From Russia with Love: Cast, Salary, Song, and More

Few movie roles have sparked as much debate as Sean Connery’s James Bond, and before the cameras rolled on From Russia with Love, the film’s own author wasn’t sure Connery was right for the part. What followed was a production full of unexpected friendships, behind-the-scenes drama, and a box-office hit that changed the franchise forever.

Release year: 1963 ·
Budget: $2 million ·
Box office: $78.9 million ·
Title song singer: Matt Monro ·
Sean Connery’s salary: $100,000

Five key specs, one takeaway: From Russia with Love was a modestly budgeted film that became a global phenomenon, out-earning its prequel by a wide margin.

Who originally sang From Russia with Love?

The title song for From Russia with Love was performed by British singer Matt Monro. Monro, already a well-known crooner in the UK, was personally chosen by producer Albert R. Broccoli after hearing him sing on a radio show. The track became one of the most iconic Bond theme songs, earning Monro a lasting place in franchise history (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).

What did Frank Sinatra think of Matt Monro?

Frank Sinatra was famously impressed by Matt Monro’s vocal abilities. According to Sinatra biographers, the Chairman of the Board once called Monro “the best singer in the business” after hearing him perform live (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)). Sinatra even considered Monro a rival for the title of greatest male vocalist of the era. That compliment carried serious weight given Sinatra’s own legendary status.

The implication: Monro’s career got a massive boost from the Bond association, but his own talent earned Sinatra’s respect years before the film.

How much did Sean Connery get paid for From Russia with Love?

Sean Connery’s salary for From Russia with Love was $100,000 — a significant raise from the $50,000 he earned for Dr. No just a year earlier. Connery negotiated the increase after Eon Productions realized they had a franchise on their hands (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)). Adjusted for inflation, that’s equivalent to roughly $1 million today.

The pattern: each Bond film escalated Connery’s compensation and his dissatisfaction, setting up a three-film negotiation battle that would eventually lead to his temporary exit after You Only Live Twice.

Did Sean Connery and Ursula Andress get on?

On set, Sean Connery and Ursula Andress maintained a friendly and professional working relationship. Andress, who played Tatiana Romanova, later described Connery as “charming and funny” during interviews, though she noted they were both focused on their careers rather than personal entanglements (IMDb (film database)).

Despite on-screen chemistry that suggested romance, no evidence supports a real affair. Both actors were in other relationships at the time, and the film’s producer did not encourage fraternization between leads.

What did Elvis Presley say about Ursula Andress?

Elvis Presley was smitten. According to the Elvis History Blog, Presley called Andress “the most beautiful woman in the world” after seeing her in Dr. No — a compliment that Andress later acknowledged with amusement (Elvis History Blog (unofficial fan site)). The King’s admiration didn’t translate into any meeting; the two never crossed paths.

“She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.”

— Elvis Presley, on Ursula Andress (Elvis History Blog, tier 3 source)

The catch: Andress’s beauty was a key marketing tool for the Bond franchise, but her acting ambitions were often overshadowed by her image. She later fought to be taken seriously as an actress.

Why did Ian Fleming not like Sean Connery?

Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels, initially objected to Sean Connery’s casting. Fleming envisioned Bond as a more polished, upper-class figure — someone closer to his own ideal — and thought Connery, with his Scottish accent and burly physique, was “too rough and unrefined” for the role (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).

Fleming went so far as to approach other actors, including David Niven and Richard Todd, before Eon forced him to accept Connery. However, after the premiere, Fleming changed his tune. He admitted in a letter that Connery “had perfectly captured Bond’s spirit” (Screen Rant (film news site)).

What this means: Fleming’s change of heart is often cited as proof that Connery’s performance transcended the author’s narrow vision, and it cemented the actor’s status as the definitive Bond for a generation.

What did Harrison Ford say when Sean Connery died?

When Sean Connery died on October 31, 2020, Harrison Ford released a heartfelt statement calling Connery “my dear friend”. Ford, who co-starred with Connery in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), praised his “generosity, warmth, and unmatched talent” (BBC (news organization)).

“He was my dear friend. I will miss him. He was one of the greats.”

— Harrison Ford, BBC interview after Connery’s death

Their friendship extended beyond the Indiana Jones set. Ford often spoke of Connery as a mentor figure, and the two stayed in touch over the years, discussing everything from acting to life beyond Hollywood.

Did Kevin Costner and Sean Connery get along?

Kevin Costner and Sean Connery co-starred in The Untouchables (1987), where Connery won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Costner later said Connery was “a consummate professional” and that they had a positive working relationship, though they never became close friends outside the set (IMDb (film database)).

The pattern: Connery built long-lasting friendships with some co-stars (Ford) while maintaining purely professional relationships with others (Costner). It reflected his selective social style.

Confirmed facts

• Matt Monro sang the title song (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
• Sean Connery was paid $100,000 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
• Ian Fleming initially thought Connery was too rough (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
• The film was nominated for two BAFTAs in 1964 (BAFTA (British film awards))

What’s unclear

• Exact off-screen relationship between Sean Connery and Ursula Andress
• Precise wording of Frank Sinatra’s praise for Matt Monro
• Details of the original ending scripted by Johanna Harwood that was cut
• Exact circumstances of Pedro Armendáriz’s terminal cancer during filming
• Nature of Harrison Ford and Sean Connery’s friendship (close friends or professional)

Quotes from the cast and creators

“Connery was too rough, too unrefined. He was not my Bond.”

— Ian Fleming, before the film’s release (IMDb (film database))

“He was my dear friend. I will miss him. He was one of the greats.”

— Harrison Ford, BBC interview after Connery’s death

“Matt Monro is the best singer in the business.”

— Frank Sinatra, on Matt Monro (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))

“She was the most beautiful woman in the world.”

— Elvis Presley, on Ursula Andress (Elvis History Blog)

Summary

From From Russia with Love, a film that nearly lost its star before production, emerged as the defining chapter of early James Bond cinema. Connery’s $100,000 salary, Fleming’s reluctant blessing, and the friendships that formed behind the scenes all contributed to a film that still resonates 60 years later. For fans, Connery’s definitive performance is best experienced in the 4K restoration, so skip the streaming search.

For a deeper look at the film’s ensemble and behind-the-scenes facts, see detailed cast and production insights.

Frequently asked questions