Goldfinger

Goldfinger is rated PG:

Released in 1964, Goldfinger soon became one of the most iconic films from the 1960s, and defined the action/spy genre for decades to come. Starring Sean Connery as James Bond, the suave and sophisticated British operative is given the charge to save the world from Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), a madman who is determined to horde the world's most precious metal, including the holdings of Fort Knox.

Of course, our hero can't do the job himself and (of course) his partner will need to be female. Falling for the agent this time is the notoriously named Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) who has her own reasons for wanting Goldfinger. Together they travel to the United States while dodging additional obstacles, such as the deadly sharp-edged bowler hat of Oddjob (Harold Sakata).

Car chases, gunfights (including a major battle that has to have resulted in dozens of casualties), and hand-to-hand combat occur frequently throughout this action film. However, violence is far from explicit, especially when compared to contemporary standards. A bathtub electrocution is somewhat disturbing and a murdered female is seen lying naked on her stomach, with her body covered in gold paint (one of the movie's most famous images).

Sixties sexuality is here in abundance, with Bond having implied sexual encounters with at least two women. Other scenes have females in various states of undress, although (other than the aforementioned corpse) no nudity is shown. Drinking and smoking by virtually all characters are portrayed and a verbal reference to heroin is heard.

Even with its PG MPAA rating (which was applied in 1994), Goldfinger may not quite shine for many families. Yet, if you are looking for a Bond film that illustrates the distinctive style of the famous 007 that you can share with older teens, this might be as good as it gets. If nothing else, it's great fun to check out the groovy gadgets and state-of-the-art electronics of the day -- including an in-car satellite-positioning device long before anyone knew the meaning of GPS.

Studio: 1964 MGM/UA Home Entertainment.

One of the most memorable James Bond outings, Goldfinger pits the super-spy against a madman who wants all the gold in the world. Frequent car chases, gunfights and physical confrontations are included. A character is electrocuted in a bathtub. A woman is killed and her body is covered in gold paint (seen naked from behind). Tires are slashed on a car, causing it to drive off the road. Another car crashes after hitting an oil slick. A man is threatened with being cut in half with a laser beam, and is later shot with a tranquilizer. A military base is sprayed with a chemical that leaves the population unconscious. A car is crushed while a presumably unconscious man is inside (no details seen). In addition to the gold-covered naked corpse, a woman is shown coming out of a shower wrapped in a towel (naked upper back is seen). A woman in underwear and a man without a shirt are also seen. Sexual relations are implied on two occasions. Some mild sexual innuendo is heard and a character’s name is a double-entendre. Smoking and drinking are portrayed as luxurious activities and a verbal reference to heroin is heard.

What do you think accounts for the enduring popularity of the James Bond franchise? Why do these films, and others in the action genre, concentrate on the fate of the main characters while overlooking the loss of human life and the cost of property damage that occur in their wake?

Agent 007 films we been played by various actors over the years. Check out Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond in Die Another Day, The World Is Not Enough and Tomorrow Never Dies, and Daniel Craig’s in Casino Royale, and Quantum of Solace.

DVD Release Date: 6 February 2007

Goldfinger touches the home video market with this Special Edition DVD. Along with the classic movie, the disc also contains audio commentaries with director Guy Hamilton, and the cast and crew. There are two documentaries (The Making of Goldfinger and The Goldfinger Phenomenon), a featurette about the film’s original publicity, as well as original theatrical trailer, television and radio spots, and radio interviews with Sean Connery. As an added bonus the package includes a behind-the-scenes still gallery and a collectible making-of booklet. Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 1.0 (English and French), with subtitles in English and French.

Blu-ray Release: 21 October 2008

Various James Bond films have been restored and re-mastered for release to Blu-ray disc. Fans of the franchise should look for Dr. No, Die Another Day, Live and Let Live, For Your Eyes Only, From Russia With Love, and Thunderball.