Goldfinger (1964): 3rd Bond Movie
The title of the third Bond film suggests that the main theme will be the yellowish metal - gold. James Bond's adversary becomes the villain named Auric Goldfinger, an obese lover of gold conducting illegal business operations and maintaining contacts with the underworld.
Plot
Goldfinger schemes to become one of the richest people in the world. The largest global reserves of gold are strictly guarded in the American complex Fort Knox.
Goldfinger's plan is not to steal gold, as it might seem, but to devalue it for many years with the explosion of an atomic bomb, causing the price of Goldfinger's own gold to skyrocket. Goldfinger is aided by his silent Korean servant, Oddjob, whose hat should not be trifled with.
Alongside James Bond, two Bond girls appear, both of whom he persuades to join his side: Jill Masterson (Shirley Eaton), who helped Goldfinger cheat at cards and is murdered using gold paint, and Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman), the leader of a female aviation gang planning to raid Fort Knox.
Goldfinger not only enjoyed great box office success but also received very favorable reviews. The future style of Bond films begins to take shape. For the first time in a Bond film, the legendary Aston Martin DB5 appeared.
Title Song
The title song for the classic Bond film Goldfinger stands as one of the most iconic and memorable tracks in the franchise's history. Often simply referred to as "the Bond song", it was performed by the incomparable Shirley Bassey, whose powerhouse vocals brought the song to life in spectacular fashion.
With its brassy orchestration, seductive melody, and bold lyrics, Goldfinger perfectly encapsulates the essence of the film and its titular villain. Bassey's commanding delivery adds an air of sophistication and danger, setting the stage for the thrilling espionage and intrigue that unfold on screen.
The song's lyrics, penned by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, paint a vivid portrait of the film's antagonist, Auric Goldfinger, and his penchant for wealth, power, and deception. Lines like "He loves only gold" and "Golden words he will pour in your ear" evoke the character's ruthlessness and charm, while the iconic refrain of Goldfinger serves as a rallying cry for fans of the franchise.
Shirley Bassey's rendition of the title song has become synonymous with the Bond legacy, earning its place as one of the most beloved and enduring tracks in the series. Its timeless appeal and theatrical flair continue to captivate audiences, cementing its status as a true classic in the pantheon of Bond themes.
Cast
| Role | Actor | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| James Bond | Sean Connery | The main character, a British MI6 secret agent. |
| Jill Masterson | Shirley Eaton | Auric Goldfinger's mistress, who is murdered using gold paint. |
| Pussy Galore | Honor Blackman | A pilot and leader of a female aviation gang. |
| 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. |
| Felix Leiter | Cec Linder | An American CIA agent and Bond's ally. |
| Auric Goldfinger | Gert Fröbe | A wealthy and greedy entrepreneur planning to rob Fort Knox. |
| Oddjob | Harold Sakata | A loyal and ruthless personal bodyguard of Auric Goldfinger. |
| Tilly Masterson | Tania Mallet | Jill Masterson's sister, seeking to avenge her death. |
| Solo | Martin Benson | A mobster who has a conflict with Goldfinger. |
| Kisch | Michael Mellinger | Goldfinger's assistant. |
| Mr. Ling | Burt Kwouk | A member of Goldfinger's team, an expert in karate. |
You Might Be Also Interested
- 2nd Bond Movie: From Russia With Love (1963) ← → 4th Bond Movie: Thunderball (1965);
- 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: Goldfinger (1964) – 3. bondovka.