Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds Are Forever (1971) follows Bond up a diamond smuggling chain to Las Vegas. The tone departs noticeably from the rest of the series: more arch, more gaudy and much less serious. The real story is Connery's return. After George Lazenby left following one film, the producers tested many actors including Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds. Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman actually wanted Roger Moore, who was unavailable. United Artists wanted Connery, whatever it cost. Connery asked for 1.25 million dollars, a record at the time, and the studio agreed, throwing in two further films of his own choosing. He did not spend it on himself. He used the fee to found the Scottish International Education Trust, so that Scottish artists could apply for support without having to leave the country to build a career. Filming took place largely in Las Vegas hotels owned by Howard Hughes, a friend of producer Cubby Broccoli, and that relationship made closing streets straightforward. The owner of Circus Circus, a Bond enthusiast, allowed filming and took a small part himself. It grossed 116 million dollars worldwide and topped the American box office for seven consecutive weeks. It runs 120 minutes. Good for: classic Bond, Vegas atmosphere, and Connery. Less good for: the plot is loose and the villain's scheme is among the weakest in the series. The writing of the women has dated badly, and the presentation of the two assassins is offensive.