cricket30 Review of Behind the Scenes with 'Goldfinger'

Behind the Scenes with 'Goldfinger' (1995 Video)

This GOLDFINGER "extra" gives short shrift to . . .

[5/10 · 30 October 2014]

. . . the late Greek actor Tito Vandis, a failed Auditioner (but presumably a finalist) for the title role, which eventually went to Gert Frobe. Since BEHIND THE SCENES WITH GOLDFINGER highlights the admittedly better screen test turned in by Theodore Bikel, it seems unfair that Mr. Vandis was not awarded equal acknowledgment, given that the latter's reading exists in its 253-second entirety up to this day. Like Mr. Bikel, Mr. Vandis tries out as a redhead, an unfortunate hair coloring made even worse during the silent 51-second close of his try-out when he dons a buffoonish comb-over wig which comes off as being even more ludicrous than the fright 'do sported by fellow Bond villain "Silva" (Javier Bardem) 48 years later in SKYFALL. But with such a stellar resume (Bickel was "Mr. Nicholas" in the TV show BARRETTA, and also graced the MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW, as well as playing "Col. Andropolis" on M*A*S*H and the younger priest's uncle in THE EXORCIST on the big screen), it's a crying shame that Tito is so much overlooked here.