For most fans, Sean Connery, the first and longest-performing James Bond, is considered the best of the actors who have worn the tuxedo. And although it was not the first Bond film—it followed “Dr. No” in 1962 and “From Russia with Love” in 1963 — “Goldfinger” (1964) is considered by many the best of the seven-decade series.

From the iconic theme song unforgettably sung by Shirley Bassey to the golden body of Shirley Easton, the gadget filled Astin Martin DB5 to perhaps the best named Bond girl ever, Pussy Galore, “Goldfinger” set the template for the beloved 007 spy thrillers. Upon its release, Derek Prouse of The Sunday Times said that it was "superbly engineered. It is fast, it is most entertainingly preposterous, and it is exciting.”

So please join us on Dec. 8 or 10 at 2 p.m. to join entertainingly preposterous Agent 007 once again as he takes on Oddjob and Auric Goldfinger (recently rated by British GQ as the second and third most evil villains in Bond history). In this third Bond adventure, special agent 007 (Sean Connery) comes face to face with one of the most notorious villains of all time, and now he must outwit and outgun the powerful tycoon to prevent him from cashing in on a devious scheme to raid Fort Knox -- and obliterate the world's economy.

In addition, we are delighted to announce that Dr. Jon Cavallero, Bates Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies will be with us in person for the Saturday, Dec. 10 showing to provide additional insights into this amazing 60-year franchise. One patron who attended the first Classic Film of the season said, “With introductions for each film by [Cavallero], the series is akin to a mini-course in mid-century American filmography.”

So, as you open your 2023 calendars, don’t forget to mark “Dr. Strangelove” on Jan. 12 and 14, “Charade” on Feb. 9 and 11, “Manchurian Candidate” on March 9 and 11, and “The Graduate” on April 13 and 15.