CommanderBond.net
  1. James Bond 'Her Majesty's Finest' Signings in June/July

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-06-01

    James Bond fans will have the chance to meet with several stars of past 007 films in June and July at the InfinitelyBetter store.

    Set to celebrate the upcoming James Bond film, Casino Royale, the InfinitelyBetter store will be featuring several past stars from the 007 series as apart of their Her Majesty’s Finest theme.

    The first signing will take place on Thursday 29 June, from 4:30 – 7:00PM. Those attending include:

    • John Wyman (For Your Eyes Only)
    • Britt Ekland (The Man With The Golden Gun)
    • Tania Mallet (Goldfinger)
    • Maud Adams (The Man With The Golden Gun, Octopussy)

    The second event will take place on Saturday 1 July 2006, from 10:00AM – 5:00PM. The Bond stars set to attend this second event include:

    • Jenny Hanley (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service)
    • Carol Ashby (Octopussy)
    • Joe Robinson (Diamonds Are Forever)
    • Caroline Munro (The Spy Who Loved Me)
    • Martine Beswicke (From Russia With Love, Thunderball)
    • Shane Rimmer (You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever, The Spy Who Loved Me)
    • Terry Mountain (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service)

    There is no cost to attend. Autographed photographs are £15.00 each while personal items will be signed for £10.00. Full details here.

    Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

  2. James Bond Boat Show Heading to New Zealand

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-05-29

    James Bond fans will get a chance to see four of the magnificent boats used in the 007 films, thanks to the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.

    Set for 1-5 June 2006 at the Auckland showgrounds in New Zealand, the ‘Boats of Bond’ exhibit will be showcasing the Tow Sled from Thunderball, the Bath-O-Sub from Diamonds Are Forever, the Neptune Submarine from For Your Eyes Only, and the Q-Boat from The World Is Not Enough.

    Thunderball: Tow Sled (1965)
    The underwater tow sled was used by James Bond and the villain Largo. There were 14 boats originally built for the production company. Today, there are only two known to exist. The original builder, Jordan Klein, owns the other remaining sled.

    Diamonds Are Forever: Bath-O-Sub (1971)
    The underwater bath-o-sub is one of two originally featured in the film and was used by 007’s nemesis, Blofeld, to escape from the oil-drilling platform that doubled as his headquarters. It can be seen as Blofeld climbs inside and is lowered over the side of the oil platform.

    For Your Eyes Only: Neptune Submarine (1981)
    This Neptune submarine is one of two originally built by the film’s production company. This is the actual working wet submersible that was seen throughout most of the film. It had to be operated by stunt men using scuba gear.

    The World Is Not Enough: Q Boat (1999)
    Major Boothroyd’s famous Q boat. Fifteen boats were originally built for the production. Today only 8 survive. The Q Boat that performed the barrel roll stunt seen on the screen will be on display.

    The show is open from 10AM – 8PM on Thursday and Friday, and 10AM – 6PM on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Ticket prices are: $16 for adults and $6 for those 14 years old and under. Children under five are free. Full details here.

    Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

  3. James Bond Movie Posters Exhibit in New York

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-05-25

    James Bond fans will have a chance to really appreciate the art of the classic film posters this year.

    The Posteritati Gallery, in New York, has opened an exhibit which features many rare and classic international posters of the James Bond 007 films – reports the New York Press. Running through 11 July 2006, fans will be able to view the ‘stylized and cool-looking pictures of spies, guns and not-quite-naked women.’

    The Posteritati Gallery, in New York, is located on 239 Centre Street (between Broome & Grand Sts.). Telephone: 212-226-2207.

    Keep watching CBn for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

  4. Sir Roger Moore Receives 'Living Legend' Award

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-05-03

    Sir Roger Moore, star of seven James Bond 007 films and tireless worker for UNICEF, was presented the Hall Of Fame ‘Living Legend’ award from the Queen at Windsor Castle today – reports ITV.

    These awards, ‘designed to recognise the extraordinary and often courageous achievements of older people’ are split into nine different categories, from Local Hero to the Dame Thora Hird Award for Outstanding Achievement award. Upon receiving the honour, Sir Roger Moore said: ‘It is great honour for me to be here but the important people are those that aid their friends, family and neighbours. I think it is great shame in our society that many older people are forced to retire when they have so much left to offer.’

    Many congratulations to Sir Roger for all of his never-ending work with UNICEF.

  5. Bruce Feirstein at Scriptwriters Showcase

    By Athena Stamos on 2006-03-29

    Bond screenwriter Bruce Feirstein will be appearing as part of a panel on “Storytelling” at the Scriptwriters Showcase to be held April 7, 8, & 9 at the Universal Sheraton in Universal Studios, Hollywood.

    Feirstein wrote three Pierce Brosnan James Bond films: GoldenEye (with Michael France), Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World Is Not Enough (with Neal Purvis and Robert Wade). He also penned the bestselling Bond videogame Everything or Nothing, and worked on last year’s From Russia With Love. Bruce is currently adapting the 80s TV hit, The A-Team, as major motion picture.

    Hosted by Final Draft and scr(i)pt magazine, Scriptwriters Showcase is a one-of-a-kind scriptwriting and creative development industry conference, marketplace and meeting sessions. Panels featuring A-list screenwriters, agents, managers, producers and development executives will examine the craft and business of scriptwriting for film, television and interactive media.

    CBn’s own “zencat” (aka John Cox) will also be appearing as part of Sunday’s “Storytelling” panel.

    For more information about the event, visit the Scriptwriters Showcase Website.

  6. Meet Lana Wood In Mount Dora, Florida, 25 and 26 March

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-03-20

    007 fans will have a chance to meet with classic Bond girl Lana Wood (Plenty O’Toole, Diamonds Are Forever) this weekend.

    Lana Wood, who’s character in the James Bond film inspired Sean Connery’s famous line ‘Named after your father perhaps…’ will be making an appearance this weekend at Uncle Al’s Time Capsule in Mount Dora, Florida – reports the Orlando Sentinel. She’ll be appearing for signings and meetings with fans from 10am to 4pm (EST) on this upcoming Saturday and Sunday (25, 26 March 2006).

    Be sure to attend!

    Meeting and Signing with Lana Wood
    Uncle Al’s Time Capsule
    140 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora, Florida
    10am – 4pm, (EST) 25 and 26 March
    Further details at: 352-383-1958

  7. Bond Girls Are Forever In July 2006

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-02-09

    Following up the very well-recieved An Evening With George Lazenby event from 2005, BondStars.Com is planning an all-new event for 2006: Bond Girls Are Forever.

    Set at Pinewood Studios on Sunday 2 July 2006, (exact times to be confirmed at a later date) the event will spotlight the many women from the James Bond films. Tickets are approximately £85.

    The event will include: welcoming and afternoon refreshments, a souvenir event programme, a Pinewood Studios tour, special guest signings, a James Bond memorabilia dealers room, a B-B-Q lunch, and a Q&A on stage with film clips.

    According to BondStars, the following guests have been confirmed:

    • Britt Ekland – Mary Goodnight in The Man With The Golden Gun
    • Zena Marshall – Miss Taro in Dr No
    • Eunice Gayson – Sylvia Trench in Dr No & From Russia With Love
    • Shirley Eaton – Jill Masterson in Goldfinger
    • Tania Mallet – Tilly Masterson in Goldfinger
    • Maryam d’Abo – Kara Milovy in The Living Daylights
    • Deborah Moore – Air Hostess in Die Another Day & Goldeneye: The Secret Life Of Ian Fleming
    • Caroline Bliss – Miss Moneypenny in The Living Daylights & Licence To Kill
    • Golda Offenheim – Production Secretary on Dr No through to The Spy Who Loved Me
    • Pauline Hume – (daughter of Bond cinematographer Alan Hume)
      Maurice Binder’s assistant from the mid 1980s, assisting him in the design and editing of
      opening titles to The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill.
    • Also title designer for Goldeneye: The Secret Life Of Ian Fleming; and end title designer on Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
    • The “Bond Girl” whose job it is to say ‘James Bond Will Return’ !

    Fans can inquire about the event on the BondStars website, where further news and ticket sales will be updated at a later date.

  8. Vue Sur Bond 007

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-01-26

    Bond fans take notice! Starting on 24 February 2006 and continuing through the 26th, the James Bond-themed event, Vue sur Bond 007 will take place in the city of Quebec. The press release follows:

    On February 24, 25 and 26, 2006, Quebec City will be spellbound by Vue sur Bond 007, an unprecedented event that will feature Sir Roger Moore and a host of celebrities and artists who were involved in the filmography of the famous British secret agent.

    The project was designed and produced to spotlight the contribution of Harry Saltzman, one of the most important producers of this series who also happens to have Quebec roots. The project also aims to raise funds for the 7th edition of the 3 Americas Film Festival and UNICEF through cultural and sports activities. The guest celebrities will take part in these activities.

    In addition to Sir Roger Moore, Quebec City will welcome director Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever, Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun), actress and Bond girl Britt Ekland (The Man with the Golden Gun) and actor Richard Kiel aka Jaws (The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker).

    Honouring the event with her presence is Dame Shirley Bassey, the internationally renowned singer of the theme songs in Diamonds are Forever, Goldfinger and Moonraker. She will perform in Vue sur Bond 007, Le Spectacle, an exceptional concert that will showcase the legendary music from the James Bond films. Under the artistic direction of Steve Barakatt and directed by Pierre Gagnon, the event will take place on February 25 at 8pm at Grand Theatre de Quebec. It will also feature conductor, composer and arranger Nic Raine – a long-time collaborator of John Barry, notably on two Bond films – who will conduct
    the Orchestre symphonique de Quebec for this occasion.

    A tribute to such artists as Harry Saltzman, the screening of film clips and speeches from guest celebrities are also on the program for this memorable evening. Regular tickets ($60 and $90 + taxes and service charges) will go on sale on November 10 through Réseau Billetech. It is worth noting that the tickets for the first 8 rows – that also give access to a meet-and-greet charity cocktail party with the celebrities before the show – will cost $435 plus taxes and must be purchased through the office of the 3 Americas Film Festival by calling (418) 647-1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or emailing [email protected].

    Also on February 25, from 10am to 1pm, Mont Sainte-Anne will host a ski competition in the style of James Bond chase scenes. Hundreds of people will be able to attend. More information on this activity, including how to purchase tickets, will be provided at a later date.

    In addition, movie-goers can make their way to the IMAX theatre at Galeries de la Capitale on February 24, 25 and 26 to watch the first ten James Bond movies with live commentaries from the guest celebrities. These screenings, presented by Loto-Quebec, will be free of charge and offered through a promotion that will be in effect in February 2006. Complete details will be revealed at a later date.

    A few private donors will have the privilege of sharing an intimate meal with the celebrities, notably at Chateau Frontenac through a $2000-per-person charity dinner on Friday, February 24 (25 people in total) and at Café du Monde on Sunday, February 26 where brunch is offered at the price of $100 (100 people in total). Those who are interested in these activities can already make a reservation by calling (418) 647-1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or emailing [email protected].

    Restaurants Resto-Club Largo and Panache de l’Auberge Saint-Antoine will also offer their customers the opportunity to dine with the celebrities through their own logistics and reservations.

    Vue sur Bond 007 is a unique event organized by the 3 Americas Film Festival, in partnership with
    UNICEF, Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac, Resto-Club Largo, Loto-Quebec, Mont Sainte-Anne and
    Le Panache – Auberge Saint-Antoine and the CafĂ© du Monde – Groupe Restos Plaisirs.

    Information is also available on the website at www.vuesurbond007.com and at (418) 647-1234.

  9. James Bond Marathon on AMC TV in January

    By Devin Zydel on 2006-01-03

    Following hot on the heels of the Spike TV 007 in December marathon, Bond fans will get another dose of James Bond films from AMC starting 8 January.

    Starting with the women of 007 documentary, Bond Girls Are Forever on 8 January, the marathon continues on through the final showing of From Russia With Love on 14 January. The first 007 film, Dr. No will be getting a special treatment on the opening day of the marathon. Scheduled at 5:45 and 8 PM (EST), the second showing of the film will be in the letterbox format. It will also be enhanced with DVD-TV features such as an accompanying trivia track. The full schedule follows:

    AMC TV’s James Bond Marathon

    8 January

    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 9AM (EST)
    • Diamonds Are Forever: 12:30PM
    • Thunderball: 3PM
    • Dr. No: 5:45PM
    • Dr. No: 8PM
    • A View To A Kill: 10:15PM

    9 January

    • Moonraker: 1AM (EST)
    • The Spy Who Loved Me: 3:45AM
    • Moonraker: 6:30AM
    • Diamonds Are Forever: 9:15AM
    • Thunderball: 11:45AM
    • The Spy Who Loved Me: 2:30PM
    • A View To A Kill: 5:15PM
    • Goldfinger: 8PM
    • You Only Live Twice: 10:15PM

    10 January

    • The Man With The Golden Gun: 12:45AM (EST)
    • A View To A Kill: 3:30AM
    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 6:15AM
    • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: 7:15AM
    • A View To A Kill: 10:15AM
    • Dr. No: 1PM
    • Goldfinger: 3:15PM
    • You Only Live Twice: 5:45PM
    • Never Say Never Again: 8PM
    • Octopussy: 10:45PM

    11 January

    • The Spy Who Loved Me: 1:30AM (EST)
    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 4:15AM
    • Octopussy: 5:15AM
    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 8AM
    • The Spy Who Loved Me: 9AM
    • The Man With The Golden Gun: 11:45AM
    • Never Say Never Again: 2:30PM
    • Octopussy: 5:15PM
    • For Your Eyes Only: 8PM
    • Live And Let Die: 10:45PM

    12 January

    • Never Say Never Again: 1:15AM (EST)
    • Moonraker: 4AM
    • The Man With The Golden Gun: 6:45AM
    • Never Say Never Again: 9:30AM
    • You Only Live Twice: 12:15AM
    • Live And Let Die: 2:45PM
    • For Your Eyes Only: 5:15PM
    • The Living Daylights: 8PM
    • Licence To Kill: 10:45PM

    13 January

    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 1:30AM (EST)
    • On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: 2:30AM
    • Licence To Kill: 5:30AM
    • Octopussy: 8:15AM
    • Live And Let Die: 11AM
    • Bond Girls Are Forever: 1:30PM
    • The Living Daylights: 2:30PM
    • Licence To Kill: 5:15PM
    • Thunderball: 8PM
    • Diamonds Are Forever: 10:45PM

    14 January

    • For Your Eyes Only: 1:15AM (EST)
    • Octopussy: 4AM
    • Live And Let Die: 6:45AM
    • For Your Eyes Only: 9:15AM
    • Diamonds Are Forever: 12PM
    • Thunderball: 2:30PM
    • Goldfinger: 5:15PM
    • From Russia With Love: 7:30PM
  10. 'From Father With Love' on BBC Radio 4

    By Guest writer on 2005-12-30

    Written by: Ajay Chowdhury

    From Father With Love” is a new play about Ian Fleming’s relationship with his son, Caspar, will be broadcast during ‘Afternoon Play’ on BBC Radio 4 on Friday, 13th January 2006 at 2:15pm GMT.

    The broadcast is a Pier Production and has been written by Mark Burgess and directed by David Blount. In a wonderful touch, husband and wife team, Simon and Lucy Williams will play Ian and Anne Fleming. Lucy Williams is Ian Fleming’s niece.

    The play will chart the tender yet distant relationship of Ian with his only child, Caspar. Caspar was on 12th August 1952 in London and went on to Eton and New College, Oxford.

    James Bond creator Ian Fleming died on 12th August 1964, Caspar’s 12th birthday. Ian adored his son. When recuperating in the London Clinic from a heart attack, Fleming’s friend, Duff Dunbar, suggested Ian write up the story he would tell Caspar at night. The result was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, published in 1964 and made into a film produced by Albert R Cubby Broccoli in 1968.

    Fleming’s death had a large impact on Caspar who had somewhat of a troubled youth, having been expelled from Eton and leaving Oxford early. Caspar visited Goldeneye in August 1974 where he discovered a whole other side of his father’s life. Ian Fleming’s only son and heir committed suicide by drugs overdose on 2nd October 1975.

    Mark Burgess, after having burst on to the UK acting scene as Gordon Collins on the Mersy soap, Brookside went on to write and perform “The Man With The Golden Pen” which toured the UK in 2000-2001.