The majority of fans believe that Sean Connery, the first and most enduring James Bond, is the best actor to have ever sported a tuxedo. And even though “Goldfinger” (1964) wasn’t the first Bond movie—it came after “Dr. No” in 1962 and “From Russia with Love” in 1963—many people think it’s the best in the seven-decade series.
“Goldfinger” established the model for the adored 007 spy thrillers, from the iconic theme song unforgettable sung by Shirley Bassey to the golden body of Shirley Easton, the gadget-filled Astin Martin DB5, and possibly the best-named Bond girl ever, Pussy Galore. When it was first made available, Derek Prouse of The Sunday Times praised its “superb engineering. It moves quickly, is hilariously absurd, and is thrilling.
So come and join us on Dec. 8 or Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. to watch the entertainingly ridiculous Agent 007 battle Auric Goldfinger and Oddjob once more. In the third Bond adventure, agent 007 (Sean Connery) confronts one of the most infamous villains of all time. He must now outwit and outgun the ruthless businessman to stop him from profiting from a cunning plan to raid Fort Knox and destroy the global economy.
We’re also excited to let you know that Dr. Jon Cavallero, a Bates Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies, will be there in person for the Saturday, December 10 showing to share even more information about this incredible 60-year franchise. “With introductions for each picture by [Cavallero], the series is equivalent to a mini-course in mid-century American filmmaking,” one audience member who attended the first Classic Film of the season said.
So remember to mark “Dr. Strangelove” on January 12 and 14; “Charade” on February 9 and 11; “Manchurian Candidate” on March 9 and 11; and “The Graduate” on April 13 and 15 as you open your 2023 calendars.
