Bond must find the missing "Solex Agitator," a device that will harness the sun's radiation and give awesome power to whomever possesses it. But, also vying for the prize is Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee), a world-class assassin who brandishes a distinctive golden gun. When 007 discovers he is to be Scaramanga's next target, he is hurled into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, continuing the search as he evades the killer on his trail. Bond must also contend with Scaramanga's exotic lover Andrea Anders (Maud Adams), and Nick Nack (Herve Villechaize), whose small size belies his lethal abilities. Even as 007 enlists the aid of sensuous Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland), he must overcome ferocious odds to survive an explosive showdown on Scaramanga's remote island.
With a riveting boat pursuit, a wild automobile chase through Bangkok and Bond's stunning confrontation against an entire martial arts school, The Man With The Golden Gun delivers pull-out-the stops excitement!

Trivia

Title role originally offered to Jack Palance, but was eventually played by Christopher Lee. Lee is author Ian Fleming's cousin. See also Dr. No (1962).

Britt Ekland auditioned for the role of Scaramanga's mistress, but director Hamilton, Guy offered her the role of Mary Goodnight after seeing her in a bikini.

J W Pepper (Clifton James) is a sheriff from Louisiana that James Bond met in Live and Let Die (1973). While chasing Scaramanga, Bond teams up with Pepper, who is on holidays in Thailand.

The spiral "Javelin Jump" was inspired from an American Motors Corporation promotional tour which was running around the time the movie was made. The jump was performed by a modified 1974 Hornet X: special suspension, a six cylinder engine (for reduced  weight), centered steering wheel, and a special fuel system to stop the car stalling when turning over. During AMC's promotional tour, they had a few mishaps (including a roof landing when the car stalled on approach to the ramp), but the stunt that appeared in the film was done on the first take. A group of university students came up with the original idea, and used a computer to calculate the necessary environment. Although the bridge halves look dilapidated, they were constructed to these exacting specifications. The stunt car had to approach the ramp at right-angles, do a sharp turn, and then hit the ramp at a predetermined speed.

First 007 movie to be shown at the Kremlin.

The last 007 movie co-produced by Harry Saltzman. Following many creative differences, he sold his 50% share in the Bond franchise to United Artists.

Unlike the previous four Bond movies, it is not filmed in Panavision.  Instead, it is shot in the flat aspect ratio of 1.66:1.

Theme

© 1974 Danjaq S.A. & United Artists Corporation
Music by John Barry
Lyrics by Don Black
Sung by Lulu

He has a powerful weapon
He charges a million a shot,
An assassin that's second to none,
The man with the golden gun.

Lurking in some darkened doorway,
Or crouched on a roof top somewhere,
In the next room, or this very one
The man with the golden gun.

Love is required whenever he's hired,
It comes just before the kill.
No-one can catch him, no hit man can match him
For his million dollar skill.

One golden shot means another poor victim,
Has come to a glittering end,
For a price, he'll erase anyone
The man with the golden gun.

His eye may be on you or me.
Who will he bang?
We shall see. Oh yeah!

Love is required whenever he's hired,
It comes just before the kill.
No-one can catch him, no hit man can match him
For his million dollar skill.

One golden shot means another poor victim,
Has come to a glittering end,
If you want to get rid of someone,
The man with the golden gun
Will get it done
He'll shoot anyone
With his golden gun.
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