honey ryder

In Dr. No (1962), James Bond (Sean Connery) and Honey Ryder’s (Ursula Andress) first interaction on the beach is classic. Aside from Bond’s less-than-stellar octave attempting a verse of “Underneath the mango tree,” the scene is near Bond movie perfection.

It’s often referenced by the quote of this post’s title, but I prefer the exchange just after: “I promise I won’t steal your shells.” “I promise you, you won’t either.” It shows Ryder’s strength at the outset, but we later see a soft side as well, like when she winces regret when Bond strangles a henchmen in the river and expresses horror at Quarrel’s death. The series couldn’t have started off with a better first James Bond girl!