Orson Welles’ connection to the James Bond franchise has included co-starring as Le Chiffre in the send-up Casino Royale; getting Chimes at Midnight funding from 007 co-producer Harry Saltzman; and appearing with future “M” actor Bernard Lee in The Third Man.
Add to the list a missed opportunity to direct one-time Bond star George Lazenby (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service).
Lazenby revealed on Twitter today that he had approached Welles about directing him in Universal Soldier, his first film following his brief stint as Bond.
“I talked to Orson Welles about directing my film, Universal Soldier,” Lazenby tweeted with a photo of himself next to The Third Man 70th anniversary poster.” I liked the guy. I see they’re showing The Third Man in London. It’s one of my favourites — check it out. Love George xx.”
Released in 1971, Universal Soldier was written by the blacklisted Cy Endfield, who had served his apprenticeship at Mercury Productions during its time at RKO Pictures. Endfield went on to direct the movie and Lazenby contributed some of the dialogue.
In the movie, Lazenby played Ryker, a former mercenary, comes out of retirement to take part in the overthrow of an African dictator.
Sadly, the movie was a flop at the box office and Lazenby’s acting career in the UK fizzled due to the film’s box office failure.
The second, actually! I talked to Orson Welles about directing my film, Universal Soldier. I liked the guy. I see they’re showing The Third Man in London. It’s one of my favourites – check it out. Love George xx (Photo @andersfrejdh.) pic.twitter.com/2TU674QhGT
— George Lazenby (@lazenbyofficial) September 30, 2019
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