# The Spy Who Loved Me

> 1977 film by Lewis Gilbert

**Wikidata**: [Q320423](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320423)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spy_Who_Loved_Me_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-spy-who-loved-me

## Summary
The Spy Who Loved Me is a 1977 James Bond film directed by Lewis Gilbert, produced by Eon Productions, and based on Ian Fleming's 1962 novel of the same name. It is the tenth film in the James Bond series and stars Roger Moore as the iconic secret agent. The film follows Bond as he investigates the theft of a Soviet submarine, encountering a complex web of espionage and danger.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: August 25, 1977 (United Kingdom), July 13, 1977 (United States)
- **Director**: Lewis Gilbert
- **Production Company**: Eon Productions
- **Based On**: Ian Fleming's 1962 novel *The Spy Who Loved Me*
- **Starring**: Roger Moore (James Bond), Barbara Carrera, Curt Jürgens, Richard Kiel
- **Genre**: Action, Adventure, Thriller, Spy Film
- **Runtime**: 118 minutes
- **Budget**: $14 million
- **Box Office**: $185.4 million
- **Music**: Marvin Hamlisch (score), Carly Simon (theme song "Nobody Does It Better")
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Language**: English
- **Preceded By**: *The Man with the Golden Gun* (1974)
- **Followed By**: *Moonraker* (1979)
- **Awards**: Academy Award for Best Original Song ("Nobody Does It Better")
- **Ratings**: 7.2/10 (IMDb), 82% (Rotten Tomatoes), 55/100 (Metacritic)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 55 language editions
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424 (film), Q263214 (novel)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of *The Spy Who Loved Me*?**  
The film revolves around James Bond's investigation into the theft of a Soviet submarine capable of triggering nuclear war. Bond teams up with Soviet agent Anya Amasova to uncover the villainous Karl Stromberg's plan to destroy both the U.S. and the USSR.

**Who composed the music and theme song?**  
Marvin Hamlisch composed the score, while Carly Simon performed the theme song "Nobody Does It Better," which won an Academy Award.

**How does the film relate to Ian Fleming's novel?**  
While the title is taken from Fleming's 1962 novel, the film's plot is entirely original, making it one of the few James Bond films not directly adapted from a Fleming story.

**What notable awards or recognition did the film receive?**  
The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Original Score.

**What is the film's significance in the James Bond series?**  
It is the third film starring Roger Moore as Bond and introduced iconic elements like the Lotus Esprit submarine car, which became a cultural phenomenon.

## Why It Matters
*The Spy Who Loved Me* is a pivotal entry in the James Bond franchise, solidifying Roger Moore's tenure as the iconic spy. It exemplifies the blend of action, humor, and high-stakes espionage that defines the series, while its success at the box office and awards ceremonies underscores its cultural impact. The film's Cold War themes and memorable villain, Karl Stromberg, reflect the geopolitical tensions of the 1970s, making it a product of its time with enduring appeal.

## Notable For
- **Iconic Vehicles**: Featured the Lotus Esprit S1, a car that transforms into a submarine.
- **Academy Award Win**: "Nobody Does It Better" remains one of the few Bond theme songs to win an Oscar.
- **Cold War Context**: Explored U.S.-Soviet tensions through its plot, a common theme in 1970s spy films.
- **Roger Moore's Third Bond Film**: Cemented Moore's status as the definitive Bond of the 1970s.
- **Original Plot**: One of the few Bond films not directly based on Fleming's novels, showcasing the franchise's creative expansion.

## Body

### Production and Release
Produced by Eon Productions, *The Spy Who Loved Me* was directed by Lewis Gilbert, who also helmed *You Only Live Twice* (1967) and *Moonraker* (1979). The film was released in the UK on August 25, 1977, and in the US on July 13, 1977, grossing $185.4 million worldwide against a $14 million budget. It was filmed in locations such as Egypt, Italy, and the Bahamas.

### Cast and Characters
Roger Moore reprised his role as James Bond, joined by Barbara Carrera as Fatima Blush, Curt Jürgens as Karl Stromberg, and Richard Kiel as the henchman Jaws. The film marked Kiel's first appearance as Jaws, a character who became a fan favorite.

### Music and Legacy
Marvin Hamlisch's score and Carly Simon's theme song "Nobody Does It Better" earned critical acclaim, with the latter winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film's success contributed to the longevity of the James Bond franchise, ensuring its place as a cultural touchstone of 1970s cinema.

### Themes and Reception
The film's Cold War-era themes resonated with audiences, and its blend of action and humor was praised by critics. While some reviews noted its formulaic structure, the film's entertainment value and memorable set pieces, such as the opening ski chase, were widely applauded.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 118 minutes
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1 (Panavision)
- **Sound**: Dolby Stereo
- **Film Stock**: Eastmancolor

### Related Works
- **Novel**: Ian Fleming's *The Spy Who Loved Me* (1962), which shares only the title with the film.
- **Sequel**: *Moonraker* (1979), also directed by Lewis Gilbert.
- **Prequel**: *The Man with the Golden Gun* (1974), the previous Bond film starring Roger Moore.

### Cultural Impact
The film's success reinforced the James Bond franchise's status as a global phenomenon, with its gadgets, villains, and exotic locales becoming synonymous with the spy genre. The Lotus Esprit submarine car remains one of the most iconic Bond vehicles, symbolizing the series' blend of innovation and fantasy.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076752/)
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12. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076752/releaseinfo)
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