Although it is mostly remembered for featuring George Lazenby's sole appearance as James Bond, this 1969 film is revered by Bond fans as one of the series' finest entries. On Her Majesty's Secret Service stands out from other Bond films because it treats its main character like a human being instead of a superhero. He suffers moments of doubt, doesn't always know the right thing to do, and is even capable of falling in love. These changes bring a surprising warmth to James Bond, who is vividly brought to life by the underrated Lazenby with a mixture of macho charm and unexpected vulnerability. Diana Rigg also makes a vivid impression as Tracy, easily the toughest and most resourceful of all Bond heroines, and Telly Savalas turns in a menacing yet slyly witty performance as Blofeld. This film also defies convention by downplaying the gadgetry and gimmicks that would soon dominate the series in favor of a plot that balances the action with a strong emphasis on character development. Despite a two-hour-plus running time, the film moves at a brisk clip thanks to Peter Hunt's tight direction. Hunt, originally an editor on the Bond series, also utilizes his editor's sense of timing to create a series of breathtaking action set pieces; highlights include a stunning nighttime ski chase and the explosive siege on Blofeld's mountaintop lair. From its stylish opening to its stunning and unexpected coda, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is one of the high-water marks of the James Bond series and a refreshing antidote to the often cartoonish antics of its later years.