From Russia With Love (1963): 2nd Bond Movie
In the second Bond film, the iconic villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the head of the criminal organization SPECTRE, makes his first appearance, setting the stage for his global menace in several subsequent installments. Once again, the main role of James Bond is portrayed by Sean Connery.
Plot
Blofeld plays a high-stakes game between the Russian (KGB) and British secret services (MI6). The main strategist and number five in the organization SPECTRE, Czechoslovak chess grandmaster Kronsteen, plans to steal the Lektor cryptographic device from the Soviets and then sell it back to them. Agents from both MI6 and the CIA have been coveting the device for years.
At the same time, they seek revenge on James Bond for killing their member Dr. No. Leading the mission is number three, Rosa Klebb. She hires the assassin Grant and manipulates the Russian KGB agent and encryption expert Tatiana Romanova, who believes Rosa Klebb is still working for the Russian counterintelligence agency SMERSH (SMERSH is a Russian acronym for Směrt Špionam – Death to Spies). The Lektor encoding device is to be handed over only to James Bond, whose likeness the Soviets have in their archives. The mastermind behind the plot, Kronsteen, claims to have "anticipated every possible move"...
The role of the KGB agent Tatiana Romanova was played by former Miss Rome and Miss World 1960 Daniela Bianchi. The film has a very good screenplay. In 2004, it was listed by Total Film magazine as one of the nine greatest British films of all time.
Bond Song
The iconic title song From Russia with Love, featured in the second Bond film of the same name, is a timeless classic performed with soulful elegance by Matt Monro. With its lush orchestration and evocative lyrics, the song captures the essence of romance and intrigue that defines the Bond universe.
Monro's velvety smooth vocals imbue the song with a sense of longing and passion, perfectly complementing the film's captivating storyline. As the haunting melody unfolds, listeners are transported to a world of espionage and adventure, where danger lurks around every corner and love knows no bounds.
The lyrics of From Russia with Love delve into themes of seduction, betrayal, and espionage, mirroring the complex dynamics of the film's plot. Through its evocative storytelling and poignant imagery, the song paints a vivid portrait of love in the midst of danger, adding depth and emotion to the Bond experience.
As one of the standout tracks in the Bond soundtrack repertoire, From Russia with Love has left an indelible mark on popular culture, earning its place as a beloved classic cherished by fans around the world. Monro's masterful interpretation and the song's enduring legacy ensure that it remains an integral part of the Bond mythology, captivating audiences with its timeless charm and sophistication for generations to come.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| James Bond | Sean Connery | The main character, a British MI6 secret agent. |
| Tatiana Romanova | Daniela Bianchi | A Russian double agent who works for the Russian secret service. |
| M | Bernard Lee | The head of the British MI6 secret service. |
| Moneypenny | Lois Maxwell | M's assistant. |
| Q | Desmond Llewelyn | A technical expert who provides Bond with special equipment. |
| Rosa Klebb | Lotte Lenya | The antagonist, an agent of the Russian secret service SMERSH. |
| Kronsteen | Vladek Sheybal | A Czechoslovak chess master and planner of the SMERSH operation. |
| Donald "Red" Grant | Robert Shaw | A highly professional assassin working for SMERSH. |
| Sylvia Trench | Eunice Gayson | Romantic interest in James Bond. |
| Kerim Bey | Pedro Armendariz | The head of the Turkish section of MI6. |
| Morzeny | Walter Gotell | A guard at the MI6 Turkish headquarters. |
| Vida | Aliza Gur | The leader at the tea house who collaborates with Kerim Bey. |
| Zora | Martine Beswick | A dancer at the tea house who collaborates with Kerim Bey. |
You Might Be Also Interested
- 1st Bond Movie: Dr. No (1962) ← → 3rd Bond Movie: Goldfinger (1964);
- Bond Films: Stories of James Bond, Agent 007
- All Bond Songs: Iconic Title Songs From Bond Films
- Movies With Casino Themes and Betting.
Based on the original Czech article: Srdečné pozdravy z Ruska (1963) – 2. bondovka.