Guy Hamilton, 1922-2016

Guy Hamilton, who directed four Bond movies including Goldfinger, which set the template for the entire 007 series, has died at the age of 93. Born in Paris in 1922 to British parents, he entered the film industry in 1938. After serving in the Royal Navy during World War II, he returned to film, directing his first feature, The Ringer, in 1952. He showed a particular affinity for directing action, which led to him being offered (but turning down) Dr No in 1962. But he was in charge for

Goldfinger in 1964, even coming up with the idea of revolving numberplates on the Aston Martin DB5. ‘I was getting a lot of parking tickets at the time and I thought it would be marvellous to juggle the number plate.’ His stepson reputedly came up with the ejector seat concept. He later helmed Diamonds are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973) and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974).