The debate over what makes a Christmas movie is more contentious than one might expect. While titles like “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “Elf” are universally recognized as holiday staples, films like “Gremlins,” “Batman Returns,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” often spark discussions regarding their inclusion. Interestingly, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” a James Bond film, is frequently overlooked in this conversation, despite its claim to be a Christmas movie that offers high-energy holiday entertainment comparable to “Die Hard.”
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” which premiered on December 18, 1969, marks a significant moment in the Bond franchise for being the first film without Sean Connery in the lead role. George Lazenby takes over as 007, with the film directed by Peter Hunt, based on Ian Fleming’s novel. The film also stars Telly Savalas as the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld and Diana Rigg as Tracy Bond.
The film’s argument as a Christmas movie lies in its setting and themes. Much of the plot unfolds during the Christmas season, featuring snowy landscapes, ski resorts, and holiday markets. The Christmas motif is central to Blofeld’s villainous schemes, including a plot involving deadly gifts for his “angels of death.” Notably, Bond’s undercover efforts lead him into precarious situations surrounding Christmas, including thrilling chases that take place on Christmas Eve. A memorable moment occurs when Blofeld, after capturing Bond, is seen decorating a Christmas tree while cheerfully greeting, “Merry Christmas, 007.”
Family themes, often prevalent in holiday films, resonate throughout “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The film marks a pivotal point in Bond’s life as he falls in love with Tracy Draco and even marries her. Their budding romance, underscored by the song “We Have All the Time in the World,” intertwines family aspirations with the holiday spirit, culminating in a narrative about love and connection.
The film features a unique Christmas song, “Do You Know How Christmas Trees are Grown?”, which captures seasonal themes while further solidifying its Christmas credentials. This song, played during significant moments in the film, adds a distinct holiday flavor to the score.
Some critiques of the film’s Christmas status arise from the notion that not all events occur during the holiday season. However, it suffices to say that Christmas movies can embrace the spirit without strictly adhering to a calendar. Several widely-acknowledged Christmas films also forego a concentration of events on December 25th.
In conclusion, regardless of individual perspectives, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” offers enough festive elements, engaging storylines, and action-packed sequences to warrant its consideration as a Christmas movie. For those seeking an exciting departure from traditional holiday fare like “Die Hard,” this classic Bond film promises to be an entertaining addition to your December viewing list.
This analysis not only opens up the conversation about what constitutes a Christmas movie but also highlights the joy of finding unexpected holiday gems. Embracing diverse holiday narratives can enrich our viewing experiences and lead to unforgettable memories during the festive season.