The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Introduction

The Spy Who Loved Me is the tenth official James Bond film produced by Eon Productions and marks a major turning point for the franchise. Released after the underwhelming performance of The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), this 1977 entry was designed as a return to epic scale, exotic spectacle, and iconic Bond hallmarks.

With Roger Moore now firmly established in the role of James Bond, this film fully embraces his suave, humorous interpretation while reinforcing the grandeur, globe-trotting intrigue, and larger-than-life villainy that had made the series famous. Importantly, it is the first Bond film solely produced by Albert R. Broccoli, following Harry Saltzman's departure from Eon Productions.

Critically and commercially successful, The Spy Who Loved Me is often ranked among the top-tier Bond films and helped reinvigorate the series for a new generation.

Plot Summary

British and Soviet nuclear submarines are mysteriously disappearing, without leaving a trace. Both MI6 and the KGB assign their top agents to investigate. For Britain, it’s James Bond (007). For the Soviets, it’s Major Anya Amasova, also known as Agent Triple X.

The trail leads Bond from Egypt to Sardinia, where he discovers that shipping magnate Karl Stromberg is behind the submarine hijackings. Stromberg plans to trigger a global nuclear war by using the stolen submarines to destroy Moscow and New York. From the ashes, he intends to create a new undersea civilization.

Bond and Amasova are forced to work together, despite personal tensions — especially when Anya learns that Bond was responsible for the death of her lover during an earlier mission. Their partnership evolves from rivalry to mutual respect and romance as they infiltrate Stromberg’s sea base, Atlantis, and attempt to stop his apocalyptic scheme.

Cast and Characters

Roger Moore as James Bond

Roger Moore gives what is widely considered his definitive performance as 007. In contrast to his darker portrayal in The Man with the Golden Gun, Moore here balances charm, humour, and heroism with perfect poise. His Bond is confident, capable, and effortlessly elegant, firmly establishing his own identity separate from Sean Connery.

Barbara Bach as Major Anya Amasova / Agent Triple X

Barbara Bach plays a strong female lead and Bond’s equal in many respects. Anya Amasova is intelligent, resourceful, and assertive — a rare match for Bond in terms of skill and screen presence. While her character eventually becomes a love interest, she remains one of the more empowered and capable Bond women of the era.

Curt Jürgens as Karl Stromberg

Stromberg is a megalomaniac with a disdain for humanity and a fixation on the sea. Though not as iconic as Goldfinger or Blofeld, Stromberg’s vision of global reset through nuclear annihilation reflects Cold War anxieties of the time. Curt Jürgens gives a solid, if subdued, performance as the villain, with menace delivered through calm authority rather than physicality.

Richard Kiel as Jaws

Perhaps the most memorable henchman in the entire Bond series, Jaws is a towering, silent assassin with metal teeth capable of biting through almost anything. Richard Kiel’s physical presence and stoic demeanour make Jaws both terrifying and oddly endearing. His repeated (and improbable) survivals added a near-mythical quality and led to his return in the next film, Moonraker (1979).

Direction and Production

Directed by Lewis Gilbert (who also directed You Only Live Twice), the film embraces a big-budget, high-concept style. This includes massive sets, extravagant action scenes, and exotic locations — key traits that would become central to future Bond outings.

Production designer Ken Adam created some of the most ambitious sets in franchise history, particularly the super tanker interior where captured submarines are held. This enormous structure was built on a specially constructed soundstage (007 Stage at Pinewood Studios), setting a new standard for scale in the Bond series.

The film was shot on location in Egypt, Sardinia, Scotland, and the Bahamas, using real-world backdrops to enhance its globetrotting feel.

Action and Set Pieces

Pre-title Ski Jump

The film opens with one of the most iconic stunts in cinema history: Bond skis off a mountain cliff and opens a parachute emblazoned with the Union Jack. The stunt, performed by Rick Sylvester, was unprecedented at the time and set a new bar for Bond openers.

Underwater Lotus Esprit

One of Bond’s most famous gadgets, the Lotus Esprit doubles as a submarine. This chase sequence, where the car drives off a pier into the ocean and becomes an aquatic vehicle, remains a hallmark of 1970s spy fantasy.

Super Tanker Battle

The climactic battle aboard Stromberg’s super tanker involves dozens of naval personnel and enemies in a large-scale shootout. It is one of the most ambitious action sequences in the series and showcases the franchise’s penchant for practical effects and large-scale combat.

Themes and Tone

Cold War Paranoia

The film reflects real-world tensions between East and West, but frames them through a narrative of cooperation and mutual survival. The unlikely partnership between British and Soviet agents adds a diplomatic subtext, suggesting that even superpowers must unite against common existential threats.

Romance and Rivalry

The evolving relationship between Bond and Anya adds emotional depth not often seen in the series. The tension created by her knowledge of Bond’s role in her lover’s death introduces rare dramatic stakes, elevating the narrative above mere spectacle.

Apocalyptic Villainy

Stromberg’s plan to start a nuclear war and rebuild civilization under the sea fits the era’s fascination with destruction and rebirth. While his motives are thinly drawn, the concept resonates with 1970s environmentalism and anxieties about overpopulation, pollution, and war.

Music and Score

Marvin Hamlisch stepped in for long-time composer John Barry and provided a disco-influenced score that reflected the musical trends of the late 1970s. The soundtrack incorporates funk, synth, and orchestral elements in a way that feels modern for its time.

The theme song, “Nobody Does It Better” performed by Carly Simon, became a massive hit and remains one of the most celebrated Bond songs. Its blend of romance and admiration subtly praises the Bond character while functioning as a standalone ballad.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, The Spy Who Loved Me was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $185 million worldwide, significantly outperforming its predecessor. Critics praised its return to form, with particular commendation for its scale, direction, action, and Moore’s performance.

It revitalized interest in the franchise, re-establishing Bond as a global box office powerhouse and paving the way for more extravagant entries to follow. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards (Art Direction, Score, and Song) and is often cited among the top five Bond films by fans and critics alike.

The 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios, built specifically for this film, became a cornerstone of Bond production and has been used for numerous blockbusters since.

Conclusion

The Spy Who Loved Me represents a creative peak for the James Bond franchise in the 1970s. It combines grand spectacle with espionage intrigue, memorable characters, iconic set pieces, and a near-perfect embodiment of the Bond formula. Roger Moore finds his stride in the role, the film introduces one of the series’ greatest henchmen, and its blend of romance, politics, and action is skilfully executed.

Though the villain lacks some charisma and the plot follows a familiar pattern, the execution is so strong that these flaws are easily overlooked. The film helped secure the longevity of the Bond brand and remains a fan favourite.