Sir Roger Moore to attend Age Concern/Help The Aged charity event

Age Concern and Help the Aged—two of Britian’s major organzation’s for the elderly—are inviting Londoners to a star-studded Christmas ‘A Star For Christmas’ concert. Tickets have now gone on sale for the festive celebration, which includes poems, readings and music from celebrities such as Sir Roger Moore, Lionel Blair and June Whitfield.

Taking place at 6.30pm at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, on Monday 7th December, ‘A Star For Christmas’ features a host of star performances and music from the Sylvia Young Theatre School, as well as the opportunity for guests to mingle with celebrities afterwards at a wine and mince pie reception.

‘A Star for Christmas’ is supported by the Age Concern and Help the Aged ‘Stage for Age’ committee; the Charity’s celebrity fundraising arm, and award-winning actress Sylvia Syms, who starred in The Queen alongside Dame Helen Mirren, is the Concert Director.

Sir Roger Moore commented: “I am delighted to be involved with the Age Concern and Help the Aged ‘A Star for Christmas’ concert. I always look forward to spending time in London and the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge will certainly make the evening one to remember.

“Far too often older people are forgotten about in our society, especially over the festive season. It is vital that we remember those older people who are suffering from isolation and loneliness at this time of year—particularly when we’re all rushing about and looking forward to spending time with friends and loved ones.

“I can’t wait for the Age Concern and Help the Aged ‘A Star for Christmas’ concert, and it’s wonderful that the money raised will give older people the opportunity to meet with friends and get involved in social activities, helping them make the most of the festive season.”

Tickets are on sale now and are priced at £18.00 each, with concessions available for senior citizens and children priced at £5.00. Contact Sarah Greene in the Age Concern and Help the Aged Events Team for tickets or further details on 020 7239 1964 or email [email protected].

Make CommanderBond.net your number one stop for all the latest news from the world of James Bond. Be sure to visit our Discussion Forums too.

The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis paperback now available

The paperback edition of The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis by Kingsley Amis has been released this month in the UK.

Kingsley Amis

Originally published in hardback in early 2008, The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis focuses on his interpretation of the art and practice of imbibing.

Amis is best known by James Bond fans for his one and only continuation novel in the literary 007 canon, 1968’s Colonel Sun. In addition, Amis also wrote 1965’s The James Bond Dossier, which was a critical analysis of the Ian Fleming Bond novels and The Book Of Bond Or, Every Man His Own 007, published under the pseudonym ‘Lt Col. William (‘Bill’) Tanner’.

The official blurb follows:

Kingsley Amis was one of the great masters of comic prose, and no subject was dearer to him than the art and practice of imbibing. This new volume brings together the best of his three out-of-print works on the subject: Kingsley Amis in Drink, Everyday Drinking and How’s Your Glass? In one handsome package, the book covers a full shelf of the master’s riotous and erudite thoughts on the drinking arts: Along with a series of well-tested recipes (including a cocktail called the Lucky Jim) are Amis’s musings on The Hangover, The Boozing Man’s Diet, The Mean Sod’s Guide, and (presumably as a matter of speculation) How Not to Get Drunk – all leavened with fun quizzes on the making and drinking of alcohol all over the world. Mixing practical know-how and hilarious opinionation, this is a delightful cocktail of wry humour and distilled knowledge, served by one of our great gimlet wits.

The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis is published by Bloomsbury and retails for £7.99 / $10.00. A US release is scheduled to take place on 27 April 2010. Order online:

• Order The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis from Amazon.co.uk
• Order The Everyday Drinking: The Distilled Kingsley Amis from Amazon.com

For up-to-the-minute literary James Bond coverage, always turn your browsers to the CommanderBond.net main page. Be sure to check out our new Twitter feed as well.

US James Bond Blu-ray 10-disc set available now

James Bond fans can now pick up the James Bond 10-pack Blu-ray Collection, which was released earlier this month in the United States.

James Bond 10-Disc Blu-ray Collection

Retailing for $199.98, the James Bond 10-pack Blu-ray Collection includes the following already available Bond films: Dr. No, Live and Let Die, Die Another Day, From Russia With Love, Thunderball, For Your Eyes Only, Goldfinger, Moonraker, The World is not Enough and Quantum of Solace.

No new titles are present and the only omission from the official series is 2006’s Casino Royale.

As some fans will note, this exact same collection was available to purchase at Costco for a limited time earlier this year to mark the debut of Quantum of Solace on Blu-ray and DVD.

Amazon.com currently features this box set at a discounted price of $159.99. Order online:

• Order the James Bond Blu-ray 10-Disc Set from Amazon.com

CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with complete coverage on all the latest James Bond Blu-ray news—be sure to check out our Twitter feed as well.

Six James Bond films at Hollywood's Egyptian Theatre in January '10

Thunderball

Six classic James Bond films featuring Sean Connery and Roger Moore will be featured on the silver screen this upcoming January at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

007 fans will be able to attend three different double features showcasing Dr. No and You Only Live Twice, Goldfinger and Thunderball and Moonraker and For Your Eyes Only.

The schedule is as follows:

• Friday, 1 January:
• 7:30pm – Dr. No and You Only Live Twice

• Saturday, 2 January:
• 7:30pm – Goldfinger and Thunderball

• Sunday, 3 January:
• 7:30pm – Moonraker and For Your Eyes Only

General admission is $10.00 unless otherwise noted, $7.00 for Cinematheque members and $8.00 for seniors and students w/valid ID.

The Egyptian Theatre is located at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, between Las Palmas and McCadden, just east of Highland Avenue in Hollywood.

To purchase tickets (via Fandango) or for inquiries, visit the official website or phone 323-461-2020.

As always, keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our always active Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

007 Magazine #52

Mark your calendars James Bond fans: 007 Magazine #52 is due out on 30 November 2009.

This latest issue comes after the recent news that the popular Bond magazine would be returning to print to mark its 30th anniversary after three years as an internet-only publication.

As stated on the official 007 Magazine website, 007 Magazine #52 will showcase exclusive new articles, features and many never-before-published images. These include:

• PICTORIAL – When Harry Met James (Palmer and Bond that is!)
  GRAHAM RYE spotlights the 1963 luncheon meeting between authors Len Deighton and Ian Fleming (with new exclusive comments by LEN DEIGHTON).
• PICTORIAL – Just a perfect day at Pinewood Studios…
  GRAHAM RYE focuses on a historical 1963 gathering of the movers and shakers of the Bond franchise-to-be on the set of From Russia With Love.
• PICTORIAL – Bond Bound: Ian Fleming and the Art of Cover Design
  GRAHAM RYE visits the private view of the 2008 exhibition at The Fleming Collection in London’s Mayfair.
• FEATURE – “STOP GETTING BOND WRONG!”
  GRAHAM RYE sets the record straight on the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.
• INTERVIEW – Cuadra…Jaime Cuadra!
  STEVE OXENRIDER talks with the Peruvian singer and arranger whose work was featured in the 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.
• FEATURE – To Russia, With Love
  Russian Journalists NATALIE GOLITSYNA and ANDREY SHARY, authors of the first in-depth study of James Bond, the literary & cinema hero, in the Russian language, examine 007’s impact on their homeland.
• FEATURE – Lost ‘Warhead’ Production Paintings
  GRAHAM RYE reveals previously unseen pre-production illustrations from Kevin McClory’s ill-fated Bond project (with new exclusive comments by LEN DEIGHTON).
• PICTORIAL – Flashback
  The 1989 Licence To Kill Royal World Charity Premiere at London’s Odeon Leicester Square, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince And Princess of Wales.

Bond fans can purchase 007 Magazine #52 at the official 007 Magazine website for the following prices: £9.99 (UK) | $15.99 (US) | €11.99 (EU) | £9.99 (Worldwide). Please be aware that prices do not include shipping.

Click here for further details and inquiries.

Visit this CommanderBond.net article to read more about the return of 007 Magazine in print for 2009. To view the detailed 1979 – 2005 bibliography of 007 Magazine on CBn, click here.

As always, keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page and our always active Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of James Bond.

Buy two get one free on 007 Blu-rays at JB Hi-Fi

Australian home entertainment retailer JB Hi-Fi is offering all available James Bond Blu-ray Discs as part of its “buy two get one free” deal.

With (already discounted) individual prices for the discs ranging from $19.98 (for the Connery to Brosnan films available on the format) to $29.98 (for Quantum of Solace), Australian customers can potentially pick up the films for as low as $13.32 each.

The deal is currently only available in stores.

Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Licence to Kill, The World is not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace are all currently available on Blu-ray Disc in Australia.

CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with complete coverage on all the latest James Bond Blu-ray news—be sure to follow us on Twitter as well.

James Bond On Blu-ray
Complete CommanderBond.net Coverage
Latest news, cover artwork, ordering details, worldwide release dates, special features, technical specifications, special collections and more.

Time Warner, News Corp reported interested in MGM

NEW YORK (Reuters) – News Corp, Time Warner Inc and Qualia Capital LLC are interested in buying Hollywood’s Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio, home of the James Bond movies, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.

Citing people with knowledge of the situation, the report said the companies have not yet examined the studio’s finances and their level of interest will depend on price.

Burdened by about $4 billion in debt, Los Angeles-based MGM said last week it was weighing options, including a possible sale of the company.

Creditors are hoping to get at least $2 billion, from a single buyer or by selling the assets separately, Bloomberg said.

Its sources also said Sony Corp may also be interested in all or part of the studio.

News Corp, MGM, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Time Warner and Qualia, a closely held media and entertainment investment company, all declined comment, the report said.

A week ago, MGM said it was exploring a potential sale of the company as lenders extended a forbearance until January 31. It said its other options include operating as a stand-alone entity or forming strategic partnerships.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the company was expected to open its books to interested parties in a process that could take months.

The studio, which has enlisted a restructuring specialist to help turn it around, faces debt obligations of $3.7 billion stemming from its 2005 buyout, plus payments on a $250 million revolving credit facility due April 2010.

It was purchased from majority owner Kirk Kerkorian for $2.85 billion by a group including private equity firms Providence Equity Partners; TPG; DLJ Merchant Banking Partners, a unit of Credit Suisse; and Quadrangle Group; and media firms Sony and Comcast Corp. The group also assumed a debt of $2 billion.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest James Bond news by visiting CommanderBond.net’s main page and our Discussion Forums.

Sir Roger Moore named PETA Person of the Year

Sir Roger Moore has been named person of the year by an animal charity for his public campaign against foie gras.

Sir Roger Moore in 2007

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) said it was honouring the 82-year-old Bond actor for his “vigorous support in exposing the ‘rather ugly’ conditions in which ducks and geese suffer”.

Sir Roger has narrated films highlighting the cruelty in its production, fronted poster campaigns and has also written to every member of the House of Commons asking them to ban its sale in the UK.

On receiving the award, Sir Roger said: “I am deeply touched and thrilled to be awarded the Peta UK person of the year.

“When I first saw their video footage on foie gras production three years ago, I felt compelled to do something to help put a stop to this cruel delicacy.”

He added: “I have since become a passionate campaigner against foie gras, and am most humbled that my passion has helped make a positive difference in the lives of these animals.”

Although it is illegal to produce foie gras in Britain, it is still legal to sell it – an anomaly which led Sir Roger into a public battle with department store Selfridges.

Earlier this month the actor paid for a poster to be placed directly outside the shop’s Food Hall which showed him holding a sign reading: “Force-Feeding Birds Is Cruel, Not Yule”.

A Selfridges spokesman confirmed on Wednesday it no longer stocks foie gras.

Previous Peta person of the year winners include fashion designer Stella McCartney and X Factor winner Leona Lewis.

Make CommanderBond.net your number one stop for all the latest news from the world of James Bond. Be sure to visit our Discussion Forums too.

Special benefit performance added for Daniel Craig's A Steady Rain

At the request of Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman, A Steady Rain will add one additional performance on the final day of their limited engagement, Sunday, December 6th at 7pm, to benefit New Yorkers For Children and the NYCPBA Widows & Children’s Fund.

All proceeds generated by this additional performance at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street) will benefit these two wonderful local charities. This is the final opportunity to see one of the most celebrated theatrical events of the season. This acclaimed, record-breaking play has been virtually sold out since the beginning of its limited 14-week run.

A Steady Rain tells the story of two cops who are lifelong friends and their differing accounts of a few harrowing days that changed their lives forever.

Tickets are now available for purchase exclusively through NYFC by phone. Please call 646-257-2927 to buy tickets. These special tickets are priced at $500 for Premium Orchestra seats and $250 for Preferred Orchestra and Front-Row Mezzanine seats, of which $140 per ticket is non-tax deductible.

Beginning this Friday, November 20 at 9am, the remaining tickets for this absolute final performance of A Steady Rain will also be available via Telecharge (www.telecharge.com and 212-239-6200) and the box office ranging from $66.50 to $140.00 (non-tax deductible).

New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) is the non-profit organization that partners with the Administration for Children’s Services to improve the lives of children in foster care in New York City. Since 1996, NYFC has made a difference in the lives of these youth through college scholarships, tutoring programs, job training, and networking opportunities. There are almost 17,000 children in foster care in New York City, and NYFC is committed to providing them with the essential tools to become successful, self-sufficient adults. For more information about New Yorkers For Children, please visit www.newyorkersforchildren.org.

The NYCPBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund provides aid and assistance to widows, widowers and eligible dependents of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Eligibility is defined as all widows, widowers and children of active police officers who lose their lives in the line of duty as the Directors may deem either worthy of or otherwise in need of relief or assistance. For more information about the NYCPBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund, please visit www.nycpba.org/fund.

Keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page–as well as our brand new Twitter feed–for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

James Bond props, posters and more at 24 November Christie's sale

The upcoming Vintage Film Posters and Film Memorabilia sale at Christie’s in London will be featuring a large selection of posters, props and more from the James Bond films.

The sale is scheduled to begin at 12:00pm on Tuesday, 24 November at 85 Old Brompton Road in London. Encompassing more than 450 lots in total, 50+ of them will be 007-related.

Items include Daniel Craig’s Tom Ford sunglasses from Quantum of Solace, Roger Moore’s two-piece suit from The Man with the Golden Gun, David Niven’s velvet trilby from 1967’s Casino Royale and endless other items.

For further information about participating in this sale, visit the official Christie’s website.

Details on selected James Bond lots follow below:

Lot 1 – Dr. No

Dr. No
1962, Eon/United Artists, British quad — 30x40in. (76x105cm.), linen-backed, (B)
Art by Mitchell Hooks
Design by David Chasman

Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000

---

Lot 9 – Goldfinger

Goldfinger
1964, Eon/United Artists, British quad, style A — 30x40in. (76x105cm.), linen-backed, (A-)
Art by Robert Brownjohn

Estimate: £1,500 – £2,500

---

Lot 449 – David Niven, Casino Royale, 1967

David Niven Casino Royale, 1967
A green velvet trilby, with leather band, the cord rope band decorated with imitation bristles, feather and rifles logo insignia to side, as made for David Niven in the role of James Bond, Casino Royale, 1967; accompanied by a colour image of Niven, with co-star Deborah Kerr, wearing a similar hat (2)

Estimate: £1,800 – £2,200

---

Lot 451 – The Man With The Golden Gun, 1974, Roger Moore

The Man With The Golden Gun, 1974 Roger Moore
A two piece suit in black, the single-breasted jacket lined in claret coloured art silk, labelled on the inside pocket Cyril A Castle, Roger Moore, March ’74, ESQ, the trousers with similar costume label to waist band — made for Roger Moore as James Bond in the 1974 United Artists/Eon production The Man With The Golden Gun, with corresponding still and letter regarding the provenance

Estimate: £3,000 – £5,000

---

Lot 452 – Roger Moore, The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977

Roger Moore The Spy Who Loved Me, 1977
A pair of of Ferragmo black leather dress shoes, both signed inside in gold ink by Roger Moore — worn by Roger Moore as James Bond in the 1977 United Artists/Eon film The Spy Who Loved Me; together with a handwritten note in black ballpoint pen on Roger Moore headed stationary stating these well worn dress shoes saw service in “The Spy Who Loved Me” — they traipsed across the Egyption desert… I might have even kicked Jaws with them! additionally signed and inscribed Roger Moore 28th March 1996 and a lot card from the charity sale they were sold in, framed 27x15in. (68.7×38.2cm.)

Estimate: £800 – £1,200

---

Lot 458 – Octopussy, 1983

Octopussy, 1983
12 costume designs, all graphite and coloured pencil, all titled Octopussy, majority with character names including Magda, Gwendoline and one inscribed Bond As Clown, additionally all signed and dated by the artist Emma Porteous ’82, majority — 13½x9¾in. (34.5x25cm.), accompanied by a letter concerning the provenance (13)

Estimate: £600 – £800

---

Lot 461 – The Living Daylights, 1987

The Living Daylights, 1987
Six costume designs, all graphite and gouache on paper, all titled Living Daylights, all with character name Kara, all signed and dated Emma Porteous ’86, all — 11½x8¼in. (29.3x21cm.), accompanied by a letter from the vendor concerning the provenance (7)

Estimate: £400 – £600

---

Lot 468 – Quantum Of Solace, 2008

Quantum Of Solace, 2008
A pair of Tom Ford sunglasses, the metal frames with blue tinted lenses — worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in the 2008 Eon production Quantum Of Solace, with brown suede hard-shell case; accompanied by a document from Eon concerning the provenance and a still [printed later] from the film (3)

Estimate: £1,000 – £1,500

Keep your browsers locked on the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for all the latest news on James Bond-related events occurring around the world.