Interesting Classic Photos of Behind the Scenes at James Bond Auditions in 1960s _ UK Time Capsule

In the early 1960s, movie producers adapting Ian Fleming’s novels about a suave British spy named James Bond plucked a relative unknown, Sean Connery, from obscurity and offered him the role of a lifetime. And when Connery left the franchise after five movies (although he would briefly be back, in 1971, in Diamonds Are Forever) the hunt for another Bond was on.

In 1967, LIFE sent photographer Loomis Dean to casting sessions for the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The photographer took some of interesting photos from the 1967 James Bond auditions, featuring the five top candidates — including George Lazenby, who would eventually win the coveted role.

A composite image of the five top candidates (including ultimate choice George Lazenby, bottom right). Published in the October 11, 1968, issue of LIFE.

John Richardson during James Bond auditions, 1967.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service director Peter R. Hunt oversees a test love scene between John Richardson and an actress, moving her leg just so.

John Richardson during James Bond auditions, 1967.

James Bond audition candidate John Richardson (left), in profile, 1967.

Director Peter Hunt studies John Richardson during his audition, 1967.

John Richardson continued to act after he lost out on the Bond role, appearing in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) and a string of Italian movies.