On Her Majesty's Secret Service: 55 Years

The eleventh James Bond novel was released in 1963. It would only take six years until fans of the fictitious man of mystery would make the big screen. The 1960s saw six James Bond novels adapted for the big screen. Five of them were led by the late Sean Connery, who is by far the best Bond in cinema. His successor would immediately follow Connery, but he gave a memorable performance to round out the decade.

In 1969, George Lazenby succeeded Sean Connery in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The movie follows Bond as he confronts his greatest adversary, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Blofeld leads a global crime syndicate called Spectre (Special Executive for Counterintelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion). It became a top-performing film despite mixed reviews from critics.  

Like many of the Bond films, each offers a glimpse of what Bond does and its correlation with our faith.

Faith on the Mission

Bond places his faith in protecting the world and country. During every mission, Bond relies on his network of allies to help him accomplish the task at hand.

Like Bond, Catholics can place their faith in God to be protected. Even Catholics rely on good priests, catechists, and faithful witnesses to help them live out their faith by overcoming obstacles along the way.

Sacrifice and Commitment

Bond is often portrayed as a man who can never commit. One of the film’s plots is to marry Tracey, with whom he has a romantic attraction. After escaping death, Bond asks to marry her, which she agrees, and they do by the end of the film.

Additionally, Bond puts his life on the line to save the world and even others. We often have to make sacrifices to help others, answer God’s call, and even serve him. St. Maximillian Kolbe reminds, us, “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love.”

Facing the Unknown

Time and time again, Bond takes on his mission. He never knows what can happen or its outcome. He may live or die.

Catholics face the unknown day after day. The best way to prepare is to receive the sacraments, pray day and night, and live out one’s faith.

This movie has stood the test of time. It features great action scenes, scenic places, and good character development.