10 Most Amusing Roger Moore Quotes as 007

Recent news is that the great British actor, Roger Moore, has sadly passed away at the age of 89 following a short battle with illness. One of the true legends of screen, he had many iconic roles after shooting to fame in the 1960’s in TV show ‘The Saint’.

But he is most well-known as super-spy James Bond in the 007 films and in particular for his many witty one-liners in the role. One thing you knew for sure when watching a Roger Moore Bond film, he would spend most of the time chasing women and cracking jokes while occasionally focusing on his mission!

His take on 007 wasn’t just about the action and espionage—it was the way he delivered each line, a mixture of wit and nonchalance, that truly defined his version of the character. This distinctive approach resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing Moore as a beloved figure in the Bond franchise. His quotes, often laced with humor and a dash of irony, have etched themselves into the hearts of film aficionados and casual viewers alike.

As we reminisce about Moore’s tenure as 007, it becomes clear that his influence goes far beyond the confines of the spy genre. He redefined what it meant to be James Bond, intertwining the classic spy persona with a charm that was uniquely his. His best quotes not only capture the essence of his Bond but also offer a glimpse into the wit and charisma of Roger Moore himself, a true legend of the cinema. Here’s ten of the best:

10 – “He always did have an inflated opinion of himself”

In 1973’s film ‘Live and Let Die’, Moore’s Bond found himself entering the world of Voodoo and up against villain Dr Kananga. While there are a few memorable moments in the film, such as his escape from being fed to some hungry crocodiles, this is one of the best quotes from it.

After tangling with Bond underwater in the final scenes of the film, Kananga swallows a compressed air pellet. Blowing up like a balloon before exploding, it leaves just enough time for Bond to utter this line.

09 – “Sheer Magnetism Darling”

This is a great quote as it combines Moore’s two favourite things as Bond, women and funny lines. This is from ‘Live and Let Die’ again and comes about when Bond is getting up close and personal with Miss Caruso. Using a gadget to unzip her dress through magnetic polarity thus keeping his hands free, she wonders how he did it. Thinking quick Bond says this.

08 – “Miss Anders, I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on”

1974’s ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ was the franchises nod to the East and martial arts. Involving a complicated plot based around a huge solar powered gun, Bond is up against villain Scaramanga. Most people remember this film for two things – Scaramanga’s very small henchman and the fact the villain has three nipples. But there is still time for some light-hearted humour as Bond slips this into conversation on seeing a previous conquest.

07 – “Well, I’m an early riser too”

Said during a conversation with the character Jenny Flex, this is another witty aside from Moore’s Bond. Taken from the 1985 film ‘A View to a Kill’, Bond spends most of his time battling psychotic maniac Max Zorin, superbly played by Christopher Walken. While staying undercover at Zorin’s huge mansion in France, he comes across the beautiful jockey Jenny Flex. Declaring she enjoys an early morning ride, Bond counters with the above.

06 – “Maybe I misjudged Stromberg, anyone who drinks a Dom Perignon ’52 can’t be all bad”

As well as women, the other thing Bond loved was a drink. But no Prosecco or Cava for him, this super-spy was raised to enjoy the finer things in life. As well as his most famous tipple of Vodka Martini, he had a penchant for expensive champagne as this line shows. Uttered in relation to the villain Stromberg in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, this is a throwaway line that still raises a laugh.

05 – “I discovered he had a crush on me”

Taken from the film ‘Moonraker’ this line is a reply to the arch-criminal of the piece Hugo Drax who has cooked up a dastardly plan to release nerve gas into Earth’s atmosphere while he hides out on a space station with his followers. When all is safe on Earth, Drax will return and start the human race again as he believes it should develop. With only Bond to stand in his way, Drax is keen to kill the spy off. One method he tries is setting a huge snake onto Bond which Bond defeats. Frustrated Drax asks “Why did you break up the encounter with my pet python?” to which Bond replies the above.

04 – “He had no head for heights”

One of my personal favourite Bond films is 1981’s ‘For Your Eyes Only’. The main plot is based around Bond tracking down a stolen missile command system while been caught in a war between two rival Greek businessmen. Set in and around Greece and Italy, it also weaves in themes of revenge due to the character of Melina Havelock. This line comes about after Bond kills the villain Locque by kicking his crashed car off the edge of a cliff.

03 – “A little restless but I got off eventually”

Another line from ‘A View to a Kill’, this comes about during Bonds eventful stay at villain Max Zorin’s French estate. Zorin’s sidekick is a martial arts expert called Mayday, played by the fantastic Grace Jones. After spending the night with her, Bond meets with Zorin in his office the next morning. On Zorin enquiring “You slept well?”, Bond comes back with this classic quote.

02 – “The thought had occurred to me”

Another ‘Moonraker’ line, this comes out of Bond and his ally, Dr Holly Goodhead (the name alone is almost worthy of its own entry here!) are trapped thousands of feet up in a cable car. Harassed by the famous villain Jaws, Bond ends up dangling off the end of the outside of the cable car. Worried for his safety, Dr Goodhead shouts “Hang on James!” to which Bond fires back this gag.

01 – “Speak or forever hold your piece”

Taken from ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, this particular scene involves gunsmith Lazar been interrogated by Bond, who needs information about villain Scaramanga. Fearful of reprisals, initially Lazar is unwilling to talk and notes to Bond “Mr. Bond, bullets do not kill. It is the finger that pulls the trigger.”, to which Bond replies “Exactly. I am now aiming precisely at your groin. So, speak or forever hold your piece.” Classic Bond, classic Moore and shows why the mix of biting wit and steel he brought to the role worked so well.

It is very sad news that Roger Moore has passed away and all our thoughts go to his family. At this time, maybe the best tribute we can pay is looking at his most famous role and how he used it to light up the screen for millions.

The Evolution of Roger Moore’s Bond Character

Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond brought a refreshing change to the character, infusing it with his unique brand of charm and humor. This evolution of Bond under Moore’s tenure was a significant shift from the previous interpretations and left a lasting impact on the franchise. Let’s explore how this transformation unfolded:

• Introduction of Humor: Moore’s Bond was markedly more humorous than his predecessors. His witty one-liners and light-hearted approach gave the films a more playful tone.
• Sophistication and Charm: He added a layer of sophistication and charm, making Bond more relatable and likable.
• Physical Comedy and Light-hearted Action: Unlike the intense action sequences of earlier Bonds, Moore’s films often included elements of physical comedy and more light-hearted action scenes.
• Interplay with Other Characters: Moore’s Bond had a different dynamic with other characters, often using humor to diffuse tense situations or to build relationships.

This shift in portrayal was not without its critics, but it undeniably broadened the appeal of the 007 series. Moore’s ability to balance the traditional spy persona with a more approachable and humorous character was instrumental in redefining the role for a new generation of fans. His interpretation brought a fresh perspective to the character, making it less about the stoic, unflappable spy and more about a relatable hero who could save the day with both a gun and a quip.

In summary, Roger Moore’s Bond was a pivotal point in the James Bond series, marking a transition to a more diverse portrayal of the character. His legacy lives on in the series, influencing how the character is perceived and portrayed to this day.

A Lasting Legacy of Wit and Charm

As we reach the conclusion of our tribute to Roger Moore’s portrayal of James Bond, it’s essential to reflect on the lasting impact he had on the 007 franchise and cinema at large. Moore’s interpretation of Bond brought a refreshing twist to the character, injecting a mix of dry wit and understated humor into the role. His performances in films like “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Octopussy” showcased a Bond who could defuse tense situations not just with a gadget or a chase but with a well-timed quip or a charismatic smirk.

Moore’s ability to balance the traditional elements of the Bond character – the action, the danger, and the intrigue – with a lighter, more approachable demeanor was nothing short of remarkable. This balance made his Bond not only a figure of aspiration but also one of endearment. His iconic lines, often delivered with a signature raised eyebrow and a knowing smile, have become ingrained in popular culture, continuing to resonate with Bond fans and movie lovers worldwide.

As we remember Moore’s contribution to the James Bond series, his quotes remind us of the actor’s unique ability to blend sophistication with humor, leaving an indelible mark on the character and on film history. His portrayal of 007 will forever be remembered for its wit, charm, and undeniable style – characteristics that have helped shape the Bond character for future actors and audiences alike.