Bond fans know that there are certain things you expect from a 007 movies. Two of them are title songs by current music superstars, and the opening title sequence.
Dr. No technically doesn’t have a “theme song” as the Bond movie format hadn’t yet evolved – but the rest of the Connery films have great theme songs. All have great titles.
As a quick post to compliment my Bond reviews, and the Bond Movie Poster posts, here’s the first few Bond openings.
What’s your favourite Connery Bond theme song?
What’s your favourite Connery opening title sequence?
James Bond Theme by Monty Norman. Performed by John Barry and Orchestra. Kingston Calypso by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
Titles designed by.Maurice Binder (animation by Trevor Bond).
Written by Lionel Bart, sung by Matt Monro over the end credits. Opening credits have a cracking instrumental version by John Barry.
Titles designed by Robert Brownjohn assisted by Trevor Bond.
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Music by John Barry. Sung by Shirley Bassey.
Titles designed by Robert Brownjohn.
Lyrics by Don Black. Music by John Barry. Sung by Tom Jones.
Titles designed by Maurice Binder.
Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Music by John Barry. Sung by Nancy Sinatra.
Titles designed by Maurice Binder.
Of course, ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE didn’t star Connery – but neither did it have a theme “song”, instead having the instrumental OHMSS by John Barry.
Titles designed by Maurice Binder.
Lyrics by Don Black. Music by John Barry. Sung by Shirley Bassey.
Titles designed by Maurice Binder.
For me, best opening titles belong to FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE.
Best theme song: YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. (with “Diamonds are Forever” as a very close second).
More on Bond Opening titles and Songs:
TGEMM blog 
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