The Living Daylights is the fifteenth installment in the James Bond film series.

The Living Daylights is the fifteenth film in the James Bond franchise, released in Produced by Albert R. Broccoli, the movie features Timothy Dalton in his first appearance as James Bond.

It is based on Ian Fleming’s short story of the same name.

The movie is based on the short story “The Living Daylights” by Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond character. The story was first published in 1962 as part of the collection “Octopussy and The Living Daylights.”

The film was directed by John Glen, who had previously directed four other Bond films.

John Glen, who had previously directed four other James Bond films, including “For Your Eyes Only” and “Octopussy,” directed The Living Daylights. His experience with the franchise brought a sense of familiarity and continuity to the film.

The movie marked a departure from the more lighthearted Roger Moore-era Bond films.

The Living Daylights is often seen as a shift towards a more serious and gritty portrayal of James Bond, departing from the lightheartedness of the Roger Moore era. Timothy Dalton’s portrayal of Bond brought a darker and more introspective tone to the character.

The film’s plot revolves around Bond’s mission to protect a Soviet military officer who wants to defect.

In The Living Daylights, James Bond is tasked with protecting a Soviet military officer, General Georgi Koskov, who wishes to defect from the Soviet Union. Along the way, Bond uncovers a complex web of deception and betrayal.

The iconic Aston Martin DB5 makes a reappearance in this film.

One of the key elements of James Bond lore, the Aston Martin DB5, makes a reappearance in The Living Daylights. This classic car is synonymous with the Bond franchise and adds a touch of nostalgia to the movie.

The film’s primary antagonist is General Leonid Pushkin, portrayed by actor John Rhys-Davies.

In The Living Daylights, the primary antagonist is General Leonid Pushkin, played by John Rhys-Davies. Pushkin is a high-ranking KGB officer with a pivotal role in the Soviet Union. His character adds intrigue and complexity to the storyline.

The movie features a thrilling action sequence on the Rock of Gibraltar.

One of the standout moments in The Living Daylights is a thrilling action sequence set on the iconic Rock of Gibraltar. Bond engages in a high-stakes chase and combat scene, showcasing the movie’s adrenaline-pumping action.

The Living Daylights was the last Bond film to feature a title song by a British new wave band.

The theme song for The Living Daylights was performed by the British new wave band, a-ha. Titled “The Living Daylights,” the song became a hit and marked the end of an era, as later Bond films moved away from using songs by popular bands.

Timothy Dalton received critical acclaim for his portrayal of James Bond.

Timothy Dalton’s performance as James Bond in The Living Daylights was well-received by both audiences and critics. Dalton brought a more serious and brooding interpretation to the character, earning praise for his commitment to the role.

The movie received positive reviews for its thrilling action sequences and strong performances.

The Living Daylights was generally well-received by both critics and audiences. The film’s exciting action sequences, combined with strong performances from the cast, contributed to its positive reception.

The Living Daylights was a commercial success, grossing over $191 million worldwide.

Despite being Timothy Dalton’s first outing as James Bond, The Living Daylights proved to be a commercial success. The film grossed over $191 million worldwide, further cementing the popularity of the iconic franchise.

The movie features a gripping ice chase scene in the Austrian Alps.

An unforgettable moment in The Living Daylights is the ice chase scene set in the breathtaking Austrian Alps. Bond’s pursuit of the enemy through the treacherous icy terrain provides an intense and visually stunning action sequence.

Maryam d’Abo plays the Bond girl, Kara Milovy, a talented Czech cellist.

Maryam d’Abo portrays Kara Milovy, the Bond girl in The Living Daylights. Kara is a talented Czech cellist who finds herself caught up in Bond’s mission, adding a layer of romance and danger to the storyline.

The Living Daylights was the first Bond film to be released after a six-year hiatus.

Following the release of A View to a Kill in 1985, there was a six-year gap until The Living Daylights hit theaters in This hiatus allowed for a fresh take on the franchise, rejuvenating the James Bond series.

The film’s opening sequence features a thrilling skydiving scene.

The Living Daylights opens with an exhilarating skydiving scene, showcasing the film’s high-energy action right from the start. This sequence has become iconic in the Bond franchise and sets the tone for the rest of the movie.

The Living Daylights was partially shot on location in Vienna, Austria.

Several scenes in The Living Daylights were filmed on location in Vienna, Austria. The city’s picturesque landmarks, such as the Prater amusement park and the Vienna State Opera, provide a visually stunning backdrop for the film.

John Barry composed the film’s score, incorporating elements of classical music and synthesizers.

Renowned composer John Barry composed the score for The Living Daylights. The soundtrack features a blend of classical orchestration and synthesizers, capturing the film’s mix of traditional Bond elements with a modern twist.

The movie features a thrilling finale set on a moving cargo plane.

The climax of The Living Daylights takes place on a moving cargo plane, adding an extra layer of intensity to the film’s action-packed conclusion. Bond’s battle against the enemies aboard the plane provides a thrilling and memorable finale.

The Living Daylights explores the theme of political intrigue during the Cold War.

As with many Bond films, The Living Daylights delves into the world of political intrigue and espionage during the tense Cold War era. The storyline reflects the geopolitical tensions of the time, adding depth and relevance to the film.

The Living Daylights received a BAFTA nomination for Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects.

The film’s impressive visual effects garnered a nomination for the prestigious British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in the category of Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects. The movie’s stunning visuals added to the overall cinematic experience.

The movie showcases Bond’s expertise in various forms of combat, including hand-to-hand combat and sniper skills.

The Living Daylights demonstrates Bond’s prowess in different combat techniques, highlighting his skills in hand-to-hand combat and as a sniper. These action sequences emphasize Bond’s physical abilities and resourcefulness in challenging situations.

The Living Daylights was the first Bond film to feature multiple endings.

In an interesting twist, The Living Daylights had different endings for the US and UK releases. The US version features a final scene in which Bond and Kara ride off into the sunset, while the UK version concludes with a cliffhanger ending.

The movie’s title refers to a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The title “The Living Daylights” is taken from a phrase in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The line, “I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercises,” serves as a metaphor for Bond’s character arc in the film.

The movie’s release coincided with the 25th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise.

The release of The Living Daylights in 1987 coincided with the 25th anniversary of the James Bond film series. This landmark year added an extra layer of celebration and anticipation for Bond fans around the world.

The movie’s screenplay was written by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson.

The screenplay for The Living Daylights was penned by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, who had previously worked on multiple Bond films. Their experience and understanding of the Bond universe contributed to the film’s authenticity.

The Living Daylights marks the last appearance of actor Joe Don Baker as the Bond villain, Brad Whitaker.

Joe Don Baker portrayed the eccentric arms dealer Brad Whitaker in The Living Daylights. This marked Baker’s second and final appearance as a Bond villain, after his role as villain Felix Leiter in the earlier Bond film, GoldenEye.

The movie features a memorable chase scene on a cello case down a snow-covered mountain.

A highlight of The Living Daylights is a thrilling chase sequence in which Bond and Kara slide down a snow-covered mountain on a cello case. This creative and action-packed scene showcases the film’s ability to combine excitement with humor.

The Living Daylights pays homage to classic Bond films with references to previous adventures.

The Living Daylights includes subtle nods and references to previous Bond films, paying homage to the franchise’s rich history. These references add depth for long-time Bond fans while still keeping the story accessible for newcomers.

The film explores the theme of personal loyalties and the complexity of espionage.

Underneath the thrilling action sequences, The Living Daylights delves into the theme of personal loyalties and the intricate world of espionage. Bond is faced with moral dilemmas, adding depth and complexity to his character and the overall plot.

The Living Daylights features a memorable ski chase scene, showcasing Bond’s skiing skills.

The Living Daylights is known for its exhilarating ski chase scene, in which Bond uses his exceptional skiing skills to outrun his enemies. This high-octane action sequence is a standout moment in the film.

The movie’s tagline is “Licensed to thrill.”

The tagline “Licensed to thrill” perfectly captures the essence of The Living Daylights and the James Bond franchise as a whole. It conveys the excitement and adrenaline rush associated with watching a Bond film.

The Living Daylights marked the introduction of the character Saunders, played by Thomas Wheatley.

The character Saunders, a British intelligence officer, made his first appearance in The Living Daylights. Played by Thomas Wheatley, Saunders adds an additional layer of intrigue and camaraderie to the film.

The movie showcases Bond’s creativity with gadgets and innovative methods to complete his missions.

As with any Bond film, The Living Daylights highlights the character’s resourcefulness and ability to adapt to challenging situations. Bond’s use of gadgets and ingenious methods adds a sense of excitement and unpredictability to the movie.

The Living Daylights features a memorable scene in which a plane takes off from a road.

One of the most iconic moments in The Living Daylights is a scene where Bond uses a plane to take off from a road, narrowly escaping his pursuers. This breathtaking sequence showcases the film’s thrilling and unconventional action stunts.

The movie was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actress for Maryam d’Abo’s portrayal of Kara Milovy.

Maryam d’Abo’s performance as Kara Milovy earned her a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Actress. Her portrayal of the vulnerable yet resilient character added depth and emotional resonance to the film.

The Living Daylights features a memorable car chase scene through the streets of Tangier.

A standout moment in The Living Daylights is a thrilling car chase scene set in the bustling streets of Tangier. Bond’s ability to maneuver through the chaotic city while eluding his pursuers adds an extra layer of excitement to the film.

The movie’s production budget was approximately $40 million.

The Living Daylights had a production budget of around $40 million. This investment allowed for high-quality sets, captivating special effects, and the hiring of a talented cast and crew to bring the film to life.

The Living Daylights marked the beginning of a new era for the James Bond franchise.

The Living Daylights marked the start of the Timothy Dalton era for the James Bond franchise. Dalton brought a fresh interpretation to the character, paving the way for a more serious and grounded approach in future Bond films.

The movie features a memorable chase scene through the snowy landscapes of Czechoslovakia.

One of the most visually captivating scenes in The Living Daylights is a thrilling chase through the snowy landscapes of Czechoslovakia. Bond’s pursuit of his enemies against the backdrop of the winter wonderland adds a touch of elegance to the film.

The Living Daylights showcases Bond’s ability to adapt to various disguises and personas.

Bond’s skills as a master of disguise are on full display in The Living Daylights. He seamlessly transitions between different personas, highlighting his ability to blend into any situation and outsmart his adversaries.

The movie features a memorable sequence in which Bond battles an enemy atop a moving train.

The Living Daylights includes an intense and suspenseful scene where Bond engages in a hand-to-hand combat with an enemy on top of a moving train. This high-stakes encounter adds an extra layer of excitement to the film.

The Living Daylights explores the theme of trust and betrayal within the world of espionage.

As with many Bond films, The Living Daylights delves into the complex world of trust and betrayal that is inherent in the realm of espionage. The film explores the fine line between loyalties and deception, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The movie features a dramatic escape through a gas pipeline.

In a thrilling and suspenseful sequence, Bond makes a daring escape through a gas pipeline. This high-stakes scene showcases Bond’s resourcefulness and ability to think on his feet, adding to the film’s adrenaline-pumping moments.

The Living Daylights was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Timothy Dalton’s place as James Bond.

The Living Daylights was both a critical and commercial success. The film’s compelling storyline, exhilarating action sequences, and Timothy Dalton’s captivating portrayal of James Bond helped solidify his place in the iconic role.

Conclusion

The Living Daylights remains a memorable entry in the James Bond franchise, captivating audiences with its thrilling action, intriguing plot, and Timothy Dalton’s portrayal of the iconic spy. With its unique blend of suspense, romance, and political intrigue, The Living Daylights continues to be recognized as a standout film in the long-standing Bond series.

Conclusion

The Living Daylights is a classic James Bond film that captivated audiences with its thrilling plot, spectacular action sequences, and memorable characters. With 45 fascinating facts about the movie, it’s clear that this film holds a special place in the hearts of Bond fans. From the casting decisions to the behind-the-scenes trivia, The Living Daylights has left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard Bond enthusiast or a casual moviegoer, The Living Daylights is a must-watch for its entertainment value and contribution to the iconic Bond franchise.

FAQs

Q: Who directed The Living Daylights?

A: The Living Daylights was directed by John Glen.

Q: When was The Living Daylights released?

A: The film was released on June 29, 1987.

Q: Who played James Bond in The Living Daylights?

A: Timothy Dalton played the role of James Bond in The Living Daylights.

Q: What is the plot of The Living Daylights?

A: The Living Daylights revolves around Bond’s mission to protect a Soviet defector and unravel a complex conspiracy involving arms dealers.

Q: Is The Living Daylights based on a novel?

A: Yes, The Living Daylights is partially based on Ian Fleming’s short story with the same name.

Q: Who played the Bond girl in The Living Daylights?

A: Maryam d’Abo portrayed the character of Kara Milovy, the primary Bond girl in the film.

Q: Where was The Living Daylights filmed?

A: The film was primarily shot in Austria, as well as other locations including Morocco, England, and Scotland.

Q: Did The Living Daylights receive positive reviews?

A: Yes, the film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success at the box office.

Q: Did The Living Daylights feature any iconic action sequences?

A: Yes, the movie is known for its thrilling action sequences, including a gripping car chase and a thrilling airplane stunt.

Q: What is the theme song for The Living Daylights?

A: The theme song, “The Living Daylights,” was performed by a-ha.