Ian Fleming – From Russia With Love – Starring Daniela Bianchi as Tatiana Romanova – Original Press Photograph – 13th February 1964

Publisher: United Artists
Price: £200.00
Date: 13th February, 1964
Photograph Size: 20.4cm x 25.5cm including margins
Format: Original Press Photograph
Condition: Very good
Edition: Not stated.

Details:

Dated to the reverse with the original United Artists label and Shields Gazette stamp. Very scarce piece of James Bond ephemera. Very slight marking and wear. In very good condition.

Ian Fleming’s ‘From Russia With Love’: A Brief Description

From Russia with Love (1963) is the second film in the James Bond series, following Dr. No (1962). Directed by Terence Young and produced by Eon Productions, it stars Sean Connery as the British secret agent James Bond. Based on Ian Fleming’s 1957 novel of the same name, the film is considered one of the finest entries in the Bond franchise, praised for its blend of espionage, action, and suspense, with a more grounded and intricate plot compared to some later Bond films.

Plot Summary

From Russia with Love takes place during the Cold War and involves a complex plot by SPECTRE, the global criminal organisation, to seek revenge on Bond for his defeat of their operative, Dr. No. SPECTRE plans to lure Bond into a trap by using a beautiful Russian cipher clerk, Tatiana Romanova (played by Daniela Bianchi), as bait, while simultaneously obtaining a valuable Lektor decoding machine from the Soviet Union. SPECTRE’s ultimate goal is to kill Bond and cause friction between the British and Soviet intelligence agencies.

The plot is initiated by Rosa Klebb (played by Lotte Lenya), a high-ranking Soviet officer who has secretly defected to SPECTRE. Klebb recruits Tatiana under the guise of patriotism, instructing her to seduce Bond and offer him the Lektor machine in exchange for her defection to the West. Unbeknownst to Tatiana, this is all part of a larger conspiracy orchestrated by SPECTRE’s head, Ernst Stavro Blofeld (who is only partially seen, as his face is never shown).

James Bond is assigned by MI6 to Istanbul to meet Tatiana, believing her to be a genuine defector. Bond’s mission becomes increasingly dangerous as he is pursued by SPECTRE agents, including the menacing assassin Red Grant (played by Robert Shaw), who shadows Bond throughout his journey and waits for the perfect opportunity to strike.

As Bond and Tatiana travel from Istanbul aboard the Orient Express, Grant finally reveals his true intentions, leading to one of the film’s most intense and famous fight scenes inside a train compartment. The final act of the film sees Bond attempting to escape SPECTRE’s clutches, culminating in a showdown with Rosa Klebb in Venice.

Key Characters

• James Bond (Sean Connery): As in his first outing in Dr. No, Connery’s Bond is portrayed as suave, resourceful, and dangerous. He uses both his physical strength and intelligence to outwit his enemies, while also maintaining his trademark cool demeanour.
• Tatiana Romanova (Daniela Bianchi): Tatiana is the Soviet cipher clerk who unknowingly becomes a pawn in SPECTRE’s plot. Though initially motivated by duty to her country, she develops genuine feelings for Bond as the mission progresses.
• Red Grant (Robert Shaw): A cold and ruthless assassin employed by SPECTRE, Grant is the primary physical threat to Bond in the film. His menacing presence looms throughout the story, and his eventual confrontation with Bond aboard the Orient Express is one of the most iconic moments in the film series.
• Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya): One of the film’s main antagonists, Klebb is a former Soviet officer who now works for SPECTRE. Her steely demeanour and cold efficiency make her a memorable villain. The climax of the film involves a tense confrontation between Bond, Tatiana, and Klebb in Venice, during which she tries to kill Bond with a poisoned shoe blade.
• Kerim Bey (Pedro Armendáriz): Kerim Bey is Bond’s ally in Istanbul and the head of MI6’s station in Turkey. His warm and charismatic character provides a strong support to Bond throughout the film. Armendáriz’s performance is particularly notable as it was one of his last roles; he was terminally ill during filming but continued his work with dedication.

Themes

From Russia with Love deals with themes of Cold War espionage, deception, and betrayal. Unlike some of the more outlandish Bond films, this entry focuses heavily on the world of intelligence and covert operations, with a plot driven by double agents, secret codes, and the tense relationship between Western and Soviet powers.

The film also explores themes of seduction and manipulation, particularly through the character of Tatiana, who is manipulated by Klebb and SPECTRE into becoming a pawn in their scheme. Bond, as always, uses his charm and wit to outmanoeuvre his enemies, but From Russia with Love shows a more human side to his character, as he must rely on his instincts and survival skills to overcome dangerous threats.

Action and Cinematography

The film is known for its well-choreographed action sequences and suspenseful pacing. One of the standout moments is the brutal fight between Bond and Red Grant aboard the Orient Express, often considered one of the best hand-to-hand combat scenes in the Bond series. The confined setting of the train compartment heightens the tension, as Bond and Grant battle in close quarters, showcasing the physicality of Connery’s Bond.

Other memorable action scenes include a helicopter chase sequence and a boat chase near the end of the film. These scenes are more grounded in realism compared to the increasingly elaborate stunts of later Bond films, which gives From Russia with Love a more serious and tense tone.

The cinematography, particularly in the scenes shot in Istanbul and along the Orient Express, captures the exotic locations that became a hallmark of the Bond films. The visuals help enhance the sense of intrigue and danger that surrounds Bond as he navigates unfamiliar terrain.

Gadgets and Technology

In this film, Bond’s use of gadgets is relatively restrained compared to later entries in the series. However, one key gadget is a special briefcase provided by Q Branch (though Desmond Llewelyn’s Q is not yet a central character in this film). The briefcase contains hidden compartments with a throwing knife, gold sovereigns, a tear gas cartridge, and an AR-7 folding sniper rifle. This gadget plays a crucial role in Bond’s survival during his confrontation with Red Grant on the Orient Express.

Music

The film’s theme song, From Russia with Love, is performed by British singer Matt Monro. It is one of the earlier Bond theme songs and has a more traditional, romantic tone compared to the high-energy themes that would later define the series. John Barry, who would become synonymous with the Bond series, was responsible for the film’s score, which helped create the iconic soundscape that has become closely associated with the franchise.

Reception and Legacy

From Russia with Love was a major success upon its release, both critically and commercially. It built on the foundation laid by Dr. No and helped solidify the Bond formula that would dominate the series for decades. Sean Connery’s portrayal of Bond in this film is widely regarded as one of his best performances in the role, blending charm, toughness, and a sense of vulnerability.

The film is often praised for its tight plotting, strong characters, and suspenseful tone. It is seen as one of the more grounded entries in the Bond series, emphasising espionage over spectacle, though it still delivers plenty of action. Many fans and critics consider From Russia with Love to be one of the best Bond films, ranking it among the top entries in the franchise.

Its influence on the series is significant, as it introduced key elements that would become staples of the Bond films, such as the continued presence of SPECTRE, the involvement of Q Branch gadgets, and the tradition of exotic locales. The film’s success also paved the way for Goldfinger (1964), which would elevate Bond to even greater heights of popularity.

Conclusion

From Russia with Love is a quintessential James Bond film that strikes a perfect balance between spy thriller and action-adventure. With strong performances from its cast, especially Sean Connery, Robert Shaw, and Lotte Lenya, and a plot filled with intrigue, deception, and danger, it remains a standout in the franchise. Its legacy as one of the best Bond films endures, and it continues to be celebrated for its sophistication, suspense, and gritty realism.

Tatiana Romanova: A Brief Biography

Tatiana Romanova is a central character in the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love, based on Ian Fleming’s 1957 novel of the same name. Portrayed by Italian actress Daniela Bianchi, Tatiana (or Tania) is a Soviet intelligence operative who becomes romantically entangled with James Bond, played by Sean Connery. She is one of the most memorable “Bond girls” in the franchise, not only for her beauty but for her complex role as a pawn in a larger espionage game.

Character Overview

Tatiana Romanova is a corporal in the Soviet Army, working as a cipher clerk for Soviet intelligence (SMERSH in the novel, but aligned with SPECTRE in the film). Unaware that she is being used in an elaborate plot by SPECTRE, Tatiana is manipulated into believing that her mission is to help her country by seducing James Bond and offering him the Lektor, a Soviet decoding device, in exchange for her defection to the West. She is recruited for this task by Rosa Klebb (Lotte Lenya), who is secretly working for SPECTRE but presents herself as a Soviet officer to Tatiana.

Tatiana’s motivations are initially patriotic, as she believes her mission is sanctioned by the Soviet Union. However, as the film progresses, her feelings toward Bond become genuine, and she slowly realises the depth of the deception she has been drawn into.

Relationship with James Bond

Tatiana’s relationship with James Bond is pivotal to the film. Initially, she is merely following orders to seduce him and deliver the Lektor, believing it to be part of a straightforward defection plan. However, during her interactions with Bond, she develops genuine affection for him, complicating her role as a spy.

Bond, for his part, is initially sceptical of Tatiana’s intentions, aware that her offer to defect might be a trap. However, he plays along with the plan, as the British are eager to obtain the Lektor. As their journey progresses, particularly during their time aboard the Orient Express, Bond begins to trust her more, and their relationship takes on a deeper, more romantic dimension. This emotional connection is tested as Tatiana finds herself torn between her loyalty to her country and her growing feelings for Bond.

Involvement in SPECTRE’s Plot

In the film, SPECTRE devises a plot to steal the Lektor decoding machine from the Soviet Union, implicate both the British and the Soviets, and eliminate James Bond as part of their revenge for his defeat of Dr. No. Tatiana, unaware of SPECTRE’s true intentions, is manipulated by Rosa Klebb into participating in the plan. Klebb, who has defected from the Soviet Union to join SPECTRE, uses Tatiana’s patriotism to control her.

As the film progresses, Tatiana becomes increasingly disillusioned with her mission, especially after she realises that Rosa Klebb and Red Grant (Robert Shaw), the assassin assigned to shadow Bond, have their own nefarious agenda. When the truth comes out, she sides with Bond, helping him thwart SPECTRE’s plan and ultimately escape from their pursuers.

Daniela Bianchi’s Portrayal

Daniela Bianchi, a former Miss Universe contestant, brought an air of elegance and vulnerability to the role of Tatiana Romanova. Although her voice was dubbed by another actress due to her strong Italian accent, Bianchi’s performance as the innocent yet resourceful Tatiana left a lasting impression on audiences. Her portrayal of Tatiana is marked by a balance of charm, naiveté, and emotional depth, which made her more than just a stereotypical “Bond girl.”

Bianchi’s chemistry with Sean Connery was widely praised, and their on-screen romance is one of the highlights of From Russia with Love. Unlike some other female characters in the Bond franchise, Tatiana is not simply a damsel in distress; she is an integral part of the film’s plot and plays a significant role in helping Bond outmanoeuvre his enemies.

Tatiana Romanova’s Legacy

Tatiana Romanova stands out as one of the most interesting female characters in the early James Bond films. Her involvement in the plot is more complex than many of her successors in the series, as she is not merely a romantic interest but also a key player in the espionage web spun by SPECTRE.

The character also reflects the Cold War tensions of the time, embodying the idea of an East-West conflict played out through manipulation, defection, and espionage. Her arc—from being a loyal Soviet operative to a woman in love who turns against her orders—adds emotional weight to the film and enhances the depth of her character.

Tatiana is often remembered as one of the classic “Bond girls” who set the standard for those who followed, combining beauty, vulnerability, and a certain amount of agency within the story. Bianchi’s portrayal remains iconic in the Bond franchise, and From Russia with Love is often ranked among the best James Bond films, partly due to her performance.

Conclusion

Tatiana Romanova is a quintessential character in the James Bond universe, representing both the allure and complexity of the “Bond girl” archetype. Daniela Bianchi’s portrayal brought depth and charm to the role, helping make From Russia with Love one of the most celebrated films in the series. Tatiana’s journey from a manipulated pawn to a woman who chooses love over duty is a key element of the film’s emotional core, making her one of the most memorable characters in the franchise’s history.

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