Former Bond Girl Madeline Smith, 77, has spoken about the necessity of filming strip scenes during her acting career, stating she had "no choice" but to comply with such demands. Smith, who played Miss Caruso opposite Roger Moore in the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die, shared her perspective on these scenes, indicating she did not regret them.
"It was demanded of you," Smith explained. "I mean, in [1970 film] The Vampire Lovers, it was demanded of me seconds before I did the scene. I had no choice, there was nothing in the contract." She recalled having to unbutton her blouse for a scene in the film, noting that modern actresses would likely require significant payment for similar requirements.
Despite these experiences, Smith expressed gratitude for her career, emphasizing that she feels fortunate. "I have been so fortunate. That's why I will not moan about the taking off of the clothes and all that. I cannot. I was so lucky. I had such joy, and I loved every second of it," she told The Daily Star.
Smith also commented on the current state of the acting industry, suggesting it is significantly more challenging for new talent. "It's so difficult now for kids. You can go and be educated to your ears and still not getting any work. It's almost impossible to get your foot in the door now and it was so easy in the 60s," she said.
In her memoir, Madeline Smith, Bond Girl: From 60s Fashion Model to Half a Century on Stage and Screen, Smith also recounted an unsettling encounter with Warren Beatty in 1968. She described how Beatty exposed himself while on the phone, after having previously complimented her. Smith, who was a virgin at the time, stated she was terrified and rejected his advance for a "cuddle," responding that her idea of cuddling involved being fully clothed. She reflected on the film industry of that era, noting the "staggering" levels of drug-taking and sexual excess, and how men often expected women to be more permissive with their bodies, a direction she chose not to follow.