Daniel Craig appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly rescheduled

Earlier this month, CommanderBond.net reported that 007 star Daniel Craig was set to make an appearance on US talkshow Live with Regis and Kelly mid-month. The appearance had to be pushed back, but we are now able to report a new date when fans can catch Craig on the show—Thursday, 29 October.

This will be the second appearance for the James Bond star on the lighthearted talk show this year. He last appeared on it in January to promote the WWII war drama Defiance (and was also featured last November for the release of Quantum of Solace).

Expect discussion to revolve around his current participation in the hugely successful Broadway play A Steady Rain, which is playing at Manhattan’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. With any luck, some 007-related discussion will also pop up.

The Live with Regis and Kelly show is broadcast at various times weekly. To find your local affiliate carrying the show, visit the official website.

As always, stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest news from the world of 007.

Joseph Wiseman (1918-2009)

Canadian stage and screen actor Joseph Wiseman has died at the age of 91.

The New York Times reports that Wiseman, known best for his memorable role as the villainous Dr. No in the very first James Bond film, passed away on Monday at his home in Manhattan, New York.

His daughter, Martha Graham Wiseman, confirmed the death, saying her father had recently been in declining health.

Born in Montreal on 15 May 1918, Wiseman and his family moved to the United States when he was a boy. He made his Broadway debut in 1938 with Abe Lincoln in Illinois. This was followed by several other stage performances in the 1940’s and 50’s, including Journey to Jerusalem (1940), Candle in the Wind (1941), Joan of Lorraine (1946), Antony and Cleopatra (1947), Detective Story (1949) and The Lark (1955).

In 1969, he took the title role in In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer, which earned him a Drama Desk Award. His later performances included Zalman or The Madness of God in 1976, The Tenth Man in 1989 and Judgment at Nuremberg in 2001. Off-Broadway work included the premiere of Tony Kushner’s Slavs in 1994.

Prolific for his talent in projecting villainy, critic Robert Brustein called him ‘the spookiest actor in the American theatre. He would be ideally cast as Dracula.’

Wiseman put this talent to use in his film work, which is clearly evident in his restrained, but memorable portrayal of Dr. Julius No opposite Sean Connery’s 007 in the 1962 debut of James Bond. The performance made him an iconic Bond baddie.

His other film credits included Detective Story (1951), Viva Zapata! (1952), The Garment Jungle (1957), The Unforgiven (1960), The Night They Raided Minsky’s (1968) and The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974).

Wiseman’s wife, choreographer Pearl Lang, died in February of this year. He is survived by his daughter, Martha, and sister, Ruth Wiseman.

CommanderBond.net wishes the best to the family and friends of Joseph Wiseman.

Operation Euro2010 James Bond film tour announced

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.

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page—and our Twitter feed—for all the latest on 007-themed events happening around the world.

Bond 23 Abu Dhabi location rumours denied

Reports that the world’s most famous spy might be sipping Martinis in Abu Dhabi have been denied.

The British press claimed producers of the next James Bond movie, known only as Bond 23 at the moment, were eyeing Emirates Palace hotel as a location for filming of the latest in the cult series of 007 films starring Daniel Craig.

One report claimed sources close to Abu Dhabi ruler and President of the UAE High Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the producers of the forthcoming film had contacted the royal office to discuss the possibility of shooting scenes at the multi-million dirham resort.

However, it looks unlikely the shaken-not-stirred hero will be swinging from the gold-leaf ceilings of the seven-star hotel.

A spokesman for the resort said: “It is not true. No-one has been to visit. We know nothing about it.”

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Twitter feed for the most up-to-date Bond coverage on the net.

A look inside Charlie Higson's Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier

If the wait for Charlie Higson’s soon-to-be-released Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier is too much to take, head over to the Penguin Australia website, where they have just released a special ‘look inside’ the book.

Touted as the complete and definitive guide to Higson’s Young Bond, the aptly-titled Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier will include in-depth character profiles, information on the cars, weapons and exotic locations, plus photographs, maps, and illustrations by artist Kev Walker.

As an added bonus, the book will also feature a brand new Young Bond story by Higson entitled A Hard Man to Kill. For more details on that story, click here.

• Order the UK hardback edition of Danger Society: The Young Bond Dossier from Amazon.co.uk

Be sure to keep checking the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest Young Bond-related news.

Officially licenced James Bond replica props announced

Officially Licenced James Bond Replica Props Announced

Big Chief Products Ltd. is proud to announce a license agreement with Eon Productions/Danjaq LLC to produce a range of movie prop replicas, based on the gadgets and related items from the James Bond film series.

Working in partnership with appointed exclusive distributor Factory Entertainment Ltd. Big Chief will release a comprehensive range including entry price point replicas, through to high-end collectibles.

These authentic, highly detailed replicas of iconic items featured in the James Bond films are officially licensed by EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC and are based on studies and examinations of the actual screen-used props to ensure maximum accuracy.

Items currently in development include 1:1 scale replicas of: Scaramanga’s golden gun from The Man with the Golden Gun (1974); the fearsome metal teeth worn by Jaws in films The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), and Solitaire’s tarot cards as featured in Live and Let Die (1973).

Factory Entertainment will begin offering these exciting new James Bond collectibles both direct to consumer and at wholesale, worldwide from late 2009.

Big Chief director Mark Andrews said: “We are thrilled to be working with EON Productions. As fans ourselves we know people have been eager for James Bond prop replicas for many years. We are committed to delivering a range of products from the heritage era films right up to the current Daniel Craig films which people will be proud to own.”

Big Chief and Factory Entertainment are each comprised of industry veterans, who are passionate about delivering high-quality limited edition collectibles and operate offices both in the UK and USA and have worldwide distribution channels.

About EON Productions/Danjaq. LLC

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962, including QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The James Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the longest running franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day and Casino Royale. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

Be sure to keep checking the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond-related news.

UK pre-order: Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming's World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction

Following up a release in the US this month, Nigel West’s Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction is now available to pre-order in the UK.

Fusing together entries on Fleming’s famous 00-agent James Bond and detailed information on cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others, Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction asks the question: What proportion of Fleming’s output is authentic, and what comes directly from the his imagination?

Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction is published in hardback by The Scarecrow Press and retails for £49.95 / $80.00. The title is due for release on 1 February 2010 in the UK and is currently available in the US.

Amazon order links follow at the end of this article.

Twelve novels and nine short stories define one of the most extraordinary fictional characters of all time, creating the basis for the most successful movie series in cinematographic history, watched by more than half the world’s population. The single person probably more responsible than any other for glamorizing the murky world of espionage is Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, who himself lived a remarkable double life of spy and writer. Everyone has an opinion on why 007 became so successful, but one possible explanation is the ingenious formula of fact, fiction, and sheer fantasy. Certainly the author drew on friends and places he knew well to provide the backdrop for his drama, but what proportion of his output is authentic, and what comes directly from the author’s imagination?

These questions and more are examined in the Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction. This is done through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on actual cases of espionage, real-life spies, MI5, SIS, CIA, KGB, and others. It also contains entries on Ian Fleming’s novels and short stories, family and friends, his employers and colleagues, and other notable characters.

• Order Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction from Amazon.co.uk
• Order Historical Dictionary of Ian Fleming’s World of Intelligence: Fact and Fiction from Amazon.com

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest literary 007 coverage.

a-ha to split up after 25 years

Pop group a-ha, best known in the world of James Bond for their title song accompanying Timothy Dalton’s 007 debut in The Living Daylights, have announced they are splitting up after more than 25 years…

Enduring chart act a-ha are to split following a farewell tour next year.

The Norwegian trio, who were pin-ups for many years, will split after marking a quarter of a century since their debut release Hunting High And Low.

They will play their final shows in Oslo in December next year, rounding off a string of goodbye dates.

The band, who have also released a string of solo albums, achieved more than 35 million global album sales, with 15 Top 10 UK singles.

Announcing their split, the band’s Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy said bowing out would give them a chance to pursue “other meaningful aspects of life”.

In a statement they said: “We’ve literally lived the ultimate boy’s adventure tale, through a longer, more rewarding career than anyone could hope for.

“Doing this now will give us a chance to get more involved in other meaningful aspects of life, be it humanitarian work, politics, or whatever else – and of course through new constellations in the field of art and music.

“We are retiring as a band, not as individuals. Change is always difficult and it is easy to get set in one’s ways. Now it is time to move on.”

Details of tour dates will be announced nearer the time.

Be sure to keep checking the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond-related news.

Quantum of Solace/Dr. No DVD 2-pack coming in November

This upcoming November will see the US release of the first and the latest James Bond films packaged together on DVD.

Due out on 24 November is the Quantum of Solace/Dr. No Ultimate Edition DVD 2-pack. The list price is $27.99, although this title is currently available to pre-order from Amazon.com at a discount.

Cover Artwork and related details are yet to be announced, but we’ll update with them as soon as they become available.

There are currently no listings for this product on the Amazon.co.uk website.

• Order the Quantum of Solace/Dr. No Ultimate Edition DVD 2-pack from Amazon.com

James Bond 007 ‘Ultimate Edition’ DVDs
Complete CommanderBond.net Coverage
Latest news, front and back cover art, box cover art, worldwide release dates, menu and screen caps, new certificates, ordering details, special features, technical specs, special collections and more.

Be sure to keep checking the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest James Bond on Blu-ray/DVD news.

The Blades Library Book Club: The Man with the Red Tattoo

Welcome back to The Blades Library Book Club – the place for quality discussions of the books of James Bond!

Every two months a James Bond 007 novel is chosen for the club members to read. A thread is posted in the club forums listing locations on where you can find the novel. Discussions about the book will go on as the book is read and when it is finished. Another thread will be created so that club members can post their review and give a rating on the current book.

All fans of the Literary Bond are eligible for membership. All you need to do to sign up is register on the CBn Forums (it’s free and only takes a minute) and then post your name in the sign up thread.

The Book Club’s 35th Book

We are progressing though the James Bond 007 novels in chronological order, since quite a number of members are using the club as an opportunity to read the books for the very first time. After moving through the Bond novels by Ian Fleming, Kingsley Amis and John Gardner, the club most recently embarked upon the Raymond Benson Bond era and now continues with his sixth novel: 2002’s The Man with the Red Tattoo.

Obtaining The Book

Ordering online should be fairly easy. The Man with the Red Tattoo can be ordered online (although in used condition) from the following sources:

• Amazon.co.uk
• Amazon.com
• eBay

Discuss other places to buy The Man with the Red Tattoo or where you got your copy in this thread.

Discuss The Book While Reading

Want to talk about the book while reading it? Post a new thread in The Blades Library.

Review And Rate The Book

After you have finished reading The Man with the Red Tattoo, you can discuss it with other club members in The Blades Library, and give the book your personal rating out of five in this thread.

If you have any questions or suggestions just post them in a new thread. Happy reading.

*New* Archive Of All Past Read Books

Additionally, club members can review or comment on any of the past read books in the club any time they want. Click here for the full archive of the past read books in the club.

Previous Books Read

• Never Dream of Dying: August 2009 – September 2009
• Doubleshot: June 2009 – July 2009
• High Time To Kill: April 2009 – May 2009
• The Facts of Death: February 2009 – March 2009
• Zero Minus Ten: December 2008 – January 2009
• COLD: October 2008 – November 2008
• SeaFire: August 2008 – September 2008
• Never Send Flowers: June 2008 – July 2008
• Death Is Forever: April 2008 – May 2008
• The Man From Barbarossa: February 2008 – March 2008
• Brokenclaw: December 2007 – January 2008
• Win, Lose Or Die: October 2007 – November 2007
• Scorpius: August 2007 – September 2007
• No Deals, Mr. Bond: June 2007 – July 2007
• Nobody Lives Forever: April 2007 – May 2007
• Role Of Honour: February 2007 – March 2007
• Icebreaker: December 2006 – January 2007
• For Special Services: October 2006 – November 2006
• Licence Renewed: August 2006 – September 2006
• Colonel Sun: June 2006 – July 2006
• Octopussy & The Living Daylights: April 2006 – May 2006
• The Man With The Golden Gun: February 2006 – March 2006
• You Only Live Twice: December 2005 – January 2006
• On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: October 2005 – November 2005
• The Spy Who Loved Me: August 2005 – September 2005
• Thunderball: June 2005 – July 2005
• For Your Eyes Only: April 2005 – May 2005
• Goldfinger: February 2005 – March 2005
• Doctor No: December 2004 – January 2005
• From Russia, With Love: September 2004 – November 2004
• Diamonds Are Forever: July 2004 – August 2004
• Moonraker: May 2004 – June 2004
• Live and Let Die: May 2003 – June 2003
• Casino Royale: March 2003 – April 2003