Lois Maxwell, the Canadian-born actress who passed away on
September 29, made an indelible impression throughout the 007 film series in
her signature role as Miss Moneypenny, personal secretary to “M.†Ian Fleming
himself approved her casting, confiding to her after filming wrapped on Dr.
No: “I envisioned a tall, elegant woman with the most kissable lips in the
world. You are her!â€
Moneypenny never applied those passionate lips to James
Bond’s, yet she held his affections longer than any of his innumerable screen
conquests. Maxwell sat in Moneypenny’s chair in 14 Bond films, sparking against
the disparate charms of Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Roger Moore. She made
the most of her limited screen time, exhibiting sophisticated comic flair in
ongoing racy repartee with the world’s most libidinous secret agent.
With Connery, Maxwell enjoyed a palpable sexual rapport,
especially in the first several films. There was an intriguing sense that,
given the right circumstances, they just might give in to their mutual
attraction. In Dr. No, Bond sits on the edge of her chair and seductively
nuzzles her while holding her hand. And why not? She’s wearing a fetching
sleeveless black dress that’s just begging to be ripped off. From Russia
With Love finds them in another near-embrace, with Bond whispering, “Let me
tell you the secret of the world†and Moneypenny about to come undone when M’s
buzzer breaks their reverie. As Bond leaves for his assignment, he and
Moneypenny exchange “ciaos†with the intimacy of would-be lovers.