'RED WINE WITH FISH ... WELL, THAT SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME SOMETHING.' (From Russia With Love) The best manifestation of Bond's incorrigible arrogance, and a line that sums up Fleming's creation perfectly.
Despite finding himself on his knees, with the barrel of Robert Shaw's gun pointed at his head, Connery still finds time to point out one of the great 1960s culinary no-nos, unmasking the KGB agent from his masquerade as an English gent. There ensues
one of the best, and most brutal fights in Bond history. Typical 007 – a ready quip, followed by unrelenting action.
'THAT'S A NICE LITTLE NOTHING YOU'RE ALMOST WEARING. I APPROVE.' (Diamonds Are Forever) Rogueish, perhaps. Sexist, most definitely. Yet Bond's assessment of a female character's attire lingers in the memory.
'I THOUGHT CHRISTMAS ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR.' (The World Is Not Enough) It was the first sign that Pierce Brosnan's incarnation was bound to follow Roger Moore into camp gadgetry-laden hell, but this pun deserves inclusion for its unashamed naffness. The Bond girl's name is Dr Christmas Jones. Do you see what they did there?
'THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO THE OTHER FELLA!' (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) George Lazenby's opening gambit upon taking over the franchise from Connery ought to send shivers down the spine, but given the task of stepping into Connery's shoes, his first line of dialogue makes it clear he is a very different 007 to his predecessor.
'NOW THE WHOLE WORLD'S GONNA KNOW THAT YOU DIED SCRATCHING MY BALLS!' (Casino Royale) There can be no better example of Daniel Craig's brusque reboot of the series than this line. His is a Bond with sharper edges, unafraid to dispense with courtesy as and when required.
• Our thanks to Martyn for NOT choosing the rude and cheesy pay-off lines from Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me
The full article contains 318 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
