29 Rare and Interesting Classic Photos of Behind the Scenes at James Bond Auditions in 1967

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.

John Richardson reacts as his screen-test costar pulls out a gun, 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.

James Bond audition finalist Anthony Rogers, 1967.

Anthony Rogers and an actress during a screen test, 1967.

Anthony Rogers smokes a cigarette during his James Bond audition, 1967.

Anthony Rogers during his James Bond audition, 1967.

Robert Campbell during James Bond auditions, 1967.

Director Peter R. Hunt helps Robert Campbell get into a shoulder holster, 1967.

Robert Campbell checks a page of lines during a James Bond audition, 1967.

James Bond hopeful Robert Campbell adjusts his shirt and jacket, 1967.

Robert Campbell looks in the mirror between filming scenes for his James Bond audition, 1967.

Robert Campbell during a kissing test, opposite actress France Anglade, 1967.

Hans de Vries during James Bond audition, 1967.

Hans De Vries and France Anglade, James Bond audition, 1967.

Hans de Vries during James Bond audition, 1967.

George Lazenby during James Bond audition, 1967.

James Bond hopeful George Lazenby fiddles with a knife while chatting with Bond director Peter R. Hunt, 1967.

George Lazenby goofs off behind the scenes of his screen test, boxing with an unidentified man, 1967.

George Lazenby twirls a gun beside potential Bond Girl Marie-France Boyer, 1967.

George Lazenby during auditions for the role of James Bond, 1967.

George Lazenby and Bond Girl hopeful Agneta Eckemyr, 1967.

George Lazenby leans against a bar during a moment away from James Bond auditions, 1967.

George Lazenby, 1967.