JAMES BOND
NEWS

20 November 2021
Burlington Arcade in London's Mayfair launched its festive display this week, inspired by the forthcoming 60th anniversary of James Bond in 2022. Complementing this year’s gold and silver festive scheme, the 2021 Christmas spectacle from the renowned London landmark elevates the James Bond installation that launched this Autumn with a 007 inspired Omega clock counting down to the New Year which also marks the 60th Anniversary of James Bond.

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

13 November 2021
John Pearson, the author of The Life of Ian Fleming (1966) and James Bond: The Authorized Biography (1973) has died aged 91.

John Pearson first met Ian Fleming whilst working for the Sunday Times in 1955; eventually becoming assistant to the James Bond author and taking over as the writer of the newspapers' ‘Atticus’ column, for which Fleming had assumed responsibility two years earlier. Ian Fleming also suggested that the young John Pearson act as ghost-writer for the exploits of BOAC security chief Donald Fish, which was published as Airline Detective: The Fight Against International Air Crime in 1962. Ian Fleming also provided the introduction for what was effectively Pearson's first non-fiction book.

Following the death of Ian Fleming on August 12, 1964 Leonard Russell, the literary editor of the Sunday Times, suggested that Pearson should consider writing the biography of his old friend and boss. The resulting biography The Life of Ian Fleming was published in London by Jonathan Cape in 1966, and then in LIFE Magazine in a two-part adaptation in the October 7th & 14th issues to coincide with the release of the US hardcover published by McGraw-Hill.

In October 1973 John Pearson's James Bond: The Authorized Biography was published in hardback by Sidgwick and Jackson. The book is a fictional account of the life of James Bond, Secret Agent 007, written from Pearson's point-of-view as he interviews the ‘real’ James Bond (now aged 53) in Bermuda.

James Bond: The Authorized Biography is not often regarded as an official James Bond continuation story as was the case with COLONEL SUN, and the later John Gardner and Raymond Benson novels. Although originally conceived as a spoof by publisher William Armstrong (1938-2006), the book was sanctioned by James Bond copyright holders Glidrose Productions. John Pearson knew Peter Janson-Smith (1922-2016), the Glidrose chairman, who gave permission for the work to be published. In 1978 John Pearson followed up his James Bond novel with Biggles: The Authorized Biography, which was written in a similar style to his fictionalized 007 story. Pearson will be best-remembered however as one of the UK's leading writers of contemporary biographies, including Donald Campbell, published as Bluebird and the Dead Lake (1965), The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins (1972), and its two sequels - The Cult of Violence: The Untold Story of the Krays (2001) and Notorious: The Immortal Legend of the Kray Twins (2010). His 1995 biography Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty formed the basis for the 2017 film All The Money In The World directed by Ridley Scott.

4 November 2021
HarperCollins Publishers acquire licence to thrill with a fully authorised new James Bond trilogy from Kim Sherwood, featuring the next generation of Double O agents.

HarperCollins Publishers have acquired the UK & Commonwealth and US & Canadian rights to three contemporary thrillers by Kim Sherwood set in the world of James Bond that feature a new raft of Double O agents for the 21st century. The deal was negotiated by Kathryn Cheshire in the UK and David Highfill at William Morrow in the US, with Jonny Geller and Viola Hayden of Curtis Brown, on behalf of Ian Fleming Publications Limited. Kim Sherwood is represented by Susan Armstrong at C&W Agency.

James Bond is missing, presumed captured or even killed. All of Bond’s contemporaries are gone and a new generation of Double O agents has been recruited to replace them and battle a global threat. At the same time, M and Moneypenny are searching for a mole in MI6. Will the truth be uncovered in time – or is this the end of the Double O section?

FULL STORY

16 November 2021
Bellmans is pleased to announce the auction of The Lewis & Hylda Gilbert Collection on Tuesday, 16th and Thursday, 18th November 2021. The Gilbert Collection from Sheldrake Place, Kensington, includes The Lewis Gilbert Film Script and Production Archive as well as a substantial Asian Works of Art collection, but also furniture, paintings, miniatures, porcelain and some jewellery and accessories.

Film Director Lewis Gilbert (1920-2018), best known for his three 007 movies and Alfie, was married to his wife Hylda (1919-2005) for 53 years. Born into an antique dealer's family, Hylda was the quintessentially beautiful, elegant and supportive film director's wife with a career in modelling, but as a theatre lover she was actively involved in spotting potential future films for her husband, a number of which ranked amongst Lewis' most successful titles.

Lewis Gilbert made more than 40 films during a directorial career spanning six decades, including three Bond movies - You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). He had his international breakthrough with Alfie (1966), which also launched Michael Caine's international career. Unlike many other directors he preferred doing small budget films he could produce himself to “secure in the right of final cut” and only made big budget films when he had to.    FULL DETAILS         CATALOGUE

3 November 2021
On the 88th Anniversary of his birth, 007 MAGAZINE pays tribute to the five-time Oscar-winner, and eleven-time James Bond soundtrack composer - the never to be forgotten John Barry:

With a dictionary’s worth of superlatives already written about John Barry during his long and distinguished career, where does one begin an attempt to encapsulate or pay tribute to his unique contribution to the relatively new art of film scoring, and the wider impact his music has had on world culture? Important art should move us, and Barry’s music has often moved us in spades. He is the only film composer ever whose work has transcended a legion of fans to the wider public outside that inner circle of hardcore Barry soundtrack aficionados. While many a ‘man or woman in the street’ may still be unable to tell you who it was that composed much of what they’ve heard of his work, the fact remains that Barry’s music will still be familiar to their collective ear in a way that no other film composer’s work has ever been, or will ever be.

FULL STORY

31 October 2021
Hot on the heels of the record breaking UK success of No Time To Die starring Daniel Craig, comes another cinema release featuring the most successful James Bond film of all -Thunderball! The fourth 007 adventure starring Sean Connery, which premiered in December 1965, features prominently in the time-travelling psychological horror film Last Night In Soho (2021), directed by Edgar Wright, and released in cinemas this weekend. Last Night In Soho stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, former Doctor Who Matt Smith, and Sixties’ icons Terence Stamp and Rita Tushingham. Last Night In Soho also marks the final film appearances of Diana Rigg and Margaret Nolan.

FULL STORY - Get it Wright Edgar!

19 October 2021
Leslie Bricusse, the British composer, lyricist and playwright, best-known for writing two iconic 1960s James Bond title songs, has died at the age of 90.

Born in London on January 9, 1921, Bricusse went on to have a long career in musical theatre, including with a successful partnership with singer/songwriter and actor Anthony Newley, which began with their 1961 hit stage musical Stop The World - I Want To Get Off. Bricusse and Newley later teamed with composer John Barry to write the title song for the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, sung by Shirley Bassey (pictured left with Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley [right]).

Although Newley recorded a demo version of the song, it would be Shirley Bassey's rendition of ‘Goldfinger’ that became the standard by which all other Bond songs would be judged. Leslie Bricusse would also write the lyrics for ‘Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’, originally intended as the title song for Thunderball (1965). Recorded by Dionne Warwick and Shirley Bassey, the song would ultimately be replaced by Tom Jones’ recording of ‘Thunderball’ with lyrics by Don Black. 

Leslie Bricusse re-teamed with John Barry to write the title song lyrics for You Only Live Twice in 1967. A title track was originally recorded with English pop singer Julie Rogers, but a completely different alternate version was finally used, sung in the film by American pop star Nancy Sinatra. In the same year Bricusse wrote the screenplay and music & lyrics for the American musical comedy film Doctor Dolittle directed by Richard Fleischer, which also starred Anthony Newley. Although Doctor Dolittle turned out to be a box-office disappointment, the Leslie Bricusse composition ‘Talk To The Animals’ sung by Rex Harrison won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1968. Also nominated that year was ‘The Look of Love’ from the James Bond spoof Casino Royale (1967) sung by Dusty Springfield, with lyrics by Hal David. Bricusse later told Hal David that he thought ‘The Look of Love’ should have won as it was 10 times better than his own song. Bricusse followed his Oscar-winning success with songs and music for Goodbye Mr. Chips (1969), Scrooge (1971) starring Albert Finney [for which Bricusse also wrote the screenplay], and the ever-popular Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) [once again teamed with Anthony Newley] starring Gene Wilder and based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Bricusse would win a second Academy Award for Best Adaptation and Original Song Score for Victor/Victoria (1982).

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction
London - 9th - 11th November, 2021

Several important James Bond props and costumes are featured in the live auction including Sean Connery's grey Anthony Sinclair suit worn in You Only Live Twice (1967), a briefcase throwing knife featured in From Russia With Love (1963), Timothy Dalton's dinner suit from The Living Daylights (1987), a SPECTRE ring from Thunderball (1965), and Famke Janssen's helicopter costume from GoldenEye (1995).

Also offered is a unique collection of 35mm footage from the production and promotion Moonraker (1979). These film rolls and trims were used by Maurice Binder to create the trailer, teaser trailer and most memorably, the opening title sequence.

Among the many pieces on offer are a collection of models, storyboards and costumes from Octopussy (1983), and other items from the films up to and including Spectre (2015).
PREVIEW OF IMPORTANT LOTS (and prices realised)
FULL CATALOGUE

7 October 2021
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has honoured Daniel Craig with the 2,704th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. The star is dedicated in the category of Motion Pictures at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles.

“Daniel Craig is a British cultural icon as is James Bond, the man he has portrayed in five 007 films.” We are thrilled to place his terrazzo Walk of Fame star next to the star of another famed actor who also portrayed James Bond, Roger Moore. Fans will be thrilled when they see that their stars are appropriately located at 7007 Hollywood Boulevard!”  stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The event took place a day after ‘Global James Bond Day’, and two days ahead of the US release of the eagerly-anticipated 25th James Bond film No Time To Die, which premiered in in London on September 30, 2021 - going on to break UK box-office records with the highest weekend gross of any Bond film to date.

FULL STORY, IMAGES & VIDEO

Daniel Craig answers all the James Bond questions fans really want to know | Vs The Universe | British GQ

From the ultimate Bond gadget to on-set injuries, stunts, style and his favourite James Bond actor to date, the reigning 007 Mr Daniel Craig takes on all the questions fans really want to know in #GQVsTheUniverse.

WATCH HERE

1 October 2021
Charles ‘Jerry’ Juroe, the long-time Hollywood publicist and former United Artists Head of European Publicity, has died at the age of 97.

Jerry was associated with the James Bond films from the very start, and accompanied Sean Connery on a promotional tour to Italy in 1962. As United Artists Head of European Publicity he publicized the first five James Bond films starring Sean Connery, returning to the series in 1974 to oversee publicity for The Man With The Golden Gun, followed by The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Juroe was not formerly acknowledged for his work on the series until For Your Eyes Only (1981) when he was credited as Director of Publicity - a role he repeated on Octopussy (1983) and A View To A Kill (1985). He was then credited as Marketing Director on the The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence To Kill (1989), both starring Timothy Dalton. Jerry Juroe retired from the industry in 1990 but returned to the James Bond series as a consultant on GoldenEye (1995) out of loyalty to Albert R. Broccoli, in what would be his final film as solo producer. Jerry Juroe also served as Senior Vice-President of Albert R. Broccoli's Warfield Productions Ltd. from 1979-1990. Founded in 1961, Warfield would later produce Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) based on the 1964 children's novel written by James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

30 September 2021
An astonishing new book just when you thought there was nothing left to say about James Bond or his creator, Ian Fleming. Bond Behind The Iron Curtain looks at the world's most famous secret agent from a completely different angle, through the eyes of the communist bloc.

Even before the film of Dr. No was released, the Bond phenomenon was being attacked as pornography, capitalist filth and anti-socialist poison. Its popularity in the West only stoked Russian derision. This book perfectly captures the political face of Bond through rarely seen images and a variety of texts translated into English for the first time. What makes it of exceptional interest is that much of the Russian ridicule of the figure of Bond in the 1960s has turned out to be extremely accurate.

FULL STORY

24 September 2021

Daniel Craig has been made an honorary Commander in the Royal Navy. Commander Craig’s appointment as an honorary officer reflects his personal support for HM Armed Forces and links it with the legacy created through the guise of fictional British secret agent James Bond.

Honorary officers in the Royal Navy bring a breadth of experience and contribute in their own distinct way to strengthen the navy’s ties with the communities it serves. Commander Craig is keen to support personnel with the Royal Navy, with a particular interest in service families.

Commander Craig said: “I am truly privileged and honoured to be appointed the rank of Honorary Commander in the senior service.”

FULL STORY

Opens October 15, 2021 - National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Featuring the iconic cars, gadgets and costumes from Bond's 25th film, No Time To Die, the brand new exhibition opens at the National Motor Museum just after the film's UK release on 30 September 2021.

ICONIC CARS
See cars from the highly anticipated No Time To Die,  including Bond's silver birch Aston Martin DB5,  the Aston Martin V8, Land Rover Series III and new Defender 110, plus many more.
NEW GADGETS
Get a first look at new gadgets from Q Branch, including Bond's Q-enhanced Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch, alongside technical plans for vehicle designs and DB5 weapons.
WORLD EXCLUSIVES
Be the first to see the No Time To Die folding-wing glider. The full-size model will be suspended above Bond's iconic silver birch Aston Martin DB5, complete with a new LED number plate and machine guns.

Beaulieu Enterprises Managing Director Russell Bowman said: “This entirely new exhibition will offer visitors an exclusive chance to see cars, gadgets and costumes from the highly anticipated No Time To Die, the 25th James Bond film. It follows in the footsteps of our acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which opened ten years ago showing 50 original vehicles from 50 years of Bond – and we know this will be just as popular.”
BOOK TICKETS

September 25, 2021 - October 22, 2022

The Petersen Automotive Museum will present a new exhibit celebrating the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise through a highly diverse selection of iconic screen-used vehicles. Opening September 25, 2021, in the Mullin Grand Salon gallery, BOND IN MOTION will be the largest official Bond vehicle display to date in the U.S., and will feature more than 30 cars, motorcycles, boats, submarines, helicopters and even scale filming models of aircraft from an array of both classic and contemporary Bond films. 

Highlighted automobiles include the 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 Submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), 1985 Aston Martin V8 from The Living Daylights (1987), 1999 BMW Z8 from The World Is Not Enough (1999), and the 2019 Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre (2015).

“James Bond is an international pop culture icon and the vehicles he drives are an integral part of his character,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “The Petersen is excited to showcase so many of the series’ most well-known vehicles. We are sure that there will be something to satisfy every generation of Bond fan.”   https://www.petersen.org/bond

Aston Martin has revealed a life-sized reproduction of CORGI’s famous 1965 die-cast model of the DB5 from the James Bond film Goldfinger.

The exhibit, which goes on display from August 31, 2021 at Battersea Power Station, London, is intended to celebrate Aston Martin’s involvement with the Bond franchise since 1964’s Goldfinger, right up until the latest instalment, No Time To Die. The launch coincides with a screening of Aston Martin’s No Time To Die TV slot.

FULL STORY & IMAGES

Being James Bond will be available to stream exclusively on the Apple TV app ahead of the theatrical release of the upcoming 25th James Bond adventure, No Time To Die. In this special 45-minute retrospective, Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15-year adventure as James Bond. Customers in over 30 countries and regions around the globe can rent the film for free and stream it exclusively on the Apple TV app from September 7 to October 7, 2021.

Being James Bond includes never-before-seen archival footage spanning from Casino Royale (2006) to No Time To Die (2021). Daniel Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, in the lead up to his final performance as the iconic secret agent.

“A lot of people here have worked on five pictures with me,” Craig noted during the conversation with the films’ producers in Being James Bond. “…I’ve loved every single second of these movies, and especially this one because I’ve got up every morning and I’ve had the chance to work with you guys, and that has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”

Read the 007 MAGAZINE review of Being James Bond

Ewbank's James Bond 007 Auction, 8th July 2021, 12:00pm
Hot on the heels of Ewbank's James Bond 007 auction in April 2021, comes another collection of posters and memorabilia including items from all 25 official EON Produced James Bond films, and a two-piece midnight blue tuxedo believed to have been worn by Peter Sellers in Casino Royale (1967) [sold for £1,700].

Among the other unique items included are four original camera negatives shot by Burt Cann during production of Dr. No (1962) [sold for £220], for press and publicity featuring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress and Joseph Wiseman; an original photographic contact sheet from On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) starring George Lazenby [sold for £150]; and a collection of transparencies and slides from films including Dr. No (1962), Goldfinger (1964), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), and Live And Let Die (1973) among others [sold for £220]. Also included in the auction is the original artwork used in the initial poster design for A View To A Kill (1985), signed by the artist Eric Pulford (1915-2005) [sold for £1,800].

FULL CATALOGUE

24 June 2021
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of For Your Eyes Only, 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of Roger Moore's fifth James Bond film.

With the spectacular box-office success of Moonraker in 1979, distributor and co-financier United Artists wanted more of the same, but producer Albert R. Broccoli felt that to continue with that style would make the films ever more outlandish by trying to top the excesses of their predecessor.

A look back at the production of the 12th James Bond film, and the one that brought 007 back down to earth. Drawing largely on the works of 007 creator Ian Fleming, For Your Eyes Only adopted a more realistic style, and for many fans is still Roger Moore’s strongest performance as James Bond.

FULL ARTICLE

24 June 2021
As an appendix to London Calling! a major new article takes a look at the studio responsible for bringing James Bond to the big screen, and examines some of the other films and spin-offs distributed by United Artists that screened with the 007 titles in London and across the UK.

A Fistful of Secret Agents, Pink Panthers... and much more!
This new and exclusive article takes an in-depth look at the history of the studio that introduced cinema audiences to James Bond in 1962. With some fascinating insights and background on other United Artists films produced and distributed alongside the blockbusting 007 series. From the Pink Panther to ‘The Man With No Name’, and a surprising link to the composer responsible for the definitive sound of James Bond - John Barry!

FULL ARTICLE

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction
Los Angeles - June 29th, 30th, & July 1st, 2021
Several important James Bond props are featured in the live auction including Sean Connery's screen-matched suit jacket from Diamonds Are Forever (1971). The Anthony Sinclair tailored jacket was originally offered in auction by Propstore in November 2020, but the lot went unsold. Lot #139 now has an estimate: $20,000 - $30,000, with a starting price of $10,000. [unsold]

Also on offer is a Moonraker 6 Shuttle Model Miniature from Moonraker (1979) [sold for $27,500], and a metal buoy seen in the sequence of For Your Eyes Only (1981) [unsold] where James Bond (Roger Moore) and Melina (Carole Bouquet) are keel-hauled behind Kristatos’ (Julian Glover) yacht. A pair of production-made Sharper Image credit cards from A View To A Kill (1985) [sold for $1,500]; Stacey Sutton's (Tanya Roberts) Jeep License Plates and Background Vehicle Plates [sold for $800], a Zorin Industries (Christopher Walken) flag [sold for $1,200] and other production memorabilia round out the Roger Moore era props on offer [sold for $1,800].

A set of five Le Cercle Casino Plaques from Dr. No (1962) [sold for $8,500], along with similar chips from Casino Royale (2006) [sold for $5,000], and Skyfall (2015) are also offered in the auction [sold for $7,000]. The Pierce Brosnan films are represented by a set of Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane) casino plaques from The World Is Not Enough (1999) [sold for $9,500], and a series of items from the Ice Palace seen in Die Another Day (2002) [sold for $1,100].

FULL CATALOGUE

28 May 2021
To mark Ian Fleming’s birthday (born 28 May 1908), Jonathan Cape, Vintage and Ian Fleming Publications are delighted to announce that Anthony Horowitz, the award winning novelist and screenwriter, has been invited to write a third official James Bond novel.

Anthony Horowitz says: “I am very excited to have started my third Bond novel with the continuing support of the Ian Fleming estate. FOREVER AND A DAY looked at Bond’s first assignment. TRIGGER MORTIS was mid-career. The new book begins with the death of Scaramanga and Bond’s return from Jamaica to confront an old enemy.”

Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd says: “We’re delighted and excited that Anthony is writing his third Bond novel. From the nuggets we’ve seen so far, we are confident it will be another best-selling episode in the adventures of 007.”

Michal Shavit, Publishing Director at Jonathan Cape, says: “We are incredibly excited to be announcing the news on Ian Fleming’s birthday that we have a new James Bond novel by Anthony to look forward to next year. We can’t wait to share more details with readers of the iconic spy’s latest adventure under Anthony’s masterful tenure.”

26 May 2021
Amazon and MGM today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire MGM for a purchase price of $8.45-billion. MGM has nearly a century of filmmaking history and complements the work of Amazon Studios, which has primarily focused on producing TV show programming. Amazon will help preserve MGM’s heritage and catalogue of films, and provide customers with greater access to these existing works. Through this acquisition, Amazon would empower MGM to continue to do what they do best: great storytelling.

“MGM has a vast catalogue with more than 4,000 films including the James Bond series, and 17,000 TV shows that have collectively won more than 180 Academy Awards and 100 Emmys,” said Mike Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Prime Video and Amazon Studios. “The real financial value behind this deal is the treasure trove of IP in the deep catalogue that we plan to reimagine and develop together with MGM’s talented team. It’s very exciting and provides so many opportunities for high-quality storytelling.”

MGM acquired their 50% share of the rights to James Bond when they bought United Artists in 1981. In 1975 UA had bought James Bond co-producer Harry's Saltzman's share in Danjaq – the holding company responsible for the copyright and trademarks to the characters, elements, and other material related to James Bond on screen. The new merger will not affect the release of No Time To Die on September 30, 2021. Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stressed that the deal did not mean the film would be pushed solely to Amazon's streaming service. “We are committed to continuing to make James Bond films for the worldwide theatrical audience,” they said.

Spy Oxfordshire: Lifting The Veil of Secrecy
Exhibition Extended: Now Ends 24 April 2022
The exhibition will shine a light on previously unknown but fascinating local connections to the intelligence world. Oxfordshire intelligence officers were at the heart of the British war effort during the Second World War: from the commandos that knew no fear and wreaked havoc behind enemy lines, to the codebreakers, analysts, and “connectors of the dots” who provided Prime Minister Winston Churchill with unprecedented insights into the Nazi war machine.

James Bond author Ian Fleming features heavily in the exhibition alongside his famous literary creation. Spy Oxfordshire will feature some iconic film props and replicas on loan to the museum, such as the Walther PPK used by Sean Connery in Dr. No (1962) and original concept drawings for the PPK/S handgun with dermal sensors - used by Daniel Craig in Skyfall (2012). The display will also feature items from the private collection of Mike VanBlaricum of the Ian Fleming Foundation, which have rarely been seen outside the USA, including original storyboards from the film Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Sean Connery’s shoes from the film Never Say Never Again (1983).

FULL DETAILS

The Salisbury Museum - 17 May - 3 October 2021
This summer, on the eve of the release of the 25th Bond movie No Time to Die, The Salisbury Museum celebrates the life and work of writer, illustrator and teacher Richard Chopping (1917–2008), best-known for illustrating the original book covers for James Bond.

Richard Chopping was a master of the trompe-l'œil technique, producing highly realistic three-dimensional images, and it was this distinctive style that led him to be commissioned by Ian Fleming to illustrate nine of the James Bond book covers from 1957 to 1966.

The exhibition features some of the original working drawings for the books, including the striking skull design for GOLDFINGER – one of Chopping’s personal favourites, and a commission that had been declined by his former friend and subsequent arch-rival, Lucien Freud.

The exhibition looks at Chopping’s entire output, positioning his work for Fleming firmly within the context of his 40-year career. With many works which have never previously been displayed, this exhibition will be a genuine treasure-trove for the Chopping cognoscenti and for those discovering his work for the first time. They reveal a talented artist whose work should perhaps be as well-known as the fictional spy he helped make famous.

16 May 2021 - 007 MAGAZINE reviews The James Bond Lexicon by Alan J. Porter and Gillian J. Porter

The James Bond Lexicon stands - simultaneously - as an example of many things that are good, but also many things that are bad about 007-related literature in the 21st Century.

The democratisation and Amazon-isation of the book trade, as well as the rise of self-publishing and print on demand, has led to an overwhelming glut of Bondian titles within what has become an increasingly overcrowded and difficult to navigate marketplace.

This has enabled many writers who otherwise might never get the opportunity to be published to do so, and areas of the Bondian universe that have been hitherto overlooked to gain some much-needed attention. On the flipside, it might have been a good thing if some such writers had stayed unpublished, while locating or identifying quality and worthwhile offerings within such a crowded marketplace can be a significant challenge. Continue reading...

11 May 2021
Neil Connery, the younger brother of James Bond star Sir Sean Connery (1930-2020), has died at the age of 83.

Born in Edinburgh on January 1, 1938, for most of his life Neil Connery worked as a plasterer, but in 1967 he starred in the James Bond spoof O.K. Connery (known in the USA as Operation Kid Brother). The Italian Eurospy comedy film was directed by Alberto De Martino and co-starred several actors from the EON-produced James Bond film series including Daniela Bianchi [Tatiana Romanova in From Russia With Love (1963)], Adolfo Celi [Emilio Largo in Thunderball (1965)], Anthony Dawson [Professor Dent in Dr. No (1962), Bernard Lee (‘M’), and Lois Maxwell (Miss Moneypenny). In addition to the aforementioned 007 alumni, the film boasted a memorable score by legendary Italian film composer Ennio Morricone (1928-2020). O.K. Connery was released in Italy in April 1967, and later distributed in the USA and Europe by United Artists under the title Operation Kid Brother. The film then played for three weeks at the London Pavilion cinema on Piccadilly Circus from April 25 to May 15, 1968. Neil Connery appeared as the character Dr. Neil Connery but was re-voiced in all versions of the film.

Neil Connery returned to acting in 1969 when he appeared in the British Science Fiction thriller The Body Stealers. After several small roles on British television, his final film performance was in 1984, playing ‘Mr. Bond’ in Mad Mission 3: Our Man from Bond Street - a Hong Kong made James Bond spoof also known as Aces Go Places 3.

O.K Connery (1967) full film on Youtube

29 April 2021
Frank McRae, the American film & television actor, and former professional NFL football player, has died at the age of 80. McRae will be best-remembered by James Bond fans for playing Sharkey in Licence To Kill (1989) opposite Timothy Dalton as 007.

After his football career, McRae became a character actor appearing in more than 40 movies including, Hard Times (1975), Norma Rae (1979), Steven Spielberg's 1941 (1979) and Red Dawn (1984). McRae also appeared F.I.S.T. (1978) with Sylvester Stallone, with whom he later reunited for Paradise Alley (1978) and Rocky II (1979). He also appeared in Last Action Hero with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1993.

One of McRae's early acting roles was in the 1973 gangster film Dillinger playing Reed Youngblood, a grinning inmate who helps Warren Oates’ titular John Dillinger escape from prison. Frank McRae also made several appearances in popular US television shows including guest roles in hit series Hill Street Blues; Police Story, The Rockford Files, Magnum P.I. and Quincy M.E.

A friend of Felix Leiter (played by David Hedison), McRae's character Sharkey had a significant role in Licence To Kill (1989), before being murdered by Sanchez’ henchmen led by Milton Krest (Anthony Zerbe).

16 April 2021
English stage, television and screen actress Helen McCrory OBE, who played MP Clair Dowar in Skyfall (2012), has died at the age of 52.

Helen McCrory studied at the Drama Centre London, and made her stage debut in The Importance of Being Earnest in 1990. Other stage roles included Lady Macbeth at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which won her the ‘Richard Burton Award For Most Promising Newcomer’ in the 1995 Shakespeare Globe Awards; and Olivia in Twelfth Night at the Donmar Warehouse in 2002, directed by Sam Mendes.

In the 2006 film The Queen, McCrory played the Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, a role she reprised in Peter Morgan's follow-up TV-Movie The Special Relationship (2010), once again opposite Michael Sheen as Tony Blair. McCrory also appeared as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), and again in the final two films of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010) & Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). Following her appearance in Skyfall, McCrory was cast in the popular BBC Television series Peaky Blinders as Polly Gray, appearing in 31 episodes between 2013 and 2019. McCrory also gave a standout performance as Madame Kali in 12 episodes of the first two seasons (2014-15) of the Sky Atlantic TV series Penny Dreadful, created and written by John Logan; and starring former 007 Timothy Dalton, Eva Green and Rory Kinnear. Sam Mendes who directed Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015) acted as co-executive producer with John Logan.

“Bond. James Bond.”
The name's Cinema... The Prince Charles Cinema. And they're putting together a little JAMES BOND 007 SELECTROSPECTIVE to welcome you all back to the cinema with! The season will feature 11 Bond classics, screening on Saturday afternoons and early evenings from May 22 - August 21, 2021, with at least one film from each actor to portray James Bond in the official EON Productions series.

FULL PROGRAMME

It's been a tough year for the Bond franchise, what with losing the original big screen Agent 007 Sir Sean Connery, and the continual delay of Daniel Craig's likely final outing as the iconic British secret agent. So let this season keep you occupied and your desire to see Bond on the big screen fulfilled until No Time To Die finally hits UK cinemas this September!

Ewbank's James Bond 007 Auction, 9th April 2021, 12:00pm

Among the James Bond items offered in this auction are many theatrical posters and Exhibitor's Campaign Books, and a unique menu for the launch dinner held at The Dorchester, Park Lane on Monday 31st October 1966, to celebrate the start of production on You Only Live Twice (lot #7076). [Sold for £700] FULL CATALOGUE & RESULTS

Update April 10, 2021 - An original Dr. No quad poster sold for £16,000; and an Exhibitors’ Campaign Book from Dr. No sold for £750; a From Russia With Love quad poster sold for £8,000, with a corresponding Exhibitors’ Campaign Book selling for a staggering £1,600. A Goldfinger Exhibitors’ Campaign Book sold for £1,200, with an incomplete Thunderball quad poster still fetching £1,000.

Prop Store is hosting one of Europe's largest and most exciting Cinema Poster Live Auctions on April 22nd 2021.

Over 490 rare, sought-after posters and artworks on offer are expected to fetch in excess of £175,000. The catalogue also includes an exclusive collection of some never-before-seen poster concepts and designs for one of the world’s most exciting and innovative creative agencies - FEREF - and includes many alternative concepts for well-known poster campaigns such as Star Wars, James Bond and so much more.

View James Bond lots #208 - #249    Full auction catalogue

Update April 23, 2021 - An original From Russia With Love quad poster sold for £7,000; a corresponding double crown sold for £2,000; a 1965 double-bill of Dr. No/From Russia With Love sold for £2,250; quad posters from You Only Live Twice (1967) [Style A], and On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) sold for £900 and £1,200 respectively. The FEREF Archive James Bond lots appear to have been withdrawn from the auction.

The HOLLYWOOD SCI-FI, ACTION, FANTASY AND MORE AUCTION features over 800 movie props and will take place on Wednesday, April 28 & Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills and live online at juliensauctions.com.

Following Julien's historic sale for $256,000 in December 2020 of the Walther PP used by legendary actor Sean Connery in the first James Bond film Dr. No (1962), the auction house will be offering Connery's hero Walther P5 from his last Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983). In one of the most renowned collection of Bond weapons brought to auction in years, Julien's will also offer an M16 prop rifle used in Moonraker (1979); the very first Walther P99 used by Pierce Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and the hero .38 Smith & Wesson used by Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day (2002).

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

Update April 29, 2021 - The Never Say Never Again Walther P5 sold for $106,250, all other James Bond weapons were unsold.

15 March 2021
Yaphet Kotto, the American actor who played the dual role of Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in Roger Moore's debut film as James Bond Live And Let Die (1973), has died at the age of 81.

Born in New York City in 1939 Kotto made his professional acting debut in Othello, and was a member of The Actors Studio in New York. Kotto got his start in acting on Broadway, appearing in The Great White Hope among other productions. His cinema debut came in 1963 with an uncredited role in the comedy-western 4 For Texas starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Ursula Andress. Kotto's breakthrough role would come in 1972 when he starred alongside Anthony Quinn in the crime-thriller Across 110th Street.

In 1973 Yaphet Kotto was cast as the villain in Live And Let Die playing the corrupt Caribbean dictator Dr. Kananga, and his alter ego gangster drug baron Mr. Big. Although he brought great dignity to the role, which was filmed at the height of the cinematic ‘Blaxploitation’ movement, he struggled with Tom Mankiewicz’ stereotypical script and was unhappy with the comedic demise of his character at the end of the film. Kotto subsequently would not take part in any publicity for Live And Let Die, and did not attend the premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in July 1973.

Perhaps Yaphet Kotto's most famous role would be in Ridley Scott's unforgettable sci-fi thriller Alien (1979), where he memorably played chief engineer Parker, holding his own in the gender and racially defining classic.

6 March 2021
Monica “Nikki” van der Zyl, known for her voice dubbing work on ten James Bond films has died at the age of 85. Born in Berlin in 1935, Nikki moved to England and began her career in British films by re-voicing Shirley Anne Field in the 1960 comedy Man in the Moon. However, it will be her contribution to the James Bond series for which she will be best-remembered. Her re-voicing of many of the principal (and smaller part) actresses was demanding in the extreme and her professionalism was admired by all who worked with her. Only rarely in film production are the voices of actors deemed to be unsuitable in terms of clarity, diction or accent, but throughout the early days of the Bond series actresses were cast for their visual suitability rather than their mastery of the English language.

Ursula Andress was re-voiced in Dr. No (1962) due to her strong Swiss-German accent, with Nikki van der Zyl providing her entire vocal and singing performance. In addition to Andress, Nikki also re-voiced Eunice Gayson as Sylvia Trench [and again in From Russia With Love (1963)], and Dolores Keator who played Strangways' secretary Mary at the start of the film. In Goldfinger (1964), Nikki re-voiced Nadja Regin and Shirley Eaton, as well as also acting as on-set English-language vocal coach to Gert Frobe. Claudine Auger in Thunderball (1965) and Mie Hama in You Only Live Twice (1967) were also completely re-voiced by Nikki van der Zyl, followed by Virginia North in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), and Denise Perrier in Diamonds Are Forever (1971). In later films it was decided to partially re-voice several actresses for clarity, and part of Jane Seymour's vocal performance in Live And Let Die (1973) was enhanced by Nikki van der Zyl, who then provided the entire vocal performance of Francoise Therry (Chew Mee) in The Man With The Golden Gun (1974). Nikki later re-voiced part of the performance of French actress Corinne Cléry in Moonraker (1979), which was to be her final connection with the James Bond series. Nikki's name never appeared in the credits of any of the James Bond films she worked on, but her significant contribution to the series cannot be underestimated.

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY – The autobiography of Nikki van der Zyl

3 March 2021
William P. Cartidge, who worked on the three James Bond film directed by Lewis Gilbert, has died at the age of 78.

Born in 1942, Cartlidge was the son of a senior executive at Rank Cinemas which helped him secure a position as darkroom assistant at Elstree Studios. Moving up the ranks of assistant director in the early 1960s on such films as Summer Holiday (1963), The Evil of Frankenstein (1964), Born Free (1966) and The Reptile (1966), Cartlidge was hired by Lewis Gilbert (1920-2018) to be his assistant director on Alfie (1966) starring Michael Caine. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, and Gilbert was the chosen to direct the fifth James Bond film You Only Live Twice (1967), retaining William Cartlidge as his first assistant.

When Lewis Gilbert returned to the series to direct The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), William Cartlidge came with him; but this time took on the role of associate producer to Albert R. Broccoli, now working solo following his split with Harry Saltzman. Cartlidge later teamed up again with Lewis Gilbert to co-produce the award-winning Educating Rita (1983) starring Michael Caine.

20 February 2021
Veteran British voiceover artist and actor David de Keyser has died at the age of 93.  Born on August 22, 1927 in Islington, London, as Rafael David de Keyser, he was narrator of the cinema newsreel Pathe Pictorial from 1956-1962, but will be best remembered by James Bond fans as the voice of Marc Ange Draco (played by Gabriele Ferzetti) in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969). David de Keyser would also re-voice Gabriele Ferzetti for the English-language version of Liliana Cavani's controversial 1974 film The Night Porter, which starred Dirk Bogarde and Charlotte Rampling.

David de Keyser also played Blofeld's plastic surgeon (credited as ‘Doctor’) in the pre-credit sequence of Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He was also a familiar face in minor acting roles in many British television series from the late 1950s, and was still working until 2016. He also provided the voice of Count Dracula (played by John Forbes-Robertson) in the 1974 Hammer film Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires, and a brief vocal appearance as the prison warden at the end of Superman: The Movie (1978). In 2001 he provided the voices of both Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort in the videogame adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone.

21 January 2021
French driving stunt arranger/performer and stunt coordinator Rémy Julienne has died at the age of 90, after contracting COVID-19.

A veteran of over 1,400 films including The Italian Job (1969) and six James Bond adventures (five of which were directed by John Glen). Rémy Julienne's first Bond assignment was driving stunts arranger on For Your Eyes Only (1981), when he choreographed the spectacular chase through the olive groves on the island of Corfu. Julienne returned to the series as driving stunts arranger on Octopussy (1983) and again for A View To A Kill (1985), also doubling for Roger Moore (uncredited) during the car chase in Paris.

Rémy Julienne also served as driving stunts arranger on The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence To Kill (1989), where he doubled for Timothy Dalton when Bond tilts a tanker onto its side to avoid an oncoming missile. After many aborted attempts with other drivers, Julienne took to the wheel and performed the stunt himself in one take. Julienne's final James Bond film was GoldenEye (1995) starring Pierce Brosnan, which included the memorable tank chase filmed on location in St. Petersburg and at Leavesden Studios.

18 January 2021
The BOND IN MOTION exhibition has now come to the end of its time at the London Film Museum. In January 2014 production began on the BOND IN MOTION exhibition in partnership with EON Productions, opening a new chapter in the London Film Museum's history. BOND IN MOTION was the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles and props including concept drawings, storyboards, scripts, model miniatures and full-size cars, boats, and motorbikes. Highlights included the Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre (2015), the Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye (1995); the ‘Wet Nellie’ Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977); the Rolls-Royce Phantom III from Goldfinger (1964); and the ‘Little Nellie’ Wallis WA-116 Agile Autogyro from You Only Live Twice (1967).

Read the 007 MAGAZINE review of BOND IN MOTION

7 January 2021
Michael Apted, who directed Pierce Brosnan's third James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999), has died at the age of 79.

Born in Aylesbury on February 10, 1941, Apted began his career at Granada Television in Manchester. One of his first assignments was researcher on the ground-breaking documentary series Seven Up! (1964), which charted the lives of fourteen British children from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. Apted then directed the eight subsequent series which returned to the children every seven years. The last series 63 Up was broadcast by ITV in 2019. Apted also directed several episodes of the long-running Granada soap opera Coronation Street, and two episodes of the popular Yorkshire Television children's series Follyfoot (1971-73), which featured Desmond Llewelyn as Colonel Maddocks, owner of Follyfoot Farm.

Michael Apted's feature film debut was Triple Echo (1972) starring Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed. Apted then alternated work on TV and film with character-based dramas including Agatha (1979) starring Vanessa Redgrave, Dustin Hoffman and Timothy Dalton, Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) starring Sissy Spacek, Gorky Park (1983) starring William Hurt and Lee Marvin, and Gorillas in the Mist (1988) starring Sigourney Weaver as naturalist Dian Fossey.

Michael Apted was therefore an unusual choice when he was approached to direct The World Is Not Enough (1999) in August 1998. Having agreed to direct, Apted also had some input at the scripting stage and made many suggestions that were ultimately incorporated into the final uncredited rewrite by Dana Stevens (Apted's then wife). Most of the changes focussed on the strengthening of the character of Elektra King played by Sophie Marceau. In June 1999 Michael Apted was reunited with Follyfoot star Desmond Llewelyn (1914-1999) for his three-day shoot in Q's lab, which was the final appearance in the series for the much-loved actor. At the time of its release The World Is Not Enough became the highest-grossing James Bond film to date, taking over $350-million at the box-office.

In addition to his television and feature film work Apted also continued to direct documentaries including The Official Film of the 2006 FIFA World Cup narrated by Pierce Brosnan.

4 January 2021
American Actress Tanya Roberts, who played Stacey Sutton in A View To A Kill (1985), has died at the age of 65 - a day after her agent and partner prematurely announced the news.

Born Victoria Leigh Blum in New York City, Roberts began her career as a model in TV advertisements, and started acting in off-Broadway plays in the late 1970s. In 1980 Roberts was chosen from some 2,000 candidates to replace Shelley Hack in the fifth season of the popular US television series Charlie's Angels. The show ultimately suffered from low ratings and was cancelled in June 1981. Roberts then starred in the adventure fantasy film The Beastmaster (1982) which she promoted with a PLAYBOY pictorial in the October issue. Roberts followed this by playing the secretary to private detective Mike Hammer (played by Stacy Keach) in the television movie Murder Me, Murder You (1983), although she declined to appear in the follow-up series to work on Sheena: Queen of the Jungle (1984), which proved to be a critical and box-office disaster. Tanya Roberts then appeared as geologist Stacey Sutton in A View To A Kill (1985) opposite Roger Moore in his final James Bond film. After appearances in several more forgettable US films Tanya Roberts played the recurring role of Midge Pinciotti in three seasons of the popular US television period sitcom That '70s Show (1998-2000). She later appeared as a special guest in seasons 6 & 7 (2004), before leaving the series to look after her terminally ill husband Barry.