From Liverpool to Corfu: The Intriguing Journey of Countess Lisl von Schlaf
Countess Lisl von Schlaf is a character who not only plays an essential role in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, but also holds a unique connection to the Bond franchise. While inspired by Ian Fleming’s short story Risico, the character of Countess Lisl von Schlaf evolved to become the captivating mistress of Greek smuggler Milos Columbo in the film.
Portrayed by Australian actress Cassandra Harris, who was married to future James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, Countess Lisl von Schlaf’s real identity is exposed and the undeniable chemistry between her and Bond, sees them waste no time in getting together.
Countess Lisl von Schlaf
As the mistress of smuggler Milos Columbo, Countess Lisl von Schlaf is assigned to get information from James Bond.
In a Corfu casino, Lisl and Columbo stage a heated argument to capture the attention of the secret agent. Their plan works, and the Countess ends up tossing a glass of wine on Columbo before storming out.
Bond, undercover as a journalist, seizes the chance to approach Lisl, and they share a ride to Columbo’s beach estate. Once there, Lisl invites Bond to have some champagne and oysters with her, and they quickly end up in bed together.
During their time together, her accent falters, revealing that she isn’t genuine Austrian nobility but actually hails from Liverpool, England.
The next morning, while taking a leisurely walk on the beach, the couple is ambushed. Aris Kristatos‘ henchman Locque drives a beach buggy straight into Lisl, killing her on the spot.
Cassandra Harris
Australian actress Cassandra Harris, born Sandra Colleen Waites in 1948, gained fame through her performances in TV and film. Notable roles included the Bond girl Countess Lisl von Schlaf in For Your Eyes Only.
While filming For Your Eyes Only, Cassandra Harris introduced her husband Pierce Brosnan to producer Albert R. Broccoli, leading to Brosnan’s eventual role as James Bond. The couple, who met on the set of Remington Steele, married in 1980 and had three children, with Brosnan adopting Charlotte and Christopher after their father’s passing in 1986.
Tragically, Harris passed away from ovarian cancer at age 43, with her daughter Charlotte also succumbing to the disease years later, adding poignancy to her legacy.
