First James Bond movie showing in Waupaca

The first-ever James Bond movie, “Dr. No.” will be shown at the Waupaca Area Public Library at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23.

“Dr. No” will be the final installment in the library’s February Film Series entitled “Going Places for Romance and Adventure.”

Dr. Jack Rhodes will introduce the movie.

“Dr. No,” according to Rhodes, was selected for the series due to its sense of adventure, taut script and colorful location shooting.

“The movie has a firm place in screen history since it began the James Bond franchise of feature films,” Rhodes said. “It not only introduced Ian Fleming’s well-known British Intelligence officer to the screen but also brought the actor Sean Connery to widespread international attention. Despite other movie Bonds, some 24 series entries and numerous parodies, Connery remains for most fans the definitive incarnation of James Bond. And this is the film that started it all.”

The plot concerns the murder of a British agent and his secretary in Jamaica and the complicated web of international intrigue that has led up to those killings. Agent 007 is promptly sent to investigate and discovers that the diabolical Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman) may well be the mastermind whose plans for world power inspired the deaths.

Others in the supporting cast include Ursula Andress, Jack Lord and Anthony Dawson. The movie also introduced two other durable Ian Fleming characters, “M” (Bernard Lee) and Miss Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell). Both Lee and Maxwell would reprise their roles in numerous Bond films over the following years.

Briskly directed by Terence Young from an adapted screenplay by Richard Maibaum, and with the flair of Sir Ken Adam’s imaginative art design, “Dr.No,” said Rhodes, is a fast-paced adventure that deserves being shown again on the big screen.

Complimentary popcorn, sodas and theater treats will be provided. The movie is free and no reservations are needed.

For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414.