James Bond in review - From Russia With Love (Terence Young, 1963)

"Take it easy '07. My escape route's only for one!"

After President Kennedy confirmed From Russia With Love among his top ten reads, producers Broccoli and Saltzman decided to follow the successful Dr No with an adaptation of Fleming's 5th Bond novel. Remarked by Connery himself as high on intrigue and light on technology and gadgetry, From Russia is perhaps the greatest Bond film in the series to date. Though many would disagree, opting instead for the following film Goldfinger, it is arguably with the second Bond adventure that plot and characterisation gel so effectively without the necessity of having grandiose set pieces and ridiculous names that serve humourous purposes.

Bond and Tatiana meet and soon get to know each other very well, oblivious to the fact that they are being watched by Grant and Klebb

The plot is intricately woven and the actors play their characters to perfection with absolute conviction - yes, I'm talking about Robert Shaw's unbeatable Bond baddie Donald Grant. Connery is on brilliant form in his first three Bond films in particular but he clearly relished making this film and it shows on screen. It couldn't have been too bad a shoot to have the creator himself, Mr Fleming, on set to give Connery the seal of approval and to offer his advice on adapting his novel for the screen. Connery appreciated the intricate plot and having Bond rely on instincts rather than gadgetry, a move that the producers seem just as happy to develop with the recent 'it could actually happen' ethos of the Daniel Craig Bonds.

The greatest Bond face-off with Robert Shaw's deliciously evil Red Grant on the Orient Express

Everything is close to perfection here. Peter Hunt's editing is incredible and in certain scenes that need no introduction (look at the image above), groundbreaking. John Barry gives us the pleasure of the alternative 007 Theme for the first time; his dynamic and versatile score lending the film musical class and furthermore enhancing the viewing pleasure. Terence Young returns to the director's chair and remains the best and most able Bond director the series has seen so far and series stalwart Desmond Llewellyn gives birth to the gadget master Q that he will continue to play for a further 16 films in the series. Add to this intoxicating mix the first pre-credits teaser sequence that has become a motif of the series ever since and Robert Brownjohn's brilliant titles screened over the undulating bodies of belly dancers and you have a Bond film that stands the test of time and makes for one of the most intriguing stories in the series.

James Bond will return.....

The second James Bond gun barrel in sparkly HD