Roger Moore’s tenure as James Bond is often remembered for its suave humor, debonair style, and a lighter tone compared to his successors and predecessors. Among the many daring escapades he undertook as the British secret agent, one particular stunt stands out for exemplifying the charm that Moore brought to the role – the crocodile stepping stones scene from “Live and Let Die” (1973).

As Bond, Moore finds himself stranded on a small island in the middle of a pond teeming with crocodiles. With no apparent way out, he makes a daring escape by using the backs of live crocodiles as stepping stones. It’s a moment of sheer outrageousness – classic Bond wit meets action – that’s etched in the franchise’s history.

This remarkable stunt was performed by Moore’s stunt double, Ross Kananga, whose own farm provided the setting and the crocodiles for this memorable scene. The daredevil move with actual crocodiles snapping at Kananga’s heels was filmed in just one take, which makes it all the more impressive.

What this legendary moment represents is the blend of tongue-in-cheek humor and lighthearted adventure that characterized Roger Moore’s run as 007. While Moore himself wasn’t known for performing his own stunts – his era wasn’t focused on gritty realism or physically intense action scenes – this attitude rendered an enduring appeal to his films.

Contrasting with Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond that is grittier, darker, and more grounded in physicality and psychological complexity, Moore’s best stunt underlines what some fans feel Craig’s era missed: a sense of fantastical fun. Craig’s Bond would seem out of place attempting such a flamboyant escape; his world is one where consequences are stark and actions have weight.

In retrospection, each actor has given us their unique take on James Bond. While Craig brought a depth to the character that delved into emotional complexities and brutal realities, Roger Moore offered an escapism which allowed Bond to defy the ordinary with elegance and whimsy. The crocodile stepping stones scene stands as proof that sometimes an over-the-top display of courage wrapped in camp is just what audiences can admire in a hero.

Both Craig and Moore have left indelible marks on the franchise with their distinct interpretations. Yet, it remains fascinating how one sequence from 1973 can encapsulate an entire philosophy of filmmaking that revels in the improbable becoming iconic through sheer boldness and style. The best of Roger Moore’s stunts illustrates what made his version of James Bond enthrallingly different from Daniel Craig’s recent incarnation: Roger Moore’s era championed a brand of charming theatrics integral to what has made Bond such an enduring cinematic figure.