The Real Name of Q in Bond Films: Who Was Major Boothroyd?
Introduction
The character of Q in the James Bond series, often credited as Quartermaster, has intrigued fans for decades. However, the identity of Q remains a mystery to many, as the name changes with each actor portraying the role. This article delves into the history and evolution of Q in the films, uncovering the true identity of Major Boothroyd, the original character behind the moniker.
Background of Q in the James Bond Series
Q, short for Quartermaster, is the head of Q Branch or Q Division within the British Secret Service. This division is responsible for the research and development of cutting-edge technology and gadgets for the 00 Agents. The tradition of using letters as pseudonyms for senior officers in the British Secret Intelligence Service began with its first director, Captain Sir Mansfield George Smith-Cumming, who signed himself with a C in green ink.
The Real Name of Q: Major Geoffrey Boothroyd
The character of Q is named after Geoffrey Boothroyd, a firearms expert from Glasgow, Scotland. Boothroyd wrote to Ian Fleming, suggesting that James Bond was not using the best firearms available. This led to Boothroyd becoming the real name behind the moniker Q.
The Early Years: Peter Burton and Major Boothroyd
The character of Major Boothroyd first appeared in the 1962 film Dr. No. Peter Burton portrayed this character, and his name was prominently featured in the films. In the movie, M can be heard saying, “Thank you Major Boothroyd,” when the armourer supplies Bond with his Walther PPK. In the 1971 film The Spy Who Loved Me, the opening scene features Triple X saying, “Good morning, Major Boothroyd,” when Q greets Bond.
The Desmond Llewelyn Era: A Legacy
Desmond Llewelyn played the character of Q from 1965 until his retirement in 2002. His portrayal of Q is considered iconic, and he often referred to his role as simply "Boothroyd." Llewelyn would famously say, "Good morning, Major," to Bond, establishing a shorthand between the two characters. In Die Another Day, following Llewelyn's death, the character is taken over by John Cleese, who was previously known for creating comedic roles in Monty Python's Flying Circus.
The Modern Era: Ben Whishaw and a New Beginning
In recent years, the character of Q has been portrayed by Ben Whishaw. In Skyfall, M introduces Bond to a new Quartermaster, who is seen to be Q. When Bond encounters this new figure at the National Gallery, he exclaims, "You must be joking!" This scene marked a pivotal moment in the series, reshaping the Bond universe as a whole. Furthermore, Whishaw's Q was shown shooting XXXX (played by Daniel Craig) in the film Layer Cake, hinting at the volatile relationship between Bond and Q.
The Evolution of Q and the Relationship with Bond
The character of Q has evolved over the years, much like M. The role itself is of the Quartermaster, but the individuals who play the part have varied. This dynamic has led to changing relationships between Bond and Q. In the Burton and Llewelyn eras, the relationship was collegial, while in the Cleese and Whishaw eras, there is a sense of tension and mutual respect that is explored more deeply.
The reset of the timeline with the Craig era has added a new layer of complexity. Despite the modern setting, the traditional rivalry between Bond and Q remains a staple of the series, driving many of the storylines and plot twists.
Conclusion
The legacy of Q continues to captivate audiences, and while his name has changed with each actor, the character has remained a cornerstone of the James Bond franchise. Whether it's Major Boothroyd in the 1960s, Desmond Llewelyn's iconic portrayal, or the current incarnation played by Ben Whishaw, Q has consistently been a mix of intelligence and innovation, standing as a symbol of the quintessential British technological ingenuity.
References
1. Bond Films Database. (n.d.). Retrieved [Date], from IMDb.
2. Fleming, I. (1962). Dr. No. Panther Books.
3. Albert, B. (2000). No Time to Die. Atlantic Monthly Press.