Daniela Bianchi, the first Italian Bond girl says no to female 007

TOarchived Daniel Craig, the discussion between who would like a female James Bond and who would not (for example the producer of 007 Barbara Broccoli) it is very current. As well as the one on the obsolescence of Bond girls – alternately chaste and pure or double agent femme fatale. Daniela Bianchi, the first Italian in the role of “James’ girl” in the film 007 from Russia with lovealongside Sean Connery, says no to both issues. As the colleague Denise Richards seen in the chapter of the saga The world is not enoughreleased in 1999.

Guest at Conero Film Festival Of Numana (June 30 – July 1), event hosted by Henry Vanzina and Camilla Ghini dedicated to Italian cinema from the 80s, Daniela Bianchi lives today in Rome: «But I often travel to Sirolo, in the Marche region, where my son lives», says the actress with such an elegant charm that she knows no time. «I have a nephew, Alberto, who bears the name of the great love of my life. I come here because, since my husband is gone, every now and then I don’t deny that I feel a little lonely».

Daniela Bianchi guest at the Conero Film Festival

Has your grandson figured out who he’s grandmother for?
He’s still too young, think about playing. And that’s okay.

When asked – for the umpteenth time – about her role as Bond Girl, do you get tired of answering or remember with joy?
I’m happy about it, always. On the contrary, the fact that people continue to talk about me makes me feel a certain tenderness. Less so was Sean Connery, who after a lifetime of Mr Bond was beginning to seriously hate his character.

It is true that in 1963, at the audition of 007, from Russia with love won over Virna Lisi and Silva Koscina?
So it seems. Terence Young said I had the right face, a “very Russian” face.

How did your family welcome the idea of ​​making films?
Well I would say, since it all happened by accident. My father was a Colonel in the Army, rigorous but with a strong faith in me. He never left me, not even for a moment. Then I was an only child, imagine.

She came close to winning Miss Universe.
The press awarded me as Miss Photogenic, I went home happy anyway and wearing incredible attention.

She came from the world of ballet, then worked as a model.
I really liked being a dancer, but I was too tall. Then I gave myself to the world of fashion. I walked for Valentino and with him we went to Russia to launch his fashion, which was emerging at the time.

And the big screen?
A story of fortuitous coincidences. A friend of mine, an agent, asked me to audition to understand how I would render in front of the camera. It went well, they took me for a film with Pascale Petit, Les Démons de minuit, by Marc Allégret. Then came The Sword of the Cid, with Sophia Loren.

A moment before playing Tatiana Romanova, the most famous Russian spy of all. What do you remember about the set?
Connery tickling me in the film’s most dramatic moments, when I was poisoned by Red Grant. I still laugh. And then the final scenes set in Venice, in reality we were shooting not very far from London.

They’re looking for the next 007 to enlist, rumors say it’s a woman.
I am of the opinion that they are looking for pretexts to talk about it, to fuel curiosity. I’m not convinced by the prospect, to be honest. Already, over the years, the subject and the story have become so rooted that it almost seems like a science fiction film, there seems to be a constant run-up to special effects. In this specific case I would remain a traditionalist, I vote for the old-fashioned cast.

James Bond is one.
The only possible. Handsome, charming, elegant: Sean Connery was perfect for that role, there’s no doubt about it. Although at first they wanted to take Cary Grant, but he was busy with other projects.

He dedicated part of his life to love, retiring from the stage. Did you miss acting?
My husband was a great Genoese shipowner, I gave up my profession to be close to him, without regrets. It was a life full of family and loved ones. Sure, with the years and the now grown-up son, the desire to go back to acting has knocked on the door, but I don’t let melancholy in.

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