After George Lazenby’s reputed arrogance cost him further involvement in the Bond series, Sean Connery was persuaded with provisions to return to the role that made him a global star in this 1971 entry into the series.
Opening with Bond out to avenge the recent death of his wife Tracy at the hands of Blofeld in ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE, the mission that he chooses to accept on this occasion is a diamond smuggling investigation that takes him from Amsterdam to Las Vegas and beyond, with help from Tiffany Case (Jill St. John), whilst Blofeld is out for world domination, this time played by Charles Gray (who played Henderson in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE and later appeared in the legendary cult classic film adaptation of the stage show THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975).
Although the climax is less spectacular than what came before in earlier Bonds, some humorous asides from Connery back in the comfort zone, coupled with two nasty civil partnered buddies in Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, out to kill anyone who lays hands on the diamonds and a terrific Vegas car chase (the highlight of the film), DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is a fair entry, with a cracking title song from Dame Shirley Bassey and a great score from Bond composer regular (until 1987) John Barry.