Bernard Lee
ActingAbout Bernard Lee
John Bernard "Bernard" Lee was an English actor, best known for his role as M in the first eleven James Bond films.
Bernard Lee Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Bernard Lee reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Bernard Lee's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Bernard Lee's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Once a Crook, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Bernard Lee Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Bernard Lee's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Bernard Lee has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Sir John Mills' Moving Memories | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | James Bond: The First 21 Years | M (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | A Christmas Carol | Ghost of Christmas Present | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Spy Who Loved Me | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Murrain | Beeley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Live and Let Die | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Man Who Died Twice | Francis Cumberland | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Baron: The Man in a Looking Glass | Morgan Travis | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Dulcima | Mr Gaskain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | The Raging Moon | Uncle Bob | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | On Her Majesty's Secret Service | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | You Only Live Twice | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Spy Who Came In from the Cold | Patmore | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Thunderball | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Incredible World of James Bond | Bernard Lee: M (Vice Admiral Sir Miles Messervy KCMG) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Goldfinger | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Who Was Maddox? | Superintendent Meredith | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Ring of Spies | Henry Houghton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | From Russia with Love | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The L-Shaped Room | Charlie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Dr. No | M | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Clue of the Silver Key | Superintendent Meredith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Whistle Down the Wind | Mr. Bostock | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Clue of the Twisted Candle | Superintendent Meredith | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Cone of Silence | Capt. George Gort | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Angry Silence | Bert Connolly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Kidnapped | Captain Hoseason | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Sink the Bismarck! | Firing Officer (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Nowhere to Go | Victor Sloane, alias Lee Henderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Dunkirk | Charles Foreman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Across the Bridge | Chief Inspector Hadden | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Ship That Died of Shame | Customs Officer Brewster | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Sailor of the King | Petty Officer 'Stokes' Wheatley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1952 | Gift Horse | A.S. 'Stripey' Wood | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fortune in Diamonds | O'Connell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | White Corridors | Burgess | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Cage of Gold | Inspector Grey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Last Holiday | Inspector Wilton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Morning Departure | Cmdr. Gates | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Blue Lamp | Divisional Detective Inspector Cherry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Third Man | Sergeant Paine | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | Elizabeth of Ladymead | John Beresford in 1903 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1948 | The Fallen Idol | Detective Hart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | This Man Is Mine | James Nicholls | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | The New Lot | Interviewing Officer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1941 | Once a Crook | Duke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1940 | Spare a Copper | Jake | Hit | Similar → |
| 1939 | The Frozen Limits | Bill McGrew | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | Rhodes of Africa | Cartwright | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1936 | The River House Mystery | Wade Belloc | Super Hit | Similar → |
Bernard Lee - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Bernard Lee?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Bernard Lee is "Once a Crook" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Bernard Lee acted in?
Bernard Lee has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Bernard Lee?
Other notable films include "This Man Is Mine", "The River House Mystery", and "The Baron: The Man in a Looking Glass".