Who Would Be James Bond?
In the early '60s, movie producers adapting Ian Fleming's novels about a suave British spy named James Bond plucked a relative unknown, Sean Connery, out of obscurity and offered him the role of a lifetime. And when Connery left the franchise after five movies, the hunt for Bond was on again. LIFE sent photographer Loomis Dean to the final casting sessions for On Her Majesty's Secret Service (released 40 years ago this week), and the magazine published a handful of those photos. But some of the choicest frames - Bond wannabes suiting up, holding guns, drinking martinis, wooing women - have never been seen…until now. Meet each of the five top candidates (including ultimate choice George Lazenby, bottom right in this composite image), and check out their best moves.

Bedside Manner
The actor looks comfortable beside Bond-girl hopeful Agneta Eckemyr - but once filming began, rumors sprouted that Lazenby had personality conflicts with the woman ultimately cast as his love interest Tracy, Avengers star Diana Rigg. Opinions about the movie they made are split - initially there was much grumbling about Lazenby's performance as compared with Connery's, but the years have been kind to On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Entertainment Weekly ranks it the sixth best of the franchise).