Watch Casino Royale

Casino Royale is a lively and witty James Bond spoof film from 1967, with a star-studded cast led by David Niven, Peter Sellers, and Ursula Andress. Inspired by Ian Fleming's novel of the same title, the movie takes a hilarious and farcical approach to the well-known 007 franchise, blending action, romance, and comedy into a colorful and entertaining spectacle.

The plot of Casino Royale follows the efforts of Sir James Bond (played by Niven), a retired spy of the Secret Intelligence Service, to recruit a new agent to face the mysterious and dangerous organization SMERSH. Along the way, Bond gets tangled up with a variety of eccentric characters, including the seductive Vesper Lynd (Andress), the bumbling Evelyn Tremble (Sellers), and the villainous Le Chiffre (Orson Welles), who leads the casino scene in Royale-les-Eaux.

As the story unfolds, Bond and his allies embark on a series of daring and ridiculous missions to outmaneuver SMERSH and protect the world from its evil plans. From underwater battles to flying saucer chases, from exploding hamburgers to psychedelic dream sequences, Casino Royale never stops surprising and delighting its audience with its zany and surreal humor.

One of the highlights of the movie is the superb ensemble cast, featuring some of the biggest stars of the era. David Niven delivers a suave and sophisticated take on Bond, playing the role with charm and wit. Peter Sellers steals the show as the hapless Tremble, whose hilarious incompetence and disguises make him an endearing and memorable character. Ursula Andress smolders as the alluring Vesper Lynd, adding glamour and romance to the story. And Orson Welles brings his iconic voice and presence to the role of Le Chiffre, creating a menacing and eccentric villain.

Another strength of Casino Royale is its inventive and varied visual style, incorporating a range of artistic and experimental techniques to create a playful and dynamic atmosphere. From split-screen sequences to black and white montages, from impressionistic landscapes to elaborately constructed sets, the movie uses every trick in the book to surprise and entertain the audience.

The soundtrack of Casino Royale also contributes to its charm, featuring an eclectic mix of catchy tunes by Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David, performed by stars like Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Herb Alpert. The theme song "The Look of Love" became a hit and a lasting tribute to the movie.

Overall, Casino Royale is a delightful and unconventional take on the James Bond lore, blending espionage with comedy, satire, and social commentary. While it may not please purists or fans of gritty realism, the movie remains a classic of its genre and a perfect showcase of the talent and creativity of the filmmakers and actors involved. Whether you're a Bond aficionado or a lover of campy and fun entertainment, Casino Royale is a must-see experience that will leave you shaken and stirred in the best possible way.

Casino Royale is a 1967 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0 and a MetaScore of 48.