M (Bernard Lee)

Profile
Character: M
Actor: Bernard Lee
Movie: Dr. No -> Moonraker
Age: Late 60's towards the end of his career
Appearence: Male, Stocky build, Gray hair, he has a medium complexion and quite weathered skin from his Navy days, he is often seen wearing expensive tailored suits.
Status: Retired

The first of Bond's bosses, affectionately referred to as 'The Old Man'. With his sour countenance and economy of words, he presents a very authoritarian air to his field agents. Not willing to show any kind of preference, he often reminds Bond that there are others to take his place if he is not willing to fulfill his assignment. However, his loyalty to 007 comes to the fore in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, with the relief in his voice as he thanks Moneypenny for deviously changing Bond's resignation to a request for 2 weeks' leave.

Most memorable quote:
What would I do without you? Thank you, Miss Moneypenny.

Personality
M could be considered a man of great power as the Head of MI6, he is the only man who can put fear into the eyes of James Bond. A former Admiral in the British Navy, is where he received his characteristics of a pipe smoker, who has little interest in anything else but ships, military and his job, although on one occasion we see M maintaining his butterfly collection. M has no time for 007's foolish behaviour and can put an end to a matter if Bond decides to be persistent, during the On Her Majesty's Secret Service mission, Bond insists to M he want's to continue tracking down Blofeld, M simply says "that's all 007" and Bond walks out like an embarrassed schoolboy.

M is also very appreciative and proud of James Bond's work and often gives Bond exceptions. In Moonraker due to a misjudgment by Bond, the minister of defence suggested M remove Bond from the mission, instead M on the record said "take 2 weeks leave", off the record he told Bond to continue on the mission whilst 'on leave'.

Involvement
M has been the dedicated head of MI6 from the Dr No mission, through to the Moonraker mission. Most of the time M is based at his office in London, but a few times it was necessary to set up headquarters in the field, often in hidden, or inconspicuous locations - You Only Live Twice, M set up office on board his private submarine. During The Man With The Golden Gun mission, M set up HQ abroad a ship wreck, in Moonraker, HQ was set up inside an Egyptian pyramid.