James Bond is a product of the U.K. The character envelops U.K. citizens from birth and is a source of national pride.
It’s understandable that the 60th anniversary of the film franchise is a big deal. The movies are being shown in U.K. theaters. And even more is planned as the anniversary date of Dr. No’s debut approaches on Oct. 5.
At one time, Bond was a big deal in the U.S. as well. The gentleman spy had a fan in a U.S. president (John F. Kennedy). A prominent publisher (Hugh Hefner of Playboy magazine) was a big promoter of the character.
As recently as a generation ago, the U.S. was the site of two official James Bond fan conventions (1994 in Los Angeles, 1995 in New York City).
Today, not so much. American fans of Bond can only marvel at the U.K. events that are unfolding.
Early next month, tickets go on sale for British Film Institute events related to the 60th anniversary.
–Sept. 30 (tickets go on sale Aug. 4): Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson of Eon Productions will discuss “their careers and the Bond films, in a richly illustrated discussion featuring clips from their films.” Price: 15 British pounds (about $18). Program is scheduled for 90 minutes.
–Oct. 1: A program titled “James Bond behind the scenes: Stunts and VFX.” Tickets go on sale Aug. 4. Participants include Chris Corbould. Price: 15 British pounds. Program is scheduled for 80 minutes.
–Oct. 1: A program titled “The Sound of 007.” A description:
This new documentary reveals the history of seven decades of Bond music, from the genesis of 1962’s Dr. No and Monty Norman’s iconic theme song, through to 2021’s No Time to Die. The film charts the ups and downs of Bond soundtracks, combining interviews with stunning Bond archive material from the franchise’s 60-year journey.
Again, the price is 15 British pounds.
There are also a series of screenings of films made by Eon Productions.
Sept. 30: A 60th-anniversary screening of Dr. No.
Oct. 1: A 45th-anniversary screening of The Spy Who Loved Me.
–A 35th-anniversary screening of The Living Daylights.
–Oct. 2: A 10th-anniversary screening of Skyfall.
–Oct. 2: A screening of SPECTRE.
–Oct. 2: A screening of No Time to Die
Filed under: James Bond Films | Tagged: Barbra Broccoli, British Film Institute, Chris Corbould, Dr. No, Eon Productions, Hugh Hefner, John F. Kennedy, Michael G. Wilson, No Time to Die, Skyfall, SPECTRE, The Spy Who Loved Me |
The Spy Command 
Yeah, it kind of sucks being a Bond fan in the states right now. At the very least, you would think Fathom Events would do some Bond screenings because of the 60th anniversary.
…without warning about the Fathom showings were inferior.
Saw the DOCTOR NO Fathom two years ago and the presentation was fine. Just nice to see any Bond on the big screen, even when they ran CASINO ROYALE and SKYFALL last year before the new one opened.
That said, on ANY of these re-issues (the Ken Adam tribute in Virginia running all the Bonds he designed, the Sir Roger Moore tribute after he passed, etc.), the attendance has ALWAYS been dismal with, maybe, a dozen attendees.
Bond fans may complain, but the never support any of the screenings.
If there is no money to be made, there will be NO reason to revive them and, sadly, I totally agree with that.
Personally, I would never waste my own money running any of the films to empty theatres.
Totally agree with the above comments.