JAMES BOND
NEWS 2017

2 December 2017

The 007 Diaries
To tie in with the release of his first James Bond film, Live And Let Die, Roger Moore agreed to keep a day-by-day diary throughout the film’s production which was published just ahead of the premiere in July 1973. From the previous October, when he was unveiled as the new 007, through to his first scenes on location in New Orleans and his final shot in New York, Moore describes his whirlwind journey as cinema’s most famous secret agent.

Originally published in paperback by PAN Books in 1973 with the title Roger Moore as James Bond 007, this new limited edition hardcover edition will be published by The History Press on 1st June 2018 with a new introduction by Moore's friend and co-star David Hedison [Felix Leiter in Live And Let Die (1973) and Licence To Kill (1989)].

FULL STORY

6 November 2017
Actress Karin Dor has passed away at the age of 79. Karin played Helga Brandt (Spectre No. 11) in You Only Live Twice (1967), sharing several memorable scenes with Sean Connery as James Bond.

The German born actress had earlier played opposite Christopher Lee in The Face of Fu Manchu (1965), and followed her appearance in You Only Live Twice with a starring role in Alfred Hitchcock's Topaz (1969) which also gave her another remarkable death scene.

As the only Western actress appearing as a Bond girl in You Only Live Twice, Dor featured heavily in the advertising campaign for the film, taking part in several promotional photo-shoots, and was even featured on one of the four ultra-rare door panel posters. Dor is also one of the few actresses who appeared in the early James Bond films not to be re-voiced.

15 October 2017
On the day that Sir Roger Moore would have celebrated his 90th birthday, Pinewood Studios renamed a stage in his honour.

The celebration was attended by over 300 cast, crew and family friends of the actor who played James Bond seven times between 1973 and 1985. The sound stage was opened by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Wessex. Among the other celebrities attending the tribute were James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, Dame Joan Collins, Stefanie Powers, Sir Michael Caine, Stephen Fry and Sir Tim Rice. Three former Bond Girls from Roger’s films were also in attendance – Madeleine Smith, Gloria Hendry and Lynn-Holly Johnson. Comedian David Walliams represented UNICEF of which Sir Roger Moore was an ambassador.

In an emotional tribute, Lady Moore and Sir Roger’s three children emphasised how proud Roger would be to see his name dominating the Pinewood lot.

27 September 2017
Hugh Hefner, the American businessman and founder of PLAYBOY magazine, has died in California aged 91.

Through the pages of PLAYBOY which he founded in 1953, Hefner helped to popularise James Bond in the USA during the 1960s. Ian Fleming's 1959 short story THE HILDEBRAND RARITY was first published in the March 1960 issue of PLAYBOY, accompanied by a superb illustration by artist Allan Phillips. PLAYBOY then became the first magazine to serialize a James Bond novel when ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE was published in the April - June 1963 issues, this time illustrated by Robert Weaver. The November 1965 issue was the first to feature a James Bond cover and included a pictorial showcasing the Bond girls of the first four 007 films, focussing primarily on the upcoming release of Thunderball. An interview with Sean Connery also featured in this issue which appeared at the height of 'Bondmania'. Fleming's remaining novels and short stories were serialized in the following years, and each new film has been promoted in the magazine with pictorials and interviews. Ian Fleming himself was interviewed for the December 1964 issue; Pierce Brosnan in December 2005 and Daniel Craig in November 2008. The literary James Bond returned to PLAYBOY in 1997 with Raymond Benson's short story BLAST FROM THE PAST. James Bond's long association with PLAYBOY continues to this day.

Read the full story of ‘Bond and the Bunny’ in an exclusive 007 MAGAZINE feature showcasing all James Bond related issues of PLAYBOY magazine. The definitive story of James Bond's long association with PLAYBOY featuring superb illustrations by some of America's most respected commercial artists.

23 September 2017

007 ELEMENTS is the new James Bond cinematic installation opening this winter built inside the summit of the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden. The name 007 ELEMENTS reflects the visitor’s journey through a series of galleries, each distilling the craft of the signature elements that define a James Bond film. The installation will focus on Spectre, which was shot in Sölden, but will also feature other titles in the James Bond franchise.

The collaboration between the project’s Creative Director Neal Callow (Art Director on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre) and Optimist Inc. Head of Design Tino Schaedler and his team has resulted in an immersive, interactive, and educational experience that places visitors inside the world of 007 while revealing how that world is made.

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

26 August 2017

Ian Fleming Publications have announced that Vintage UK will be publishing hardback editions of CASINO ROYALE, LIVE AND LET DIE and GOLDFINGER this autumn. The books include new introductions by John Cork, and cover artwork by Levente Szabó.

As well as featuring new introductions to the novels, the editions are wrapped in stunning new covers designed by Budapest-based graphic designer and illustrator Levente Szabó, whose work includes projects for BAFTA and the Hungarian Design Council. The cover illustrations cleverly pull together different characters and plot lines from the novels to form a dramatic silhouette. Cohesive and stylish, the covers were a labour of love for Szabó, who says:

Working on the James Bond covers was both an enormous honour and a very exciting challenge. We had to find a fresh, unique look for the series while remaining faithful to the source material. It was a long process until we found the right form and I hope that fans of the series will like what they see.

FULL STORY AND MORE IMAGES

16 August 2017

Daniel Craig is returning to play 007 in BOND 25. The actor confirmed he would play James Bond for the fifth time to host Stephen Colbert on The Late Show last night. BOND 25 will be released in US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional early release in the UK and the rest of the world.

Saturday 9 September, 10.30-17.15
Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London  SW7 2RL

Celebrate and explore one of the most significant production designers of the twentieth century, with Sir Christopher Frayling.

Ken Adam was the creator of the War Room, Ronald Reagan wanted to visit on his appointment as President of the United States. Adam's illustrious filmography includes: Dr. Strangelove, Moonraker, The Madness of King George and Barry Lyndon. Speakers will include Ian Christie, Nicholas Hytner and Matthew Sweet.

Tickets £15.00 - £50.00

FULL STORY AND MORE IMAGES

6 August 2017

When the phrase “Bond Car” is used, it typically brings to mind a gleaming silver Aston Martin DB5 bristling with gadgets, machine guns, and mysterious red buttons that may or may not eject your passenger. To those of a different generation, it might suggest a white Lotus Esprit that Q Branch had converted into a submarine, or perhaps a silver BMW Z8 convertible. For some, though, there is no more noteworthy “Bond Car” than this, the 1974 AMC Hornet X “Astro-Spiral” stunt car from The Man With The Golden Gun (1974).

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

30 July 2017 - 007 experience coming to Austria

A unique James Bond cinematic installation will open this winter at the top of the Gaislachkogl Mountain next to the ICE Q Restaurant in Sölden, Austria. The iconic location was used in Spectre as the Hoffler Klinik and formed part of the snow chase sequence in the film. Cable Car Companies Sölden is creating a bespoke new building to house the 007 installation, embedded into the top of the mountain, designed and built by award-winning architect Johann Obermoser. The innovative, dynamic space is inspired by the work of visionary James Bond Production Designer Sir Ken Adam.

The concept for the installation has been designed and developed by Creative Director and James Bond Art Director Neal Callow (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre) together with Optimist Inc. Head of Design Tino Schaedler and his team.

The name of the cinematic installation and further details about the visitor experience will be released later this year.

25 July 2017

EON Productions press release:
James Bond will return to US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional earlier release in the UK and the rest of the world. BOND 25 will be written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade and produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The film’s cast, director and distributor will be announced at a later date.

THE JAMES BOND FILMS FACT FILES

16 July 2017

“The biggest strength you can have is love!”

One of the few actresses to appear in two Bond films as two different characters, Nadja Regin’s off-screen life story is more dramatic and heart-rending than any Hollywood movie, as Luke G. Williams discovered when he met her for a rare in-depth interview.

Since her retirement from acting to pursue a variety of literary endeavours, Nadja Regin, who featured as the seductive nightclub dancer Bonita in the iconic pre-credits sequence to Goldfinger, has given very few interviews. It was therefore a considerable honour when she recently agreed to meet me for coffee in a West London hotel to discuss her life and career. A gentle, elegant and softly spoken lady, Nadja was charmingly devoid of any showbusiness airs and graces; instead, she exuded warmth and modesty throughout our conversation, which ran for nearly two hours...

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW
 

9 July 2017

Inspired by Bond’s rank and regalia, OMEGA has created the "Commander’s Watch". The timepiece salutes the ensign colours of the British Royal Navy, with touches of white, blue and red found throughout the watch, creating a suave and stately look.

At an event held on 5 July 2017 at London’s Tate Britain gallery, Swiss watchmaker OMEGA unveiled a new timepiece that celebrates the rank and regalia of James Bond. Known as the Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann revealed the watch alongside Bond film producer Michael G. Wilson and Samantha Bond (Moneypenny in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond films 1995-2002).

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

8 July 2017

British world champion wrestler and actor Joseph (Joe) Robinson, best known for his performance as Peter Franks in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) has died at the age of 90.

Probably the deadliest exponent of the Martial Arts in Britain at the height of his career (he held an 8th Dan in Judo and a 5th Dan in Karate), Joe Robinson came from a family of championship wrestlers who eventually moved into the entertainment industry.

By way of RADA, Joe was eventually cast by director Sir Carol Reed for the pivotal lead role of Sam in the magical film A Kid For Two Farthings (1955) in which he wrestled the gigantic Primo Carnera. About this time Joe found his impressively muscular frame (he has a 50-inch chest) much in demand in 60’s Italian cinema, appearing in many ‘sword and sandal’ epics such as King of Brute Force (1962), Ursus and the Tartar Girl (1962), and also opposite Anthony Quinn and Jack Palance in Richard Fleischer’s affecting and memorable epic Barabbas (1962).

A long-time supporter of 007 MAGAZINE, Robinson accompanied Graham Rye to Las Vegas in 1993, where Rye's newly restored Diamonds Are Forever Moon Buggy featured as the centrepiece at Planet Hollywood's newest restaurant.

Read more about Joe Robinson's career

8 July 2017

In search of Mie Hama and Akiko Wakabayashi
by LUKE G. WILLIAMS

Of all the actresses who have appeared in the James Bond series, Japanese duo Mie Hama and Akiko Wakabayashi – who played Kissy Suzuki and Aki respectively in Lewis Gilbert’s 1967 epic You Only Live Twice – both are undisputedly the most enigmatic and low profile.

007 MAGAZINE presents an exclusive new article profiling the careers of two of the elusive stars of You Only Live Twice, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

FULL ARTICLE

7 July 2017
40 years ago, on the evening of Thursday 7th July 1977, The Spy Who Loved Me had its Royal World Charity Premiere at the ODEON Leicester Square in London.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Spy Who Loved Me, 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of the tenth James Bond adventure, one fraught with difficulties and which was the biggest gamble in the series’ history up to that point.

From its jaw-dropping pre-title sequence; through the marvellous main titles by Maurice Binder (with Marvin Hamlisch and Carly Simon's ‘Nobody Does It Better’ torch-song); Richard Kiel's larger-than-life henchman, Ken Adam's Oscar nominated production design; Derek Meddings' realistic miniatures, and the iconic Lotus Esprit, The Spy Who Loved Me reaches middle-age with a wry smile and a tongue-in-cheek twinkle that only it's late lamented star could pull off. R.I.P Sir Roger Moore and a happy 40th to The Spy Who Loved Me!

FULL STORY

See also
You Only Live Twice Fact File

London Calling! The definitive look at the James Bond films in London's West End

12 June 2017
"It was 50 years ago today..."
Two weeks after the release of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band, the fifth James Bond film You Only Live Twice premiered at the ODEON Leicester Square on the evening of Monday June 12, 1967 in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip. Sean Connery attended along with his actress wife Diane Cilento; screenwriter Roald Dahl was accompanied by his actress wife Patricia Neal and the late Ian Fleming’s close friend Ivar Bryce. The film then opened at The Astor in New York on 13 June 1967.

29 May 2017
Molly Peters, the English actress and model best known for her role as Nurse Patricia Fearing in Thunderball has died aged 78.

Molly was a long-time supporter of 007 MAGAZINE events and appeared at the Thunderball 25th Anniversary screening held at the National Film Theatre in 1990, alongside director Terence Young and other cast and crew members from the film. Later the same year Molly attended the The James Bond 007 International Fan Club Weekend Convention at Pinewood Studios featuring the largest collection of James Bond props ever assembled!

In 1999 Molly appeared at The James Bond 007 International Fan Club 7th Christmas Lunch at Café de Paris in London to promote the re-publication of Graham Rye’s all-new pictorial edition of his book The James Bond Girls.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), Park Circus and EON Productions have announced a series of special screenings in memory of Sir Roger Moore, to take place at cinemas across the world including: ODEON Cinemas (UK), AMC Theatres (U.S.) and HOYTS (Australia, New Zealand), beginning 31 May 2017. Additional locations to be announced soon.

The newly restored 4K versions of The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only will be screened with 50 percent of all proceeds benefitting UNICEF. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Sir Roger had been a dedicated and passionate supporter of UNICEF since 1991.

FULL STORY

23 May 2017
Sir Roger Moore, the third actor to play James Bond in seven films from 1973-1985, has died in Switzerland at the age of 89.

His family issued the following statement via his official Twitter account today:
With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated.

Read 007 MAGAZINE's tribute to Sir Roger Moore and Leave them wanting Moore - a brief overlook at the 7 movie tenure of one of the most popular James Bond actors ever!

James Bond Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have released the following statement: “We are heartbroken at the news of Sir Roger Moore’s passing. On the screen, he reinvented the role of James Bond with tremendous skill, charisma and humour. In real life, he was a genuine hero working as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for many years dedicating his life to alleviating the suffering of children all over the world. He was a loyal and beloved friend and his legacy shall live on through his films and the millions of lives he touched. We shall miss him enormously. Our love and thoughts are with Deborah, Geoffrey, Christian his grandchildren and his wife Kristina.”

18 May 2017
Chris Cornell (born Christopher John Boyle), the American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter and rhythm guitarist for Seattle rock band Soundgarden and as lead vocalist and songwriter for the group Audioslave has died at the age of 52.

Cornell will be remembered by James Bond fans as the singer of the title song for Daniel Craig's debut as 007 in Casino Royale (2006). Cornell co-wrote the song with Casino Royale composer David Arnold. Although the song does not appear on the soundtrack album for the film, it later appeared on Cornell's 2007 solo album Carry On.

Bond Producer Barbara Broccoli paid tribute by saying: “Chris Cornell ushered in the new era of Bond with his adrenaline fuelled song “You Know My Name” for Casino Royale. He was a gentleman and a true artist and we loved every moment of our collaboration with him. Michael and I and the entire Bond family mourn his tragic loss.”

15 April 2017
American actor Clifton James who played Sheriff J.W. Pepper in Live And Let Die (1973) and The Man With The Golden Gun (1974) has died at the age of 96.

In a career spanning seven decades, James appeared in over 100 films and TV series including The Chase (1966) and Cool Hand Luke (1967). Later films included The Last Detail (1973), Superman II (1980) and The Untouchables (1987).

Often cast as Southern American law men, James was actually born in Spokane, Washington. Sheriff J.W. Pepper was created by Live And Let Die screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz as comic relief as he didn't want the audience laughing at the African American villains in the film. The character was so popular that James was asked to reprise the role in the next film in the series The Man With The Golden Gun.

Clifton James was one of several James Bond alumni who attended Autographica 2005 where the biggest name by far on the guest list, courtesy of Graham Rye and 007 MAGAZINE, was Ursula Andress.

1 April 2017
50 years ago Casino Royale was released on an unsuspecting British public following it's Royal Charity premiere on 13 April 1967. Despite some poor reviews in the British press, the film went on to do brisk business at the ODEON Leicester Square in the weeks before Sean Connery's fifth 007 outing You Only Live Twice premiered there on 13 June. Casino Royale opened at the LOEW'S Capitol Theatre in New York on 28 April 1967, and for six weeks it was the highest-grossing film in the United States, eventually becoming the thirteenth most successful film of the year.

The story behind how the 1967 version of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel was made would make a fascinating film in itself, and the many behind-the-scenes stories surrounding its troubled production have since become legend.

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of Casino Royale, 007 MAGAZINE presents 007 little-known facts about the film that was too big for one James Bond!    
Casino Royale at 50  

11 March 2017
Becoming Bond, a new 90-minute docu-drama has premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. The film will be available to stream on HULU from 20 May 2017.

Written and directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film, described as a “unique documentary/narrative hybrid” chronicles “stranger-than-fiction true story of George Lazenby, a poor Australian car mechanic who, through an unbelievable set of circumstances, landed the role of James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), despite having never acted a day in his life. Then after being offered the next seven Bond films and a $1 million signing bonus, he turned it all down.” Australian actor Josh Lawson stars as George Lazenby. Also appearing in Becoming Bond is former Bond girl Jane Seymour who played Solitaire in Live And Let Die (1973).

FULL STORY AND MORE IMAGES

Everyone knows about Bond but few are aware of Fleming’s passion for collecting books. In 1952, the same year he wrote CASINO ROYALE, he launched The Book Collector. By then he was well into his collection of first editions of the crucial books of modern civilisation (on TV, atomic fission, X-rays, birth control, the motor car and penicillin among other things). As an idea it was unique. When he died in 1964 it was bought by the Lilly Library, Indiana University.

• “James Bond Invades America”
• “Collecting Ian Fleming”
• “You Only Live Twice, the dust-wrapper”
• “Two Bond Collectors: Why Bond?”
• “The Bond Market: an 007 Price Index”

These are only a few of the articles you’ll find in the March Special Issue. Much of the material comes from unseen family papers. It will be a unique publication in the vast history of the Bond phenomenon. FULL STORY

6 February 2017
Alec McCowen, the respected stage and film actor has died at the age of 91. Remembered by Bond fans as Q [Algernon] in Never Say Never Again (1983), he gave a brief but memorable performance opposite Sean Connery who returned to the role of James Bond for the first time in over a decade. McCowen provided the most memorable lines in the film during his brief exchange with Connery in the Q-branch scene.

McCowen made his film debut in The Cruel Sea in 1953 and later joined the Old Vic Company for its 1959–60 season at the Royal Court Theatre. Moving to the Royal Shakespeare Company he played many important roles in the early 1960s.

Perhaps his most famous screen role was in Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy (1972) when he played Chief Inspector Oxford, whose pretentious gourmet cook wife (played by Vivien Merchant) offered comic relief in the master director's penultimate film. Returning to the stage in 1973 he originated the role of child psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart opposite Peter Firth in the world premiere of Peter Shaffer's Equus, which ran at the National Theatre in London from 1973 to 1975.