James Bond films celebrate 50th anniversary

Sean Connery, left, is shown as James Bond in a scene from the 1963 film, "From Russia With Love." / AP/United Artists and Danjaq, LLC

On this day 50 years ago, James Bond became a movie star.

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The Bond Girls celebrate 50 years of 007

The British superspy first hit the big screen on Oct. 5, 1962, when "Dr. No" opened in theaters, introducing Ian Fleming's suave 007 to the masses.

Now, a half-century and six Bond actors later, the series is one of the longest running in history, having made $4.9 billion in ticket sales over 22 films. The 23rd Bond movie, "Skyfall," will be released in U.S. theaters on Nov. 9.

• The music of James Bond

The first man to play "Bond, James Bond," was Sean Connery. George Lazenby was hired for a single film, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," before Connery returned for "Diamonds Are Forever.'' Roger Moore took over for the next seven films, followed by Timothy Dalton's two and Pierce Brosnan's four. Daniel Craig debuted in 2006 with "Casino Royale," and the upcoming "Skyfall" will mark his third film in the franchise.

44 Photos

50 years of James Bond films

The films also introduced the world to the Bond girls. When Ursula Andress emerged from the sea, curves glistening, with a dagger strapped to her bikini in 1962's "Dr. No," she made the Bond girl an instant icon. Bond girls though the years have included Honor Blackman, Jane Seymour, Barbara Bach, Grace Jones, Denise Richards and Halle Berry.

Music has also been a part of the franchise. Singers from Shirley Bassey to Duran Duran, Sheryl Crow and Madonna have lent their voices to the theme songs for the Bond films. Adele is the latest star to join that list, having co-written and performed the theme to "Skyfall."

• Adele releases video of "Skyfall" theme

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Bond girls through the years

The anniversary is being celebrated in a number of ways. A new documentary, "Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of James Bond," will premiere Friday on the EPIX channel.

That same day, a charity auction will take place at Christie's, where the items being sold include an Aston Martin featured in 2008's "Quantum of Solace."

There's a new Blu-ray anniversary box set called "Bond 50," containing all 22 released James Bond films, now available, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York is screening each of the films through October.

Are you a James Bond fan? Vote for your favorite Bond actor in our poll above and share your thoughts on the films in the comments.

[MSF7]

I'm looking forward to celebration on Sunday at the Oscars. Feels like a reunion.............................................
Twitter@NayssMark

[precgar]

I had the opportunity to meet Sean Connery when I was fifteen, in 1992. I was a great fan of him and it was the best experience ever!

He's the best Bond, he's simply Bond.

[monk6753]

Hard not to agree. Sean Connery established the persona and set the standard by which all other "Bonds" are judged. I like, however, how Danial Craig gets nicked up and bleeds when he fights, as well as his athleticism; Pierce Brosnan had a classic style that combined without contradiction to his toughness; and George Lazenby, the most underrated.

[AminShelton]

Sean Connery is definitely the top! Daniel Craig is the best since Mr. Connery.

[LittleGoodWolf]

For me, Connery will always remain the definitive Bond. All of the other actors who've portrayed Bond over the years seem like they're playing a secret agent who happens to have the codename "007," but Connery IS Bond.

[workerdroid]

Yes. Connery is Bond. Craig is excellent and brings a darkness to the charactor. And a flatness. I think Flemmings Bond was a little flat.
Connery brought life to him, though. Such a brilliant interpretation.

[parrot2-2009]

Brosnan could have been the best Bond ever - only he came well after his time .... Sean Connery by a Mile ....

[35mmamor]

'His taste for women had become pell-mell';(last line from which novel Dear Fleming fans?)...."Shaken not Stirred"....Bond films playing in the Sixties were a very real recruitment tool for Handlers, of Clandestine services; we could not persuade these shadow figures we were old enough as thirteen year olds.....

[didormanii]

George Lazenby's "Bond" was a flop and bottom rung. Second rung up was Timothy Dalton's portrayal of "Bond" which was mediocre. From there all the others were and have been good for the day and time they were scripted. With that, it is hard to vote for any one of them as "Best".