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Goldfinger (film)

Goldfinger is a 1964 British spy film directed by Guy Hamilton and produced by Eon Productions.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Goldfinger is a 1964 British spy film directed by Guy Hamilton and produced by Eon Productions. It is the third James Bond film and stars Sean Connery as James Bond, who investigates the gold magnate Auric Goldfinger’s scheme to contaminate the gold at Fort Knox. Part of the globally distributed James Bond film series, Goldfinger remains widely known to Canadian audiences through television broadcasts, home video, and repertory cinema screenings.

Plot

James Bond is assigned to investigate Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy gold dealer suspected of smuggling and market manipulation. The investigation leads to Goldfinger’s plan to contaminate the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox.

Production

Goldfinger was filmed from January to July 1964 across the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. It adapted Ian Fleming’s novel of the same name for the screen.

Release and reception

Released in 1964, Goldfinger became the first Bond film to earn more than $100 million. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential films in the series.

Legacy

The film helped establish many elements associated with the Bond franchise, including elaborate villains, gadgets, and a more expansive action style. It is often cited as a defining entry in the series.

Key facts

  • Goldfinger is the third James Bond film in the Eon Productions series.
  • The plot involves Auric Goldfinger's plan to contaminate the gold at Fort Knox.
  • It was the first Bond film to gross over $100 million.
  • Principal photography took place from January to July 1964.
  • The film is widely credited with helping define the style of later Bond films.
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Canadian context

Goldfinger is part of the globally distributed James Bond film series and remains widely known to Canadian audiences through television broadcasts, home video, and repertory cinema screenings.

Frequently asked questions

What is Goldfinger?
Goldfinger is a 1964 British spy film in the James Bond series, directed by Guy Hamilton and starring Sean Connery.
Is Goldfinger based on a novel?
Yes. It is based on Ian Fleming’s novel Goldfinger.
Who is the villain in Goldfinger?
The main antagonist is Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy gold magnate and smuggler.
What is Goldfinger’s plan in the film?
Goldfinger plans to contaminate the gold at Fort Knox, which would disrupt the Western economy and raise the value of his own gold.
Who directed Goldfinger?
Goldfinger was directed by Guy Hamilton.
Why is Goldfinger historically important?
It was the first James Bond film to gross over $100 million and is widely credited with establishing the formula for later Bond films.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfinger_(film)
    Supports: Release year, plot, production dates, and box-office milestone.
  2. James Bond 007 — https://www.007.com/the-films/goldfinger/
    Supports: Official franchise synopsis, cast, director, and release information.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Goldfinger-film-by-Hamilton
    Supports: 1964 release, British spy film identification, and adaptation from Ian Fleming.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058150/
    Supports: Series position and general plot description.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/goldfinger
    Supports: Runtime, release date, and legacy description.