Media reports indicate that Sam Mendes will indeed return to the James Bond franchise to direct not only the next installment but another Bond film after that. The announcement has yet to be formally made by Eon Productions but it is known that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have been lobbying Mendes to stay with the series, given the enormous world-wide success of Skyfall. Mendes initially said he was unable to do the next Bond film due to other committments but he has apparently been made an offer he can't refuse. Click here for more.

Mendes directing Judi Dench in Skyfall

Despite assertions to the contrary, Sam Mendes may not be able to resist returning to the 007 series in the wake of the enormous success of Skyfall. Mendes initially turned down the producer's offer to direct the entry in the legendary series, but Deadline now reports that Mendes may be having second thoughts. Click here for more

The acclaimed British James Bond magazine MI6 Confidential is now shipping! You can now order a full year's run of the magazine. Click here for details 

Ok, James Bond fans...you've probably watched the 2006 version of Casino Royale until you memorized virtually every line of dialogue. (Although you're really a Bond fanatic when you can say the same about the 1967 spoof version of the Ian Fleming novel!) Here's a new spin: Buzzfeed has linked to a brilliant remake of the film's opening sequence- which is done entirely with Legos, accompanied by the original dialogue. They should have titled it "Lego Let Die"  Click here to view. 

Cinema Retro has received the following press release:

An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore An Evening with Sir Roger Moore

Sunday 27 October 2.00pm Wednesday 6 November 7.30pm

LEEDS GRAND THEATRE NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM

Box Office: 0844 848 2700 Box Office: 0844 871 3011

An Evening with Sir Roger Moore An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore

Tuesday 29 October 7.30pm Sunday 10 November 3.00pm

G LIVE, GUILDFORD THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW

Box Office: 0844 7701 797 Box Office: 0844 871 7647

An Evening with Sir Roger Moore An Evening with Sir Roger Moore

Wednesday 30 October 8.00pm Monday 11 November 7.30pm

WATFORD COLOSSEUM EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE

Box Office: 0845 075 3993 Box Office: 0131 529 6000

An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore An Evening with Sir Roger Moore

Sunday 2 November 1.00pm Wednesday 13 November 7.30pm

READING HEXAGON MILTON KEYNES THEATRE

Box Office: 0118 960 6060 Box Office: 0844 871 7652

An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore

Sunday 3 November 2.30pm Sunday 17 November 3.00pm

THE LOWRY, SALFORD QUAYS NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

Box Office: 0843 208 6000 Box Office: 0844 871 7646

Cinema Retro was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of screenwriter Michael France at the age of 51. He died from complications from diabetes. France's big break was writing the screenplay for Sylvester Stallone's 1993 blockbuster Cliffhanger, which he did "on spec", meaning he pitched his idea to the studio and was not commissioned to write it. France also wrote story lines for the 1995 James Bond smash GoldenEye, though he was not credited with the actual screenplay, which was a source of a strained relationship with the Bond producers. Some of his ideas  that were developed for GoldenEye were utilized in the 1999 Bond hit The World is Not Enough. In the 1970s, he published the short-lived 007 fan magazine Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. France was a major comic book fan and wrote the screenplays for Ang Lee's 2003 version of The Hulk as well as the super hero flick The Punisher. On a personal note, I had lost contact with him in recent years, but have fond memories of both of us having many laughs at Eon Productions' spectacular London premiere of GoldenEye. The following year, I was a consultant on an official Bond celebration in Jamaica and managed to get an invite for France and his wife as guests. We had plenty of fun in the sun and these memories are quite special to me. My heart goes out to his family on the loss of this personable and very talented screenwriter. - Lee Pfeiffer

Sean Connery and Lana Wood in Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Throughout the month of April, the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California will be presenting big screen showings of classic James Bond movies including On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Live and Let Die, Octopussy, Licence to Kill and Diamonds Are Forever. Each screening will feature appearances and discussions with a star or stars of a specific film including George Lazenby, Benicio del Toro, David Hedison, Trina Parks, Lana Wood, Kristina Wayborne, Maud Adams and Gloria Hendry. Click here for info and to view original theatrical trailers. 

Our old pal and Cinema Retro contributor Richard Kiel is crossing "the pond" again for a couple of high profile personal appearances in the UK including one at London's Misty Moon Gallery and another at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, where he will be joined by his Moonraker co-star Blanche Ravalec. Click on each ad below for links to web sites.  

April 13 marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of “Casino Royale,” and the University of Illinois will recognize the event with a collaborative celebration hosted by the Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Spurlock Museum, and the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music. Much of the material featured in “The Birth of Bond” comes from the collection of Michael L. VanBlaricum, the president of the Ian Fleming Foundation and a U. of I. alumnus. | Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

April marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. To celebrate the anniversary, the University of Illinois will be hosting numerous events pertaining to Fleming, the novel and the 007 phenomenon. Titled The Birth of Bond: Ian Fleming's Casino Royale at 60, the exhibition will include a film festival, costumes, props, lectures and rare recordings. The exhibition is being coordinated by Michael VanBlaricum, a well-known Bond scholar and President of the Ian Fleming Foundation. Click here for more info

The estate of James Bond creator Ian Fleming has announced the latest author to try his hand at writing a "one-off" 007 novel. British writer William Boyd will pen the as-yet-untitled novel, due to be published in September. The only clues about the plot is that it will be retro-based and feature a 45 year-old Bond in the year 1969. (Ironically, this was the year that a very young actor, George Lazenby, debuted as Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service.) For more click here

Mendes directing Dame Judi Dench in Skyfall.

Despite the worldwide financial and critical success of Skyfall, Sam Mendes confirmed that he won't be accepting Eon Productions' offer to direct the James Bond movie. Many suspected he would decline the offer because it would be hard to top the international acclaim of Skyfall. However, Mendes cites his regrets at not being able to direct the film and attributes his absence to a full slate of other projects to which he is already committed. For more click here

The much-publicized James Bond Skyfall train will run through mid-March from London's King's Cross station to Edinburgh on a daily basis. Aside from having the film poster art adorn the train, the locomotive has been renumbered as "91007".  For more click here

Many James Bond fans felt that the much-anticipated James Bond 50th anniversary tribute at the Oscars fell a little short of its potential, despite very impressive appearances by Shirley Bassey and Adele. A fan named Kees van Dijkhuizen Jr. decided to edit together his own version of the how the tribute could have been assembled. Click here to view and to see if you think it beats the "official" version. 

In an interview with Yahoo Movies, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, joined by writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade and actress Naomi Harris, discuss the revitalization of the series with Skyfall and their hopes and plans for future 007 films. They also express hope that some of the Skyfall crew will join them on the next Bond film. For more click here

The use of a mink glove used at various times by Sean Connery and Molly Peters concerned British censors who saw it as a sexual metaphor.

Newly revealed files show that the sexual content of the 1965 James Bond blockbuster Thunderball so concerned the British censors that they almost slapped the film with an "X" rating. (American films didn't get movie ratings until 1968 and, unlike the British system, the ratings are imposed by the industry, not the government.) In fairness, an "X" rating in those days simply meant adult content, not necessarily sleaze. However, there is no doubt that Eon Productions would have considered it the kiss of death on boxoffice receipts. Nevertheless, the producers stood their ground and cut only one of the the thirty scenes that the censor demanded be removed or amended. The film went on to gross the equivalent of $1 billion in today's currency. The entire censorship scenario seems amusing and quaint by today's standards. Click here to read

James Bond double features used to be so popular that they would routinely out-gross many new films. The first double feature took place in 1965 with a team-up of Dr. No and From Russia With Love. By 1980, the double features were starting to fade but United Artists did put together this combo of two Roger Moore blockbusters: Moonraker and The Spy Who Loved Me. Cinema Retro reader Hank Reineke kindly provided this rare newspaper advertisement from a long-defunct New Jersey drive-in theater that presented the double bill in 1980.

Standing tall at the BAFTAS: Skyfall.

The James Bond blockbuster Skyfall has won the Best British Film award at this year's BAFTAs, besting Les Miserables, which many pundits predicted would win. Thomas Newman also won for his musical score for the film. For a complete list of winners click here.

It's gonna be Double-0 Heaven for long-suffering James Bond fans who have always felt the series has been slighted by Oscar. Not any more. In addition to a major Bond 50th anniversary tribute on this year's telecast, Adele will sing the Oscar-nominated theme song from Skyfall and Dame Shirley Bassey will perform her signature hit, Goldfinger- which, like so many other classics, was never nominated for an Oscar. The big buzz is whether the Academy can bring off its plan to unite all six 007 actors on the same stage. For more click here

One of the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 cars built to promote Goldfinger and Thunderball is now up for auction. However, you may will have to have the financial resources of Auric Goldfinger to make the minimum bid of  £3million! Click here to read the history of the "The Most Famous Car in the World" (which was the title of Cinema Retro publisher Dave Worrall's book).

By Lee Pfeiffer

In the relatively short amount of time Daniel Craig has played James Bond, the entire series has been reinvented in a dynamic way, as evidenced by the $1 billion+ international grosses for Skyfall. Yet, in 2002, the year Die Another Day was unleashed on unsuspecting audiences, many of us 007 purists were just about ready to throw in the towel despite the fact that the movie was a boxoffice smash. We had suffered through The Man With the Golden Gun, Moonraker and A View to a Kill, but each of those was followed by a strong entry in the series that kept the films from falling off the precipice.  Pierce Brosnan was always a good Bond, but he never quite had a film that truly made the most of them. Die Another Day was an overstuffed, over-budgeted and over-produced bit of nonsense littered with cringe-inducing sexual puns that would be over-the-top in a high school locker room. It left even those of us who had the privilege of attending the premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of Queen Elizabeth muttering to ourselves, "Well, at least the after-parties are always fun." I remember discussing the film later with producer Michael G. Wilson and telling him that I found it very disappointing. I can't speak for Wilson, but I truly believe he was in agreement, as evidenced by he and Barbara Broccoli's bold move in revitalizing the series with the next film, Casino Royale. DAD was the last Brosnan Bond...he deserved better, but, as Clint Eastwood says to the doomed Gene Hackman in Unforgiven, "Deserves got nothing to do with it." The film does boast some admirable aspects: Toby Stephens' excellent portrayal of the villain and the brilliantly-staged fencing sequence, partly shot in London's famed Reform Club are probably the best elements. But the movie does have at least one ardent admirer: Entertainment Weekly writer Darren Franich, who posts a passionate, extensive and amusing defense of the film. (Notice I didn't say it was a convincing defense of the film). Franich pulls out all the stops to analyze why he believes this is the most underrated Bond ever. Click here to read and see if you agree. 

Adele will perform her Oscar-nominated theme from Skyfall at this year's Academy Awards on February 24. It will mark the first time she has performed the song in front of a live audience. The theme from Skyfall won the Golden Globe Award for Best Song earlier this month. James Bond fans will anxiously await to see this becomes the first 007 theme to win an Oscar. (Themes from Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only had been nominated previously.) Click here for more

While it's progress that James Bond, the ultimate symbol of capitalism and democracy, can have his exploits now shown in Chinese cinemas, old totalitarian habits die hard. Skyfall - the Chinese version- has undergone some judicious editing, eliminating a scene in which 007 kills a Chinese security guard. In another scene, the English language dialogue was left intact, but the Chinese sub-titles were altered to change the meaning of the conversation. For more click here

Writer Graham Milne, a true blue James Bond fan, is delighted that Skyfall has racked up five Oscar nominations. However, in a detailed analysis, he dismantles any hopes the film will win in any category except for Best Song. Click here to read and see if you agree. 

Skyfall, the blockbuster James Bond film, has already earned more than $1 billion worldwide. Now it's also reaping critical accolades, having received 8 BAFTA nominations including Outstanding British Film and acting nominations for Judi Dench and Javier Bardem. Beginning with the 2006 version of Casino Royale, the 007 franchise has managed to shake the long-time practice of ignoring the franchise when it comes to nominations for major film awards. The Oscar nominations will be announced tomorrow. Bond fans wait anxiously to see if Skyfall will break the "Bond Curse" on nominations, as the last 007 movie to receive an Oscar nomination was For Your Eyes Only way back in 1982. For a complete list of BAFTA nominations, click here.

One of Our Spies Is (Usually) Missing: Will Sean Connery end his boycott of 007 tributes and make it possible for all six Bond actors to appear together?

The Oscar snub of all things 007 has ended. We don't know yet if the critically-acclaimed Skyfall will have the distinction of being the first Bond film to score a nomination in any category since For Your Eyes Only was nominated for Best Song in 1982, but the Academy is planning a major tribute to Bond's 50th cinematic anniversary. (The 1982 show combined a performance of the song within a major Bond tribute, followed by the Thalberg Award presentation to Cubby Broccoli by Roger Moore.)  The telecast will be shown worldwide on February 24. No further details were given, but the announcement immediately fueled speculation on the web that this would seem to be the last, best hope to get all six Bond actors together on one stage. Five of them would probably participate, but Sean Connery sat out all of the 50th anniversary celebrations and it may be a long shot to get him to participate. For more click here

Skyfall: 007 standing tall.

The Skyfall juggernaut continues with worldwide grosses topping $1 billion, making this by far the highest grossing 007 flick of all time. Additionally, as the following press release from Sony points out, Skyfall has become the highest grossing movie of all time in the UK, passing the $100 million mark.

London, 31st December, 2012  – Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that Skyfall, the UK’s most successful film of all time, continues to smash box office records and has now taken a staggering £100,460,679, the first film in box office history to cross the £100m mark.

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 26th October 2012, and is still on general release.  Additionally, the film has generated more than $1 billion in ticket sales worldwide.

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in SKYFALL™, 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-three 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, QUANTUM OF SOLACE and SKYFALL.

For more coverage of the Skyfall grosses click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

The Music of James Bond by Jon Burlingame (Published by Oxford University Press, $35, 296 pages, illustrated (B&W), ISBN: 978-19-986330-3

Jon Burlingame provides the intriguing and often fascinating story behind the one heretofore neglected aspect of the James Bond phenomenon: the soundtracks and the incredibly talented people behind them. This book manages to be exhaustively researched, yet highly entertaining. Those of us who pride ourselves on being 007 scholars will be humbled by the wealth of new insights the author reveals. The book provides a film-by-film look at the scoring of each movie and refreshingly gives equal time to the 1967 version of Casino Royale, which boasted a fabulous score, and Never Say Never Again which decidedly did not. There are also ample photographs of the composers and singers in the studio as well as rare trade ads extolling Oscar voters to nominate scores, a generally quixotic task, given the tone deaf membership of the Academy that ignored the Bond films except for a rare occasion. With this indispensable book, Burlingame reaffirms his status as one of the world’s foremost experts on motion picture soundtracks.

Official press description of the book:

The story of the music that accompanies the cinematic adventures of Ian Fleming's intrepid Agent 007 is one of surprising real-life drama. In The Music of James Bond, author Jon Burlingame throws open studio and courtroom doors alike to reveal the full and extraordinary history of the sounds of James Bond, spicing the story with a wealth of fascinating and previously undisclosed tales.

Burlingame devotes a chapter to each Bond film, providing the backstory for the music (including a reader-friendly analysis of each score) from the last-minute creation of the now-famous "James Bond Theme" in Dr. No to John Barry's trend-setting early scores for such films as Goldfinger and Thunderball. We learn how synthesizers, disco and modern electronica techniques played a role in subsequent scores, and how composer David Arnold reinvented the Bond sound for the 1990s and beyond.

The book brims with behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Burlingame examines the decades-long controversy over authorship of the Bond theme; how Frank Sinatra almost sang the title song for Moonraker; and how top artists like Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Carly Simon, Duran Duran, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, and Madonna turned Bond songs into chart-topping hits. The author shares the untold stories of how Eric Clapton played guitar for Licence to Kill but saw his work shelved, and how Amy Winehouse very nearly co-wrote and sang the theme for Quantum of Solace.

Click here to order from Amazon

Was Quantum REALLY the worst Bond movie ever? Peter Travers thinks so.

Long time Rolling Stone film critic Peter Travers has rated each individual James Bond movie (well, excluding the 1967 spoof version of Casino Royale.) His opinions range from perceptive (listing On Her Majesty's Secret Service near the top of the pack) to downright bizarre (arguing that the dreadful Die Another Day is the best of the Pierce Brosnan films and naming Quantum of Solace as the worst 007 movie ever.) Click here to read and be prepared to rejoice in Travers' opinions or become infuriated by them. 

The superb James Bond magazine mi6 confidential  is making available a multi-issue gift pack for the year 2013. Click ad above for info and ordering instructions.

London, 5^th December  – Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that Skyfall has made history in the UK and become the highest grossing film of all time.

Skyfall has now taken a staggering £94,277,612 at the UK box office in just 40 days on release, making box office history and overtaking the record previously held by Avatar which had a lifetime gross of £94,025, 632 million during 11 months on release in UK cinemas.

SKYFALL, the 23^rd 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, and is still on general release.

In response to this fantastic news, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said “We’re overwhelmed with gratitude to the cinema-going audiences in the UK who have made Skyfall the highest grossing film of all time.  We are very proud of this film and thank everybody, especially Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes, who have contributed to its success.”

"I am incredibly proud of the amazing heights to which this film continues to soar and wish to again congratulate all involved on reaching such a tremendous milestone," said Gary Barber, Chairman and CEO, MGM.

Peter Taylor, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Releasing UK also commented “We are delighted that cinemagoers have so enthusiastically embraced Skyfall in such an incredible way. It seems particularly fitting in 2012 that the latest James Bond adventure should become the highest grossing movie ever marking the fiftieth anniversary of one of our truly iconic cultural characters  in record breaking style.”

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in SKYFALL™, 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-three 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, QUANTUM OF SOLACE and SKYFALL.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios 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/

The Museum Folkwang in Essen, Germany is presenting an exciting exhibition of original international James Bond movie posters as well as rare still photographs. The exhibit has been drawing large crowds and will be presented through January 13. Many of the items in the exhibition have been provided by well-known German Bond memorabilia collectors Thomas Nixdorf and Robert Ganz. For information and illustrations click here

Skyfall is closing in on a worldwide gross of $800 million- with plenty of juice still left in the 007 thriller.

Studios are savoring the long weekend grosses over the Thanksgiving holiday, which is now the biggest in history. Twilight: Breaking Dawn- Pt. 2 led the pack followed by Skyfall, which became the first James Bond movie to cross the $200 million line in the North American market. It's international grosses are now approaching a staggering $800 million.  Steven Spielberg's Lincoln continued to perform strongly and Life of Pi is doing better than predicted. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

The old adage goes that you can't judge a book by its cover. In the parlance of my old Jersey City neighborhood, "Well, here goes your proof." The Bond on Set books by photographer Greg Williams are becoming a most welcome tradition. This impressive hardback is the best in the line, offering superb insights into the filming of the 007 blockbuster Skyfall. Williams captures not only the incredible hard work and diverse team of talented people concentrating on bringing this big budget film to the screen, but he also lets us see those behind the scenes moments of levity that show there is much joy in movie-making- in particular on an Eon production where so many cast and crew members consider each other part of an extended family. There are wonderful shots of producer Michael Wilson hugging Dame Judi Dench, the team members meeting for a pre-production conference in a very unglamorous bare room at Pinewood Studios, Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem living everyone's dream of sliding down the escalator barrier in the London underground and director Sam Mendes valiantly bringing all the disparate elements of a Bond production together as a coherent whole.

The book covers the entire process of making of the film in stunning color photographs. The only downside is the drab cover which doesn't do justice in the slightest to the dynamic content of this book. The main photo is a dismal B&W shot of Bond holding a shotgun, making one think a more appropriate title might be "Hunting Tips from Daniel Craig". Considering this is the most stylish and fashion conscious of Craig's three 007 movies, you have to wonder what the thought process was behind burying these aspects in marketing the book. Aside from, that this is a "must-have" for anyone who has ever admired the long-ignored contributions of still photographers on film sets. Williams does a magnificent job of showing us the magic behind Skyfall. The book does contain many spoilers, such as the secret behind Albert Finney's character, but chances are that if you are tempted to buy this book, you've probably seen the film numerous times.

Click here to order discounted from Amazon.

Lana Wood as Plenty O'Toole with Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever.

A bevy of James Bond actresses will be appearing at the Hollywood Show in Burbank, California on January 11-13. The collector's show features a wide array of movie memorabilia and celebrity autograph opportunities. Among those appearing from the Bond films: Lana Wood, Luciana Paluzzi, Britt Ekland, Eunice Gayson, Tania Mallet, Gloria Hendry, Maud Adams and Maryam d'Abo. Also appearing is fan favorite Richard Kiel and James West himself, Robert Conrad. For more click here

(Thanks to Lana Wood for the news alert.)

Spurned by the enormous international grosses of the James Bond film Skyfall as well as several other hit movies released earlier this year, Sony executives are crowing about having reached a significant achievement: the best year for movies in the studio's history. Sony has taken in a massive $4 billion. The Bond film is now the biggest entry in the long-running franchise.The 23rd Eon-backed 007 film has taken in $669 million to date internationally and has plenty of life left in it. For more click here

The Wrap web site reports that expectations are very high for the latest James Bond blockbuster Skyfall in its opening weekend. The film is already doing phenomenal business in its international engagements. Industry insiders are also carefully watching the public response to Lincoln, Steven Spielberg's prestigious production that is no one's idea of a blockbuster in terms of grosses but is considered a shoo-in for major Oscar nominations. The Bond franchise has such clout these days that rival studios cleared their releases to give Agent 007 a free reign this weekend. Sony estimates the film could take in $67 million but industry expectations are even higher. For more click here

James Bond has always been dressed to kill and, by-and-large, his on-screen cinematic sense of style has never been outdated (well, except for "the decade that style forgot"- the 1970s when Roger Moore was sentenced to wear some embarrassing suits that would make Austin Powers blush.) Click here for an article that looks at the fashions of James Bond- and why the sense of style continues with Daniel Craig.  

Recently revealed WWII documents show that Canadian film producer Harry Saltzman, who famously co-produced the James Bond films with Albert R. Broccoli, had a secret past in intelligence operations. A routine request for her father's files from the U.S. government led Saltzman's children Hilary and Steven to investigate some intriguing clues to their father's secret past. The conclusion seems to be that he may well have been a spy for U.S. intelligence during the war. For more, see Vanity Fair article.  click here 

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 SKYFALL™, 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 SKYFALL™ 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.