Though not as beloved as Roger Moore's other Bond films such as The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only is notable for a few reasons. The 12th Bond film actually feels more Ian Fleming than the typical Moore affair, featuring a darker story and a more ruthless Bond.
With that being said, there was quite a bit riding on this movie and a lot of turmoil going into the filming. With No Time To Die only a few months away, perhaps it's time to revisit this underrated 007 adventure and take a gander at what went down behind the curtain.
It's Based On Two Fleming Stories
Though the movie is titled For Your Eyes Only, that Ian Fleming tale is only a small piece of the puzzle. The film draws aspects from two separate James Bond short stories and steals a scene from one of Fleming's earlier novels.
The plot involving Bond investigating the murder of The Havelocks only to bump into their revenge-seeking daughter is from For Your Eyes Only, but the rest of the plot is taken from another story titled Risico. The scene where Bond and Melina are dragged across a large body of water was lifted from the novel Live and Let Die.
Timothy Dalton Almost Played 007 Here
At the time, Roger Moore was expected to bow out after Moonraker as his contract had expired, so some auditions were held to find a replacement. Among the many hopefuls, none other than future underrated Bond actor Timothy Dalton was high on the producer's list.
Dalton had been courted prior for On Her Majesty's Secret Service, but he turned it down as he felt he was too young to play James Bond. Dalton also turned down For Your Eyes Only, as he felt Bond was getting a bit silly. Moore ultimately agreed to reprise the role.
A Middle Finger To Kevin McClory
Kevin McClory, the uncredited co-writer of Thunderball, was causing the Bond producers a lot of headaches as McClory held Bond's nemesis Blofeld in his iron grip. Since McClory was making his unofficial Bond film Never Say Never Again at the same time, EON decided to throw the ultimate shade in For Your Eyes Only.
At the beginning of the movie, Blofeld attempts to kill Bond with a technologically hijacked helicopter. Ultimately, Bond gains control of the helicopter, using it to grab Blofeld, fly him several feet into the air, and drop him into a smokestack.
One Of Moore's Biggest Age Gaps
Upon For Your Eyes Only starting filming, Roger Moore was 53 years old. Now, that isn't too old to play James Bond, but seeing how Melina's actress Carole Bouquet was 30 years his junior, you can imagine that he probably felt somewhat uncomfortable with the romantic subplot between the two.
In fact, Lynn Holly-Johnson, who played an underaged figure skater who wants to sleep with Bond, was only one year younger than Bouquet. Fun fact, Bouquet had a nasal issue that prevented her from filming underwater, so director John Glen had to fabricate the scuba diving scenes involving her.
Enter Pierce Brosnan
For Your Eyes Only also served to introduce Albert R. Broccoli to Pierce Brosnan through his late wife. Cassandra Harris played a woman that Bond seduces in order to gain information, but at the time, Harris was married to the future GoldenEye star.
Harris introduced Brosnan to Cubby Broccoli and his daughter Barbara kept her eye on him as she felt he could be a potential replacement for the aging Moore. Sadly, Cassandra Harris passed away of ovarian cancer 10 years after For Your Eyes Only's release date.
Vengeful Monks Almost Ruined It
While filming in Meteora, some Eastern Orthodox monks weren't very happy about a Bond film shooting in their neck of the woods. Fortunately for the production crew, the monks didn't own the exteriors of the monastery where For Your Eyes Only was shot, instead it was owned by a bishop who gave the production his blessing.
The monks didn't get their way, which caused them to react spitefully. While production was gearing up, the monks would hang their washing out of the windows in attempts to ruin the shots.
Moore Hated Killing Locque
Roger Moore was a pacifist IRL, so it should come as no surprise he took issue with one of Bond's more ruthless moments. After henchman Emile Locque murders Harris' character, Bond confronts him as his car dangles over a ledge, tossing her pendant into the car before kicking it, sending Locque to his death.
Moore said of the moment that it was "Bond-like, but not Roger Moore Bond-like." While he was forced to do something he didn't think was right for the character, Moore is really good in this scene, as he is throughout the film.
Blondie Was Originally Supposed To Sing The Theme
Blondie was very popular at the time, so it should come as no surprise that they were approached to do a song for a Bond movie. Unlike most stories of this ilk, Blondie actually produced a song for the movie, which was far more upbeat than the final result.
It ultimately came down to the fact that the producers wanted the band to sing the song that was written by composer Bill Conti. Singer Debbie Harry didn't appreciate this so the band was replaced by singer Sheena Easton.
Sheena Easton's Little Blunder
Though it may be seen by some as a tad sappy, Sheena Easton did a wonderful job filling in for Blondie, being the first singer to be physically featured in the opening credits of a Bond film. The Scottish singer, unfortunately, soured that achievement a bit by getting herself into a little spot of bother.
According to Roger Moore, Easton had a brush with forgetfulness when she went on a press tour to promote the song. She never mentioned the film once, which deeply annoyed producer Cubby Broccoli.
It Saved United Artists
Upon its release in 1981, For Your Eyes Only grossed $195 million at the box office, which was less than Moonraker's $210 million, but more than The Spy Who Loved Me's $185 million. While less than Moonraker, the film was a strong injection of cash for United Artists.
Heaven's Gate had nearly crippled them financially, but 007 proved to be the life raft that the studio needed. Fairly soon after the film's release, United Artists would be purchased by MGM for $350 million, which was more than the film grossed.