The ROGER MOORE Appreciation thread - Discuss His Life, His Career, His Bond Films

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  • Posts: 224
    Roger Moore is my favorite Bond. So, obviously, I consider him a great Bond and, thus, do not feel he got anything wrong while doing the role. One critic referred to Rog's Bond as "the lethal comedian". If that's the worst they could say about the man, that's not bad.

    He brought a charm, suaveness, smoothness and wit to the role, that I feel has never been matched. No other Bond was better with the females than Roger Moore's. That trait stands out to me. But, it was not only that. Sir Rog's Bond was a brainey Bond who often beat the opposition with his smarts much more effectively than with his fists. And when he delivered the one-liners, he delivered them with a smart ass attitude that you know, just had to get under the skin of the villain causing the villain to lose his composure and make a fatal mistake.

    Much like Connery, and unlike since Moore left, Rog's James Bond movies were "events" . They were not copycat movies. They were special and stood out among the competition. The competition followed Roger Moore's taillights. With Roger Moore on the screen as Bond, what we got was an actor who was truly having fun in the role. And with a wink and a raised eyebrow from him, we were invited to have fun with him....to be entertained....to have an "out of body" experience where our personal troubles, in this "dog eat dog" world, could be left behind for a couple of hours.

    What is Roger Moore's legacy as Bond......how will Roger Moore be remembered? With a smile.
  • Posts: 158
    Great post from Ellis. Sums up Roger's Bond perfectly. Growing up watching The Saint and The Persuaders,I always imagined Roger playing Bond then,so when Sean quit,it was the perfect fit for me.

    Who else in all seriousness could have played the part in the 70's and early 80's. Daniel AND Sam Mendes's first memories of Bond were LALD,and their love for the character grew from there,so he couldn't have done such a a bad job.

    While all the other actors have claimed to bring a serious approach to the character, Roger was the only one who had the guts to say different. After all,who could believe in a spy who's name and preference of drink was known by every barman all over the world.

    He played it his way and and on the flipside none of the others inc Sean could have played the role like him. So Rog,you are unique.

    I do wonder how his and Sean's standing would have been received had he got the role first,as has been mentioned before.

    He's always been very gracious in his appreciation of the other Bonds,when you think of Brozza and Lazenby's spat and Sean's attitude to the whole thing after he left.

    He makes himself available for most events involving the character and enjoyed being 007.

    Bottom line,he would be the Bond I'd most like to have a drink with.

    Love the man.

    Thank you.
  • Posts: 5,634
    The audio on this is poor but still an actually amusing watch, even our favorite James Bonds were not safe from the nonsense that was Spitting Image, but it was a fun nonsense, a bit like Moonraker etc. Have a watch and see what you think




  • echoecho 007 in New York
    Posts: 5,921
    Moore gets credit for keeping the flame alive. And when the stars aligned, he had some very good films: TSWLM, FYEO, OP.
  • Posts: 12,506
    The audio on this is poor but still an actually amusing watch, even our favorite James Bonds were not safe from the nonsense that was Spitting Image, but it was a fun nonsense, a bit like Moonraker etc. Have a watch and see what you think




    =)) Thank you so much for posting this. Grew up with this program and don't recall this clip? Certainly making me laugh now still. Especially the where M says. "Can i manage two more elections?" to Moore's Bond! Lol! Fantastic! :-bd
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,882
    Maggie Thatcher as M is one thing, but Geoffrey Howe Miss Moneypenny... yeah it's kind of creepy. ;)
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    That video just made my day... =))
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,372
    Haha, that's hilarious. I love the grunts they're making as they ski along. "Rahh, ahhh, rahhh, raghh."
  • Posts: 2,341
    The fact that Moore was able to endear himself to audiences for soo long.

    An actor playing Bond well into his fifties? Despite this for many fans Roger Moore was James Bond.

    He may be bashed from some circles but face it: Roger Moore was a triumph.
  • edited August 2012 Posts: 2,782
    How many did Roger Moore?

    <img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/06/article-1070574-02EC043700000578-598_468x311_popup.jpg">;



    Zena Marshall, 82, who starred as Miss Taro alongside Sean Connery in the first Bond film, 1962's Dr No.Alongside her were Tania Mallet, 67, who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger opposite Connery in 1964; Caroline Munro, 58, who was helicopter pilot Naomi in The Spy Who Loved Me with Moore in 1977; Shirley Eaton, 72, who as Jill Masterson was covered in gold paint in Goldfinger; and Eunice Gayson, 77, who played Sylvia Trench in Dr No and From Russia With Love. Completing the line-up was Madeline Smith, 59, who appeared as Miss Caruso in Live And Let Die with Moore in 1973.
  • Posts: 224
    How many did Roger Moore?

    <img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/06/article-1070574-02EC043700000578-598_468x311_popup.jpg">;



    Zena Marshall, 82, who starred as Miss Taro alongside Sean Connery in the first Bond film, 1962's Dr No.Alongside her were Tania Mallet, 67, who played Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger opposite Connery in 1964; Caroline Munro, 58, who was helicopter pilot Naomi in The Spy Who Loved Me with Moore in 1977; Shirley Eaton, 72, who as Jill Masterson was covered in gold paint in Goldfinger; and Eunice Gayson, 77, who played Sylvia Trench in Dr No and From Russia With Love. Completing the line-up was Madeline Smith, 59, who appeared as Miss Caruso in Live And Let Die with Moore in 1973.

    I see that Naomi still has those "lovely lines" and that Miss Caruso's assets were not damaged by the "magnetism".

  • Posts: 11,425
    NicNac wrote:
    For an actor who was Bond for so long, there are very few discussions going on that involve the man they call 'Sir Rog'.

    He was Bond for the longest time and the most films. His Bond films were box office smashes. They were light with a few dark shades, but they defined James Bond for a generation.

    I would love to see some appreciation for 'Sir Rog' on this thread, but it's all about discussion so the nay sayers must contribute as well. After all he probably divides fans more than any other actor(including Timothy Dalton who seems to get alot more forum time than Rog).

    If it hadn't been for a couple of Brozzer Bonds then Sir Rog would be well and truly out on a limb as the 'comedy Bond' despite the fact Moore himself generally played it straight (eg Moonraker - all the chaotic comedy happened around him).

    So, join in to discuss where he got it right, where he got it wrong, and what sort of legacy the man has left us.

    I've said it before, but I think the reason there are so few discussions about Sir Rog (and Sean perhaps?) is because Nobody Did It Better. As evidenced by most of the posts here, even those who had their reservations about him still have a lot of respect for the man and, despite themselves, a grudging affection for his Bond. His films, although often a mixed bag, always had plenty of enjoyable moments.
  • He is simply a legend. Not quite my favourite Bond but darn close. The most humorous Bond which is just what I need sometimes when I need a break from the more serious of Bonds. He is a unique special man and I can't wait to see him in an afternoon with Roger Moore. As others have stated, his continued efforts to remain accessible to both worlds of showbiz and charity / good causes after all these years, at his golden age is truly amazing and inspirational. He could have retired into obscurity but his flame still burns bright. Long live Sir Rog!!
  • Posts: 20
    I haven't ever heard a single person say "I personally hate Roger Moore".

    Just his portayal of James Bond.

  • Posts: 5,634
    Nobody as a true Bond enthusiast can say hand on heart that they hated Moore as lead role. There will be detractors for sure, as with all Bond actors that started with Connery but everyone will be aware that he was in fact a decent Bond for the most part, the biggest issue I had was the over emphasis on humor that occured every now and again, if they had omitted some of the quite childish antics that Moore participated in, he could even of held his own with names like Dalton and Connery, and even Craig to an extent. I feel like watching another Bond release later today and it's going to be a Moore release I've already decided and quite looking forward to it
  • Posts: 11,425
    I am not a fan of some of the daft humour but what is amazing about Sir Rog is that he holds it all together. I think Octopussy is a very good and often underrated entry but the first half hour is admitedly pure slapstick. And yet Sir Rog pulls it off and then goes on to deliver one of the most nerve racking and dramatic finales in any Bond movie. Genius.
  • Getafix wrote:
    I am not a fan of some of the daft humour but what is amazing about Sir Rog is that he holds it all together. I think Octopussy is a very good and often underrated entry but the first half hour is admitedly pure slapstick. And yet Sir Rog pulls it off and then goes on to deliver one of the most nerve racking and dramatic finales in any Bond movie. Genius.

    That's what I love about Moore. Even when his films go a bit too OTT with the slapstick and stupid stuff, he makes the comedy work, he holds it together and most of his films end up good.

    I can't see any other Bond pulling that off.
  • Posts: 11,189
    Getafix wrote:
    I am not a fan of some of the daft humour but what is amazing about Sir Rog is that he holds it all together. I think Octopussy is a very good and often underrated entry but the first half hour is admitedly pure slapstick. And yet Sir Rog pulls it off and then goes on to deliver one of the most nerve racking and dramatic finales in any Bond movie. Genius.

    That's what I love about Moore. Even when his films go a bit too OTT with the slapstick and stupid stuff, he makes the comedy work, he holds it together and most of his films end up good.

    I can't see any other Bond pulling that off.

    I wouldn't say the first half hour is "pure slapstick". There's the very suspensful scene with 009 being chased through the woods by the twins (ok he's dressed as a clown but that doesn't matter - the scene is still tense) as well as Moore at the auction.

    OP often gets a tough deal by the public. Its a decent entry.
  • Monsieur_AubergineMonsieur_Aubergine Top of the Eiffel Tower with a fly in my soup!
    edited August 2012 Posts: 642
    Cant wait to go see him on 7th October and hopefully meet him too. I will be writing an article on the event to submit to Mi6 main page so excited. Me and my old school friends are going en masse to celebrate the great man. We are all going in Safari suits. I am going to have to hold my friend down as his favourite line is "here...rupeeeeeah!" he has promised to shot it at least once. Ha ha.
  • edited August 2012 Posts: 11,425
    BAIN123 wrote:
    Getafix wrote:
    I am not a fan of some of the daft humour but what is amazing about Sir Rog is that he holds it all together. I think Octopussy is a very good and often underrated entry but the first half hour is admitedly pure slapstick. And yet Sir Rog pulls it off and then goes on to deliver one of the most nerve racking and dramatic finales in any Bond movie. Genius.

    That's what I love about Moore. Even when his films go a bit too OTT with the slapstick and stupid stuff, he makes the comedy work, he holds it together and most of his films end up good.

    I can't see any other Bond pulling that off.

    I wouldn't say the first half hour is "pure slapstick". There's the very suspensful scene with 009 being chased through the woods by the twins (ok he's dressed as a clown but that doesn't matter - the scene is still tense) as well as Moore at the auction.

    OP often gets a tough deal by the public. Its a decent entry.

    Fair point. I haven't watched it all the way through for some time. I am thinking of the Indian scenes from the tuc tuc chase through to the tiger hunt. Totally daft but still watchable. Incidentally my mother in law was at university with the turbained henchman dude who crushes the golf ball.
  • OP is a top 10 film for me. I think that OP and TSWLM are Moore at his best, because he's confident and balances the comedy and the serious stuff really well.
  • Posts: 11,189
    Op is either #7 or #8 for me at the moment.
  • Posts: 5,634
    There's an Octopussy thread in close proximity on these pages that can accomodate any, and all, talk of Moore's sixth outing, but once again, Moore despite being evidently too old for the part by 1983, did provide one or two classic moments and great references, only to be shot to pieces a frame or so later by embarrassing, ill advised comedy moments. I'd say it's just about visible in my Top Ten of all Bond releases

  • Posts: 224
    Michael Wilson said that Roger Moore (with the light humor) "was the right Bond" for that era. Looking back, some of the action movies during that time (for example:Indiana Jones, Superman) were movies that incorporated light humor. I don't know what it was about the 70s to mid-80s that made light humor in action movies "right" for that era. But seeing how successful those franchises were, Cubby and Michael were definitely spot on in their assesment.

    As Bond fans, we got lucky with Roger Moore. There was no one who I can recall back in that day, who could have delivered the "light, humorous" Bond as well as Roger. And as a bonus, he is not an a$$hole and jerk. Rather, he is a decent, human being who is proud to be a part of the Bond family. On his website last year, someone asked him what he thought of Charlie Sheen's behavior. Sir Roger said that when you are a star in the public arena, you owe it to the public (paying customers) to give them your very best in front of the camera and to treat the public (paying customers) with the utmost respect when you are among them off the job. Roger Moore has more class in his little pinky than most of the Hollywood elite have in their entire body.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Ellipsis wrote:
    I haven't ever heard a single person say "I personally hate Roger Moore".

    Just his portayal of James Bond.

    Exactly. I mean hate him as a human being.
  • Posts: 3,333
    Can anyone add any further details to the fight that happened between Lee Marvin and Roger Moore? Ironically, though critics often accused him of not looking tough enough to play James Bond, Roger Moore once beat up tough guy Lee Marvin while they were filming Shout at the Devil (1976). Marvin, the tough-as-nails star of such badass films as The Wild One (1953), The Dirty Dozen (1967) recalled of the brawl, “The guy is built like granite. Nobody will ever underestimate him again.”

    Does Roger mention the incident in his biography and do we know what the fight was about?
  • Posts: 366
    Roger Moore is the best Bond. :)
  • Posts: 284
    Even Matt Helm and Our man Flint didn't didn't dress as clowns or gorrilas,it's the stuff of Abbott and Costello.Moore not B
  • craigrules wrote:
    Even Matt Helm and Our man Flint didn't didn't dress as clowns or gorrilas,it's the stuff of Abbott and Costello.Moore not B
    Ellipsis wrote:
    Just his portayal of James Bond.

    Hurray for negative comments on an appreciation thread! *sarcasm*
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    Posts: 13,350
    bondsum wrote:
    Can anyone add any further details to the fight that happened between Lee Marvin and Roger Moore? Ironically, though critics often accused him of not looking tough enough to play James Bond, Roger Moore once beat up tough guy Lee Marvin while they were filming Shout at the Devil (1976). Marvin, the tough-as-nails star of such badass films as The Wild One (1953), The Dirty Dozen (1967) recalled of the brawl, “The guy is built like granite. Nobody will ever underestimate him again.”

    Does Roger mention the incident in his biography and do we know what the fight was about?

    I'd also love to hear more if anyone has any information about this.
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