Bond with "Dr. No" on July 4th

The beautiful Tampa Theatre (listed in the National Register of Historic Places) will be showing a restored archival print of James Bond: Dr. No on the Big screen Sunday, July 4 at 3:00 PM. The restored Dr. No archival print will be played through their state-of-the-art sound and projection system. There may be a chance to get involved with their costume parade as well.

Matt Sherman, the man behind the popular BCWs (Bond Collector Weekend), is organizing a special event around the screening. So prepare yourself to join 007 for an Independence Day James Bond Weekend in Tampa, Florida. This weekend would include…

• Tickets for the Dr. No movie screening
• A group spot to watch July 4th fireworks (if you wish stay late Sunday)
• A guided tour inside Cross Gen Comics — creators of the current Kiss Kiss Bang Bang/James Bond comics (NOTE: not yet confirmed)
• A 007 memorabilia event
• A place to swim/soak up the sun
• Tampa/St. Petersburg sights including James Bond: Live And Let Die (locations still intact since Ian Fleming wrote his novel in 1954!) and The Pier, Dali Museum, Ybor City, etc
• A fun place to conference together and watch rare movies/videos

Everything, including sightseeing/ground transportation, is FREE of charge except hotel, movie tickets and any paid sightseeing like the Dali Museum, which is well worth its admission price.

Contact Matt Sherman so he can get a feel for the interest in this event first (don’t book any airlines flights yet!)

Matt Sherman
352.372.5094 (USA)
[email protected]

To discuss this event visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Rosamund Pike to Co-star in 2005's 'Pride & Prejudice'

Rosamund Pike (James Bond Girl Miranda Frost, Die Another Day) is set to co-star in Working Title Film‘s 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s romantic novel Pride & Prejudice. Shooting is scheduled to start next month, July 2004.

Actor Matthew Macfadyen (BBC’s Spooks / A&E’s MI-5) will star as the iconic Mr Darcy alongside Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean) as Elizabeth Bennet. Rosamund Pike will be portraying Elizabeth’s older sister Jane, while actress Jena Malone (Donnie Darko) plays the troublesome youngest sister Lydia.

Pride & Prejudice has been adapted for tv and film many times. It’s a story that traces the tempestuous relationship between an opinionated young woman (Elizabeth Bennett) and an arrogant rich snob (Mr Darcy) and their path to ultimately overcoming their initial antipathy and various other social obstacles to fall in love.

To discuss this news visit this thread on the CBn Forums.

Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition.

Be among the first in Canada to enter the top secret world of Agent 007. Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition will waiting for you at Science World (1455 Quebec Street; Vancouver, BC; Canada V6A 3Z7) starting June 12 to September 12, 2004.

Science World is eagerly anticipating the arrival this summer of the spectacular presentation of Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition. Prepare to be immersed into the intriguing world of the secret missions, double agents and villains that have made 007 into an international icon. The must-see feature exhibition showcases numerous film artifacts, including the legendary Aston Martin DB5 from GoldenEye, Rosa Klebb’s infamous flick-knife shoe and Oddjob’s killer bowler hat.

Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition shares little-known details about the 20 Bond films that have entertained audiences for more than 40 years. You will be placed into the exhibition as a ‘secret agent’ and will be briefed for your mission in M’s office before making a stop at Q’s workshop. You will then be invited to step inside the movies through a series of themed areas which showcase gadgets, vehicles, and costumes from the 20 Bond movies.

Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition also introduces the intricacies of creating the Bond films. It takes a rare look at numerous concept drawings and storyboards that were ultimately transformed into the spectacular stunts and scenes characteristic of Bond films. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the work of creative talents and technical wizards credited with creating the world’s best-loved film experience.

For pricing and other information about Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition or Science World visit Science World’s Official web-site.

Bond Movie Nights — On Sunday or Wednesday’s add a Bond film to your Science World: Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition experience. At 8:00 pm sit back, relax, and enjoy a DVD digital presentation of one of the Bond classics. For the Bond movie schedule check here.

To discuss this event visit this thread on the CBn Forums.
Thank you IndyB007 for the photos.

Sean Connery Visits Greece

James Bond legend, Sir Sean Connery and his wife – Lady Micheline Roquebrune Connery – visited Athens, Greece today. Connery expressed a wish, which was granted, to meet with Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki to be informed of the course of Olympic preparations.

“A very impressive personality [Mrs Angelopoulos]. I was impressed by the presentation of the preparation. I must say that I have been following it, as quite knowledgeable about the background. You cannot be anything but impressed with the journey that she has made and what she has done. We had a very nice conversation about after the games, what happens, the amount of work, and the statistics.”

Sean Connery
Press Release – Athens, Greece 2004

Q. Are you going to come during the Olympic Games?

Connery: Well I was explaining that to the President. I am preparing for a film at the moment and it is going to take me two or more weeks to get a diary calendar together. I am hoping to be able to come either at the beginning or at the end, or some time. At the moment it is difficult because of my schedule. I am sure the Games are going to be tremendous. It has been quite a drama to get down to the wire.

Q. We will be glad to have you here again during the Olympic Games.

Connery: I definitely want to come. I am sure the Games are going to be a huge success because they will be different, because Greece is different. For example, see how successful the Games were for Australia and even Los Angeles, its also great that it is here in Europe.

After his meeting with the President, Sir Sean Connery and his wife then visited the Athens Olympic Complex which is still being prepared for this August’s 2004 summer’s Olympics. The couple was escorted by Athens 2004 Executive Director, Yiannis Pyrgiotis and OCOG technical staff. They gave Connery a tour of the Olympic Velodrome and the Olympic Stadium. Sir Sean Connery showed particular interest in details of the construction.

“I have seen it from the road and it’s impossible to comprehend how exciting is the use of space. It is like being somewhere else, unique and also still being able to see Athens. The appearance is exciting. Amazing the interior of the whole stadium. As a construction, as a concept, as number of seats, it is an impressive space that you cannot believe it only by being here, witnessing it. The scale of everything in here, you see these tiny figures up on the roof at the stadium here with seats for 75,000 people I am certain it will be a huge success.”

Sean Connery
Press Release – Athens, Greece 2004

To discuss this article visit this thread on the CBn Forums

Rare Big Screen Showing of THUNDERBALL This Weekend in New York

James Bond fans in the New York City area will have a rare opportunity to enjoy a big screen showing of a 35mm MGM archival print of THUNDERBALL this weekend at the beautifully restored Lafayette Theater in Suffern, New York. The theater is known for hosting superb presentations of classic and cult films. The screening takes place at 11:30am on Saturday, 12 June.

The fourth film in the James Bond series finds the super spy battling a powerful organization named S.P.E.C.T.R.E, which has threatened the world with an atomic weapon unless a huge ransom is paid. Handsomely produced in exotic locations, THUNDERBALL was advertised at the time of its release as the “The Biggest Bond of All!” and, for once, it is no exaggeration. From a futuristic jet pack to a rocket-firing motorcycle, from a suspenseful chase through a Caribbean carnival to a thrilling underwater battle, THUNDERBALL spares no expense to bring the viewer into the exotic and exciting world of James Bond.

We are pleased to present THUNDERBALL in a studio archive print courtesy of Latanya Taylor at MGM Repertory.

For more information, visit the event’s website.

James Bond Mystery SOLVED: Maud Adams Found in 'A View To A Kill'

UPDATE JUNE 13: With the help of Matt Sherman (organizer of the popular Bond Collector Weekend’s), CBn was able to get a comment on this article from Maud Adams herself. In viewing the A View To A Kill screen capture below, Maud Adams had this to say…

“I think you solved the mystery. It looks very much like me.”

Maud Adams
June 2004

Maud Adams is the only featured Bond Girl to appear in three James Bond films. She stared alongside Roger Moore in The Man With The Golden Gun and Octopussy. But her part in A View To A Kill is quite a minor one.

In an interview with John Glen on MKKBB.com there is a big clue as to where Maud Adams actually is in A View To A Kill.

Q. Tell me about the Maud Adams cameo in ‘A View to a Kill’.

A. We were shooting at Fisherman’s Wharf. Maud — who is a very good friend of ours — decided to come and visit us on the set with her boyfriend. I said to Maud “Come on, why don’t you become a crowd extra?” So she and her boyfriend walked through in the background, and by doing that she became the only woman to appear in three James Bond movies.

After reviewing the A View To A Kill Region One DVD it’s thought that we’ve actually located Maud Adams. Check Chapter 19 “Fisherman’s Warf”, the scene between David Yip (Chuck Lee) and Roger Moore (James Bond). Maud Adams can be seen in a black pants suit, tan jacket, and black sunglasses holding hands with a plaid shirts mustached man. She slides in on the right side of the screen at exactly 1:00:28 when Chuck Lee says, “During World War II…” and she slides off the left side of the screen at 1:00:36 when James Bond asks, “With any success?”.

Is this indeed Maud Adams? Another James Bond mystery could be solved…

G-Phoria Awards Nominate "James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing"

G4techTV announced today that the 2nd Annual “G-Phoria: The Award Show for Gamers” will take place at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, July 31st. James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing has been nominated in several categories.

2004 G-PHORIA Nominations for ‘James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing’ (Electronic Arts)

• Best Adaptation: James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing

Best Voice Performance – Female

• Heidi Klum (likeness: Dr. Katya Nadanova)
• Mya (likeness: Agent Mya Starling)
• Shannon Elizabeth (likeness: Serena St. Germaine)

Best Voice Performance – Male

• Pierce Brosnan (likeness: James Bond 007)

G4techTV (the only 24-hour television network plugged into games, gear, gadgets, and gigabytes) will host, “G-Phoria” which celebrates 2004’s hottest games, stars, music and trends that define the gamer lifestyle. Dozens of celebrity gamers are scheduled to attend — as nominees, presenters and special guests.

“G-Phoria” will be broadcast exclusively on G4techTV on Friday August 6th at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 PM PT, with the pre-show broadcast starting at 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT.

For more information about “G-Phoria” and to vote for James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing‘s nominations visit G-Phoria’s Official Web-site.

FOUND! Sanchez' Escape Plane from Licence To Kill

Organizer Matt Sherman and the crew of the seventh annual James Bond Collector’s Weekend (BCW 007) made a surprise discovery on Sunday. Franz Sanchez’ escape plane, seen in the pre-titles of Licence To Kill, has been hiding in plain sight for many years along a stretch of Florida’s U.S. Highway 1, which spans the Florida Keys and ends in Key West (a major location for the movie). The single engine plane — the engine and interior removed so it could be safely suspended beneath Bond and Felix’s chase helicopter — is now playing the role of attention-getting road sign advertising “Sky Diving” at the Sugarloaf Airport in Sugarloaf Florida.

In the movie, Sugarloaf doubled as “Cray Cay” in the Bahamas, and was the setting of the shootout with Sanchez’ men and Sanchez’ escape in the small plane (in reality, flown by stunt pilot J.W “Corky” Fornof). The house where Sanchez apprehends the wayward Lupe and her lover is also on the property.

CBn's own Bond Girl Athena Stamos stands in front of the recently discovered Sanchez escape plane from Licence To Kill.

The famous plane is in a fairly poor state of repair. Interestingly, the N-number N54743, which can be clearly seen in the movie as Bond lassos its tail section in mid-air, has been disguised. The final 3 has been turned into an 8. Still, the original number can be clearly discerned beneath the new paint.

Ian Fleming Foundation member Colin Clark, who was among the BCW participants who found the plane on Sunday, has expressed interest in possibly having the IFF buy the plane and restore it to its 1988 condition. Colin and the IFF have bought and restored many famous Bond vehicles in the past, including the jump boat from Live And Let Die and the submarine from For Your Eyes Only.

But, for the time being, Bond fans can view this piece of Bond history free of charge along Florida’s Highway 1. And why not stop in for a sky dive?

UK Licence To Kill program.

Read CBn’s exclusive full coverage of BCW 7, which includes more photos of the Sanchez escape plane, as well as more double-oh-seven discoveries and pictures from dozens of Licence To Kill, Goldfinger, and Nobody Lives Forever locations.

Fleming 'Modern Classics' Now Shipping

This imprint only publishes seminal modern works and we are delighted that Ian Fleming is joining this prestigious list, in the company of authors such as Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell.

-Ian Fleming Publications

The ten Ian Fleming James Bond titles designated as “Modern Classics” by Ian Fleming Publications and Penguin Books are now shipping from Amazon.co.uk with a current 20% discount. The ten titles in this series are: Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, Moonraker, Diamonds are Forever, From Russia with Love, Dr No, Goldfinger, Thunderball, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.

Click HERE to see all the covers and to order the books online.

Casino Royale, Dr No, & Moonraker

Penguin UK had previously published two omnibus editions of Fleming titles in 2002 as “Penguin Classics.” The first contained From Russia With Love, Dr. No, and Goldfinger; the second Casino Royale, Live and Let Die, and Moonraker. These two editions are still available and can also be ordered at Amazon.co.uk.

Penguin Classics omnibus editions

Related articles:

• Covers for New ‘Penguin Modern Classics’ Revealed
• Ian Fleming Publications Says “Announcement” Coming Soon

You can discuss this news here in the CBn Forums.

Original 'Die Another Day' Costumes up for Auction

The “Blades” fencing costume worn by Pierce Brosnan and the maroon “Laser Lair” catsuit worn by Halle Berry in Die Another Day are going to be part of a special auction of one-of-a-kind items from film and television, hosted by the world-renowned Christie’s Auction House and benefiting the USC School of Cinema-Television. The auction will also include one of the special James Bond 40th Anniversary Omega Seamasters (number 105 of a limited edition of 10,007), and a ticket to Hugh Hefner’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream Party” at the Playboy Mansion in August (Bond fans will recall that 007 attended this annual event in Raymond Benson’s short story Midsummer Night’s Doom).

Some of the interesting non-Bond items up for auction are a pair of Wolverine’s claws from X-2: X-Men United, a conductor’s baton used by John Williams, Alfred Hitchcock’s last passport and drivers license, and lunch with Steven Spielberg in his private DreamWorks dining room!

The auction will be held in the former home of actor Vincent Price on Thursday, June 17, 2004, and is by invitation only. Outside bids may be placed by calling the USC School of Cinema-Television at 213-740-2804. Written bids must be received prior to 5 PM on Wednesday, June 16, 2004.

The auction is being held in part to celebrate the USC School of Cinema-Television’s 75th Anniversary.

Related stories:

• Leon Paul: Fencing Suppliers for 007
• Bond Sees Fencing Surge

You can discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums.