Directed by
John Glen
Made by
United Artists
In the wake of the tragic sinking of the British reconnaissance vessel St Georges, which was carrying the sensitive Automatic Targeting Attack Communicator (ATAC) system, the Ministry of Defence faces a frantic race against time to recover this critical technology before it falls into enemy hands. The situation escalates as it becomes clear that the St Georges met its fate due to a freak accident involving an old naval mine in the Ionian Sea. With growing desperation, the British government turns to the esteemed marine archaeologist Sir Timothy Havelock (Carole Bouquet) to help locate the sunken ship. However, tragedy strikes when Havelock and his wife are brutally murdered on their yacht, the Triana, by a merciless Cuban hitman, Hector Gonzales. Their innocent daughter, Melina Havelock, witnesses the horrific scene and swears to take vengeance.
As high-ranking officials within the KGB become aware of the St Georges’ demise, they quickly inform their Greek connections. In response, MI6 agent James Bond (Roger Moore) is assigned by Sir Frederick Gray, the Minister of Defence, and Bill Tanner, MI6 Chief of Staff, to covertly enter Greece and secure the ATAC before it can be manipulated by Soviet forces. This device could potentially initiate strikes from the Royal Navy’s Polaris missile fleet, raising the stakes significantly.
Bond’s quest leads him to Spain, where he aims to uncover the true identity of Gonzales’s employer. During a surveillance operation at Gonzales’ villa, Bond is captured and left for dead. However, fortune smiles upon him when a crossbow bolt dispatched by an unknown ally saves him just in time. Outside, he reunites with Melina Havelock, who has been on the trail of her parents’ murderer. The duo manages to evade their pursuers and reach out to Q, who uses state-of-the-art technology to reveal that the shadowy figure funding Gonzales is Emile Leopold Locque.
Bond’s investigation takes him to Cortina, Italy, where he collaborates with Luigi Ferrara, a local contact who introduces him to Aris Kristatos, an influential Greek businessman and intelligence broker. Kristatos discloses that Locque operates under Milos Columbo, a notorious crime lord known as “the Dove” in the Greek underworld. This revelation sets Bond on a treacherous path, steering him toward uncovering the sinister conspiracy endangering global safety.
As the sun sinks over the bustling casino, Bond finds himself directly confronting Kristatos in their first encounter. Engaging in what seems to be an innocent discussion, Bond remains unaware that Columbo’s henchmen are covertly capturing every word. Tensions rise when Columbo and his enchanting mistress, Countess Lisl von Schlaf, quarrel, prompting Bond to gallantly offer Lisl a ride home in Kristatos’s sleek vehicle. Their chemistry flourishes during an enchanting drive through the moonlit scenery.
The next day, however, their romantic escapade is shattered when Lisl falls victim to a brutal attack by Locque, her life stolen away in a shower of bullets from his speeding beach buggy. This tragedy puts Bond in the crosshairs of Columbo’s henchmen, and he’s forced to confront the truth: Locque was originally hired by Kristatos, who is covertly collaborating with the KGB to retrieve the coveted ATAC system.
With this shocking information in mind, Bond allies with Columbo and his men for a daring raid on one of Kristatos’s opium-processing facilities in Albania. As they penetrate the heavily fortified site, Bond stumbles upon unsettling evidence hinting at the presence of naval mines that closely resemble those responsible for the sinking of the St Georges, casting doubt on the previous investigations.
The raid concludes with the warehouse in ruins, and Bond embarks on a mission to confront Locque. In a dramatic showdown, Bond forces Locque’s car off a cliff, making sure that his adversary meets a fitting end.
Reuniting with Melina, they manage to recover the ATAC system from the wreckage of the St Georges, but Kristatos cleverly anticipates their move, snatching the device away from them. As they skillfully evade an assassination attempt, they overhear Kristatos’s meeting location thanks to Melina’s alert parrot, which repeats the phrase “ATAC to St Cyril’s.”
Guided by Columbo, Bond and Melina infiltrate the remote mountaintop monastery of St Cyril’s. Bond skillfully climbs to confront Apostis, Kristatos’s loyal henchman, and dispatches him with ease. In the ensuing confrontation, Bond takes a decisive shot at Kriegler, striking him down with precision.
With the ATAC system now in their possession, Bond stops Melina from taking revenge on Kristatos, advising her to let justice take its course instead. Kristatos, ever the deceptive player, attempts to take out Bond with a hidden weapon, but Columbo steps in, swiftly eliminating him. Just as Gogol arrives by helicopter to retrieve the ATAC system, Bond thwarts him by tossing the device off the cliff, cleverly balancing the powers in play.
Finally, Bond and Melina savor a romantic evening aboard her father’s yacht as the sun sets. Meanwhile, Melina’s parrot discreetly takes a call from MI6, reminding them of the interconnectedness of their worlds, even amidst chaos.
Sinking of the St Georges
The British reconnaissance vessel, St Georges, tragically sinks in the Ionian Sea due to an accident involving an old naval mine. This incident triggers a frantic race against time as the British Ministry of Defence realizes that they could lose sensitive technology to enemy forces.
Call for Sir Timothy Havelock
In response to the sinking of the St Georges, the British government enlists the help of marine archaeologist Sir Timothy Havelock to locate the sunken vessel and recover the Automatic Targeting Attack Communicator (ATAC) system. This decision underscores the urgency of retrieving crucial military technology before it becomes a weapon for adversaries.
Murder of Havelock and His Wife
Tragedy strikes when Sir Timothy Havelock and his wife are brutally murdered by a Cuban hitman named Hector Gonzales while on their yacht, the Triana. Their daughter, Melina Havelock, witnesses the horrific act and vows to take vengeance against those responsible.
James Bond is Assigned
In light of the escalating situation, MI6 agent James Bond is assigned by the Minister of Defence, Sir Frederick Gray, to covertly enter Greece and recover the critical ATAC system. Bond understands the high stakes involved, as the device can enable devastating military strikes.
Investigation in Spain
While following leads, Bond travels to Spain to uncover the identity of Gonzales's employer. During a crucial surveillance operation, he is captured, only to be saved at the last moment by an unknown ally, leading him to cross paths with Melina Havelock.
Discovering Locque's Connection
After reuniting with Melina, Bond and she contact Q, who uses advanced technology to reveal that the shadowy figure funding Gonzales is Emile Leopold Locque. This new information steers Bond deeper into a web of espionage and conspiracy.
Finding Kristatos in Cortina
Bond travels to Cortina, Italy, where he meets local contact Luigi Ferrara. Through Ferrara, he is introduced to Aris Kristatos, an influential businessman who links Locque to Milos Columbo, a crime lord operating in the Greek underworld, deepening the mystery surrounding the ATAC system's whereabouts.
The Fatal Encounter with Lisl
Bond's encounter with Kristatos is interrupted when he offers a ride to Countess Lisl von Schlaf, igniting a romantic connection. Their evening takes a dark turn the next day when Lisl is murdered by Locque in a brutal attack, revealing the high stakes of the game they are playing.
Albanian Raid
Informed of Kristatos's true intentions, Bond allies with Columbo and his men for a daring raid on one of Kristatos's opium-processing facilities in Albania. During the mission, Bond discovers evidence of naval mines similar to those that sank the St Georges, raising further questions about the incident.
Confrontation with Locque
After a chaotic raid on the opium facility, Bond confronts Locque in a high-stakes showdown. In a moment of decisive action, Bond forces Locque's car off a cliff, ensuring that he cannot pose a threat any longer.
Recovering the ATAC
Reuniting with Melina, Bond successfully locates the ATAC system amidst the wreckage of the St Georges. However, their triumph is short-lived as Kristatos anticipates their move and snatches the device just as they are about to escape.
Infiltrating St Cyril's
Guided by Columbo, Bond and Melina infiltrate the mountaintop monastery of St Cyril's to confront Kristatos. Their mission involves overcoming armed henchmen and recovering the stolen ATAC system amidst the chaos.
The Final Showdown
In the climactic confrontation, Bond takes aim at Kriegler and eliminates him while also foiling Kristatos's plans. Just as Gogol arrives to claim the ATAC, Bond decisively throws the device off the cliff, thwarting the enemy's ambitions.
A Romantic Evening
Following their intense and dangerous escapades, Bond and Melina find solace in each other's company aboard her father's yacht. As they enjoy a romantic evening together, they reflect on the chaos that surrounded them, linking their fates in a world of espionage.
Sir Timothy Havelock
Sir Timothy Havelock is a renowned marine archaeologist enlisted to locate the sunken *St Georges*. His expertise and dedication highlight the importance of knowledge in the face of danger. His tragic murder serves as a catalyst for the plot, thrusting his daughter Melina into a quest for revenge.
James Bond
James Bond is a suave MI6 agent known for his charm and resourcefulness. Throughout the film, he navigates danger and deception while pursuing the critical ATAC system. His ability to balance charisma with lethal competence exemplifies the quintessential spy hero.
Melina Havelock
Melina Havelock is a strong and determined character, driven by the traumatic loss of her parents. Her quest for vengeance leads her to team up with Bond, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness. Throughout the film, she evolves from a victim to a proactive force in the fight against their enemies.
Hector Gonzales
Hector Gonzales is a ruthless Cuban hitman whose brutal actions set the film's events in motion. His character embodies the danger that threatens Bond and Melina, highlighting the threat posed by mercenaries in a world of espionage.
Time period
Cold War era
The movie takes place during the Cold War, a time marked by intense political tension and espionage between the Western allies and the Soviet Union. This period saw numerous covert operations and military advancements, making the retrieval of sensitive technology critical for national security. The events unfold against a backdrop of shifting alliances and treachery, highlighting the fragility of power during this tumultuous time.
Location
Ionian Sea, Greece, Spain, Cortina, Italy, Albania, St Cyril's
The Ionian Sea serves as the backdrop for the movie, known for its beautiful coastlines and historical significance. Greece, with its rich culture and turbulent political history during the Cold War, is central to the plot as MI6 races against time to secure a critical weapon system. Spain and Cortina provide glamorous settings for Bond's undercover operations, while Albania's rugged terrain presents the gritty challenges he faces. Lastly, the remote St Cyril's monastery signifies a climactic confrontation amid a world of espionage.
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Revenge
Revenge plays a significant role as Melina vows to avenge her parents' brutal murder. Her journey of vengeance parallels Bond's mission, intertwining personal loss with the larger stakes of global security. The theme emphasizes the moral complexities of seeking justice and the consequences that come with it.
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Espionage
Espionage is at the heart of the narrative as James Bond navigates a world filled with spies and double agents. The high-stakes game of intelligence gathering showcases the dangers of political manipulation and the lengths individuals will go to protect national interests. Bond's encounters with various characters illustrate the intricate web of loyalty and betrayal in undercover operations.
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Loss
The theme of loss is prevalent as both Bond and Melina face the consequences of violence and betrayal. Melina's tragic backstory drives her actions and fuels the narrative, illustrating how loss can motivate individuals to seek closure and justice. The emotional toll of their experiences adds depth to their characters and the unfolding drama.
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