SKYFALL GOES STRAIGHT TO THE TOP OF THE UK BOX OFFICE WITH THE BEST BOND OPENING EVER

London, October 29th – Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that Skyfall made history this weekend as it opened to an incredible £20.1 million at the UK box office, making it the biggest Bond opening weekend of all time.

SKYFALL, the 23rd James Bond adventure, continuing the longest running and most successful franchise in film history, opened in 587 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 26^th October. It will release in the US on November 9^th.

In response to the #1 UK opening, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said "We are absolutely overwhelmed with the reaction to Skyfall this weekend. It is particularly thrilling as the UK is home to James Bond and it being the 50th anniversary year."

“This staggering box office result clearly demonstrates that the filmmakers behind SKYFALL, director Sam Mendes and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, have delivered a film that the fans have been eagerly awaiting,” said Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. “We are proud to be partners with EON and Sony on SKYFALL and look forward to sharing the movie with audiences across the globe.”

“Sony Pictures is proud of its part in bringing this great film to audiences around the world and to have Skyfall embraced at such unprecedented levels is tremendously exciting,” said Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution.

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in SKYFALLâ„¢, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time.  In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.  The film is from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.  Directed by Sam Mendes.  Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

Original Hirschfeld sketch of a scene from Dr. No.

Political analyst William Bradley calls the first James Bond movie, Dr. No, "a time capsule from the early Mad Men era." Click here to read his article tracing the history of the film and its impact on cinema and British society. 

Cinema Retro contributor James Sherlock, James Bond star George Lazenby and long time partner and publicity assistant Jennifer Adeney next to the original On Her Majesty's Secret Service James Bond 007 Aston Martin DBS.

On the 50th anniversary of James Bond, one-time 007 On Her Majesty's Secret Service star George Lazenby flew into Melbourne, Australia, for the recent Armageddon Expo and a special appearance at Melbourne's premiere picture palace The Astor Theatre followed by a special screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Another Bond guest included Die Another Day girl Rachel Grant. For the first time since filming, George Lazenby was reunited with the original On Her Majesty's Secret Service Aston Martin DBS used in the film, which is privately owned by a Melbourne collector who purchased it in 1978 and restored it to pristine condition (complete with the rifle handle and telescopic sights seen in the film, which are still in the glove compartment of the car.) Following media appearances, the stage show and Q&A, hosted by semi-retired cinema industry publicist, film historian, presenter and Cinema Retro contributor James Sherlock, was a near sell-out as Lazenby captivated the audience on his experiences as James Bond 007 in his 50th Anniversary celebration year.

By Tim Greaves

July 1973. The Gaumont, Southampton. If someone had whispered to the boy sitting in that cinema waiting for Roger Moore’s debut performance as James Bond to unfurl before his excited-beyond-measure eyes, that he would one day be seeing the man himself within the walls of that same building...well, he’d probably scarcely have believed it. His fascination with 007 would continue and thrive throughout the ensuing years (indeed, he would catch The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker at the Gaumont during their first run).

October 2012. The Mayflower, Southampton (formerly The Gaumont). The years have flown by and that little lad, now sharing his 50th year with the cinematic incarnation of his favourite fictional spy, is spending “An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore”. It’s one of a small number of stage appearances (also taking in Malvern, Kingston, Bournemouth, Bath, Basingstoke and Norwich) that give the legendary actor an opportunity to promote his new book, “Bond on Bond”, and share his captivating memories of over six decades working in the entertainment industry.

The pleasantly informal show is presided over by Sir Roger’s assistant and friend (not to mention “Cinema Retro” scribe) Gareth Owen – an endearing warmth emanates from their jovial repartee – and Sir Roger proves to be not only a natural raconteur, but a true gentleman, as his response to a question about an actress with whom he didn’t get along so well testifies: “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.”
For the next couple of hours the packed auditorium is regaled with tales – from his early days working in Hollywood to his most famous screen roles in The Saint, The Persuaders (his impression of co-star Tony Curtis is a delight) and, of course, the James Bond films; from his glowing opinion of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of 007 to his collaboration with Moonraker co-star Irka Bochenko for the anniversary tribute single “Happy Birthday, Mr Bond”; from his gleeful ribbing of Desmond Llewelyn over Q’s complicated dialogue in the Bond films to his harrowing, often heart-breaking experiences as an ambassador for UNICEF. Two hours has never passed so swiftly.

It’s hardly a startling revelation that the boy so utterly beguiled by Live and Let Die back in 1973 was this reviewer. And I’m sure my younger incarnation would have been thrilled to know that one day his 40 odd years older self would have the chance to extend a personal thank you to the man whose work has given countless hours of pleasure to him and millions of others around the globe.
Sir Roger, you are one of the few remaining true gentlemen of the silver screen and it was an incomparable privilege to spend time in your company.

For official Moore appearance web site click here

ORIGINAL BOND SKYFALLâ„¢ STUNT VEHICLES TO BE UNVEILED AT FREE LONDON EXHIBITION

Vehicles to be exhibited alongside vintage James Bond artwork

• Double cab Land Rover Defender, one of the star vehicles of new James Bond movie SKYFALL™ to feature in Jaguar Land Rover car exhibition alongside Ms Jaguar XJ Long Wheel Base and MI6 Range Rover

• Also exhibiting original James Bond watercolour set design artwork, cinema posters, lobby cards from as early as 1967

Original Jaguar Land Rover vehicles used in the upcoming James Bond film SKYFALL will be revealed at an exhibition to mark the general release of the latest installment of the iconic film franchise from 25-30 October at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden.

Fresh off the set and still with all the stunt bumps and bruises, the iconic Land Rover Defender, which features in the opening chase sequence as the brawny vehicle of field agent Eve (played by Naomie Harris) will be on show at the exhibition. The grey Defender with external driving pod will be exhibited along side M's chauffeur driven Jaguar XJ Long Wheel Base, and the black Range Rover driven by Bill Tanner, M’s Chief of Staff.

For more about The Hospital Club click here

On tonight's broadcast of 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper takes us behind the scenes in the world of James Bond and interviews Daniel Craig, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson about the legacy of the series. Cooper also visits Pinewood Studios and sees one of the original Aston Martin DB5 cars from Goldfinger. He also visits an old friend of Cinema Retro, Eon archivist Meg Simmonds, who takes Cooper inside a top secret warehouse filled with original Bond props including Oddjob's hat and the deadly attache case. Click here for link to page that allows you to view the segment. Make sure you also view the bonus Becoming Bond segment, as well.

By Dave Worrall

I went to the media screening of the new James Bond film SkyFall last night at the "home" of 007 - the Odeon Leicester Square. All 1600 seats were taken, and the buzz of anticipation in the auditorium was overwhelming. They were not disappointed, as this 23rd film in the series unfolded in spectacular fashion.

I'm not one for revealing story lines, and I'm not about to change that habit here. However, press releases have disclosed the story (a simple one at that) of Bond being sent in pursuit of a stolen hard drive that contains the names of secret agents around the world who have infiltrated terrorist organizations. We soon discover the nemesis behind the plot, which leads to a vendetta against Mi6 and 'M' - and a scenario that Bond has to resolve.

All the "elements" of a big-scale James Bond film are here: stunning locations, beautiful women, action set-pieces, grand sets, and gadgets and gimmicks - oh, and characters from the past. This film is director Sam Mendes’ tribute to the 007 films he grew up with, and he delivers big time. For me, after the disappointment of the lack lustre Quantum Of Solace, it was a welcome back to the world of Bond of the past - but only the 21st century past. You cannot compare this film to the Connery or Moore eras; that would be ridiculous. Times have changed. Audiences have changed - and so have expectations of a new generation of movie-goers - and quite rightly so. Bond has changed, too, and is all the better for it.

Producers Broccoli and Wilson have brought together a brilliant team of craftsmen for this production, and everyone delivers. From the stunning photography of Roger Deakins (probably the best-looking Bond film ever), to the superb pacing of editor Stuart Baird (a joy to behold after the computer game- style cutting of Quantum) and the dazzling set designs of Dennis Gassner, this really is the "David Lean" of Bond films. Daniel Kleinman's titles are fantastic, and the Adele title song is the best since Tina Turner's GoldenEye. The action set-pieces are spectacular, and handled by past "Bond veterans" Gary Powell (stunts) Alexander Witt (2nd unit director) and Chris Corbould (special effects).

The stellar cast is impeccable. Craig is in top form, as is Judi Dench. Javier Bardem makes for a menacing and memorable villain, and co-supporters Ralph Fiennes, Ben Wishaw, Naomie Harris and Rory Kinnear come together as a believable "team" who assist Bond with his mission. Bérénice Marlohe, who looks stunning, is under-used (when you see the film you will see why). However, that is due to the script and not a reflection on her ability as an actress.

Which brings me around to the script. As I said earlier, the plot is fairly simple, but the dialogue is superb, and there are some excellent humorous one-liners that had this audience laughing out loud. There are also some "nods to the past" which the audience loved - with one scene getting a round of applause and cheering. The violence is pretty full-on and dramatic. It's definitely not a film for kids.

Are there any flaws? Yes. But only noticeable to Bond die-hards, not a general audience of movie-goers. Is it the best Bond film ever? No, but it's up there in the top five. Would I see it again? I can't wait - and most Bond fans will feel the same after experiencing Skyfall.

There were plenty of heavy-hitters bidding in the James Bond charity auction at Christie's, London, last night. Organised in conjunction with EON Productions, the event was an invite-only affair with 50 high-entry items donated by the filmmakers up for grabs. An Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace sold for £241,250, and Bond's infamous swimming shorts from Casino Royale went for an amazing £44,450!

Props and costumes from the new film SkyFall included a signed script (£13,750), an Omega watch worn by Daniel Craig (£157,250), a one-third scale model of an Aston Martin DB5 (£61,250), and a suit and Dinner Jacket worn by Craig (£30,000 and £46,850, respectively). UNICEF, Childline and Barnardo's were amongst the charities benefitting from the proceeds of the sale.

-Dave Worrall

The first unit of the Blu-ray boxed set was packaged in gold and featured a timing device to measure the hours until it arrived in London.

In September, all stops were pulled out to promote the UK release of the James Bond Blu-ray boxed set, the first unit of which traveled from Scotland to London, "escorted" along the way by various 007 dignitaries.  Cinema Retro photographer Mark Mawston provides photos and coverage of its arrival at the final destination.

The Journey of the Bond 50 Blu-ray box reached its final destination of HMV Oxford Street, London.

The ever glamorous Britt Ekland, resplendent in gold herself, pulled up outside the London flagship store in a celebratory Bond 50 Aston Martin holding the famed golden attache case holding the collection of 007 Blu-ray discs. After posing on the rain-drenched street, she was interviewed inside by many media outlets. Asked if being a Bond Girl was similar to being the President of the United States, as both are forever named as such, Britt said she loved being a Bond girl, with her quintessential Bond "The tall and handsome Roger Moore". Not seeming too impressed with Daniel Craig ("he drinks beer- sorry Heineken!") she went on to describe how she heard she had the role of Mary Goodnight in Roger Moore's second 1974 outing as 007, The Man With the Golden Gun: "I was really trying for the part and got on with Cubby and Harry very well. I REALLY wanted the part as a Bond Girl. I was on holiday when I got the call from a friend to say I got the part, as the friend had seen a headline in the paper that had read "Swedish Beauty gets Bond role". When I finally got it, I found out that it referred to Maud Adams! But I still got the part I wanted in the film."

As we stood by as Britt was interviewed, the clock on the boxed set ran down to nought, in the Bondian tradition (I thought it would have stopped at 007...), thus ending its journey which began in Scotland with a launch from Britt's leading man and a generation’s 007, Sir Roger Moore.

(All photos copyright Mark Mawston. All rights reserved.) 

On Global James Bond day, Eon Productions has released the first film clip from Skyfall that features a spectacular action sequence involving Daniel Craig's assault with a bulldozer on a speeding train. The scene has a nice Bondian touch: 007 adjusting his cufflinks after enduring some death-defying stunts. It reminds us of Bond calmly adjusting his necktie after the brutal battle to the death with Red Grant in From Russia With Love. Best of all, the score features strands of the James Bond Theme, which has been all-too elusive in recent 007 flicks.

Cinema Retro congratulates James Bond, Agent 007 on this milestone achievement! We look forward to the next half-century. Don't forget to celebrate Global James Bond Day- check your local news for events that may be going on in your area.

Well, they finally made another good James Bond theme song. Adele's main theme from Skyfall is a welcome throwback to the glory days of Bond music, with lush orchestral accompaniment and even hints of the James Bond theme interwoven. Kudos to all...it will help us all get over that "song" that played over the titles of Quantum Of Solace. Click here to watch a music video with song lyrics.

By Lee Pfeiffer 

As a political junkie, I didn't think anything would tempt me to miss last night's much-anticipated first debate between President Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney, but an invitation from Eon Productions to attend the New York premiere of the acclaimed documentary Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of James Bond proved too tempting to resist. The film is a triumph for director Stevan Riley and his team, who worked for over a year and a half to put together the most unique look at the longest-running series in cinema history. The event took place at the Museum of Modern Art. The screening itself, in digital format, was enthusiastically received by all including some people who profess not to be particularly enamored of the films themselves but who felt the angle of covering the human side of the producer's stories was successful and engrossing on all levels. 

Cinema Retro editor-in-chief Lee Pfeiffer with Barbara Broccoli and Hilary Saltzman.

The unique aspect of Everything or Nothing is that Riley avoids the generic, bland format of simply retelling anecdotes about how the films were made. In fact, there are virtually no such stories related. Instead, he concentrates on the stories of people whose lives were personally impacted by the films and, more specifically, producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. These stories aren't told in linear fashion, as the narrative bounces back and forth through the decades, interwoven with the personal experiences of the actors who played Bond (all are interviewed except - predictably- Sean Connery, who is nevertheless represented through vintage interviews.) One must acknowledge the courage of the Broccoli and Saltzman family for refusing to sanitize the subject matter. Director Riley was given no restraints regarding the content. The result is a warts-and-all human saga of two remarkable men and their achievements and foibles. There is triumph and tragedy as the ever-escalating popularity of the series puts increased strain on all those involved. There are some revelations that will surprise Bond scholars. For one, Broccoli and Saltzman were not at odds from day one, despite their different personalities. Their differences only became increasingly acerbic with the hiring of Roger Moore, who - it is revealed- Broccoli was not keen on hiring. Saltzman's notorious penchant for bad investments and reckless gambling on dubious ventures led him to fall into severe debt. His daughter Hilary recounts how his decision to sell his half of the series to United Artists brought immediate financial devastation to the family, resulting in personal effects having to be sold to raise money.  The Saltzman fall from grace is a sad chapter in the saga, especially when the Broccoli  and Saltzman "kids" recount how their fathers' fractured relationship almost destroyed their relationships as well. (The families do remain close today with Hilary and her brother Steven Saltzman are often invited as honored guests to Bond-related events.) Perhaps most moving is the revelation that, once apart, Harry and Cubby truly missed each other. Cubby's gregarious decision to invite Harry to the 1981 premiere of For Your Eyes Only marked Harry's emergence from self-imposed isolation and seclusion. Hilary recounts how nervous he was to attend the event. When she recalls how the two men ended up embracing, it's enough to bring tears to your eyes. Similarly, Roger Moore's anecdote about his ill-fated attempt to heal the wounds between Broccoli and Connery is offset by Barbara Broccoli recounting a particularly touching phone call Cubby received from Connery when when the producer was virtually on his death bed. I won't ruin the impact by recounting it here, but it is moving beyond words. 

Hilary Saltzman with Joseph Caroff and his wife Phyllis. The 90 year-old Caroff designed the legendary 007 logo, as well as many other classic film logos.

The film is interspersed with personal reflections from Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton and Daniel Craig. All avoid the cliched stories they have told so many times before. Moore speaks frankly about his old friend Connery's obsession with money. Dalton is far more engaging and animated than when he promoted the Bond films he starred in. (Refreshingly, Barbara Broccoli admits Dalton's films were ahead of their time and not want audiences wanted to see in the late 1980s.)  Brosnan speaks candidly about the strained phone call he received from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in which he was told he was fired. Lazenby, in a surprisingly upbeat mood, inexplicably reinforces the notion that he was fired when he says "the producers let me go". In fact, he quit the role, much to their chagrin. There are rare film interviews with Ian Fleming, whose life and work is given significant screen time. He is recalled by his friends and colleagues, who shed some new light on the Fleming persona. A significant amount of screen time is devoted Broccoli's decades-long legal battles with producer Kevin McClory over screen rights to the character of Bond. McClory is presented as a lazy opportunist whose obsession in life was to live off the 007 legacy built by Fleming and the filmmakers. (He does have a defender, however : actress Judy Geeson). 

One of the photos on display shows Pierce Brosnan (seen here with Cubby Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson) when he originally got the role of James Bond in 1986. Brosnan talks candidly about his heartbreak when a contractual clause with NBC for Remington Steele ruined his chance to be Bond, seemingly forever.

There is a candid conversation with Skyfall director Sam Mendes, who admits he thought the casting of Daniel Craig would be disastrous. Former United Artists production chief David V. Picker bluntly says that he agrees with Sean Connery that he was underpaid for his contributions. Picker recounts that, while Broccoli and Saltzman routinely renegotiated their own compensation, they never looked after Connery on the early films, meaning that he was stuck with the salary he had original contracted for.  Such honesty is generally eschewed in such "tribute" documentaries, but it is what makes this one unique and refreshing. What does emerge primarily, however, is that, despite their personal flaws, both Cubby and Harry were devoted family men and loving fathers and husbands whose primary goal was to provide for their loved ones.

The film contains some tantalizing snippets of rare early behind the scenes footage and interviews that will leave Bond scholars aching to see them in their full context. I should also mention that the movie is exceptionally well-edited and photographed, beginning with a stunning opening sequence that presents the Bond actors walking into the famed gun barrel simultaneously.  

After the film, I spoke with Stevan Riley, who expressed frustration that he has a tremendous amount of interview footage that couldn't be squeezed into the 90 minute film. These include comments from Prime Minister David Cameron, the head of MI 6, actors Eva Green and Richard Kiel and (full disclosure), this writer as well. However, I have to confess that the overall feature probably works better without such interviews because it concentrates on those people who lived through the emotional rollercoaster of making the Bond films, primarily Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Steven and Hilary Saltzman. Riley will attempt to use the unseen footage in a future DVD release.  One non-"insider" who did make the final cut is President Bill Clinton, who not only confesses to being a life long Bond fan but also provides some interesting perspectives on Bond's role in the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. If there is one flaw with the film it is the fact that, while the narrative covers Broccoli's independent films, it never mentions Saltzman's. In fact, Saltzman was reinventing British cinema with "kitchen sink" dramas like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, Look Back in Anger and The Entertainer. He also produced the successful Harry Palmer films and the epic Battle of Britain, none of which merit a mention here. Nevertheless, the film is the most significant effort yet to present Saltzman as a important figure instead of someone who lived in his partner's shadow. 

Maud Adams and Hilary Saltzman

Following the screening, invited guests migrated to the palatial Metropolitan Club in the shadow of Central Park. As with all Eon-sponsored events, it was a party to remember. Upon entering, you were greeted by a string quartet playing themes from the Bond films. The party, which was co-sponsored by the American cable TV channel Epix and Vanity Fair (the latest issue of which features a Bond cover), was set in an ornate room that made one feel they were in the Louvre. Liquor flowed freely from tuxedo-clad bartenders and the lobby featured giant, impressive boards each featuring a Bond actor that made for tempting photographic backdrops for seemingly everyone with a camera.

During the course of the evening, I ran into some old friends including David V. Picker, the seemingly ageless Maud Adams and Robert Davi. I also introduced legendary graphic design artist Joe Caroff to both Barbara Broccoli and Hilary Saltzman, who delighted in finally meeting the man who created the 007 gun logo. In all, it was a night to remember. 

Everything or Nothing is receiving a theatrical release in the UK and is being shown on the EPIX cable TV channel in America. 

(All photos copyright Cinema Retro. All rights reserved.)

Press release from  Sony:

Friday, October 5th, 2012 will be Global James Bond Day, marking the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise.  It was Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman who adapted Ian Fleming’s books and brought Dr Noto the screen in 1962.  The 007 franchise today is the longest running in film history with twenty-three films produced.  The latest James Bond adventure is entitled SKYFALLâ„¢ and will be released in the UK on October 26^th and in the US on November 9^th.

In the UK, an auction of James Bond memorabilia is taking place at Christie’s with all proceeds going to UNICEF and a number of charitable causes.  In the US, events for Global James Bond Day include a film retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art in New York and a Music of Bond Night hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles.  In other countries around the world, special events have been planned.  In Belgium and South Africa, offices will celebrate with Bond-themed Casual Fridays, where people will turn up to work dressed in gowns and tuxedos.  In addition, EVERYTHING OR NOTHING: The Untold Story of 007, the feature documentary,  will be released on 5^th October through Sony Pictures Releasing UK on an exclusive basis with Odeon Cinemas in selected locations.  Radio stations around the world are planning to play Bond theme songs. In addition, pre-sale tickets for Skyfall will be available in most locations on Friday, October 5.  Moviegoers may check with their local cinemas for details.

ABOUT SKYFALLâ„¢

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in SKYFALLâ„¢, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time.  In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.  The film is from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.  Directed by Sam Mendes.  Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. 

About Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising.   EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films.   The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. They are currently producing the 23rd film, SKYFALL.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and distribution of film and television content globally.  The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content.  In addition, MGM has investments in domestic and international television channels, including MGM-branded channels. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in 159 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/

Daniel Craig hosts SNL this weekend and has filmed some very amusing promo spots that not only spoof James Bond but his own image as a stoic man of few words. Click here to view

It's a long tradition for Harrods in London to dedicate their display windows to celebrate the release of the latest James Bond film. This year is no exception, as evidenced by these photos snapped by Cinema Retro's Dave Worrall. They tie in to the release of Skyfall and if you're in London, the promotion extends to the interior of the store as well with displays of high end Bond fragrances designed to bring out your inner 007. 

(All photos copyright Dave Worrall/Cinema Retro. All rights reserved)  

(L to R): Cinema Retro's Ajay Chowdhury, Matthew Field, Dave Worrall and Mark Mawston.

By Matthew Field

Last night Cinema Retro attended the world premiere of Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story of OO7 in London. Bond alumni were out in force as many faces from in front and behind the camera attended the Leicester Square screening. The film was followed by a fascinating Q&A with Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, Steven Saltzman and Hilary Saltzman. They spoke affectionately about growing up together on the set of the early Bond movies, as well as the challenges faced by their fathers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman in bringing and keeping James Bond on the screen. They were joined by director Stevan Riley who discussed the daunting task of navigating a story through 60 years of Bond heritage.

Guests included Charles Dance, Maryam d’Abo, former EON publicist Jerry Juroe, Fiona Fullerton, Shirley Eaton, Samantha Bond, Vic Armstrong, Eunice Gayson, Madeline Smith, Martine Beswick, Caroline Munro, Shane Rimmer, John Glen, and Sir Ken Adam. Following the screening, guests relocated to The Naval and Military Club (In & Out) for a wonderful reception.

Everything Or Nothing is one of the finest documentaries ever made about James Bond. It doesn’t attempt to cover every angle, but instead Riley has focused on the human story to be found in the subject - the emotional and personal journeys of Bond creators: Ian Fleming, Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. Not only have EON opened up the archives to the filmmakers, they’ve bravely allowed Riley to tell the story the way he wanted – documenting both the rough with the smooth. It’s an important piece of work that will continue to inform and educate many generations to come as to how one of the 20^th Century’s most popular cultural icons, came to be.

This film undoubtedly deserves a solo home entertainment release. Fingers crossed it does.