In the build up to the release of the new James Bond film “Skyfall” in October, and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, Radio Times this week has a feature and poll asking cinema and celluloid pundits and readers the perennial question “Who is the best James Bond?”

This question has raged since 1973 when Roger Moore took over from Sean Connery in the prestigious role in “Live and Let Die”. Roger Moore was “my James Bond”, just as Jon Pertwee was my Dr Who, but unquestionably the best Bond for me was Sean Connery. He had the required animal magnetism, charisma, rugged good looks and could deliver a one line quip with all the dryness of the Sahara Desert.

The James Bonds that followed Sean Connery all seemed strangely plastic and pre-fabricated in comparison to Sean Connery, never more so than the ill fated George Lazenby, who’s one outing as Bond in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” ended in the death of his new bride ( “How careless of you, Mr Bond!!” ). A married James Bond was a fundamental schoolboy error by Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, as it went completely against the grain of the persona of the philandering batchelor secret agent. The problems were further exacerbated by the wooden acting of George Lazenby and the fact that the film as a whole departed completely from the winning formula; it felt like the soppy, sentimental, romantic plot had been written by Mills and Boon!!

We can forgive Roger Moore his lack of acting prowess, as charm and charisma carried him through seven films, although after the first three “Live and Let Die”, “Man with the Golden Gun” and “The Spy Who Loved Me”, the films that followed became increasingly more camp and kitsch!! Somewhat ironically the limited actor Roger Moore was succeeded in the role by the classically trained RSC thespian, Timothy Dalton, but he never seemed totally comfortable in the role of tough guy, bringing a more sensitive side to James Bond. Pierce Brosnan looked the part, but for me whilst talking the talk, didn’t walk the walk. The current incumbent Daniel Craig is the closest to Sean Connery in terms of rugged machismo and ruthless animalistic charisma, but lack’s the original Bond’s cheeky charm and dry humour.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, here are MyFirstRecord.co.uk “Best Bond Bits” –

BEST JAMES BOND – Sean Connery

BEST BOND VILLAIN – Donald Pleasance as Blofeld in “You Only Live Twice”

BEST BOND VILLAIN SIDEKICK – Oddjob, assistant to Gert Frobe’s Goldfinger

BEST BOND GIRL – Jane Seymour as Solitaire in “Live & Let Die”

BEST BOND CAR – Aston Martin DB5 in “Goldfinger” & “Thunderball”

BEST BOND THEME SONG – Shirley Bassey’ “Diamonds are Forever” & Paul McCartney & Wings’ “Live & Let Die”

Which is your favourite James Bond and why? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate the landmark of the 50th Anniversary of the first James Bond film “Dr No”, by immortalising the institution of 007  in your own home or office, by ordering your favourite Bond film theme, whether it be Tom Jones’ “Thunderball”, Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” or Duran Duran’s “A View To A Kill” in a vinyl single format; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved 007 plaque……

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Also available – the DVD of your favourite James Bond film, framed with a personalised  engraved plaque……. ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records and DVDs with a personalised plaque, make a unique present or original gift for a special celebration  ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!