EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE

“70 Years of 007”
2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel CASINO ROYALE (1953), which was followed by eleven more full-length adventures, and two collections of short stories. The novels in turn were adapted into the hugely successful film series by EON Productions, beginning with Dr. No in 1962. The 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die was released in 2021, and concluded with the presumed on-screen death of James Bond as played by Daniel Craig in the sixth incarnation of Ian Fleming's hero. Despite the reassurance in the end credits of No Time To Die that ‘James Bond Will Return’, there has been no evidence that a new film is being considered, with co-producer Barbara Broccoli publicly confirming at the 2023 BAFTA Awards in February that EON hadn't started casting and there wasn't even a script, adding that BOND 26 was probably a ‘couple of years off’. Nevertheless, this doesn't stop the world's media making almost daily announcements of new casting revelations, and presenting a never-ending list of potential new 007's. This of course is now devoured and repeated on social media, without any actual truth behind these so-called stories.

In late February 2023 Ian Fleming Publications Ltd confirmed that ahead of the reissue of the Bond novels in April to mark 70 years of CASINO ROYALE, they had commissioned a review by sensitivity readers, and several titles had been edited to remove racist content and other offensive passages. As a result each book will now carry the disclaimer: “This book was written at a time when terms and attitudes which might be considered offensive by modern readers were commonplace. A number of updates have been made in this edition, while keeping as close as possible to the original text and the period in which it is set.” It would now appear that the literary series was now conforming to the standards set by the recent Daniel Craig films, and meeting the requirements of a more inclusive society. Despite the controversial attempt to make Ian Fleming's novels more acceptable to a new generation, the EON film series remains as popular as ever, with the films now broadcast on an almost continuous cycle on the free-to-air terrestrial TV channel ITV4 in the UK (although still routinely edited for content and timing purposes).

“James Bond returns to Knightsbridge”
The James Bond films still offer unique marketing opportunities for those companies and products involved with the series. On Sunday February 19, 2023 the world-famous London department store Harrods hosted an interactive experience celebrating 60 years of James Bond in partnership with The Macallan whisky. This marked the third time the landmark Knightsbridge store had given over its window and floor space to an exhibition of James Bond vehicles, props, costumes and memorabilia. In 2002 to coincide with the release of Die Another Day, Londoner's could see a spectacular tribute to the official James Bond films in special film-themed window displays showcasing vehicles, costumes and props from 40 years of James Bond films. Again in 2006, to celebrate the release of Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig, Harrods gave over 72 windows - several of which along the main Brompton Road frontage recreated some of the sets featured in the film; and utilised actual props including the spectacular new Aston Martin DBS, and costumes worn by the leading ladies, Eva Green and Caterina Murino. The four-week 2023 display at Harrods exhibited signature artefacts from the 007 archive to commemorate the release of the Scottish whisky distillery’s 60th anniversary range of six Bond-themed bottles. Central to the exhibit was ‘Little Nellie’, the autogyro commanded by Sean Connery in 1967’s You Only Live Twice. Other memorabilia on display included Oddjob’s steel-rimmed bowler hat from Goldfinger (1964), James Bond's (Roger Moore) Royal Navy cap and Jaws’ metal teeth from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), a case of diamonds from Die Another Day (2002), and a gold bar prop from Goldfinger (1964) signed by Sean Connery.

Among the other props on display at Harrods were James Bond's (Daniel Craig) passport from No Time To Die (2021), and the damaged Royal Doulton Bulldog bequeathed to him by M (Judi Dench) at the end of Skyfall (2012). The Harrods Macallan Experience was enhanced by the use of many concept drawings and artwork from the James Bond films as part of the exhibition, and in themed window displays.

At the time of writing, and with no new film on the horizon, the 70th Anniversary of the literary 007 and links to Bond's cinematic heritage are all that fans will have look back on... unless the end credits of No Time To Die (2021) do prove to be correct, and a new incarnation of Ian Fleming's creation eventually returns to cinema screens. Meanwhile, the Prince Charles Cinema off Leicester Square, continued to programme James Bond films in 2023 to celebrate their significant anniversaries. Live And Let Die (1973) was shown at 6.00pm on Thursday July 6, 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its London premiere; and From Russia With Love (1963) screened at 6.00pm on Tuesday October 10, 2023 - exactly 60 years since it opened 100 yards away at the ODEON Leicester Square.

The Daniel Craig era kicks off with a 15th Anniversary screening of Casino Royale (2006) on Saturday November 2nd at 2.45pm, followed by a second screening on Tuesday November 19, 2024. The remaining four films will then also have two screenings at two-week intervals on Saturdays and Tuesdays throughout November/December. No Time To Die (2021) ends the season on December 17, 2024.

‘Spies, Swingers and Shadows’
In February 2024 BFI Southbank presented the first of a two-part season of films showcasing the musical talents of the celebrated film composer John Barry. Included in the season were three classic Sixties James Bond films. Goldfinger (1964) and You Only Live Twice (1967) screened at NFT1 on Sunday February 4, 2024. The Goldfinger screening on Sunday 4 February was introduced by Eddi Fiegel, journalist, author and John Barry biographer [John Barry: A Sixties Theme (2012)]. On Tuesday February 6, 2024 season curator Bob Stanley hosted a richly illustrated discussion about the distinctive sounds of John Barry in NFT1, with special guests Eddi Feigel, composer Nainita Desai, and writer & musician Neil Brand. ‘Spies, Swingers and Shadows: The Films and Scores of John Barry’ was followed by a second screening of You Only Live Twice (1967) at 8.30pm, with Goldfinger (1964) having another screening on Wednesday February 21, 2024 at 8.45pm in NFT1. The season continued with screenings of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) in the 134-seat NFT3 on March 5, 2024 at 3.00pm, and in NFT1 at 6.10pm on Sunday March 10, 2024.

©007 MAGAZINE 2024
Part One first published February 27, 2016
Part Two first published August 31, 2020
Last updated February 8, 2024
 

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