Why Sean Connery is the best James Bond

In the November issue of Scottish Memories, we chart the career of Sean Connery, revealing how he was given the role of James Bond and why he is still considered to be the best 007 after all these years. Read our quick guide to Connery's Bond here and find out more in the November issue of Scottish Memories.

Even after fifty years, when most folk think of secret agent 007 they tend to recall Sean Connery as their favourite Bond if only because he was the first, the pathfinder, the groundbreaker; and in his own stylish way a turning point from a drab, grey, post-war existence to a brave new world where ambition and aspirations knew no bounds.

Connery starred in the following James Bond films:

• Dr No (1962)
• From Russia with Love (1963)
• Goldfinger (1964)
• Thunderball (1965)
• You Only Live Twice (1967)
• Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Connery returned to the role in 1983 for Never Say Never Again, the only film not to be produced by EON Productions, the firm behind the long-running franchise.

Connery's life
Born in 1930 in the working class district of Fountainbridge in Edinburgh, Connery was over six foot tall by his teens and was soon nickname 'Big Tam' as a result.

Connery left school as soon as he could and took on a series of jobs, becoming a milkman, then joining the Royal Navy, during which time he got a 'Scotland Forever!' tatoo.

After leaving the Navy on medical grounds, his jobs included lifegaurd, coffin polisher and a model at Edinburgh College of Art, as his physical prowess came to the fore. It is said that Connery was even offered a contract to play for Manchester United, but decided against a career in football as a career in acting beckoned.

Connery was less than enthusiastic when he auditioned for the role of Bond, not fancying his chances of getting the role. Ian Fleming, it is said, was also not sold on the Scottish actor and had requested Cary Grant. Thankfully the wife of producer Cubby Broccoli saw Connery's potential and persauded her husband to hire him. Connery's days of delivering milk on cold Scottish mornings were over.

To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Bond films, there have been a series of exhibitions, auctions and publications, including the release of a new book on the film posters released over the years. See a selection of Connery posters in the November issue of Scottish Memories.

WIN! See our competitions page for your chance to win a set of 100 James Bond postcards.