Dr. No: 12 Behind-the-Scenes Images from the Original James Bond 007 Movie

      Dr. No, the inaugural James Bond film featuring Sean Connery as Agent 007, premiered on May 8, 1963. As we anticipate the next actor to portray Bond, let’s revisit some memorable photographs.

      Welcome to Jamaica

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Dr. No was not the first of Ian Fleming’s novels featuring James Bond— that distinction belongs to 1953’s Casino Royale — but it was the first to be adapted into a feature film.

      The movie, filmed on location in Jamaica in 1962, is set in London, Jamaica, and the fictional Crab Key island.

      The storyline revolves around Agent 007's journey to Jamaica to look into the death of MI6 station chief John Strangways. However, this serves merely as a setup for bringing Bond (Sean Connery) and Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) together, as seen above.

      Take 007

      United Artists

      Sean Connery (above) secured the role of 007 in part due to his distinctive walk, as noted in the new book by Nicholas Shakespeare, Ian Fleming: The Complete Man.

      He cites producer Albert Broccoli's observation of Connery, saying, “He walked like the most arrogant son of a gun you’ve ever seen,” which led to the realization, “That’s our Bond.”

      Shakespeare’s book chronicles Fleming's life, whose novels laid the groundwork for the 27 Bond films that began with Dr. No.

      Ursula Andress and Ian Fleming

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Above: Ursula Andress on set with Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. As recounted in Nicholas Shakespeare’s book, Bond is partly inspired by Fleming, who dramatized aspects of his own experiences with romance and espionage.

      Andress’ character, Honey Ryder, is often regarded as the first "Bond girl," although she doesn’t make her memorable bikini-clad appearance until nearly halfway through Dr. No.

      Before her onscreen introduction, Sylvia Trench and Miss Taro appear.

      Also Read: All 007 James Bond Actors, Ranked

      Enter Bearing Shells

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Honey Ryder’s profession involves shell diving, and fittingly, she enters Dr. No adorned with shells. If her initial outfit in the film—a white swimsuit and belt—seems a bit revealing, keep in mind that in the novel on which Dr. No is based, she is depicted wearing just the belt.

      The shell sequence altered expectations for the film, according to Ian Fleming: The Complete Man.

      “‘It was going to be a low-budget flop,’” recalls Chris Blackwell, son of Ian Fleming’s muse and love, Blanche Blackwell, in the book. “Everything changed when we viewed the rushes of Ursula Andress emerging from the sea.”

      He further stated: “It was electrifying. We suddenly felt, ‘Wow, we have a film.’”

      Bad Boys

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      As per Shakespeare’s book, Fleming nearly ruined a take of the iconic beach scene. While walking with two friends along Laughing Waters— the beach where the scene was shot—he almost intruded into the shot.

      Director Terence Young shouted at them to “Lie down!” to which they complied. Shakespeare notes: “The composer Monty Norman had just arrived in Jamaica to compose the music and witnessed Young yelling at them—‘They were shooed off like little boys.’

      “Ian and his friends were left lying behind a dune, forgotten, until someone finally remembered to let them up an hour later.”

      That’s Fleming, right, with Andress and Connery.

      Chemistry, Raw Chemistry

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      What stands out in the publicity images for Dr. No is the powerful, undeniable chemistry between Connery and Andress, which was likely the intended effect.

      “He was very protective towards me, he was adorable, fantastic,” Andress said in a 2020 interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera after Connery's passing at 90. “He adored women. He was undeniably very much a man.”

      She added: “We spent countless evenings together, and he would invite me everywhere—Monte Carlo, London, New York—from the moment we met until now, we have always remained friends. Friends, friends.”

      At Sea

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Andress and Connery appear joyful, enjoying their time on a boat offshore.

      Before attaining his iconic role, Connery had various jobs, including naval boxer, lifeguard, and art class model, according to Shakespeare’s Ian Fleming: The Complete Man.

      Director Terence Young at Work

      United Artists – Credit: C/O

      Shooting the film wasn’t solely a leisurely endeavor—Connery and Andress are seen discussing a scene with director Terence Young.

      Young not only introduced Bond to the big screen with Dr. No but also helmed