Every six months or so, as I re-watch and analyze all of the James Bond movies for fun, I always find myself temporarily forgetting, and then remembering, the awesomeness of Dr. No (1962). Yes, it’s the first James Bond movie, and yes, Sean Connery’s Bond sets the stage for the remaining movies, and there is definitely a reputation it has since it’s the first James Bond movie. But more often than not, I’d say Dr. No is underrated in fans’ top Bond movies lists, and the above Professor Dent (Anthony Dawson) interrogation scene is one of the many reasons why I’d argue as such.

Aside from Ken Adams’ amazing set design of the scene, nothing beats the inflections and ruthlessness that come across in Dr. No’s voice over the intercom. We don’t even need to see his face! From No’s initial “sit down” order to his inquisitive yet all-knowing conversation with Dent, you get the idea by the end of the scene that Dent’s days are numbered, regardless if he does somehow kill Bond with the tarantula.

As Dent tries to collectively say “our attempts” at killing Bond have failed, No quickly corrects him to an accusatory “your attempts” and we can quickly tell Dent is on thin ice. “I do not like failure. You’re not going to fail me again, Professor.” Well, that’s for sure – Dent is toast no matter the outcome of this next assassination attempt on Bond. “I came to warn you.” “Warn me?” The way No’s voice comes across on “me” shows his annoyance with Dent and how pitiful he thinks Dent is – No is offended Dent should even think a warning is necessary. Although it’s a bit odd that Dr. No’s “strictest rule” is to not visit the island during the daytime, if that really is the case. A bit of No’s psychotic paranoia leaking through? Anyways, I’ve always questioned the tarantula murder method as questionable, since most of them (so I’ve heard) are docile, but I guess it would be a better way to have someone “accidentally” die on the island.

No’s final “tonight” command is excellent though. No need to elaborate: here’s a deadly spider – kill Bond.