The Bond Villains: Emilio Largo

Another classic villain of the 1960s Bond films appears in ‘THUNDERBALL’ (1965). A member of SPECTRE, Largo is also known as No.2 within the ranks of the criminal organization. This makes him second in command after supervillain Blofeld. Largo has the looks of an elegant but determined businessman, a distinctive eyepatch covering his left eye. His Italian accent reflects, that SPECTRE is not at all picky when it comes to criminal energy. After all, the organization is an international enterprise. During a General Assembly of high-ranking members in Paris, Largo reveals his plan to steal nuclear missiles from NATO and extort £ 100 million in diamonds. Should the demand not be met, a city in the United Kingdom or the United States would be annihilated.

Bond´s first meeting with Emilio Largo takes place in a casino in Nassau, Bahamas, after 007 had previously encountered Largo´s mistress Dominique Derval (Nickname: Domino). In her presence, Bond repeatedly taunts Largo at a game of Baccarat with the term SPECTRE and its alternative meaning “ghost”. To identify him as a member of SPECTRE, Largo prominently wears the Octopus signet ring on his right annular finger. Following a dance with Dominique, Bond is invited by Largo for lunch at his residence Palmyra.

“The notorious Golden Grotto Sharks…the most savage, the most dangerous. They know when it´s time for them to be fed.” – Emilio Largo

At Palmyra, Bond and Largo both pretend to be ignorant about each others business and true intentions. After demonstrating their skeet shooting skills, Largo reveals his passion for collecting sharks and shows Bond the pool with Golden Grotto sharks. Perfect for dumping unwanted associates or guests. In the aftermath of an enormous underwater battle to secure the stolen nuclear warheads, the final confrontation takes place aboard Largo´s yacht “Disco Volante” where he and Bond engage in a brutal fight before Largo is shot in the back by Domino with a harpoon.

Largo is, like many Bond villains, a man of exquisite taste who demonstrates power and influence through wealth. His mysterious persona and appearance immediately make him stand out. When things don´t go according to plan, verbal outbursts are the least you have to worry about. His lack of consideration for people in his inner circle makes Emilio Largo a ruthless villain for whom failure or disloyalty is to be punished by torture or death.

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