In 1964, Sean Connery, fresh off his iconic portrayal of James Bond in 'Dr. No', was poised to deliver another blockbuster with 'Goldfinger'. However, before this legendary triumph, Connery took on a crime drama that fell short of critical acclaim: 'Woman of Straw'. Despite Connery's efforts, the film was met with harsh reviews, and he took the blame, but was he entirely to fault? The movie, directed by Basil Dearden, who had previously crafted the heist masterpiece 'The League of Gentlemen', was adapted from the French novel 'La Femme de paille' by Catherine Arley. Connery played the scheming nephew, Anthony Richmond, who plots to marry his uncle's wife to inherit his fortune. The film's melodramatic thriller elements failed to captivate critics, and Connery, in a 1965 Playboy interview, acknowledged his part in the film's shortcomings, attributing them to his hectic schedule and failed rewrites. However, 'Woman of Straw' didn't receive the same reassessment as 'Marnie', another thriller Connery starred in, which later became a Hitchcock classic. The film's poor reception might have been influenced by the challenging filming conditions and the inevitable comparisons to Hitchcock's work. Despite the initial disappointment, Connery's performance in 'Woman of Straw' remains a part of his diverse acting repertoire, showcasing his willingness to take on diverse roles beyond the iconic Bond character.
