Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or, How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours and 11 Minutes

A comedy about the early years of aviation.

Pioneers of flight from all over the world come together in England to participate in an air race from London to Paris. Like any classic 1960s comedy, it exploits ever single country cliche imaginable but - also like any classic 1960s comedy - does this in the most charming manner.

The main players are a dashingly handsome - if slightly dorky - Englishman, a daredevil American (the two also vying for the same lady as well as the prize money), a group of German military men (doing everything by the book, of course), a happy-go-lucky Frenchman, a conniving Englishman (manipulating everything and everyone whenever possible), a mysterious Japanese, an Italian with his entire overly emotional family as well as some bit players.

Have seen this forever ago and it still makes me chuckle throughout. Gert Fröbe in a bathing costume is quite the sight.

7/10

Goldfinger

Goldfinger marks the first Bond film in which a renowned artist sings the so-called Bond theme. The wonderful Shirley Bassey eventually sang three Bond themes, this one probably being my favorite.

It also marks a rather unfortunate beginning for 007 himself. First, he wears a onesie, then he shows off some back hair (ew!) and he gets his lover killed. She looks very pretty when dead, of course, covered all in gold. This also started the believe that a body covered in gold dies from 'epidermal suffocation' unless you leave a patch of skin on the neck uncovered. Whereas it is possible for toxins or bacteria could enter the body through the skin pores and can lead to injury and in the worst case death, it is highly unlikely to happen in the manner depicted. But it does look pretty.

We also have the first villain played by a respected character actor, making bond villain quite an interesting gig. The late Gert Fröbe plays Auric Goldfinger, aided by his henchman/bodyguard Oddjob (and his murderous hat!). The Bond girl in this has the to date most ridiculous name (and still the legendary one) - Pussy Galore.

And on top of it all, Goldfinger also features another well-remembered scene - Bond gets straped to a table and a laser threatens to cut him in half - you know the one I am talking about. Q also gave James Bond a pimped up car to play with (and ruin).

For all the above, this remains one of the highlights of the series and one of the best Bond films to date.

9/10