Live and Let Die

Live and Let Die

Year: 1973

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Guy Hamilton

ActionAdventureThriller

James Bond finds himself hunted by ruthless killers while pursuing Mr. Big, a powerful heroin kingpin with far-reaching goals. The chase leads him to a dangerous confrontation with Kananga and an encounter with Solitaire, a captivating tarot-card reader whose mystical abilities are crucial to the villain’s elaborate plan. Bond must navigate a deadly game to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and thwart Mr. Big’s ambitions.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Live and Let Die yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Live and Let Die (1973)

Trace every key event in Live and Let Die (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Gruesome Murders Begin

A wave of shocking murders sweeps across the globe, starting with the brutal slaying of three high-ranking MI6 agents. These assassinations occur within 24 hours and are perceived to be unrelated at first, taking place in significant locations like the United Nations in New York City.

New York City, United Nations headquarters
2

Bond Enters the Scene

James Bond is dispatched to investigate the strange murders linked to the tyrannical ruler of San Monique, Dr. Kananga. As he begins his investigation in New York City, he is faced with immediate danger when his driver is killed by a henchman named Whisper.

New York City
3

Harboring Intrigue in Harlem

Bond's investigation leads him to Harlem, signified by a cryptic license plate found at the murder scene. In this vibrant neighborhood, he encounters Mr. Big, a powerful gangster entangled in sinister dealings with Kananga, further complicating the case.

Harlem
4

Meeting Solitaire

In Harlem, Bond crosses paths with Solitaire, a captivating tarot reader with supernatural foresight. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that deepens the intrigue surrounding Kananga’s operations and Mr. Big's involvement.

Harlem
5

Bond's Escape

After facing an assassination attempt orchestrated by Mr. Big, Bond manages to outsmart his foes with the help of CIA agent Strutter. This marks a turning point in his investigation as he seeks to uncover the truth behind the murders.

6

Journey to San Monique

Bond follows the leads to San Monique, where he reunites with the local CIA agent Rosie Carver. Together with Quarrel Jr., they journey to Solitaire's secluded hideaway, raising suspicions about Rosie’s true allegiances.

San Monique
7

Rosie's Betrayal

Bond’s trust in Rosie begins to crack as he suspects her loyalty may lie with Kananga. His doubts are confirmed when Rosie tries to escape, leading to her brutal silencing by Kananga’s henchmen, heightening Bond's sense of danger.

San Monique
8

Seduction and Strategy

In a desperate bid to rescue Solitaire, Bond employs a clever ruse involving tarot cards to convince her of their destined partnership. This manipulation ultimately strips Solitaire of her powers and binds her to Bond in their shared quest.

Solitaire's hideaway
9

Kananga's Drug Operations Revealed

As Bond delves deeper into Kananga's empire, he uncovers the tyrant's plan to pervade society with drug addiction through poppy cultivation on San Monique. The sinister operations are fortified by the local superstitions surrounding voodoo.

San Monique
10

The Threat Grows

Kananga's wrath peaks when he discovers Solitaire's involvement with Bond. He enlists the help of Baron Samedi to execute her, intensifying the stakes as Bond races against time to save her and thwart Kananga's plans.

11

Bond's Narrow Escape

Bond finds himself captured and marooned on an isolated farm by Kananga's henchmen. Using his resourcefulness, he escapes from danger, igniting a furious pursuit as he seeks to dismantle Kananga's drug operations.

Deep South
12

Climactic Showdown

In an explosive climax, Bond manages to raze Kananga's drug lab to the ground, leading to a frantic boat chase. He skillfully navigates the waters, ultimately rescuing Solitaire and vanquishing Baron Samedi.

San Monique
13

Final Confrontation with Kananga

In a tense confrontation within Kananga's lair, Bond forces the villain to ingest a gas pellet, resulting in Kananga's shocking demise. This marks the collapse of his drug empire and the end of his reign of terror.

Kananga's lair
14

Escape from San Monique

With the chaos subsiding, Bond and Solitaire are rescued by CIA agent Felix Leiter, who arrives to escort them out of danger. Yet, the threat still lingers, exemplified by lingering danger from Kananga's henchman, Tee Hee.

15

Baron Samedi's Ominous Presence

As the film concludes, Baron Samedi ominously laughs at the front of the train, suggestive of his survival and the potential for further chaos. Bond and Solitaire are left contemplating the consequences of their adventures and the uncertain future ahead.

Train

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:39

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Unlock the Full Story of Live and Let Die

Don't stop at just watching — explore Live and Let Die in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Live and Let Die is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Live and Let Die Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Live and Let Die, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Live and Let Die Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Live and Let Die

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Live and Let Die. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Live and Let Die

Live and Let Die Spoiler-Free Summary

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Live and Let Die Spoiler-Free Summary

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