The Spy Who Loved Me

Dir. Lewis Gilbert. 1977, 125 mins. 4K DCP. With Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, Curt Jürgens, Richard Kiel, Caroline Munro. With a few exceptions, previous James Bond films were the domain of fall and winter, whereas The Spy Who Loved Me, riding the industry-redefining wave created by Jaws, brought Bond to summertime—where he would loyally reside every two years through the Timothy Dalton era. The Jaws echoes don’t stop there: the film’s giant steel-toothed villain (Kiel) is also named Jaws, and its denouement takes place in a shark tank. Such details speak to a lighter, more playful tone that suited Moore (who considered this film his best as Bond) and distinguished his take on the character from the more brooding Sean Connery. Jürgens plays Karl Stromberg, the latest fiendish mastermind with a plot to conquer the world, while Bach plays Anya Amasova, the latest leggy frenemy spy with benefits. Theme song “Nobody Does It Better,” sung by Carly Simon, was nominated for an Academy Award, while the well-traveled Marvin Hamlisch provides a suitably groovier score subbing for usual composer John Barry. (Released August 3, 1977)    

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.