Crafting compelling action sequences is the lifeblood of any James Bond film, and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” raised the bar with its breathtaking ski chase and avalanche scenes. This behind-the-scenes look delves into the innovative cinematography and sheer determination required to bring these thrilling moments to the silver screen, focusing on the unpredictable nature of filming in the high mountains and the creative solutions devised to capture nature’s raw power.
The initial attempts to trigger avalanches for the film proved to be a stark lesson in nature’s defiance. Despite meticulous planning and expert execution, the explosives set to initiate a controlled avalanche resulted in a disappointing trickle of snow. The crew, positioned and ready to capture a dramatic cascade, could only watch as their carefully laid plans yielded a “miserable slide.” This setback highlighted the inherent unpredictability of avalanches, a force that refuses to be directed on cue. Undeterred, the filmmakers ingeniously adapted, turning an unplanned skiing mishap into a key element of the avalanche sequence.
Skidoo in snow during filming of On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Serendipity played its part when, during filming of skiers traversing the avalanche-prone area, three skiers unexpectedly fell in succession. This unplanned event offered a golden opportunity. Back in the studio, using matte techniques, this footage was seamlessly integrated with avalanche shots, creating the illusion of a powerful torrent of snow engulfing the skiers. This resourceful approach transformed a filming challenge into a visually striking and believable cinematic moment, showcasing the adaptability crucial in filmmaking, especially when working with unpredictable natural elements for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
The film’s narrative initially featured a snow plough scene linked to a train, as in Ian Fleming’s novel. However, practical considerations led to a creative pivot. Hubert, a member of the production team, reimagined the scene, substituting the train with a massive tracked road vehicle typically used for clearing high mountain passes in spring. This change not only proved logistically feasible but also aligned perfectly with the avalanche season, opening up possibilities to film genuine avalanche action in conjunction with the snow plough.
Filming the snow plough sequence itself proceeded with remarkable efficiency. A small, agile unit allowed for swift movements and early starts, capitalizing on the calmer morning hours before the daily avalanches began. Working in trenches carved 20 feet deep into the snow-covered road, the crew maintained constant vigilance, with a lookout posted above to signal any sign of danger. The roar of the snow plough engines nearly masked the urgent warning from an Italian worker who spotted an approaching slide. Reacting quickly, the team scrambled to safety just as a slide engulfed their work area, narrowly missing the snow plough itself. This close call underscored the very real dangers of filming in avalanche territory and the constant need for vigilance and respect for the mountain environment during the production of “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
The production then shifted back to Mürren to finalize the night ski chase sequence. To enhance the visual clarity of the nighttime pursuit, especially distinguishing between different groups of skiers, innovative lighting solutions were employed. Initial tests with handheld flares sparked an idea: one group of pursuers would utilize handheld flares, while Blofeld’s group would deploy parachute flares. This ingenious adaptation, approved by director Peter Hunt, provided a simple yet effective way to differentiate the groups and inject more visual dynamism into the chase.
Filming this visually complex action unfolded over five magic-hour evenings at Winteregg. Navigating the challenging terrain involved tractor-type vehicles and snowcats, the latter proving to be an adventure in itself with its precarious maneuvers. For scenes where Bond is dramatically illuminated by Blofeld’s flare, a setup of ten flares mounted on a pole and fired electrically provided a sustained and powerful light source, essential for the day-for-night shooting technique used to create the nighttime atmosphere. This day-for-night approach presented further complexities, demanding careful management of the extreme contrast between the bright snow and deep tree shadows, all while maintaining the spatial coherence of three fast-moving groups of skiers racing down the mountain. The goal was to capture fragments of action that, when expertly assembled, would culminate in the thrilling and impactful sequence envisioned in the script for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
The filming philosophy for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” emphasized efficiency and adaptability. Most scenes were captured in just a few takes, with a high rate of usable footage from each attempt. While some retakes were necessary to refine specific actions, complete scene reshoots were rare. This economical approach extended to film processing, with nearly everything shot being developed. The raw footage, when viewed in rushes, often required a trained “editor’s eye” to discern the valuable fragments within seemingly chaotic action. Legendary ski cinematographer Willy Bogner’s handheld camera work, while inherently unpredictable, yielded “rare gems” of footage that, when meticulously pieced together, contributed significantly to the spectacular nature of the ski chase.
Avalanche scene filming for On Her Majesty's Secret Service
As May arrived, the snow in Mürren had largely vanished, replaced by grazing cows where the bob run once stood. However, a sudden and heavy two-day snowfall dramatically shifted the landscape and revived the avalanche filming prospects. A reconnaissance mission to a deserted valley near Mürren proved fruitful, and helicopter pilot Bruno was enlisted to transport the crew and equipment. Under perfect weather conditions, with a fresh blanket of snow, explosives were strategically placed to trigger avalanches. The resulting explosions unleashed thousands of tons of snow, far exceeding the initial disappointing attempts and providing the spectacular avalanche footage needed for “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. The ideal conditions even led to bonus shots as natural avalanches began to occur spontaneously.
With only four charges remaining, a vast, untouched snowfield presented a final opportunity for a grand shot. Relocating for optimal positioning, the crew prepared for what promised to be a stunning visual against a clear blue sky. A passing jet, leaving a contrail across the frame, momentarily disrupted the perfect shot, a reminder of the unpredictable elements inherent in location filming. Despite this minor setback, the final charges were deployed, triggering a massive avalanche that engulfed the mountainside. The sheer scale of the event caused onlookers at base camp two miles away to flee.
James Bond in the snow in On Her Majesty's Secret Service
During the chaotic yet exhilarating culmination, cinematographer Alex shifted angles, his assistant inadvertently obstructing the lens, and then the ground shook as the avalanche reached the valley floor. Amidst the roaring snow and wind, the crew persevered, capturing the awe-inspiring spectacle. Even as a river of snow poured into the valley, they continued filming, ensuring they documented the full magnitude of the triggered avalanche. This final sequence marked a memorable conclusion to a demanding and thrilling assignment, solidifying the avalanche scenes in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” as a testament to cinematic ingenuity and the captivating power of nature captured on film.
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