The Bacharach score and Herb Alpert open and closing sequences are memorable. Allen is always funny, and Welles does a pretty good turn as le Chiffre. It served as a series reboot, resetting its continuity to the start of Bonds career as a 00 and was the first to feature Daniel Craig as James Bond. When Andress is not speaking, as in the 'Look of Love' sequence or in Seller's 'shampoo' dream she's truly breathtaking. Casino Royale is the twenty-first film in the James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. Like _What's New Pussycat_ they did manage to corral some of the most beautiful women of the time together in the same film. The film is certainly not without its merits. When they run out of story, pie fights emerge, or fusillades of bullets, or tremendous explosions. The story lacks even a real protagonist Niven and Sellers trade places in that role.
It seems impossible to create a successful film with 5 directors and 10 writers (not including Ian Fleming, but including Ben Hecht, Joseph Heller, Terry Southern and Billy Wilder !!). However, _Casino_ is simply over the top at being over the top. So I am sucker for the comedy epic/ celebrity ensemble. I should confess that as a young kid I did love the film, just as I loved _What's new Pussycat_, and when I got a little older I became a guilty admirer of _The Blues Brothers_ and _1941_. Occasional fun for the 60's lover, but completely incoherent as entertainment.
