“The name is Bond...James Bond.” One of the most famous lines ever spoken in a movie by a character acclaimed and adored by crowds as the most charismatic character of the 20th century- James Bond! According to the James Bond historian, James Chapman, one quarter of the world's population has seen at least one Bond film.

The James Bond movie is indeed a cinematic phenomenon the likes of which have never been seen in the one hundred years plus history of movies. The first Bond movie Dr. No was launched in 1962 and its charm and appeal continue unabated around the world, even after forty-plus years and twenty-plus movies. Some critics have described these movies as sexist, and racist, snobbish, violent, voyeuristic, and glossy, glorified showpieces of mere gadgetry and gimmickry. But the movies continue to score thumpingly at the box-office. Indeed, many have written articles and books discussing these issues, but the common man and woman have elevated the James Bond movie to a cinematic icon of the modern era.

The James Bond phenomenon, truly British in concept and content, was born at a moment in British history during a period of cultural and social upheaval-the 1960s-which also witnessed sexual liberation in the United Kingdom. It was also called The Swinging Sixties and the atmosphere was filled with music and dance, fashion, food, and sex. And movies, glorifying them all. The James Bond movies came at the right time with the right contents for the right folks! No wonder they were so successful and continue to be so to this day when yet another James Bond movie is in the works.

When Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels during 1950s he never dreamt that his books would be taken as a serious phenomenon, ushering in a new world culture. “I have no messages for suffering humanity... they [the novels] are written for warm-blooded heterosexuals in trains, plains or, in bed”, Fleming commented about his work.

One does not have to be a Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot to decipher the names of his female characters and their sexist slant! A few examples... ‘Miss Pussy Galore’... ‘Kissei Suzuki’... ‘Holly Goodhead’… and a movie titled Octopussy!

Ian Fleming in his first novel described James Bond in the following manner... “6’2” tall, 167 pounds, slim build, blue eyes, black hair, scar down right cheek, straight nose, cruel mouth, firm jawline, flecks of grey hair, tanned. For the role, an English accent, humor, athleticism and acting ability are all a plus. I should think the actor should also be someone heard of outside the UK. Just because the guy is a TV star in England, it won’t help ticket sales in US if no one there has ever seen him.”

Surprisingly, Fleming was not in favor of casting Sean Connery because he felt that this unknown Scottish actor would not suit the role as visualized by him! Indeed, Fleming had Cary Grant in view when he wrote the character. Not many are aware that the celebrated Hollywood star was approached by the producers, but he rejected the role for he felt that he was too old to do justice to such a physically demanding character. Others who were considered included Rex Harrison, and surprisingly, Roger Moore!

And in 1962, the Scottish actor, Sean Connery set the screen on fire for ever as the first Secret Agent 007. The first movie Dr. No (1962), was a major box-office hit around the world and introduced the James Bond phenomenon. The great success of the two movies of 1964, Goldfinger and From Russia With Love established Sean Connery as the James Bond. He became an international icon with his sex appeal and charisma.

In all, Connery appeared in six Bond movies, the others being Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He also appeared in the unofficial Thunderball remake, Never Say Never Again (1983).

With the incredible success, Sean Connery grew in status and stature to reach the top of the heap in Hollywood, and came to be equated with the likes of all time greats, James Stewart, James Cagney, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant, and Spencer Tracy. Non-Bondish roles of the serious kind came seeking Connery and he bade goodbye to James Bond in 1983.

After Connery’s exit, four other actors have had the honor of stepping into his shoes, an Australian, two Britishers, and an Irishman.

George Lazenby, the Australian, played Bond only once in the film On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The third was Roger Moore who was enormously successful and popular. He took his bow as James Bond in Live And Let Die (1973). It has been said that Moore’s portrayal is closer to Ian Fleming’s original concept of Bond as a disenfranchised member of the British Establishment, than Connery’s more rough-and-tumble Bond.

Moore and Connery are the only 007 agents to have starred in seven Bond films each.

Moore’s other James Bond films are The Man With The Golden Gun (1974)… The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)… Moonraker (1979)…For Your Eyes Only (1981)… Octopussy (1983), and A View To A Kill (1985).

Among those considered replacing Moore were Mel Gibson, Tom Selleck and Don Johnson.

The choice however fell on Timothy Dalton, the North Wales born stage star of British, Italian, and Irish ancestry. He won the role in 1986, and took over as Bond twice in The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence To Kill (1989).

Not many are aware that the handsome Irish actor, Pierce Brosnan would have taken over the role after Moore if he had he not been committed to a TV contract of the hit series Remington Steele. He became James Bond in Goldeneye (1995), followed by Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day. The success of these movies made him one of the most successful 007 agents to occupy the big screen.

Brosnan, like Sean Connery moved to more serious roles in which he was successful. As an actor of talent he felt that James Bond was restricting his artistic urges and he decided to get out of that mold. When the next Bond movie was planned the producers brought much pressure on him to sign on the dotted line once more. There was considerable speculation and all that he might even yield to the pressure. However, Brosnan stood firm and waved goodbye to James Bond.

In 1967 when Fleming's book Casino Royale was filmed by Columbia Pictures with the inimitable moviemaker John Huston directing it, the movie had an impressively stunning cast with Peter Sellers, David Niven, Orson Welles, Woody Allen, Deborah Kerr, William Holden, Charles Boyer, Ursula Andress, George Raft, and John Huston. However, this movie was actually a spoof on James Bond and hence it is not considered as part of the Bond Movie Series.

In it there were quite a few Bonds including a woman (Ursula Andress!). David Niven was Sir James Bond! And there was also a character named ‘Mata Bond’ after the famous female spy 'Mata Hari' made immortal on screen by the great Greta Garbo.

Who will be the next James Bond? Many names are in the air including the son of Roger Moore!

Many think that there has been only one James Bond and that is Sean Connery. However, the producers of the film are hoping to find the new Bond! Best of luck to them!