Dr. Bechmann was a scientist associated to Stromberg Shipping. A minor character, he appeared in the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, portrayed by the late British actor Cyril Shaps. Bechmann was also seen in the film's accompanying novelisation, penned by Christopher Wood.
Biography[]
The Spy Who Loved Me (film)[]
Very little of Dr. Bechmann's background is provided and what he is a doctor of is never revealed. He works with Professor Markovitz to create Karl Stromberg's Submarine Tracking System. Considering he created such a successful system, it could be surmised at one point in his life he earned a doctorate in chemistry or physics.
After the successful capture of HMS Ranger and the Potemkin, Stromberg calls the two men into his office, saying he is pleased with the system and that Dr. Bechmann and Professor Markowitz are to be paid $10 million apiece for their efforts. Stromberg then reveals secrets of his have been compromised and takes an accusatory tone of voice.
He tells that someone has been trying to sell the scaled-down photographic reproductions of submarine tracking system schematics to competing world powers. Ordering his assistant out of his office strongly suggests Dr. Bechmann or Professor Markovitz is guilty. As the beautiful woman is standing in the elevator, Stromberg presses a button which causes the floor to give way and she falls into a Shark Tank; the shark swims after her and eats her, which is viewed by Bechmann, and both he and Professor Markovitz react with horror at this. Stromberg's tone changes to a pleased one, reiterating his congratulations to the scientific pair for their system.
Bechmann is last seen boarding a helicopter flying away from Atlantis, and shaking hands with his partner over their success. Shortly into the flight Stromberg blows up their helicopter, killing the two scientists. Stromberg then orders that Dr. Bechmann's next of kin be informed that a "tragic accident has taken his life, and the funeral was at sea".
Alternate continuities[]
James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me[]
Bechmann also appears in this novelisation but survives. Stromberg does not blow up the helicopter upon its departure, and Bechmann and Markovitz presumably enjoy their payment.
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