James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend announced for September 2010

Ever thought of what it would be like to live a night in the alluring world of James Bond? Are you up to the challenge of testing your knowledge of 007 film and book trivia in competition against some of the most passionate aficionados anywhere?

Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 10 through 11 when a special “James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend” will be held in Columbia, Pennsylvania. Here’s an advance look at the Top Secret dossier of events:

Friday—September 10, 2010:

Bond themed Casino Night (black tie optional)

6:00-10:00 PM

Saturday—September 11, 2010:

“Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” Exhibit Tours / Q&A	10:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Jeopardy-style game show, 007 style (advanced sign-up required)	1:00-2:00 PM
Discussion of Ian Fleming’s James Bond Books	2:00-3:00 PM
“Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” Exhibit Tours / Q&A	3:00 PM
Drink Seminar / Sampling (black tie optional)	5:00 PM-8:00 PM
James Bond Film Screening: For Your Eyes Only	8:00-10:00 PM

Those who attend are encouraged to dress as their favorite James Bond character, whether it is one of the glamorous Bond girls, infamous villain, henchman, or Agent 007 himself. Anonymous judges will be present to decide on the best dressed character. Guests of all ages are allowed to attend. The kick-off Casino Night will include classic casino games such as Poker, Blackjack, and slot machines.

Prizes will be awarded to participants with the highest chip count at the casino night, character clothing, and the winner of “Bond Jeopardy.”

The “James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend” is being held in complement to the first-of-its-kind “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit at the National Watch & Clock Museum. This display will include the widest selection of 007-related watch models ever collected, representing all brands in the Eon Productions movies and officially-licensed timepieces. Highlighting the exhibit will be none other than the only known Rolex owned and worn by Bond-creator Ian Fleming—believed to be his reference for the original, literary James Bond wristwatch.

“We chose For Your Eyes Only as the Bond film to cap off this weekend because of how well it brings together so many aspects of what the Museum has accomplished here,” notes Dell Deaton, of JamesBondWatches.com and Bond Watches exhibit guest curator. “The plot draws heavily on vintage Fleming story elements. It proved the Eon Productions film franchise under the solo lead of Cubby Broccoli would continue to thrive into its third decade.

“It also features two fine examples from among the Bond watches supplied as product placements by Seiko U.K. Consumer models of each will be on display and discussed as part of the guided exhibit tours we’re providing as part of the ‘James Bond Enthusiasts Weekend.'”

Co-sponsors of the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit include Watchmakers International, which is exclusively responsible for bringing in the original Ian Fleming Rolex Explorer 1016 to the entire run of this year-long exhibit, and Revolution magazine, “the technical guide to luxury watches.” See www.watchmakers.com and www.horomundi.com for more information.

Dell Deaton is guest curator of this “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibition and author-creator of the JamesBondWatches.com website. He is a member of both the National Watch & Clock Association and American Marketing Association, and an internationally recognized expert on Ian Fleming and James Bond horology.

The National Watch and Clock Museum is operated by the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) association close to 20,000 members, representing 52 countries. April through November the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. December through March hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discounts are available to seniors, students, AAA members, and groups of 10 or more. Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to call ahead. For more program information, directions, or general Museum information, visit our website on www.nawcc.org or call 717-684-8261.

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Edinburgh Film Fest to mark Sir Sean Connery's 80th birthday

Edinburgh invited to celebrate with
Sir Sean Connery

In celebration of Sir Sean Connery’s 80th year, and his dedicated support of the Festival as Patron since 1992, he will be attending a Special Gala of one of his best-loved films in the Festival Theatre, sponsored by our newest supporter, Bank of Scotland.

The Bank of Scotland Gala will be John Huston’s classic The Man Who Would Be King on Sunday 20 June, and will give the audience at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre the opportunity to show their appreciation for Sir Sean Connery’s stellar career, his support of the EIFF and his upcoming birthday celebration in August.

Hannah McGill, Artistic Director of the EIFF said:

“This event is a fitting way to celebrate Sir Sean’s 80 years – almost twenty of which he has given to support EIFF as Patron! He is a great friend of the Festival and we look forward to celebrating this amid the glitter of the Festival Theatre.

“We are immensely grateful to Bank of Scotland for their support and are delighted to welcome them on board.”

The Bank of Scotland Gala will be an opportunity for the public audience to spend a glamorous evening in the company of Scotland’s biggest international star, Sir Sean Connery, who has described the The Man Who Would Be King as one of his personal favourites. Tickets will go on sale for the event at midday on Thursday 3 June.

Susan Rice, Managing Director of Lloyds Banking Group Scotland said:

“Bank of Scotland is delighted to support the 64th Edinburgh International Film Festival by sponsoring such a timeless classic.

“EIFF is a wonderful opportunity for us all to see work by some of the best and brightest established film talent, as well as those by the newest, upcoming stars. I am sure this year’s superb programme of films and events will delight people of all ages.”

For full details, visit the official Edinburgh International Film Festival website.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Goldfinger's Aston Martin DB4 stand-in sells for 84,000 pounds

The numbers are in from this past weekend’s Aston Martin auction held by Bonhams and the event proved to be a record-breaking success.

According to Auto123, the Newport Pagnell sale brought generated an astonishing £4.7 million (about $6.7 million). Bidders from all around the world, including Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Australia and the US took part in the proceedings.

Of particular note to James Bond fans and collectors was a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series IV Vantage up for sale. As earlier reported on CommanderBond.net, this car was used as a test stand-in for 1964’s Goldfinger, which ultimately featured the famous DB5 model.

Pegged to sell for between £40-60,000, the Aston exceeded expectations and eventually went for £84,000 ($120,000).

For full results from the sale, visit the official Bonhams website.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page and be sure to visit our Discussion Forums for all the latest 007 news from the world of James Bond.

Final reservations for Operation Euro2010 James Bond film tour

Final reservations are taking place for the upcoming Operation Euro2010 James Bond film tour—the ultimate James Bond film location tour presented by ThemePartyPeople. As the tour is close to capacity, be sure to either phone 407-491-7737 or email [email protected] to be sure you don’t miss out.

Tour itinerary details follow below:

OPERATION: EURO2010

Exclusive 11 Day Bus/Train tour of Europe, as seen and experienced through James Bond’s most famous films and visits to other film sites from The Bourne Identity, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Ronin, Charade, Mission Impossible, The Da Vinci Code, Moulin Rouge, Oceans 11 and more! A limited invitation event for the discerning James Bond traveler as well as an in-depth tour of Europe’s most requested vacation spots for non-agents.

Theme Party People, who created the sell-out “070707” Casino Royale Tour of Nassau and the Ocho Rios/Key West visits in the “LTK2009” Licence to Kill 20th Anniversary Tour have partnered with famed world travel company, GLOBUS TOURS, to provide an all-encompassing European vacation for film fans. Bond, Bourne and Beyond EURO2010 will provide luxury accommodations, multilingual tour guides to the film sites, sounds and tastes of Italy, France and Switzerland, along with the usual Theme Party People accent on the fun and lifestyle of our favorite film secret agents.

For general information and itinerary detail contact Theme Party People at [email protected].

Our Mission Itinerary Highlights*:

Day 1– 21 Aug/Sat- Board your overnight transatlantic flight

Day 2– 22 Aug/Sun Venice- Arrive Venice, Italy, luxury accommodations near St. Marks, Square. The day is yours to enjoy. An Evening James Bond Lifestyle Cocktail Reception at our hotel to officially begin our Operation: Euro2010 and then you are free to go explore Venice after dark.

Day 3– 23 Aug/Mon- Venice- Canal boat and walking tour of From Russia with Love, Moonraker and Casino Royale film locations. From the hotel, walk to the Fish Market (Pescheria); next, board a canal boat and travel to Ca’Rezzonico followed by Palazzo Pisani where you will enjoy a coffee break. It was this location that is featured in the finale of Casino Royale. Continue on to ST. MARK’S SQUARE and the byzantine BASILICA, lavish DOGES’ PALACE and the BRIDGE OF SIGHS. Also watch skilled GLASS-BLOWERS fashion their delicate objects in an age-old traditional manner. End with a late afternoon Gondola boat ride if you wish and the evening is on your own to enjoy the Square, Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering hole, Harry’s Bar or dine along the Rialto Bridge.

Day 4– 24 Aug/Tue – Venice- Cortina d’Amprezzo-Board a private water-taxi and depart Venice for the mainland where you board a luxury “007” motorcoach. Begin your drive north to the jewel of the Dolomites; Cortina d’Amprezzo. After checking in to the hotel, tour the locations from For Your Eyes Only including the Piazza Venezia, where Bond and Melana fight off the motorcycle attack and the Olympic Ski Jump, the Ice Stadium and the Observation Terrace of Mount Tofana.

Day 5– 25 Aug/Wed – Cortina d’Amprezzo-Lake Como- An early departure takes you westward through the alpine regions of Italy. Upon arrival in Lake Como, tour two Villas; first view the Villa la Gaeta, Mr. White’s villa in Casino Royale on a BOAT EXCURSION on Lake Como. Next; enjoy a private tour of the VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, as featured in Casino Royale as the recovery hospital for James Bond and is also featured in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Look for George Clooney’s villa featured in Oceans 12. Next, enjoy a VESPER MARTINI RECEPTION LAKESIDE (weather permitting). The remainder of the day is at leisure to create your own.

Day 6– 26 Aug/Thu – Lake Como-Interlaken, Switzerland -After breakfast depart the hotel and drive through the Ticino countryside, through the Alps into Switzerland. The first stop is LOCARNO’S VERZASCA DAM; you will recognize this location from the opening bungee jump stunt of GoldenEye. Approximately 2 hours of leisure time will be provided for “007 Activities”. Continue on to Furka Pass, Andematt region for a photo-stop at the overlook from Goldfinger. Additional locations will be viewed as you proceed through the wondrous Gotthard Pass en route to your Interlaken hotel. This evening join your Tour Director for DINNER IN THE SWISS ALPS. After a stroll in lovely Interlaken, take the funicular railway to the Harder Kulm summit, where you will savor a delicious dinner at the panoramic restaurant while enjoying breathtaking views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the surrounding countryside. (B,D)

Note: All activities at the Dam are independent of Globus or Theme Party People. Passengers choosing to participate in the activities do so at their own risk.

Day 7– 27 Aug/Fri- Interlaken- A day dedicated to the 1969 film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Visit the train station at LAUTENBRUNNEN, where Bond first is greeted by SPECTRE’s Irma Bunt and the areas used in the film for Bond’s escape with Tracy. Next, begin your CABLE CAR ascent up to the Jungfrau Alpine Range and to the famous “Blofeld lair”, the rotating mountaintop restaurant – Piz Gloria. While here, enjoy COCKTAILS and a PRIVATE SHOWING of highlights of the film in the 007 Theatre. Then a real treat; dine on the house specialty, “James Bond Spaghetti” in the main restaurant. Time for photos and souvenirs before returning to your Interlaken hotel.

Day 8– 28 Aug/Sat- Interlaken-Geneva-This morning board your luxury motorcoach and journey west for a visit to the SWISS BANKS OF GENEVA. The remainder of the day is at leisure; as this is the center of Switzerland’s watch making industry, Omega shopping along the boulevard is a must. There are clubs and casinos to enjoy on your own. An optional excursion to Castle Chillon, where Lord Byron was held prisoner is available.

Day 9– 29 Aug/Sun – Geneva-Paris, France- Board the TGV, the bullet train featured in Mission Impossible. While traveling at 200 mph, view the mountain regions of Chamonix, where Bond and Elektra ski in The World is Not Enough. Afternoon arrival in Paris; and transfer for a BATEAU MOUCHE LUNCH CRUISE on the Seine, as featured in A View to a Kill, Ronin and Charade. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the City of Lights!

Day 10– 30 Aug/Mon – Paris-Chateau Country Excursion-Leave your hotel this morning and prepare to visit three famous chateaus. First, CHATEAU CHANTILLY, the residence of Zorin in A View to a Kill. Next, VAUX-LE-VICOMTE, the Drax castle of Moonraker and the grounds where Hugo Drax and Bond spend the day quail hunting. While here enjoy lunch at the restaurant L’ECUREUIL. Finally is the CHATEAU D’ANET, from the opening sequence of Thunderball, where Bond lifts off in his jet pack. The beautiful grounds and gardens of these locations are not to be missed. Tonight, MOULIN ROUGE, an exciting evening at the world-renowned Parisian cabaret. Dinner with half a bottle of wine is served during the show. A glass of champagne completes your evening in style.

Day 11– 31 Aug/Tue – Paris- Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Louvre, and Champs-Elysées. Stop for a photo at the SPECTRE headquarters from Thunderball. We follow river bank locations where scenes from The Bourne Identity, A View to a Kill and National Treasure 2 were lensed. Visit magnificent NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL, and for a panoramic view, take the elevator to the second floor of the EIFFEL TOWER. After enjoying the view, continue to RESTAURANT ALTITUDE 95 for lunch featured in A View to a Kill; be sure to avoid Mayday and her stinging butterfly. The afternoon is at leisure to rest, walk the bridges or shop for special keepsakes. This evening join fellow agents for Operation: EURO2010 Grand Finale evening cocktail reception and then the city is yours to enjoy once more.

Day 12– 01 Sep/Wed- Paris- After breakfast one group transfer to the airport will be provided for passengers departing. A second group transfer will be provided to Disneyland Paris* for those wishing to extend their stay. There will have post-tour options to Versailles or the Louvre for those wishing to add more to this exciting and fun packed adventure.

Operation: EURO2010
$3995.00 per person *

Visit ThemePartyPeople.com for full information, including booking and deposit details, registration forms and related information.

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond 007 news.

Bond Watches, James Bond Watches exhibit to feature Rolex 6538 Submariner

Rolex 6538 Submariner to be shown at National Watch & Clock Museum “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit, June 18, 2010 – April 30, 2011

Written by: Dell Deaton, www.jamesbondwatches.com author-creator

Thanks to the efforts of Bob Ridley and his Watchmakers International, the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit will feature on display a restored Rolex Submariner 6538 model throughout its run at the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania.

Although publications such as WatchTime and researchers including James Dowling have discussed a range of possibilities, no credentialed expert has ever officially gone on record to identify an exact reference number for the Dr. No Rolex Submariner worn by actor Sean Connery as James Bond in that film.

Until now.

At the specific request of JamesBondWatches.com, the world renowned Rolex trader and author Franca E. Guido Mondani studied the wristwatch images that appeared on screen in Dr. No and personally identified this for our publication as a 6538 model. This follows up on with even greater specificity on research published in the limited edition text on which he served as editor, Rolex Submariner Story, 2009 edition.

With this information, I approached Watchmakers International in my role as Guest Curator for the upcoming “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibit to see if he could make a 6538 available for display as part of this at the National Watch & Clock Museum, June 18, 2010, through April 30, 2011. In response, he’s not only been able to make just such arrangements, but the 6538 to be displayed is one that he has personally restored.

Bob Ridley and Watchmakers International is not only one of the foremost restorers of vintage Rolex pieces, but also exclusive sponsor for our display of Ian Fleming’s personal Rolex as part of the exhibit.

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Dell Deaton is the creator-author of JamesBondWatches.com and guest curator for the “Bond Watches, James Bond Watches” exhibition, June 18, 2010 through April 30, 2011. He is a member of both the National Watch & Clock Association and American Marketing Association, and a recognized expert on Ian Fleming and James Bond horology. Previously, he was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors that governs the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, and served three terms on the editorial advisory board for Exhibitor Publications.

Celebrate James Bond at Rochester's Brighton Memorial Library

Brighton Memorial Library will be getting into the James Bond spirit later this month.

The Rochester, New York library will be hosting two screenings of popular 007 films From Russia with Love and Casino Royale (2006) on 24 and 25 May, respectively, as part of their James Bond event week.

Both screenings are scheduled to begin at 6:30pm. Attendees will also be able to cast their votes for their favourite James Bond film star and enter to win several spy-themed prizes.

The Brighton Memorial Library is located at 2300 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618.

For further information, phgne the library at 585-784-5300 or visit their official website.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Aston Martin DB4 stand-in from Goldfinger goes up for auction

LONDON—With their bulletproof bodies, hidden missile launchers, and self-destruction settings, the cars of fictional British secret agent James Bond have delighted moviegoers and tantalized car and espionage fans for nearly half a century. Now wealthy Bond devotees will have a chance to own one of their very own, as British auction house Bonhams gears up to auction a 1962 Aston Martin DB4, which was used in the production of the Sean Connery-helmed 1964 classic, Goldfinger. The car, originally built for the publishing tycoon Max Aitken, the first Baron of Beaverbrook, is estimated to earn £40-60,000 ($59-89,000) when it heads to the auction block on May 22 as part of Bonhams’ Aston Martin car sale, the only auction in the world devoted to models by—and memorabilia related to—the storied sportscar company.

Unfortunately, the car never actually made it into a Bond film; rather, it was used as a model for designing the special additions (like machine guns and ejector seats) that were later added to a silver DB5 used in the movie.

While it’s not quite as impressive as some later Bond cars, the Aston Martin boasts some interesting features, including a special, extra-light clutch and a thermostatically activated overheating alarm. Despite it’s apparent historical value, the car had actually been sitting in a garage since 1974.

For further information, visit the official Bonhams website.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page and be sure to visit our Discussion Forums for all the latest 007 news from the world of James Bond.

Goldfinger/Thunderball double feature at the Aero Theatre in June

Two of Sean Connery’s biggest James Bond adventures will be shown back to back next month at American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, California.

007 fans in the area will be able to catch Goldfinger and Thunderball on Sunday, 20 June at 7:30pm.

The American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre is located at 1328 Montana Avenue at 14th Street in Santa Monica, California.

For further details on this Bond double feature or to purchase tickets, phone 1-323-466-FILM or visit the official website.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Ian Fleming's James Bond elephant

An all-new mascot for secret agent 007 has taken to the streets of London—the James Bond elephant.

As reported at IanFleming.com, keen-eyed 007 fans will find the James Bond Elephant located by the London Eye. Designed by Oliver Lloyd and Lucy Fleming, the elephant is just one of many in the Elephant Family charity campaign for the endangered Asian alephant.

With more than 250 brightly painted life-size elephants currently situated throughout the city, the London Elephant Parade will attract an estimated audience of 25 million with the goal of raising a projected £2 million and benefiting 20 conservation charities in the UK alone.

Running from May to July 2010, this is London’s biggest outdoor art event on record. All of the painted elephants will go up for sale by auction. For further details on the campaign, visit the www.elephantfamily.org and www.elephantparadelondon.org websites.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page and be sure to visit our Discussion Forums for all the latest 007 news from the world of James Bond.

UK's Heritage Motor Centre to feature James Bond cars on display

James Bond cars will be the main attraction at the UK’s Heritage Motor Centre at the end of this month.

As reported in the Coventry Telegraph, the museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, will be giving visitors the chance to get an up close and personal look at numerous 007 cars during an exhibition set to run from 29 May until 6 June.

Some of these notable vehicles will include the Aston Martin DBS from Daniel Craig’s Quantum of Solace and Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish and Zao’s Jaguar XKR from Pierce Brosnan’s Die Another Day.

Kids attending can also learn the art of being a secret agent at a special spy school. Activities will include making their own spy gadgets, learning the art of secret message writing and solving clues around the museum.

Penny Tyler, marketing officer for the Heritage Motor Centre, said: ‘With our special Bond Week, spy school and a host of exciting and nostalgic motoring events, the Heritage Motor Centre has something for everyone to enjoy this May half term.’

The museum will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm during the James Bond exhibition week. For full information, including ticket prices, phone the museum’s events line at 01926 645120 or visit the official website.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page and be sure to visit our Discussion Forums for all the latest 007 news from the world of James Bond.