Fleming’s Moonraker novel based on real-life events

Most James Bond fans know that 007 creator Ian Fleming served, during World War II, as special assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence for Britain. Fewer know that Fleming participated in concocting some real-life missions for the British during the war — missions which clearly reflected the capacity of his Bondian imagination.
One of these [...]

Roundup of 007/Ian Fleming-related anniversaries this year

We’ve noted some of these and skipped others. In any case, this is proving to be quite the year for notable James Bond and/or Ian Fleming-related anniversaries. Here’s a recap:
April: 100th anniversary of the birth of 007 producer Albert R. “Cubby Broccoli.
May: 100th anniversary of the birth of 007 screenwriter Richard Maibuam
June: 30th anniversary of [...]

The Roger Moore debate among 007 fans

It has been 24 years since Roger Moore last played James Bond. Yet it seems as if Sir Roger stirs the most emotional reactions among 007 fans. His detractors really don’t like him. His fans are equally strong in their opinions.
Here’s a sampling. For detractors, it is too much humor, Moore doesn’t take the role [...]

1990: 007 stuntman appears on To Tell The Truth

Back in the days before DVD extras (including “making of” documentaries), being a stuntman — even one who did spectacular skydiving stunts — was a profession one could practice in anonymity. Thus, B.J. Worth, who had performed major stunts in Moonraker, A View To a Kill and The Living Daylights would be a perfect contestant [...]

Ken Adam and Maurice Binder discuss Bond films, circa 1980

Ken Adam and Maurice Binder gave an interview in 1980 and discussed their work on the Bond films. Much of what they talked about concerned Moonraker. We have to credit “Mr. Wint” on the Commander Bond Web site’s message boards for finding this.

Moonraker’s 30th anniversary

Hard to believe (at least for those of us who saw the initial theatrical release) but this is the 30th anniversary of Moonraker.
The fourth Roger Moore 007 movie often doesn’t get a lot of love (CLICK HERE for one example). Still, the movie has its fans who speak up for it on message boards.
The movie [...]

HMSS nominations for most harebrained ideas for 007 movies

The James Bond movie series is remarkable for its longevity (47 years, albeit with a couple of notable gaps in production). But it’s also remarkable for some harebrained ideas that were seriously considered. Our list of five nominations.
1. Considering Adam West, for the role of Bond.
West, the one-time Batman, disclosed in his autobiography that [...]

HMSS nominations for best lines from James Bond movies

What’s the best line from a James Bond movie? Here are a few for consideration:
“Bond, James Bond.” Sean Connery (James Bond, natch) from Dr. No.
Analysis: Perhaps a cliche now, but Connery established a classic introduction line.
“She should have kept her mouth shut.” Sean Connery (Bond), capping off a tense sequence in the movie From Russia [...]

Cubby Broccoli’s relationship with United Artists

Steven Bach, a former United Artists executive, died March 25. He wrote a great book, Final Cut, about the making of Heaven’s Gate, the movie that doomed UA as a studio.
As it turns out, Bach’s 1985 book has a recurring, cameo chracter: Albert R. Broccoli, the James Bond producer. The book gives an insight (albeit [...]

More about James Bond songs from UK documentary

The original spoofy Casino Royale in 1967 was, by all accounts, a big mess. It was instigated by Cubby Broccoli’s former boss, Charles K. Feldman, who snared the rights. But Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, after already having to make Kevin McClory a partner in Thunderball, weren’t in the mood to share a second time with [...]