I've noticed that in both "Dr. No" and "From Russia with Love" films, James Bond was deprived of the one item which helped or saved the life of 007 in the novels. The table knife in "Dr. No" was a useful tool and weapon in the book, but, in the film, Dr. No spotted it and told Bond to return it to the table. The metal cigarette case in "From Russia with Love" saved Bond from a bullet in the heart, but, in the film, the case was taken away from Bond by Red Grant. This was most likely to create suspense for the film goer who actually read the books, then make them wonder, "How is Bond is going to survive now?" I really enjoyed your book review, Calvin! It makes me want o pull those old books out of "mothballs" and re-read them. It has been forty years.

Always said that the James Bond films needed more giant squids in them!

I always found the Dr No's base scene in the film, where Bond and Honey are looked after by the nurses to be really creepy in why is this place like a luxury hotel (complete with room service)? The book hilariously reveals why. Apparently, No figured that one day the Police or authorities may come there and because there'd be so many he couldn't just kill them, so to answer why he had a large base, he'd built a fake Spa Hotel, fully staffed with actual masseurs etc, and that would be his alibi. He would then have to open the hotel to the public, and continue his criminal activities alongside running it. I'm not joking, this is all in the book! Bond even notices that the bathroom is stuffed with all kinds of luxury grooming products, so No has spared no expense in case this ever happens!

I love the background Fleming writes for his villains - you see it with Dr No here, Red Grant in FRWL and Blofeld in Thunderball. It adds a lot to their character which got lost in adaptation - which is fair enough because you can do a lot with narration in a book that you can’t have on screen (unless you use voice-over, but that often feels really clunky).

I really looked forward to

Summary of Doctor No's character: An angst ridden basement dweller who hated his dad.

Dat Nightfire music.

I always liked how Bond was genuinely hurt by Quarrel's death in the book. Bond in the film really didn't seem bothered.

I just realized that the Bond book series is really a different universe than the Bond movie series. They overlapse, of course, but somehow from listening to your reviews of the books I get the feeling that book Bond deviates from the movie portrayals, as well as all other characters deviate from their respective movie counterparts. Not saying that one universe is inherently better than the other, I'm only saying that the impression I get from the book reviews is refreshing, since the movies don't hold that much attraction for me at the moment.

One of the best parts of the book that blew my mind, I realized DR. No's human trial was alluded to at the beginning of the book by M when he was talking about some doctor that was studying the human tolerance to pain and what organs/limbs humans can live without.

Dolled-Up Instalment: In June 1956, Ian Fleming began a collaboration with the producer Henry Morgenthau III on a planned television series, Commander Jamaica, which was to feature the Caribbean-based character James Gunn. The series never got made, but Fleming used this as the basis for his next Bond book.

Talking of Dr. No, loved your review but I’d just like to add that in my particular case Dr. No was the FIRST James Bond book I ever read in 1964! And I read it in school during the English, Geography and History lessons! I used to have it open on my lap while the teachers of these subjects had the backs turned to the class writing on the blackboard! It was a risk but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I’ve read it again two or three times since! I have to admit, however, that I do prefer the film version! Firstly because there are more characters and Felix Leiter’s in it and also, there’s a long passage in the book where Quarel is training Bond to swim a marathon or something and I find that a bit boring. I also prefer Dr. No’s death in the movie since his iron hands can’t grip the metal structure in the radioactive pool to pull himself up! The book version, in my opinion, is a bit shitty if you’ll pardon the pun! Finally, last but not least, I’ve ALWAYS LOVED Ursula Andress and I think, if I’m not mistaken Fleming use her as the description of another Bond Girl later on in the series!

Now I finally understand why the Dr's surname is No. Thank you Calvin of this magnificent video! What do you think about my suggestion to rank the best casino scenes? 🧐

When I was young my grandfather knew I was reading all the Fleming novels and he decided to read one. Dr. No was the book I chose for him.

The best Bond stories have a great balance of realism and outlandishness,

Also Ken Adam made the best sets as the tarantula room is simple yet menacing. If your interested there is a book on the art of every bond film.

Great review Dyson. I enjoyed Dr No as well. I wish the challenges Bond had to go through in the tunnels was more prominent in the film. I started You Only Live Twice on my commute today. After OHMSS I'm looking forward to see what happens to Bond next.

Just got out of school and it’s been posted! I’ll have to watch this when I get home I’ll dig my copy out for sure keep it up

Man , I miss you calvin , please upload more and keep up the good work ! Cheers !

The sort of relationship between Honey and Bond in this novel reminds me of the kind of relationship between bond and Stacey Sutton in the AVTAK flick and Melina in the FYEO flick. There is a sort of mentor/paternal figure, but he still has kinky fun with them.