The spray sleep scene from Goldfinger is a true relic of Bond-era theatrics with equal parts ingenious plot device and vintage overkill.  Really, its could pass for a Bond movie spoof plot point.  The science behind the dramatic fainting is a bit aspirational, but is choreographed so well amongst hundreds of people you’d think they practiced beforehand.  Nevertheless, the ruse works, and Goldfinger falls for it.  Operation Grand Slam is a grand failure!