Words: Harry Smith
James Bond’s glib remarks and pithy comebacks have captured the hearts and minds of the British public ever since Dr. No first graced our cinema screens in 1962. From the tête-à-têtes to the post-mortem puns, Bond’s wit is dryer than his vodka martinis. Yes, when it comes to bon mots, nobody does it better. These are some of 007’s coolest one-liners…
DR. NO
‘That’s a Smith & Wesson, and you’ve had your six.’
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
‘Red wine with fish… Well that should have told me something.’
GOLDFINGER
‘Shocking. Positively shocking.’
THUNDERBALL
‘What exactly do you do?’
Bond: ‘Oh, I travel… a sort of licensed troubleshooter’
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
‘Mouton Rothschild is a claret. And, I’ve smelled that aftershave before, and both times… I’ve smelled a rat.’
NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN
‘Oh, how reckless of me. I made you all wet.’
Bond: ‘Yes, but my martini is still dry. My name is James.’
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN
Bond: ‘Pistols at dawn; it’s a little old-fashioned, isn’t it?’
Scaramanga: ‘That it is. But it remains the only true test for gentlemen.’
Bond: ‘On that score, I doubt you qualify. However, I accept.’
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME
‘But James, I need you!’
Bond: ‘So does England!’
GOLDENEYE
‘Do you destroy every vehicle you get into?’
Bond: ‘Standard operating procedure. Boys with toys.’
CASINO ROYALE
‘Bond: Now the whole world will know that you died scratching my balls.’
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