The Spy Who Loved Me's HMS Fearless Heads For Scrapyard

The 44-year-old Royal Navy ship HMS Fearless, which had a brief appearance in Roger Moore’s third James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me, is finally headed for the scrapyard.

The BBC News reports that the ship will be scrapped in Belgium, where as much of it as possible will be recycled.

HMS Fearless

The 12,000-tonne ship served in both the Falklands conflict in 1982 and the first Gulf war in 1990. CBn reported back in March 2002 that the the ship was scheduled to be decommissioned in Portsmouth.

Former Royal Marine Colin Waite, who served on HMS Fearless during the Falklands War, is calling for the ship to be saved for historic reasons. He recalled that it was key to victory as, along with HMS Intrepid, it landed troops onto shore.

‘It is sad because she is a ship with more history than most. You had the special forces based on Fearless, as well as all the command and control, she was the pivotal point in that war.’

007 fans best know it as the ship that rescues James Bond and Anya Amasova at the very end of The Spy Who Loved Me.

Discuss this 007-related news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the internet. With thanks to ‘zencat.’

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Remembering Miss Moneypenny

Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny

Tributes to actress Lois Maxwell are flowing in as the world mourns the loss of the original Miss Moneypenny.

Ms Maxwell passed away, aged 80, on Saturday evening in Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia.

The Golden Globe award-winning actress played the role of M’s famous secretary in the first 14 James Bond films over 23 years, starring alongside three different James Bond actors.

Sir Roger Moore, a close personal friend of Ms Maxwell, has paid tribute to the actress in a number of interviews, including one with Sky News.

Lois and I first met in 1944 when we were in the same class at RADA. We shared the same year of birth and we played opposite each other at RADA. I was the only actor in the class who was tall enough to actually play opposite her. We did Pride And Prejudice together, we did Henry V and then of course she worked with me on the stage and in The Saint and The Persuaders! and all my Bond movies. She had a son called Christian, and I had a son called Christian, so we had a great deal in common. She was my lucky token and those that remember the Bond films with Moneypenny will remember her with great affection. She will certainly be missed by me and I’m sure by millions of fans around the world.

Sir Roger Moore

Ms Maxwell’s loss has also been felt outside the world of cinema; the actress was a strong supporter of the Fremantle Hospital, according to Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation chairman Len Hitchen , who spoke to AAP.

Lois had an illness that caused her to be admitted to Fremantle Hospital, pretty well life-threatening actually. She had something like a thrombosis in her arm and they expected she would lose her arm. The operation was undertaken and was successful and she was so forever grateful that she wanted to do what she could for the Fremantle Hospital. Once she was here and it was known she was here as Miss Moneypenny she was fairly much sought after as a guest speaker or a VIP guest to functions, and if her health allowed her she would say yes to those that she wished to and say that the fee should be payable to the Foundation. So she assisted us that way and also by being a great friend. We were thrilled when she offered to become involved, and we were probably even more thrilled to meet her and then get to know her and become a friend of hers. She was just an absolutely lovely lady. She was a very well-dressed, well-presented English lady but who was down to earth, would speak to anyone and enjoy speaking to anyone. She had been talking about [her autobiography] and her son, who was the reason that she came [to Perth] in the first place and in latter years used to bring her to the functions, he was very keen for us to urge her to complete her autobiography. Now what she’s done in that regard I’m not too sure, but I hope [she finished it].”

Len Hitchen, Fremantle Hospital Medical Research Foundation chairman

Mirror.co.uk has posted a tribute article, in which Ms Maxwell recounted her first meeting with Bond creator Ian Fleming.

[Ian Fleming] told me, “When I wrote Miss Moneypenny, I envisaged a tall, elegant woman with the most kissable lips in the world, and you, my dear, are the epitome of that dream of mine.” He puckered up his lips and I puckered up mine. At that moment, a female voice behind him screeched, “Ian! Bedford wants you”. It was his wife. I never did get to kiss him.

Lois Maxwell

James Bond fans on the CBn Forums have posted over 125 messages of condolence since the news first broke two days ago.

According to reports, Ms Maxwell’s family will hold a private funeral for the actress, with the likelihood of a public memorial service to be held at a later time.

Related article

• Lois Maxwell Dies

Lois Maxwell Dies

BBC News today carries the tragic news that Lois Maxwell has passed away, aged 80. Ms Maxwell played the role of Miss Moneypenny in 14 James Bond films, transforming a minor character from Ian Fleming’s novels into a cinematic icon.

Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny

According to a spokesperson for Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia, Ms Maxwell passed away there on Saturday evening.

Lois Maxwell appeared in the very first James Bond film, 1962’s Dr. No, and reprised the role right through to Roger Moore’s final 007 outing, 1985’s A View To A Kill.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Sir Roger Moore said, “It’s rather a shock. She was always fun and she was wonderful to be with. She was wonderful, absolutely perfect casting.”

“It was a great pity that, after I moved out of Bond, they didn’t take her on to continue in the Timothy Dalton films. I think it was a great disappointment to her that she had not been promoted to play M. She would have been a wonderful M.”

Speaking to Sky News, Moore said he wished he had heard the news earlier, so that he and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson could have paid tribute to her at Saturday’s National Movie Awards.

“It’s a pity we didn’t have the news then so we could have paused for a tribute to her. Lois Maxwell didn’t have enough tributes in her life.”

“She was my lucky token and those that remember the Bond films with Moneypenny will remember her with great affection.”

Moore first met Ms Maxwell at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1944.

Lois Maxwell starred opposite three James Bond actors over 23 years

Born Lois Hooker in Ontario, Canada in 1927, Ms Maxwell’s acting career commenced in radio. In 1948, she won the Most Promising Female Newcomer Golden Globe award for her role in the Shirley Temple film, That Hagen Girl.

Outside of her 14 James Bond appearances, Lois Maxwell appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Lolita. She also guest-starred in a number of television programmes, including The Avengers and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She also had guest roles alongside Moore in The Saint and The Persuaders. Her most recent role was in 2001’s The Fourth Angel, in which she starred with Jeremy Irons and Forest Whitaker.

CBn and its members wish to extend their deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ms Maxwell.

Panama To Double As South American Country In 'Bond 22'?

According to Telemetro.com, the coasts of Panama have been chosen by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson as a filming location for Bond 22.

Two weeks ago, CBn reported that Bond 22 will have South American locations which means Panama, a Central American country, could have possibly been chosen to double as a South American country for the film.

The site also claims the title of Bond 22 may be The Property of a Lady which seems very unlikely at this point.

'Casino Royale' And James Bond Scoop National Movie Awards

Casino Royale and the James Bond franchise scooped two awards at last night’s inaugural National Movie Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall, reports BBC News.

Michael G. Wilson refused to share details on Bond 22

The latest 007 film beat off competition from Die Hard 4.0, 300 and Transformers to take home the Best Action Film gong at the ceremony.

The Bond franchise also won the special recognition award. Series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were on hand to accept the honour.

“It’s great to be voted for by the public,” Wilson said.

However, the producer refused to reveal any details about the as-yet-untitled 22nd James Bond film. “You’ll just have to come and see it,” he said.

Daniel Craig lost out to Daniel Radcliffe for the Best Male Performance award

Casino Royale‘s stars were not so lucky. Daniel Craig lost out on the Best Male Performance award to Daniel Radcliffe, for his role in Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. Dame Judi Dench and Eva Green, who were both vying for Best Female Performance, were beaten by Harry Potter’s Emma Watson.

Radcliffe was quizzed on the rumours that he will ultimately take over the role of James Bond in some capacity. Most recently, it was rumoured he would appear as Young Bond in a series of films based on Charlie Higson’s bestselling novels.

“It would be weird to suddenly be involved in another big franchise, but hey, it takes a big man to turn down Bond,” Radcliffe said, before adding, “I don’t think the world’s ready for a short-arse Bond.”

Commissioned by ITV on the success of the National Television Awards, the winners of the National Movie Awards were decided upon by the public. Voting forms were available at cinemas throughout the UK and published in national newspapers and magazines, as well as online. Nominations were first announced on 20 August.

The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV1 tonight at 9:30pm.

Keep watching CBn for the latest James Bond news.

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'Bond 22' Release Dates Showing Up Online

While 7 November 2008 is Bond 22‘s official date so far according to Eon Productions, a few websites are now carrying some release information for Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film.

According to the IMDb, the 7 November date so far applies to the UK, US, Brazil, Denmark, Sweden and Turkey. Germany and the Netherlands are scheduled to get the film one day earlier on the sixth.

Additionally, yourmovies.com.au was updated a few days ago with a 13 November release date for the film in Australia.

Keep in mind that this release information should be considered unofficial until confirmed by Eon / Sony Pictures Entertainment. In the case of Casino Royale, several international release dates for the film were switched around a few times before the film premiered in November 2006.

CBn will keep you updated with all of the latest news on Bond 22.

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Roberto Schaefer Confirmed As 'Bond 22' Cinematographer

The Hollywood Reporter today confirms Roberto Schaefer has been hired as cinematographer on the next James Bond movie.

Schaefer has lensed every film directed by Bond 22 helmer Marc Forster, including Monster’s Ball, Stay, Finding Neverland, Stranger Than Fiction and this year’s The Kite Runner (view trailer). He also served as cinematographer on a number of Christopher Guest pictures, including Waiting For Guffman, Best In Show and For Your Consideration.

He was nominated for a BAFTA for his work on Finding Neverland in 2005.

Schaefer is currently location scouting for Bond 22.

The article goes on to state that production is scheduled to begin on or around 10 December 2007, with filming to take place in the UK, South America and Italy.

Keep watching CBn for the latest James Bond news.

Change Of Suit For 007's Costume Designer

Just hours after CBn landed the scoop that James Bond would be sporting Dunhill-tailored clothing in the next 007 film comes word from DNR that the decision was grounded in the fact Bond 22 will have a new costume designer.

Daniel Craig in a Dunhill dinner jacket at the premiere of Casino Royale

The site carries a report on the decision to drop Brioni as Bond’s tailor of choice. A Brioni spokesperson told the site, “We’re sorry to no longer be involved, but things change. There appears to be a new costume designer, and [with that] comes a new approach to the wardrobe.”

At the same time, the IMDb is now listing Louise Frogley as the costume designer for Bond 22. Frogley is an award-nominated costume designer who has worked on numerous blockbusters, including Spy Game, Constantine, Man On Fire, U.S. Marshals and Speed 2: Cruise Control. She is also a frequent collaborator with both Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney, having worked on Traffic, Good Night, And Good Luck., Syriana, The Good German and Ocean’s Thirteen.

If accurate, she takes over from Academy Award-winning costume designer, Lindy Hemming, who has been with the James Bond franchise since 1995’s GoldenEye (the same film in which the famous spy began wearing Brioni).

Keep your browsers on CBn for all the latest James Bond news.

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Dunhill Is New Bond Tailor

Daniel Craig in a Dunhill dinner jacket at the premiere of Casino Royale.

Great news, Bond fans! After our previous report on Bond possibly “going casual” for his 22nd adventure, CommanderBond.net has learned that Bond’s current outfitter, Italian fashion house Brioni will replaced by the British house of Dunhill, who will tailor James Bond’s suits in future.

For some Bond fans (including myself), it was a little unpalatable having the consummate Englishman wear Italian suits -however fine. So, for the first time since Pierce Brosnan’s debut GoldenEye, contracts have been renegotiated, with Dunhill’s bid being accepted.

Sources tell CBn that “It’s all very hush hush at the moment, but they should be getting in some custom pieces to promote the film and the brand.” Clothing Bond with the finest suits will reportedly cost around ₤500,000.

The British House of Alfred Dunhill was founded in 1893 and exclusively sells high-end men’s fashion and leather goods. It belongs to the Richemont group of Geneva, who also own IWC, Piaget and Cartier.

The Saint, Roger Moore, and James Bond

Written by Paul Rowlands

“The Saint” TV series actually has many links to the Bond franchise. Apart from the long list of actors who appeared in both (listed below), it is fun to see Roger Moore play Simon Templar as the chain-smoking, heavy-drinking, tough as nails, womanising ex-criminal with quick wits and a good punch.

Add to that his propensity for dinner jackets, glamorous locations and confronting his enemies head on, and you have the ingredients for a great 007. Except when Moore played James Bond, he played the role a lot softer, with most of the hard edges removed. Moore has said he consciously played Bond differently to avoid repeating a role he played for over eight years. Watching “The Saint” affords one the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what Moore’s Bond might have been like if he hadn’t already been Simon Templar, and if he had taken the role more seriously.

Throughout the series are incidents that seem to predict Moore’s appointment in the role. In episode 2.5 ‘The Elusive Ellshaw’ (which also features Goldfinger’s Richard Vernon), characters go shooting a la Moonraker and Templar is on the receiving end of a kiss from the female lead for saving his life—‘That’s for saving my life.’ Templar replies ‘I should try to do it more often.’

A similar exchange occurs in Moonraker with Lois Chiles. ‘What was that for?’ ‘For saving my life.’ ‘Remind me to do it more often.’ Episode 2.19 ‘Luella’ is perhaps the single episode with the most Bondian references. David Hedison, who was later cast as Felix Leiter opposite Moore in Live and Let Die when it was thought Sean Connery might be persuaded to return, is a guest star, and would also co-star with his friend Moore in North Sea Hijack (US: Ffolkes) (1980) and The Naked Face (1984), as well as reprising the role of Leiter in Licence to Kill. A character in this episode (one of the most comedic of the series) convinces herself Templar is James Bond and that Hedison’s character is an American agent (which he would in Moore’s 1973 debut). Moore also poses as a millionaire UN worker—which he became many years later.

Other examples include episode 2.16 ‘The Wonderful War’ where Moore eats sheep’s eyeballs—something he wouldn’t do in Octopussy. Moore also wears desert attire many years before he would do so in The Spy Who Loved Me. In episode 3.21 ‘Sibao’, which also features Bruce Boa from Octopussy, the voodoo theme recalls Live and Let Die and we have Moore wearing a safari suit a la Octopussy. Episode 2.1 ‘The Fellow Traveller’, Moore tells a character: ‘Seven was always my lucky number.’ And 4.1 ‘The Chequered Flag’ has Moore ordering a drink ‘neither shaken or stirred’. In the episode 2.17 ‘The Noble Sportsman’—an episode that originally aired eight months before the release of Goldfinger—Anthony Quayle’s Lord Yearley drives an Aston Martin DB5 registration number BMT 216A.†

The black and white series of “The Saint” debuted on UK TV on 4th October 1962 (the episode was ‘The Talented Husband’), and for those who believe Bond and Simon Templar have always had a close relationship, it may be interesting to learn that Dr. No premiered in the UK at The London Pavilion the following night. According to ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, Roger Moore was one of Ian Fleming’s top choices for the role of Bond in Dr. No, but it isn’t clear why he was not approached.

In his autobiography When the Snow Melts, Broccoli recalls that Fleming had seen him on TV as “The Saint”, but it’s UK transmission date would have made it impossible. It is more likely that Fleming had seen him in the many TV series he had acted in before Simon Templar. His commitment to “The Saint” during the ’60s meant he was unable to accept the role of Bond once Sean Connery had left—but Harry Saltzman had spoken to him about filming The Man with the Golden Gun in Cambodia after You Only Live Twice, and it is rumoured he was considered for the 1967 Casino Royale spoof. “The Saint” black and white series ended on 26th August 1965 (with ‘The Old Treasure Story’, which Moore also directed), and covered 71 episodes. Season 1 consisted of only 12 episodes; Season 2 of 27 episodes; Season 3 of 23 episodes, and Season 4 of merely 9 episodes. The next two seasons were filmed in colour. The series was so popular in US TV syndication that NBC picked it up as a summer replacement for it’s evening schedule in 1966. The whole series played on UK TV for 6 and a half years, and 118 episodes were produced in total. It remains one of the most-loved and longest-running TV series ever made.

In the recently recorded commentaries for the Ultimate Edition DVD releases of his Bond films, Moore revealed that he would suggest his previous colleagues and friends for roles in the films. From his 12 year reign in the role, series regulars Robert Brown, Lois Maxwell (in two colour episodes), Walter Gotell and Geoffrey Keen appeared in episodes, as well as other actors as Irvin Allen, Bruce Boa, Julian Glover, Jack Hedley, Marne Maitland, Bryan Marshall, Shane Rimmer and Douglas Wilmer. Notable actors from non-Moore entries include Shirley Eaton, Honor Blackman, Paul Stasino, Eric Pohlmann and Anthony Dawson.

The next article will focus on the remaining two colour seasons, the episodes Moore directed, and the many references, links and coincidences to the non-Moore Bond films. It will also briefly look at the post-Moore “Saint” movies and TV series.