The seventh movie in the 007 franchise saw Sean Connery tempted back to the role of MI6 agent James Bond for a sixth and final (official) time.

Based on Ian Fleming’s 1956 novel of the same name, 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever followed George Lazenby’s underrated On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with a bonkers tale of arch nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld using diamonds to build a giant laser in space, with action sequences involving an oil rig, casinos, a Las Vegas car park and a moon buggy.

Here are 10 surprising pieces of trivia about the movie…

 

– Sammy Davis Jr. filmed a cameo appearance, but it was cut.

– The original storyline had Goldfinger actor Gert Fröbe returning as Auric Goldfinger’s twin, seeking revenge for his brother’s death.

– Charles Gray, who plays Blofeld in the movie, previously played Bond’s short-lived ally Henderson in You Only Live Twice.

– Despite the bulk of Diamonds are Forever being set Las Vegas, the name ‘Las Vegas’ is never spoken during the movie – even in the casino scenes! Check out the best casino bonuses here.

– The bubbling mud pool in the pre-titles sequence was actually made from Smash instant mash potato with food coloring.

– Raquel Welch, Jane Fonda and Faye Dunaway were considered for the role of Tiffany Case during the casting process.

– Diamonds are Forever was the last James Bond movie to officially use the character of Ernst Stavro Blofeld until Spectre was released in 2015.

– Joe Robinson, who plays Peter Franks, accidentally pulled off Sean Connery’s hairpiece while filming the elevator fight scene.

– After George Lazenby declined to return, early choices to replace him included two Americans – Adam West and John Gavin – and Harry Potter actor Michael Gambon, who declined the role because he was ‘in terrible shape.’

– Miss Moneypenny appears in police uniform because Lois Maxwell needed a hat to cover her dyed hair.

 

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What’s your favourite moment in Diamonds Are Forever? Let us know below…