Smugglers are out to capture the world's glittering diamond market, and
Bond, using fast cars, jets, helicopters and moon machines, is out to stop
them. Seductive smuggler Tiffany Case (Jill St. John) does her best to
keep 007 "on top of things" in a bridal-suite water bed filled with tropical
fish. And from his luxurious Las Vegas hotel penthouse, millionaire recluse Willard Whyte
(Jimmy Dean) adds a new piece to the puzzle when he reveals his sinister identity and evil
purpose.
Scripted by Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz, Diamonds Are Forever
is a fast-paced thrill ride of action, adventure and -- of course -- romance.
Academy Awardr-winning cinematographer, Ted Moore (A Man For All
Seasons, 1966) expertly films the movie's explosive and fiery climax.
Trivia
After the failure of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969),
EON was desperate to get Sean Connery back to save the series. When he
refused, the producers considered Roger Moore, then Timothy Dalton before
unexpectedly signing an unknown American actor John Gavin. UA chief,
David V. Picker, was not impressed with the choice of Gavin and the order
went out to get Connery at any price. Connery was finally lured back with
an unprecedented deal making him the highest paid actor to date. The final
contract involved Connery getting $1.25 million up front, 12.5% of the
gross and a commitment from UA to finance two non-Bond films of Connery's
choice. Connery later donated his fee to the Scottish International Trust.
Lana Wood's voice was dubbed.
Actresses considered for the role of Tiffany Case included: Raquel Welch,
Jane Fonda and Faye Dunaway. Jill St. John had originally been offered
the part of Plenty O'Toole but landed the female lead after impressing
the director Hamilton, Guy during screen tests. St. John becomes the first
American Bond girl.
The original plot had Gert Fröbe returning as Auric Goldfinger
(1964)'s twin and seeking revenge for the death of his brother.
The death of Bond's wife Tracy was originally planned for the opening
sequence of Diamonds Are Forever (1971), but was later added to
the end of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) to "tidy up loose
ends".
Upon release, this film broke Hollywood's three day gross record.
Willard Whyte is obviously based on Howard Hughes. Hughes, however,
played a more substantial role behind the scenes allowing EON to film inside
his casinos and at his other properties. His fee was reputed to be one
16mm print of the film.
This was the last Bond movie by Eon to use SPECTRE or Blofeld. Afterwards,
writer Kevin McClory won his legal claim against the Fleming estate that
he, not Ian Fleming, had created the organization for the novel Thunderball.
Blofeld is seen but not identified
later in For Your Eyes Only (1981), as Eon arrangements with
the Fleming estate do not permit them to use McClory's works.
Theme
© 1971 Danjaq S.A. & United Artists Corporation
Music by John Barry
Lyrics by Don Black
Sung by Shirley Bassey
Diamonds are forever,
They are all I need to please me,
They can stimulate and tease me,
They won't leave in the night,
I've no fear that they might desert me.
Diamonds are forever,
Hold one up and then caress it,
Touch it, stroke it and undress it,
I can see every part,
Nothing hides in the heart to hurt me.
I don't need love,
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll luster on.
Diamonds are forever,
Sparkling round my little finger.
Unlike men, the diamonds linger;
Men are mere mortals who
Are not worth going to your grave for.
I don't need love,
For what good will love do me?
Diamonds never lie to me,
For when love's gone,
They'll luster on.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Diamonds are forever, forever, forever.
Forever and ever.
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