Casino Royale (1967 film)

Casino Royale is a 1967 spy comedy film directed by Ken Hughes, John Huston, Joseph McGrath, Robert Parrish, and Val Guest, loosely based on the 1953 novel of the same name by Ian Fleming. It stars David Niven as Sir James Bond, who is forced out of retirement to investigate the deaths and disappearances of several British secret agents.

Unlike the main James Bond film series produced by Eon Productions, Casino Royale was produced by Columbia Pictures and distributed by United Artists. Eon Productions had not yet secured the full rights to the Bond novel Casino Royale.

The film presents a satirical and often absurd take on the spy genre, featuring a large ensemble cast including Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, Woody Allen, Orson Welles, and Joanna Pettet. Its plot is convoluted and features multiple characters impersonating James Bond, reflecting the film's parodic nature.

The film's soundtrack was composed by Burt Bacharach and includes the popular song "The Look of Love," sung by Dusty Springfield. While Casino Royale was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews and is not considered part of the official James Bond canon. It is noted for its comedic elements, lavish production design, and star-studded cast.