JAMES BOND
NEWS

“Merry Christmas 007!”

On December 5, 2023 Ian Fleming Publications Limited welcomed guests to a festive screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) at the Everyman Broadgate cinema in London. The event began with a conversation between Charlie Higson and IFPL Publishing Director Simon Ward, discussing Charlie's new James Bond novel, ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE.

There was even had a surprise appearance from “Angel of Death” Jenny Hanley [Irish Girl in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)], who read a Christmas message from George Lazenby!

IMAGES FROM THE EVENT

8 November 2023
The 007 JAMES BOND season returns to the Prince Charles Cinema, off Leicester Square in London's West End in 2024! Catch each and every official Bond movie from Dr. No to No Time To Die screening in 4K from January to December 2024! The JAMES BOND SEASON returns to the PCC after a two-year absence, and in this mammoth retrospective, they will be screening each and every James Bond film in the official EON Productions series, plus the return of Sean Connery's comeback as 007 in Never Say Never Again (1983).

The performance of Never Say Never Again on June 29, 2024 will feature a live post-film Q&A with stunt coordinator and Sean Connery double Vic Armstrong, his wife Wendy Leech (stunt double for Barbara Carrera), Kim Basinger stunt double Tracey Eddon, stuntmen Rocky Taylor and Wayne Micheals, and Sean Connery's motorcycle stunt double Mike Runyard – all hosted by Jon Auty in conjunction with Really, 007! podcast. Auty and the Really, 007! team brought a terrific Q&A in 2022 for Licence To Kill, so this will be a fabulous treat for Bond fans who want more insight into this unofficial remake of Thunderball (1965).

This epic strand kicks off with Dr. No (1962) on January 6, 2024, and will continue through the year until December 2024. Each film will be showing in 4K – with each title getting at least two performances.
Tickets are now on sale

The Steve Oxenrider James Bond Collection Part 1 (Day 1)
Live Auction November 16, 2023 10:00am
The Steve Oxenrider James Bond Collection, Part 1 (Day 2)
Live Auction November 17, 2023 10:00am

Attention, Bond fans! Ewbank's presents the ultimate James Bond 007 auction. Prepare for a two-part Bond memorabilia series from renowned collector and 007 MAGAZINE contributor Steve Oxenrider.

The first sale, on November 16th & 17th, showcases an exceptional array of Bond treasures.

Steve Oxenrider is a passionate US educator and lifelong Bond aficionado. Over 58 years, he's amassed a stunning collection of posters, stills, and more.

18 October 2023
Propstore presents a hugely exciting annual live auction of just under 1,800 incredible lots of TV, film and music memorabilia in London on November 9 - 12, 2023.

Included are 80 lots featuring important items from the James Bond films 1962-2021, many of which have never been offered in auction before. Among the significant James Bond items offered in the auction are Honey Ryder's blue bathrobe from Dr. No (1962); Robert McGinnis’ original artwork used on many Thunderball (1965) posters, Timothy Dalton's stunt Walther PPK from Licence To Kill (1989); Daniel Craig's tuxedo from the Cuba sequence of No Time To Die (2021), and two lots from the Maurice Binder archive, including several reels of film used to create the main titles and trailer for The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) and Octopussy (1983).

VIEW THE SIGNIFICANT JAMES BOND LOTS • FULL CATALOGUE

18 October 2023

Bond In Motion is moving to Křižík Pavilions, Prague, Czechia, opening on December 7, 2023 and running until March 31, 2024. Previously held in Brussels, Belgium, the exhibition covers six decades of 007 history and includes over 75 vehicles.

Bond In Motion is an opportunity to discover not only the vehicles, but also the secrets of their production. The realization of iconic scenes and extraordinary stunts will finally be revealed. Many other “non-automotive” items will also be on display. In its 60 years of existence, the creativity of the teams behind the James Bond adventure has never failed.

Bond In Motion's new location was announced at the British Embassy in Prague with Maryam D’Abo who played Kara in The Living Daylights (1987) in attendance. Maryam was reunited with the Aston Martin V8 featured in the film.

Book your tickets now at www.bondinmotion.cz

10 October 2023

007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of From Russia With Love, released 60 years ago as the second entry in the long-running James Bond film series. Reprising his role as 007, Sean Connery consolidated his success as Ian Fleming’s Secret Agent in the film that is still widely regarded as the best of the series.

JAMES BOND IS BACK!

7 October 2023

After waiting 12 years for Sean Connery to return to the role that many considered to be his and his alone, the release of Never Say Never Again in 1983 came as a major disappointment for many James Bond fans around the world. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the film's release, 007 MAGAZINE explores the reasons behind why the film failed to live up to expectations, and the myriad problems that befell the production before, during, and after shooting.

The Making of Never Say Never Again

5 October 2023
On James Bond Day, Prime Video has released the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated new UK Original adventure game show series 007: Road to a Million, revealing the first look at Brian Cox as “The Controller.” 007: Road to a Million, from the producers behind the James Bond film franchise, follows nine pairs of everyday people as they are unleashed on an epic global adventure through a series of Bond-inspired challenges for a shot at each winning a life-changing £1,000,000 prize.

FULL STORY AND TEASER TRAILER

8 September 2023 - James Bond on Bond Street
15:00 BST | Sotheby's, London
Sotheby’s celebrates the 70th anniversary of CASINO ROYALE, where Britain’s favourite spy appeared for the first time, with an exceptional collection of books, memorabilia, posters and more.

A remarkable selection of books and memorabilia from the collection of noted Ian Fleming biographer Jon Gilbert forms the bulk of the auction. With unique examples of rare first editions and variant copies of his novels, to letters from the author and original Jonathan Cape advertising materials. This sale features numerous one-of-a-kind items, many of which have never been publicly auctioned before.

In addition to the Jon Gilbert Collection, the auction features a selection of original film posters from Dr. No (1962) to Octopussy (1983), and other unique items related to the James Bond author.

VIEW ALL LOTS IN THE AUCTION

7 September 2023

In his seventy-second year, 007 MAGAZINE publisher, creative director/designer, photographer, and author of the best-selling book The James Bond Girls (in print from 1989 for a decade), Graham Rye, explains: “The bulk of the eclectic archive I own has carried out my original intention extensively in the pages of my flagship publication 007 MAGAZINE for over four decades, informing and entertaining thousands of 007 readers worldwide. This first online auction, with others to follow, will enable serious James Bond connoisseurs worldwide to add rare, unique, and historic and valuable items to their collections.”

The ‘007 MAGAZINE OnLine Silent Auction #1’ commences at 12 noon BST on 7 September 2023 on Facebook and ends at 12 Noon BST on 7 October 2023.

FULL STORY

5 September 2023

With just a month to go until the publication of brand new editions of three classic Bond titles, Ian Fleming Publications have revealed the new covers, as well as an interview with the designer who took on the challenge of giving these texts a fresh new look!

These bold and striking new covers were designed by David Eldridge of Two Associates. An interview about his design process and inspirations can be read on the IFP website.

VIEW THE NEW COVERS

12 August 2023
Ian Fleming Publications announce three new paperback editions of James Bond continuation novels to be published on ‘James Bond Day’ October 5, 2023.

COLONEL SUN by Kingsley Amis
The first ever James Bond novel published after the death of Ian Fleming. This edition celebrates the novel’s 55th anniversary and features a new foreword by Anthony Horowitz.

ZERO MINUS TEN by Raymond Benson
Rediscover this classic Bond continuation novel in a brand-new paperback edition. It will include a new introduction from the author himself, Raymond Benson.

JAMES BOND: THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY by John Pearson
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the authorised biography’s publication, this edition will feature a new foreword written by Mark Pearson, John’s son.

The paperbacks are available to pre-order now via Ianfleming.com and amazon.co.uk. The final cover art will be revealed in due course.

COLONEL SUN • ZERO MINUS TEN • JAMES BOND: THE AUTHORISED BIOGRAPHY

25 July 2023 - A SPY LIKE ME is the title of the new DOUBLE O novel to be published on April 25, 2004 by HarperCollins

An elite team of MI6 agents must go undercover to unravel a smuggling network funding violent terror in the second thrilling adventure in the acclaimed Double O series by Kim Sherwood.

Six days. Three agents. One chance to find James Bond.
James Bond is alive.
Or at least, he was when he left a clue at the black site where the insidious private military company Rattenfanger held him captive. MI6 cannot spare any more lives attempting to track down one missing agent-no exceptions, even for Bond. But Johanna Harwood, 003, has her own agenda. Sidelined by her superiors while she grieves the loss of a loved one, Harwood goes on an unsanctioned mission: to find 007. Meanwhile, MI6 has another problem...

A bomb has been detonated in London.
Double O agents on the trail of the terrorists responsible acted quickly to prevent mass destruction and save lives. But MI6 failed to neutralize the nation's enemies before they could strike, and one of their own was seriously injured in the blast.

They won't fail again.
Assigned to root out the source of the terrorists' funding, Joseph Dryden, 004, and Conrad Harthrop-Vane, 000, enter the field. Tracing clues from Sotheby's auction house to Crete to Venice, they uncover a money laundering scheme involving diamonds, black market antiquities, and human trafficking. Once a major sale is made, a six-day countdown to the next terror attack begins. As the Double O's follow the twisting trail, they find themselves unexpectedly inching closer to Bond...

Sir Roger Moore - The Collection
4 October 2023 | starting at 13:00 BST

Black tie, fast cars, and shaken Martinis - it has to be Bond.
Sir Roger Moore (1927-2017) is synonymous with the style and sophistication of James Bond, having played the spy in a total of seven films, more than any other actor in the EON series, including in Live And Let Die (1973), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983), and A View To A Kill (1985). More than this, Sir Roger became one of the style symbols of his generation and an icon of British cool, with his credits also including the TV shows The Saint (1962-1969) and The Persuaders (1971).

Bonhams will offer lots from his personal collection in a dedicated sale, on the 50th anniversary year of his first appearance as 007. Included in the auction are two Douglas Hayward double-breasted dinner suits made for Octopussy (1983) and A View To A Kill (1985); and an OMEGA Seamaster ‘50 Years of 007’ watch which was a gift from Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli in 2012.    VIEW THE LOTS

Heritage Auctions, Dallas, TX July 27-29, 2023  Hollywood/Entertainment Signature^® Auction #7351

A selection of one-of-a-kind storyboards and artwork by Maurice Binder is being offered by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, TX. Included in the auction are the original storyboards for the iconic Dr. No (1962) title sequence featuring the celebrated gun barrel opening. Also on offer are original storyboards from You Only Live Twice (1967); On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969); Diamonds Are Forever (1971); Live And Let Die (1973); For Your Eyes Only (1981), and A View To A Kill (1985). Also included in the auction are storyboards for the teaser trailers for The Man With The Golden Gun (1974) and A View To A Kill (1985), which were also among those designed by Maurice Binder. A collection of photographs featuring Binder with various cast and crew from the James Bond films, and a series of 50 photographs of him filming the title sequences with Roger Moore and various nude models are are also included. The exceptionally rare items are all from the family of Maurice Binder and offered for the first time in auction.

FULL STORY  •  UPDATE: The 16 lots sold for $525,375!

28 June 2023
The Broccoli Foundation celebrate Cubby’s heritage by establishing a scholarship in his name.

Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli has been honoured with two days of celebrations in Carolei, Calabria, Italy in recognition of his Italian ancestry.

“We are honoured that Carolei in Calabria, Italy is celebrating our father’s heritage,” Michael G. Wilson commented on behalf of the family. “It is especially meaningful as today marks the 27th anniversary of Cubby’s passing. We are therefore delighted to continue his legacy by launching the Cubby Broccoli Scholarship with the Universita Della Calabria in Cosenza and the UK’s National School of Film and Television (NFTS) as part of our shared commitment to nurture and empower up-and-coming filmmakers.”

The Mayor of Carolei, Francesco Lannucci, granted honorary citizenships to Michael G. Wilson, Tony Broccoli, Tina Broccoli and Barbara Broccoli to commemorate the family’s connection with the village. A bronze bust of ‘Cubby’ by renowned Italian sculptor Dominco Sepe was also unveiled.

A film festival included a selection of Cubby’s films and the documentary, Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 followed by a Q&A with Barbara Broccoli and Italian producer Enzo Sisti. Italian actors Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace) and Caterina Murino (Casino Royale) attended the celebrations.

27 June 2023

First released in the USA on June 27th 1973, a week ahead of its Royal Charity Premiere in London, Live And Let Die starred Roger Moore in his debut film as James Bond, and successfully proved that cinemagoers were willing to embrace a new actor in the role. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Live And Let Die, 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of the eighth James Bond film.

Live And Let Die at 50

12 June 2023

Paul McCartney’s 1973 James Bond movie soundtrack theme ‘Live And Let Die’ has been remixed in Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin – son of the track’s original producer, George – and Steve Orchard. The new mix mark the 50th anniversary of the single from the film score of the same name, which was produced in full by George Martin.

FULL STORY

1 June 2023
The James Bond film franchise celebrated its 21st anniversary in 1983 with the release of Octopussy – Roger Moore’s penultimate appearance as 007. As the thirteenth instalment of the long-running series reaches its 40th Anniversary in 2023, 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the making of Octopussy, which significantly out-performed Sean Connery’s simultaneous rival comeback as James Bond in Never Say Never Again at the box-office in 1983.

Octopussy at 40

27 May 2023
James Bond 007 Original Drawings by JOHN McLUSKY from the serialisation of Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories in the DAILY EXPRESS (1958-1966).

Exhibition 27th May – 10th June 2023 6pm – 9pm
EXPO Gallery at 2&4 Vintage
2-4 Southgate Road
London N1 3JJ
020 7254 5202

The James Bond Comic Strip • The Face of James Bond

24 May 2023
Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock in Brownsville, Tennesee November 26, 1939), the American singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and author has died at her home in Switzerland at the age of 83. Widely referred to as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, she rose to prominence in the late 1950s performing with her future husband Ike Turner (1931-2007). The duo went on to have continued success throughout the Sixties and Seventies. In 1975 Tina Turner appeared as ‘The Acid Queen’ in Ken Russell's film version of The Who's influential 1969 rock-opera Tommy. Tina Turner went on to co-star opposite Mel Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1983), which spawned the hit single ‘We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)’ performed by Turner over the end credits.

In 1995 Tina Turner was invited to sing the title song for GoldenEye written by Bono and The Edge of Irish rock band U2. Pierce Brosnan's debut film as James Bond, saw the character return to cinema screens after a six-year hiatus. The accompanying music video for ‘GoldenEye’ was directed by Jake Scott (son of Sir Ridley Scott).

Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, Turner is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. She received twelve Grammy Awards, which include eight competitive awards, three Grammy Hall of Fame awards, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

11 May 2023
The CORGI Model Club edition of the iconic James Bond Aston Martin DB5 has won ‘Gift of the Year’ in the Commemorative, Collectable and Charitable category at the 2023 awards held at The Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Officially licensed, this exclusive re-issue is completely authentic to the 1965 original. This feature packed CORGI 261 is a marvel of miniature toy engineering: featuring those all-important working James Bond gadgets we know and love.

Arguably the most famous CORGI Toy ever produced, this feature packed model was rush-released just in time for 1965’s festive season. In only seven weeks CORGI sold three-quarters of a million of this marvellous model, causing stocks to completely run out by Christmas Day. Despite this huge number (it went on to sell just under four million!), fully-working mint condition examples in their original boxes are extremely rare and valuable today. The DB5 was an instant success following a huge promotional campaign, and went on to win awards for ‘Toy of the Year’ and ‘Best Boys Toy’ of 1965 at the January 1966 British Toy Fair.

As to why the model was painted gold – unlike Bond’s silver DB5 in the movies – the story goes that CORGI bosses were concerned that the silver painted factory samples they were shown looked too much like ‘base metal’. Any production delay would have meant the model not being in the shops in time for Christmas, so the quick decision was made to paint it in gold. The thinking was that gold would make the DB5 look more ‘special’ as a toy – a thought process no doubt influenced by the previous year's Bond movie, Goldfinger!

PURCHASE HERE

24 April 2023
Prime Video has cast Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Scottish actor Brian Cox as “The Controller,” the enigmatic character who controls the fate of the contestants in the upcoming UK Original series 007’s Road to a Million, the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in the UK enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.

007’s Road to a Million will see contestants competing in teams of two on a global adventure to win the ultimate prize of up to £1million. Filmed in many iconic Bond locations—from the Scottish Highlands to Venice and Jamaica — this cinematic format will be a true test of intelligence, endurance, and heroism. In addition to conquering obstacles, the contestants, who will compete in two-person teams, must correctly answer questions hidden in the different locations around the world to advance to the next challenge.

The Controller is villainous and cultured, and revels in the increasingly difficult journeys and questions the contestants must overcome. He has millions of pounds to give away — up to £1m per couple — but he doesn’t make it easy. Whilst he lurks in the shadows, he is watching and controlling everything.

Brian Cox said, “I got to see how ordinary people would cope with being on a James Bond adventure. As they travel the world to some of the most iconic Bond locations, it gets more intense and nail-biting. I enjoyed my role as both villain and tormentor, with license to put the hopeful participants through the mangle.”

007’s Road to a Million is a unique collaboration between Amazon Studios, EON Productions, 72 Films, and MGM Alternative. The unscripted series will launch exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories later this year.

13 April 2023
Ian Fleming Publications celebrate 70 years of James Bond with a party at the London Library

On Thursday 13 April, Ian Fleming Publications released new editions of the fourteen classic James Bond stories, and two Fleming non-fiction works, Thrilling Cities and The Diamond Smugglers. This release date coincided with the 70th anniversary of the publication of Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel, CASINO ROYALE. To mark the occasion IFP hosted a party at the historic London Library, which has its own links to Ian Fleming. Ian's niece's Kate Grimond and Lucy Fleming, delivered a speech on the original publication of CASINO ROYALE, with quotes from the book itself as well as from contemporary reviews. Then followed IFP Managing Director Corinne Turner, who spoke on the future of the Bond books, the exciting decision to bring the publishing of the original Fleming books in-house, as well as the imminent publication of a new 007 story - ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, written by Charlie Higson to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.

FULL STORY

31 March 2023
Charlie Higson returns with a brand new James Bond adventure

Ian Fleming Publications have announced a new James Bond adventure to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Written by Charlie Higson, this new story will be publishing prior to the Coronation and in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

ON HIS MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE will be published on Thursday 4 May ahead of the Coronation on Saturday 6 May – and 60 years after the publication of Ian Fleming’s tenth novel, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, in 1963. All royalties from sales of the book will support the work of the National Literacy Trust, an independent UK charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills to succeed in life.

Charlie Higson is the author of the bestselling Young Bond series, and Ian Fleming Productions are thrilled that he accepted the challenge of giving them his take on ‘Grown-Up Bond’!       FULL STORY

13 March 2023

Meet the new-look 007.

On April 13th 2023, exactly 70 years to the day that Ian Fleming introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming Publications will be releasing their definitive paperback editions. IFP have exclusively revealed the brand-new UK cover designs on their website.

Designed by Webb & Webb Design Ltd., the new paperback editions of Ian Fleming's novels are now available to pre-order.

Ian Fleming's James Bond novels and short story collections, are joined by new editions of his two non-fiction works The Diamond Smugglers and Thrilling Cities.

VIEW THE FULL SERIES

8 March 2023
Topol, the popular Israeli stage and screen actor who played Milos Columbo in For Your Eyes Only (1981), has died at the age of 87.

Born Chaim Topol in Tel Aviv on September 9, 1935, he began his acting career during his Israeli army service. Topol's breakthrough film role came in 1964 when he played the title character in Sallah Shabati, which earned him a Golden Globe award for Most Promising Newcomer. Topol also won a Golden Globe for Best Actor, and was nominated for an Academy Award for his film portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof (1971). It is perhaps this signature role for which he will be best-remembered. Topol was later nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor for the 1991 Broadway revival of the hit musical; and played Tevye again in a 1994 London revival, which later became a successful touring production.

In 1980 Topol co-starred in Mike Hodges’ entertaining version of Flash Gordon opposite future James Bond Timothy Dalton; and Max von Sydow, who would play Blofeld in Never Say Never Again (1983). It was a chance meeting with James Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli's wife Dana at a party which led to him being cast as Columbo in For Your Eyes Only (1981). The charismatic actor also suggested to producer ‘Cubby’ Broccoli that he should invite his former partner Harry Saltzman to the premiere, and the pair were reunited for the first time in several years following their acrimonious split in 1975.

EWBANK'S - James Bond - Live Auction March 7, 2023

Roald Dahl's original 1966 script for You Only Live Twice is one of several significant items to be auctioned by Ewbank's as part of their James Bond Live Auction on March 7, 2023.

Lot #6022 James Bond: You Only Live Twice (1967) Original film script - mimeographed typescript of Roald Dahl's screenplay, EON Productions, dated 17 June, 1966, within buff card covers with two metal clasps, numbered 84 in red ink on front cover, 142 pages, 22.5 X 28.5cm, with annotated costume notes in pencil in an unknown hand on verso of title, and further dialogue changes in pencil to the first three pages, 7 blue sheets of script updates bound-in dating between 5-15 July. Estimate £2,000 - £4,000. [Sold for £4,420]

You Only Live Twice, starring Sean Connery, was the fifth in the James Bond series produced by EON Productions, and the first Bond film to be directed by Lewis Gilbert. Roald Dahl's screenplay was loosely based on Ian Fleming's 1964 novel of the same name.

27 February 2023
Ricou Browning, the American film director, actor, producer, screenwriter, underwater cinematographer, and stuntman, has died at the age of 93. He is best known for his underwater stunt work, especially in the 1954 film Creature from the Black Lagoon, in which he portrayed the titular Gill-man during the film's underwater scenes. Prior to his death, Browning was considered to be the last surviving actor to have portrayed any of the original Universal Studios Classic Monsters. Browning reprised his role as the underwater Gill-man in two sequels, Revenge of the Creature (1955) and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956).

Ricou Browning later directed the pioneering underwater sequences for the fourth James Bond film, Thunderball (1965), and also the 1983 remake Never Say Never Again, both starring Sean Connery as James Bond. Working with Ivan Tors Underwater Studios Ltd, underwater cameraman Lamar Boren (1917-1986) and underwater engineer Jordan Klein (1925- ), Browning's landmark contribution to the James Bond series cannot be underestimated. In 1963 Browning had co-created the underwater adventure film Flipper, also produced by Ivan Tors (1916-1983), which was later developed into a popular NBC TV series, and ran for three seasons from 1964-67.

26 February 2023
After the recent controversy concerning the editing of children's author Roald Dahl's works, it is now the turn of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels to be rewritten.

A report in UK newspaper The Telegraph reveals that ahead of the reissue of the James  Bond novels in April to mark 70 years of CASINO ROYALE, the first book in the series, rights holders Ian Fleming Publications Ltd commissioned a review by sensitivity readers.

Each book will 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.”

FULL STORY • A STATEMENT FROM IAN FLEMING PUBLICATIONS

• Thoughts on the edited 70th Anniversary Editions by John Cork
• An alternative viewpoint from Donovan Mayne-Nicholls

17 February 2023

Harrods are to host an interactive experience celebrating 60 years of James Bond in partnership with The Macallan.

For four weeks, from Sunday February 19, 2023, the Knightsbridge department store Harrods will exhibit signature artefacts from the 007 archive to commemorate the release of the Scottish whisky distillery’s 60th anniversary range of six Bond-themed bottles.

FULL STORY

11 February 2023
British producer, director and animator Trevor Bond (born Clive Trevor Bond in Plaistow, London on February 5, 1934) has died at the age of 89 in Naples, Florida.

Trevor Bond began his career as an animator, and worked with main title designer Maurice Binder to create the groundbreaking opening sequence for Dr. No (1962). The pair re-teamed for the main titles of the 1963 comedy Mouse On The Moon directed by Richard Lester. Although Maurice Binder did not return to the James Bond series until 1965, Trevor Bond continued as the assistant to main title designer Robert Brownjohn on From Russia With Love (1963). Brownjohn then returned to create the iconic opening titles for Goldfinger in 1964, once again assisted by Trevor Bond, who this time did not receive an onscreen credit for his work on the sequence [pictured left holding Margaret Nolan's leg with Robert Brownjohn behind the camera].

Later in his career Trevor Bond collaborated with Roger Hargreaves (1935-1988) and co-directed two animated television series in the mid-1980s based on the author's Mr. Men and Little Miss characters. Bond also designed the titles for the 1983 TV series Reilly: Ace of Spies starring Sam Neill (who tested for the role of James Bond in 1986), and for 11 episodes of Inspector Morse from 1987 to 1989. Trevor Bond would go on to design the main titles for the classic 1989 TV-movie The Woman In Black written by Nigel Kneale, based on the 1983 ghost story by Susan Hill.

8 February 2023
The multi-award-winning American composer, songwriter, record producer and pianist Burt Bacharach has died at the age of 94.

Bacharach composed hundreds of pop songs from the late 1950s through to the 1980s, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David (1921-2012). Bacharach's songs have been recorded by more than 1,000 different artists, but he will be best-remembered by James Bond fans as the composer of the soundtrack to 1967 spoof Casino Royale, which included ‘The Look of Love’, performed by Dusty Springfield (1939-1999) [pictured left with Bacharach] and was nominated for an Academy Award as best song. The instrumental title track was also a Top 40 single for Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. The Casino Royale soundtrack album is widely considered to be one of the finest engineered recordings of all time, and is much sought after by audiophile collectors in its original vinyl format.

The film itself has always divided fans, but is a testament to the quality of the recording of the Casino Royale soundtrack, both aurally and aesthetically, that it has been re-issued more times than any other James Bond score.