Goldfinger (1964)

The Cast Sean Connery (James Bond), Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore), Shirley Eaton (Jill Masterson), Harold Sakata (Oddjob), Gert Frobe (Auric Goldfinger)

The Supporting Cast Bernard Lee ("M"), Desmond Llewelyn ("Q"), Lois Maxwell (Moneypenny), Tania Mallet (Tilly Masterson), Cec Linder (Felix Leiter)

Credits Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman; Directed by Guy Hamilton; Screenplay by Richard Maibaum and Paul Dehn; Music by John Barry; Title Song performed by Shirley Bassey; Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley; Titles by Maurice Binder; Filmed on location in Miami, Switzerland, Kentucky and Pinewood Studios England. Edited by Peter Hunt; Running time 1 hour and 50 minutes

Review by Michael Kersey

When Goldfinger was released in 1964, it became an international phenomenon. The film was so successful it spawned countless games, merchandize, magazine covers (including LIFE), and imitators. Sean Connery became an international star, and 007 moved from cult following to mainstream hit status. Goldfinger also paved the way for future Bond films by nailing down what would become the essential Bond formula: a precredits sequence, titles and a title song, multiple exotic locations, cool gadgets, larger than life henchmen, villains with grandiose plans, jaw dropping stuntwork and of course, an abundance of beautiful women with provocative names.

The movie is loosely based on the book of the same name. In the film, 007 begins investigating Auric Goldfinger's connectoin to the North Korean Army, and a secret plan known only as Operation Grandslam. Everything, from beginning to end is the best. Excellent acting. Excellent directing. Excellent writing. Excellent pacing and editing. It would be hard to ask for much more.