Actor James McAvoy appears close to signing to play James Bond creator Ian Fleming in a biopic set to start shooting later this year. McAvoy's wife, actress Anne-Marie Duff may be cast in the role of Fleming's wife. The film will be based on the book Ian Fleming: The Man Behind James Bond. Fleming has been the subject of two previous TV biopics, Goldeneye (produced before the feature film of the same name) starring Charles Dance as Fleming and The Secret Life of Ian Fleming starring Jason Connery (Sean Connery's son) in the title role. The film will not have anything to do with the James Bond movie series produced by Eon Productions, which owns the movie rights to Fleming's novels. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

There are conflicting messages across the board about the schedule for Daniel Craig's third James Bond film. Initially, it appeared as though Eon Productions would hold off committing to a shooting date until the fate of MGM studios is resolved. This was followed by rumors that the new film might go into pre-production this summer. Now that scenario becomes doubtful as Daniel Craig is said to be close to signing on to replace Robert Downey Jr. as the star of Cowboys and Aliens, a sci-fi film set in the old West in which cowboys and Indians join forces to combat invading aliens(!) If that seems implausible, we still can't figure out how a British leading man fits into the mix unless the "aliens" refer to immigrants. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that Craig, who will next film Dream House in Canada, would be able to accommodate Bond any time soon with two major films on his schedule. This might mean we won't see the next 007 flick until 2012. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Cinema Retro isn't generally involved in providing restaurant reviews, but on a recent trip to Egypt to research a future movie location tour, I discovered one of the nation's true hidden treasures: Barry's Oriental Restaurant, which will have special appeal to any James Bond fans, specifically those who like The Spy Who Loved Me, the only 007 film to date that has been shot in Egypt. I'll save my overall praise of Egypt for a future article. Suffice it to say that, although I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout the world, this is the most enchanting land I've been to - and the people are by far the most accommodating and friendly. I had read about Barry's in the Fodor's travel guide and was intrigued by the fact that it was out of the mainstream. Located directly across from the Giza and Saggara pyramids in Cairo, this quaint dining establishment is nestled in a nondescript backstreet, keeping in synch with its image as a throwback to old Egypt. It's the only restaurant that affords a magnificent view of the pyramids from the balcony where you can dine in the balmy evening weather.

The restaurant, which is often used to entertain dignitaries and political diplomats, has a menu that is not only very varied but also very affordable. There are three levels to the building, all meticulously decorated with fascinating historical artifacts. Best of all the service was beyond meticulous, with wait staff seeming to anticipate your every wish. Aside from the delicious food and wonderful atmosphere (you expect to see the likes of Sidney Greenstreet sitting at the next table), the reason the place has a special appeal for James Bond fans is that you can luxuriate while dining and watch the famed light show on the pyramids that was featured so memorably in The Spy Who Loved Me.Even the narration can be heard with no problem. (If you attend, contact the restaurant to find out what evenings English-language presentations are made at the light show, as it varies from evening to evening.)If you intend to visit Cairo, a visit to Barry's is mandatory if you want a memorable evening - and by all means request a hookah pipe (called a shisha in Egypt), which adds immeasurably to the experience. Visit the restaurant's web site by clicking here

James Bond fan and collector Peter Lorenz has created a very entertaining site that presents every aspect of artwork pertaining to the world of James Bond, from book covers to illustrations of vintage toys. Click here to view

By Lee Pfeiffer

What a difference a day makes. Just after press reports were released indicating that Eon Productions was holding off plans to develop the next James Bond film due to financial difficulties at MGM, The Hollywood Reporter says that Sam Mendes will direct the new film and that production could start as early as this summer. Neither MGM or Eon have confirmed the report. Mendes would be the highest profile director to assume the helm of a Bond film, having had movies such as American Beauty (for which he won the Oscar) , Road to Perdition and Revolutionary Road to his credit. If true, it would appear that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are striving to capitalize on the new respect the Bond franchise has received from critics since Daniel Craig took over the role. Screenwriter Peter Morgan, who wrote Frost/Nixon and The Queen is co-writing the new script with veteran scribes Rob Wade and Neal Purvis. Traditionally, even though the Bond films have been financial blockbusters, some high profile talent has been squeamish about associating themselves with the series, fearing that the films aren't taken seriously by critics. That seems to have changed when Casino Royale was nominated for numerous BAFTA awards. The franchise is suddenly seen as a suitable assignment for top writers and directors. If the film should go into production in summer, it will mean that it would not be ready for the all important Thanksgiving period release in November- a trend that has proven to be very profitable for all of  the recent Bond movies.  A word to the wise, however. Until Eon or MGM confirm the story, take it with a grain of salt: the down time in between Bond films is always a period in which rumors float about, many of which turn out to be exaggerated or completely untrue. Count this writer among those who would be very enthused about seeing Mendes' vision for the series. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Producer Michael G. Wilson acknowledged that the next James Bond film has not yet even entered the pre-production stage due to the uncertain situation with MGM, the studio that is to finance and release the next entry in the series. The last two films, Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, were released by Sony and were both financial blockbusters. MGM is struggling under billions of dollars in debt and the studio is actively seeking buyers. The Bond franchise is the jewel in the studio's crown, but analysts say its unlikely that MGM will get a buyer who will pay enough to offset the existing debt. Bond star Daniel Craig previously said that the new film would likely start production at the end of 2010, but Wilson said the entire picture is murky. Eon Productions apparently doesn't want to commit to a new film until they know who will controlling MGM. A pre-production meeting about the film is scheduled to take place next month, when the situation will be re-evaluated. If the MGM financial crisis isn't resolved by then, it's uncertain as to how long that would delay production of the next Bond film. For more click here

The MI6 James Bond web site has cataloged some amusing bloopers to be found in the 1969 007 flick On Her Majesty's Secret Service starring George Lazenby. Even the best of the series, which this film represents, aren't immune to technical and scripting errors. Click here to read

It looks like every theater on the planet had the same idea about how to celebrate the new year: hold a James Bond film festival. The Mayfair Theatre in Ottawa, Canada will be showing numerous Bond films in January including Goldfinger, Thunderball, Dr. No, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. The theater will also be screening two films that are rarely shown on the big screen anymore, even in 007 festivals: The Living Daylights and GoldenEye. Click here for the schedule. 

Dame Victoire "Paddy" Ridsdale, a colleague of James Bond author Ian Fleming in Naval Intelligence during WWII, has died at age 88. Although Fleming never specified which real-life friends were influences on his characters, there is little doubt he drew on the traits of those he knew in writing the Bond novels. Ridsdale was never a paramour of Fleming, but they did enjoy a flirtatious relationship. There were other women in Fleming's life who probably also inspired aspects of the Moneypenny character, who became a staple of the film series. For more click here

Entertainment Weekly writer Chris Nashawaty was kind enough to inform us that the magazine's web site has a great story regarding rare photos taken during the auditions for the role of James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. As we all know, George Lazenby ended up in the role, but there are some fascinating shots that are new to us of the rehearsals - as well as a montage of the actors who auditioned that previously appeared in an issue of Life magazine. Chris, who authored the article, is also perceptive enough to call the film the best of all the Bonds.  The photos were taken by Loomis Dean. To view click here

Sean Connery generally stayed away from making product endorsements, at least in the American and British markets. He has, over the years, participated in commercials for various products in non-English speaking countries. Here's a rare 1967 exception to the rule, when Connery endorsed Jim Beam, with a brief notation in the ad that he was appearing in You Only Live Twice. (Thanks to reader Eddie Love for the submission) 

It was in 1964 that Sean Connery starred as James Bond in Goldfinger and Shirley Bassey belted out the classic title song. Now Connery and Bassey are reuniting for another film project: Sir Billi, animated movie set in the Scottish highlands. Connery, who is producing the film, will provide the voice of an elderly, skate-boarding veterinarian who comes to the aid of a beaver. (No jokes, please!) Bassey will sing the title song, Guardian of the Highlands, which was written with her in mind. The film, which has been in production for years, marks Connery's emergence from self-imposed retirement, though it is uncertain whether he intends to pursue more cinematic ventures. For more click here

In the 1970s, legendary photographer Helmut Newton took an erotic photo of actress Charlotte Rampling that quickly became a sensation. Now actress Eva Green (of Casino Royale fame),  in conjunction with photographer Ricardo Tinelli, has recreated the photo shoot for the UK magazine Tatler. 

There will be a concert of James Bond music at The Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday November 13. Honor Blackman will present the event. We caught this at Carnegie Hall last year and it's truly a wonderful evening of entertainment. (Click here for our review) Here is the official description:

The theme song of a James Bond film is as much a part of the ‘Bond Experience’ as the cars, the girls, the chases, the guns and the gadgets. Enjoy, for one night only, hit songs from the best of Bond movies.

Featuring classic songs Goldfinger, Licence to Kill, Dr No, Diamonds are Forever, Live and Let Die, From Russia with Love and many many more!

Special guest presenter, Honor Blackman, Pussy Galore!

Mary Carewe and Simon Bowman - vocalists

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Carl Davis - conductor

For more click here

With a major tribute to Albert R. Broccoli taking place in Los Angeles this month, the man known as Cubby is remembered by his daughter Barbara, his stepson Michael G. Wilson and James Bond screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz. Click here to read

By Lee Pfeiffer

When I read that Cinema Retro's old pal George Lazenby would be coming to New Jersey to attend the massive Chiller Theatre show, I couldn't resist inviting him out to toast the 40th anniversary of his classic Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Accompanying me was George Koodray, president of the Metropolitan Society, New Jersey's top private cigar club and a dyed-in-the-wool admirer of OHMSS. Finding Lazenby proved to be a mission worthy of Bond himself: the jam-packed Hilton hotel where the event took place was so chaotic I felt I was trying to get the last chopper out of Saigon.We finally found George, who was frantically signing autographs for Bond fans. The show was supposed to last until 11:00 PM, but George cut out early to join us in a pub on the premises. He was in fine form and regaled us with many hilarious stories about his life and career. Most most remain understandably private but there were a few gems we can share.

Speculation has been rampant among James Bond fans regarding when the next entry in the series will go into production. Daniel Craig, now starring with Hugh Jackman in the hit play A Steady Rain on Broadway, has a full schedule in the coming months. However, he confirmed that his next cinematic mission as 007 will begin shooting in late 2010, meaning there will be a three year gap between his Bond films (Quantum Of Solace was released in 2008). For more click here

Family and colleagues of the legendary James Bond producer Albert R. Broccoli will participate in panel discussions as part of the University of Southern California's tribute to the man known by one and all as "Cubby". The events run from November 6-8 in Los Angeles and will feature appearances by Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Richard Kiel, Maud Adams, Marc Forster, Robert Wade, Neal Purvis, Tom Mankiewicz and others. Additionally, there will be screenings of classic Bond movies and a display of Bond memorabilia from Broccoli's personal archives. Click here for more

Joseph Wiseman, who made screen history as the first 007 screen villain in the title role of Dr. No, has died at age 91. Wiseman was a distinguished name in both film and on stage, and remained active on Broadway in recent years. Only a few years ago,  he had a major role in the revival of Judgment at Nuremberg. Wiseman also had many other major films to his credit including The Night They Raided Minsky's, Detective Story and The Unforgiven. Wiseman rarely granted interviews, despite countless requests to discuss his role in Dr. No. On a personal note, back in the 1990s, I attended a New York film event at which Sean Connery was honored. To everyone's surprise, Joseph Wiseman was among the speakers and he reflected fondly on Dr. No. When a film clip was shown of Connery and Wiseman in the film, the audience went wild. He was a major talent and will be sorely missed. - Lee Pfeiffer

Author and Cinema Retro contributor Robert Sellers will be discussing his acclaimed book The Battle For Bond in Sheffield, England on October 31. The event will also include a screening of Thunderball. For details click here

Cinema Retro extends our best wishes to Sir Roger Moore, the recipient of the magazine's 2008 lifetime achievement award, on his 82nd birthday.We wish him many Moore happy birthdays.

Writer William Bradley points out that this month marks the 45th anniversary of the British premiere of the James Bond classic Goldfinger. He provides one of the most interesting and insightful tributes to the film we've ever read - and there are plenty of films clips accompanying it. Click here to read

In Cinema Retro's exclusive interview with Richard Johnson in issue #10, the distinguished actor recalls having been offered the role of James Bond in for Dr. No. Johnson turned down the role, admitting today the name didn't carry the resonance it soon would with the release of the first film. However, Johnson tells interview Ian Brown that he has no regrets because he feels his interpretation of the character would not have been as successful as Sean Connery's. Johnson says, "The producers, Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, asked me - at (director) Terence Young's instigation - and I turned the job down. I was under contract to MGM anyway, so that gave me a reasonable excuse to say no, because they told me I'd have to be under exclusive contract to them for seven years. Eventually they offered it to Sean [Connery], who was completely wrong for the part. But in getting the wrong man they got the right man, because it turned the thing on its head and he made it funny. And that's what propelled it to success."

Ultimately, Johnson did play a 1960s spy guy, Bulldog Drummond in the cult film Deadlier Than the Male.

The good news is that armchair secret agents can now buy authentic reproductions of the swim suit Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royale. The bad news is that we fear Seth Rogen might be the first in line to buy them. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Chris Clarkson, a resident of the UK, has an unusual passion: he likes entering still life contests in which he poses as a famous figure. The contests not only require entrants to resemble actual statues, but to maintain a complete lack of movement for as long as possible. Clarkson, 29, took nine months to create a James Bond image - and was rewarded with first place. He stood motionless for four hours, enduring a SPECTRE wiseguy who stamped out a cigarette on him. Clarkson advises potential still-lifers to stand motionless in front of their televisions for extended periods of time. Shouldn't be too hard, given the mind-numbing quality of most programs. We don't know if there is a viable future in all of this, but word has it that Clarkson is a hero to local pigeons. Also, if they ever do a remake of The Man With the Golden Gun, he's a shoo-in to get the role of the Roger Moore statue. For more click here

MGM is reported to be in the worst financial crisis it has experienced in decades. Deadline Hollywood Daily reports that bondholders are balking at the prospect of giving the studio money to finance future films and may look to bankruptcy in order to recoup as much as they can. If the studio does go into bankruptcy, it would free Eon Productions to bring the lucrative James Bond franchise to a different studio. MGM says it doubts it can survive without Bond, the one sure thing it has when it comes to an assured blockbuster film franchise. For more click here

The web site Movie Poster Forum has a discussion string on the worst movie posters of all time. Hands down, the winners are all from Ghana, which employs local artists to "immortalize" the stars of movies. Witness our favorite: Roger Moore and Barbara Bach in the 1977 James Bond flick The Spy Who Loved Me. The artist must have thought that Richard Kiel's Jaws was the female lead. Not even a mother could love spies who look like this! Check out the web site by clicking here. 

Daniel Craig is not helping to ease the impatience of James Bond fans who are eagerly awaiting news about his third cinematic mission as 007. It appears as though the next Bond film is still on the back burner, as Craig's dance card continues to fill up with other offers. He will open soon in A Steady Rain, the Broadway play that teams him with Hugh Jackman. Following that, he will begin shooting Dream House, a new dramatic film in which he plays a New York publishing executive who moves with his family into a seemingly charming New England home, only to discover it was the site of a brutal murder. Jim Sheridan, the acclaimed director My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father will helm the new flick. The film is slated for a January start. Craig also completed his scenes in Steven Spielberg's Tin-Tin. 

Over the weekend, Cinema Retro columnist Gareth Owen and his BondStars.com partner Andy Boyle organized yet another of their magnificent James Bond events at Pinewood Studios. This time the emphasis was on From Russia With Love and included a screening of the new digital print of the film. Cast and crew members from many Bond films mingled with fans from around the world, and Cinema Retro publisher Dave Worrall gave everyone a guided tour of the legendary film studio. Among those in attendance: Caroline Munro, Martine Beswicke, Honor Blackman, Tania Mallet, Shirley Eaton, John Glen, Lewis Gilbert, Eunice Gayson and many others. For a full report and exclusive photos click here

In a recent interview, Paul McCartney discusses some long-debated ambiguity in a line from his James Bond title song Live and Let Die. McCartney says he actually doesn't remember what the real line is - but our own columnist Craig Henderson has solved the mystery. Click here to read

There will be a rare appearance by Ursula Andress at the Autographica show in Birmingham, England on the weekend of September 12-13. The iconic first James Bond girl will be joined by other alumni of the 007 series including Edward Fox, who played M in Never Say Never Again. For more click here

A BBC report sent James Bond toy collector Stuart McKell to a British memorabilia fair where plenty of Bond collectibles and other movie and TV tie-ins were on display. The piece offers some tantalizing glimpses of Star Wars and Thunderbirds memorabilia and features McKell horse-trading with dealers over Corgi Aston Martin vehicles. Refreshingly, the piece plays it straight and doesn't seek out weirdos dressed like Darth Vader to represent the average collector. Click here to view. 

By Lee Pfeiffer

Actress Zena Marshall, who played the deceitful bad girl Miss Taro in the first James Bond film Dr. No, has died at age 83. Marshall's character was the first prominent villainess in a Bond movie, playing a sexy seductress who tries to set Sean Connery's 007 up for murder. Bond turns the tables - but not before he enjoys an evening in bed with her. Marshall, who was born in Kenya, appeared in many British films and TV series in the 1950s and 1960s, but like many of the Bond actresses, left the profession to concentrate on domestic life. She enjoyed a renaissance of popularity in recent years, appearing at autograph shows and Bond-related events, most of which were organized by the British based web site Bond Stars. (Click here for recent photo of her at the Bond Stars site) 

Former James Bond Timothy Dalton is in Wales to film a guest-starring role in the popular British Doctor Who TV series. Dalton played Bond in two films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, succeeding Roger Moore in the role. For details click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have announced a heavy-hitting talent will be joining long-time James Bond screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade for the 23rd 007 film, as yet untitled. Peter Morgan, who wrote Frost/Nixon, The Queen and The Last King of Scotland will be part of the trio creating the storyline for the next Bond epic which will once again star Daniel Craig. It is anticipated the movie will be released in 2011. Apparently Oscar winner Paul Haggis will not be associated with the next film. He had contributed to the screenplays of Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace. Those two films have both grossed over $500 million each worldwide, making the Bond franchise hotter than ever even as it approaches the half century mark. Purvis and Wade are currently scripting The Brazilian Job, the sequel to the remake of The Italian Job. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

I know I've sounded like a broken record over the years in declaring my disdain for the 1974 James Bond film The Man With the Golden Gun, Roger Moore's second outing as 007. It's got an infantile screenplay, grouchy leading characters and a heroine who makes Gracie Allen look like Madame Curie. While I've always admired Christopher Lee's "play-it-straight" portrayal of Scaramanga, it's a shame his efforts were wasted in this misguided film. However, a reader sent us a link to someone who feels differently, and in the spirit of fairness, we'll link to reviewer Colin Jacobson's defense of Golden Gun on the My Hollywood News website. See if it affects your personal opinion, one way or another. Click here to read.

By Lee Pfeiffer

We try to stay away from politics on Cinema Retro, but like Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III, every time we think we're out, those politicians pull us back in. The constant blurring of show biz and government makes it a disservice to ignore some stories - especially when there are more boobs on display in Washington D.C. than there are in any ten strip clubs. Take, for example, the current state of the Republican party, which is in the worst straits since the dark days of Watergate. Frustrated by President Obama's consistently high approval ratings, the GOP has been floundering in its attempts to find an issue they can make work for them. With seemingly half the country out of work, the issues that have generally worked well for the party -gun control, abortion and the Bible - aren't high on most people's list of priorities. Thus, when the Democratic Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, became embroiled in a potential scandal recently, Republicans were understandably salivating at the prospect of capitalizing on it. Pelosi, whose own popularity ratings are generally very low, has been a constant critic of the Bush administration because of the use of waterboarding on terror suspects - a practice that Pelosi considers to be torture. Last week, however, the CIA indicated that Pelosi had been briefed by the agency years ago about the possible use of waterboarding - and Pelosi made no objection at that time. Faced with evidence of possible hypocrisy, the usually media savvy Pelosi gave a bumbling speech that rivaled that of Don Knotts in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.She denied ever having been told about waterboarding and blatantly accused the CIA of not only lying, but intentionally misleading Congress. Them's fightin' words and the debate over who's telling the the truth has been raging ever since. What does all this have to do with the world of retro cinema, you may ask? Keep reading.  

Smelling blood in the water, the GOP quite naturally wanted to keep the story alive so that Pelosi would suffer the daily drip-drip-drip of embarrassing questions from the media. (Her refusal to discuss the matter further after making the astonishing charge against the C.I.A. gave the GOP plenty of arrows for their quiver.) Then some genius working for the Republican party decided it would be funny to use the potential scandal as the basis of a James Bond-oriented spoof video based on Goldfinger. The ploy immediately backfired.The video opens with the familiar gunbarrel, and features the Speaker's face inside it while the blood drips down. This may be innocuous in the context of a real Bond movie, but it apparently never occurred to the person who put it together that centering Pelosi's face in the middle of a bloody gun barrel might strike some as sinister. Secondly, the video tries to make the connection between Pelosi and Honor Blackman's Pussy Galore - and actually uses both women on the same split screen. Now Bond girl names with sexual overtones is a long tradition, but in the politically correct world of politics, using the nation's most prominent female Congresswoman in the same sentence as "Pussy" in any context might just turn off women voters. Third, the implication is that Pussy Galore is an infamous Bond bad girl, but the video director obviously hasn't seen the film since it premiered. He doesn't realize that Galore turns out to be the heroine of the movie and saves the day by thwarting Goldfinger's plot to bomb Ft. Knox.

The result has been a major embarrassment for the GOP, which also used a Dr. No spoof in John McCain's campaign against Barack Obama - and we know how well that worked out. The GOP has not officially commented on the circular firing squad they've formed, but they have quietly taken the video down from their web site. However, you can see the uncut video on the liberal blog Taylor Marsh by clicking here. View a CNN story about the video by clicking here.

If you're a Republican and are distressed by these developments, just wait a few days. We're certain similar geniuses in the Democratic party are working on providing plenty of fodder for the next go-round.

Actress Ingrid Pitt, best known for her horror flicks, posted her evaluation of the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service - and finds it to be a terrific entry in the series. Ingrid confesses that, like most people who haven't seen the film in ages, she was prejudiced by critics who lambasted George Lazenby simply because he had the nerve to take over from Sean Connery. Despite a personal, unpleasant encounter with Lazenby, she admits he's very good in the role and the film deserves the praise it has reaped in recent years. Click here to read. 

Producer Michael G. Wilson has revealed that preliminary work has begun on the 23rd James Bond film produced by Eon Productions. Wilson wouldn't specify any details, but said that star Daniel Craig was eager to get back into the role. He also said that Welsh singer Duffy and Amy Winehouse would be considered to sing the next title song. Craig has said recently that he would like to re-introduce Moneypenny in the series, but make her an in-depth character with an interesting past, instead of merely being the straight woman for Bond's puns. It stands to be a busy year for Eon Productions. The company is producing a non-Bond thriller as well as a remake of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

If you thought it was a stretch accepting Denise Richards as a scientist in the 1999 James Bond film The World is Not Enough, wait until you hear her impersonate a singer. Richards was given the privilege of singing the national anthem at a recent Chicago Cubs baseball game - and while the practice is designed to be fun by having non-professional singers take a crack at the song, Richards went beyond the pale. The woman couldn't carry a tune if it had handles. What on earth was she thinking? Not since Roseanne Barr's notorious rendition of the anthem (followed by a crotch grab when the crowd started to boo her), has American dignity been so offended. Let's get a Congressional bill passed quickly that prevents Richards from singing again. To view the crime against our nation, click here.

Cinema Retro has received the following press release from the publishers of MI6 Declassified magazine:

It is my pleasure to inform you that issue #5 of MI6 Declassified is nowavailable to order!

"Quantum of Solace" divided some fans and critics over its style and substance,
but one fact is undeniable: 007 was back at the box-office in record-breaking
form. With opening weekend tallies smashing historical highs almost everywhere he
went, Bond Fever was rampant once again. MI6 Declassified #5 looks at how the
22nd film thrilled cities around the world and speaks to some of the creative
talent behind the movie... and keep an eye out for an exclusive cut scene still!

The fifth issue includes:
o   Premiere Bond - Coverage from Leicester Square for the "Quantum of Solace"
debut
o   Around The World With 007 - Following the worldwide launch of the latest
James Bond adventure
o   Box Office Bond - Bond Fever hits at cinemas as records are smashed
o   In Their Own Words - Cast and crew discuss making "Quantum of Solace"
o   Making Another Way To Die - Jack White and Alicia Keys talk about the title
song
o   John Gardner A Life In Literature - A tribute to the late continuation author
including his last in-depth interview
o   Giving Bond His Booms, Bangs & Beeps - Interview with Oscar-winning sound
editor Norman Wanstall
o   Zig Zag Comics - Uncovering the rare '60s series from South America
o   The Bond Connection - A unique look at the world through Fleming's eyes in
Thrilling Cities
o   The Last Word - Mya Harrison on singing and starring in Everything or Nothing

Issue #5 is now shipping around the world.

To order online, visit http://www.mi6magazine.com

David Smith
Editor
--
MI6 DECLASSIFIED
http://www.mi6magazine.com
Straight Up With A Twist

Daniel Craig says he's happy playing James Bond and will continue to do so as long as he's wanted in the role. This must be music to the producer's ears, as previous Bond actors have eventually proved contentious over issues of salary, typecasting, etc. Although Craig complains that the role of Bond has not produced any exciting roles for him outside of the series (he says he continues to be offered "crap"), it has elevated him to England's highest paid actor. For more click here

Corky Fornof is a name familiar to hardcore James Bond fans. He's the stunt pilot who flew the mini-jet vertically through the airplane hangar in the pre-credits sequence of Octopussy. He also doubled for Timothy Dalton in the scene from Licence to Kill in which Bond is lowered from one plane to another via a very thin wire. Click here for an interview with Fornof about his remarkable work on film. 

Cinema Retro has received the following press release from Park Circus Films, the distributor of classic movie reissues to UK cinemas:

From 24 April, a restored version of FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE is returning to cinemas nationwide, in celebration of the centenary of producer Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli.

Broccoli formed EON Productions and Danjaq, with Harry Saltzman, to make DR NO, launching James Bond onto the big screen in 1962. When Saltzman later sold his shares of the two companies to United Artists, Broccoli became sole producer of the Bond films.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, originally released in 1963, has been digitally restored frame by frame by Lowry Digital Images, the world’s leader in digital restoration and image enhancement. The process involves taking moving pictures that show signs of age and wear, removing the fading, dirt, scratches and other defects that occur over time, and returning them to their original condition.

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, directed by Terence Young, and starring Sean Connery, Robert Shaw and Lotte Lenya, will be opening from 24 April at BFI Southbank (as part of a comprehensive Broccoli season), followed by special screenings at cinemas nationwide.

The great retro web site Starlet Showcase is a tribute to the cinema's loveliest sirens. In one section, there are some nice shots of Claudine Auger as she appeared in the 1965 James Bond epic Thunderball, memorably playing the role of Domino. Love that see through outfit she posed in for publicity photos for the film. A pity the costume designer couldn't work out a logical way for her to wear it onscreen.  Click here to visit the site

By Lee Pfeiffer

For the first time since Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, the James Bond producers will be developing a new non-007 film property. Sony will team with Eon producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to bring the forthcoming thriller Remote Control to the screen. The book by Mark Burnell centers on a British corporate intelligence analyst who uncovers a plot to undermine the Chinese economy. The premise certainly goes against the grain of popular opinion, given China's tendency to manipulate its currency to undermine other nation's currencies. Although Barbara Broccoli personally produced the acclaimed 1990s TV movie Crime of the Century, this marks the first non-Bond project she is teaming on with Wilson since they took control of the 007 franchise from their father Cubby Broccoli in 1994. Eon also has a long-rumored remake of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang planned for the big screen. That 1968 pic was the only non-Bond movie solely produced by Cubby Broccoli in the days following the screen debut of Bond in 1962. Although Cubby was interested in developing other stories for the screen, he cited the enormous logistics behind the Bond franchise as the reason he was not able to do so. The new plans by Eon probably mean a lengthy delay before production begins on the next Bond flick. As we reported last month, Wilson told the audience at the Bradford International Film Festival that absolutely nothing has been done in terms of preparing the next entry in the series. For more click here

The Nesquik chocolate drink company recently sponsored an amateur short film contest recently held a contest that allowed amateur filmmakers to submit entries that promoted Nesquik in creative ways. Mark Sieve of Florida was immediately inspired to create a James Bond-themed entry titled Quantum Of Nesquik. Considering it's a no-budget production, he managed to squeeze in a pretty impressive car chase, as well as a beautiful heroine and some dasterdly bad guys, all of whom happen to be his co-workers. The film runs a little over 4 minutes, but the credits are as long as the movie itself. Then again, that seemed to be the case with Kubrick's Spartacus. Let's hope Mark at least took his unpaid cast and crew out for some Bond-style bubbly when filming was completed. Click here to view. 

Congratulations to Hollywood's biggest villain (literally!): Richard Kiel's Jaws has been named in a poll as James Bond fan's favorite all-around character. The steel-toothed giant appeared in two Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. Read Richard's personal hilarious account of his early days in Hollywood in Cinema Retro issue #1. For more on the poll, click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

The terrific new website Spy Vibe asked me to submit a list of my five favorite spy movie sets. Granted, I only had time to write down what immediately sprang to mind, but unsurprisingly, four of the five are from James Bond movies - though one inclusion relating to 007 may surprise you. To read the list click here