James Bond Headliners of 2004



Double Oh! Oh! Body Double

January 5, 2004 - By Prasun Sonwalkar for The New Kerala News

Aishwarya Rai has agreed to appear in the next James Bond film if its producers agree to use a body double for the sex scenes with Pierce Brosnan, who plays secret agent 007. Rai was asked to play Brosnan's romantic interest in the still untitled film, the 21st in the Bond series, but she has insisted she will take the role only if a look-alike is drafted in for the inevitable sex scenes. She told the British press that her strict upbringing meant there was no question of her doing anything saucy.

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"I've said I will do the film if there is a body double. The producers have said they will have to ask Pierce," she said. The Bond offer came after she bumped into Brosnan at a party. "He walked over to me and said he had seen me on the cover of Time magazine," she said. "I could hardly say anything at first but then my friend started talking and told Pierce how much he loved his trademark intro, 'The name's Bond, James Bond'. "Pierce kept looking at me and the next thing was the casting agent for the film got in touch and asked if I would like to be a Bond girl."

Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is said to be keen to cast a Bollywood actress to increase Bond's appeal in Asia. Reports said two other Indian actresses - Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta - had been approached to appear in the film should Rai's demand rule her out. The British media has been speculating about Rai playing a role in the next Bond outing since early last year.

Perhaps the scenes where you help Bond kill the bad guys is okay then?





Miss Moneypenny Bans Sex Scenes

January 5, 2004 - Sunday Mirror

PRETTY 007 star Samantha Bond has banned her children from watching her TV roles - because they involve too much sex or violence. The actress, who plays Miss Moneypenny in the Bond movies, says hardly any of her TV roles are suitable viewing for Mollie, 12 and Tom, ten.

She said: "I'm either involved in sex scenes or being murdered or crying all the time. I don't want them to see dead bodies and on top of that thrillers wind you up emotionally."

But Samantha, 41, allows them to watch Bond films, including Die Another Day in which Moneypenny has her first snog with 007, played by Pierce Brosnan. She said the 007 films were "family viewing" and added: "It makes the kids popular in the playground and it is one of the few things they know they can watch!" But the children will NOT be able to watch Mum when she stars in Donovan, a two-part thriller on ITV1 on Jan 5 and 6.

Sadism for the family.





Double Oh! Oh! Body Double - Take 2

January 8, 2004 - By Dominic Ferrao for The India Times

With all those rumours about Aishwarya insisting on a body double for the revealing scenes in the next Bond film before she signed on the dotted line, we decided to do a reality check. When we got in touch directly with Aishwarya's US agents, this is what they came up with. Aishwarya herself was out of town shooting in Coorg for the Sameer Karnik film Kyon Ho Gaya Na .

Q: Is it true that Ash has insisted on a body double for the revealing scenes in the Bond movie?
A: This is absolutely untrue. The entire James Bond situation is nothing more than a rumour. Ash is not the next Bond girl...There is no James Bond script in hand.

Q: Is it true that Pierce Brosnan met her personally? What did they talk about?
A: Ash did not meet Pierce Brosnan at a Hollywood party, and no casting director has contacted us with any offer. No matter how many times the press insists that she is starring in Bond, we must continually correct the statement and confirm the fact.

It is truly amazing how much mileage this story has had.





Everything Or Nothing: A Totally Different Bond Experience

January 14, 2004 - Ign.com

While it almost seems like beating a dead horse, Electronic Arts has yet to beat down the Goldeneye curse. Yeah, that's a long time ago, it was 1997 in fact, but the world's largest independent third-party publisher ought to get it right, shouldn't they?

Following the wonderfully cliché-ridden naming process for James Bond movies, EA's James Bond: Everything or Nothing is a game that's not based on any James Bond movie, but it looks and plays just like one. It's also interesting to note that this Bond experience is different enough from any of the previous first-person shooters in the Bond series, that it's hardly worth comparing this one to those.

First things first. On the production side, EA has done a remarkable job of securing the likenesses and voices of several well-known Hollywood talent. Bond has been re-created in the perfect likeness of Pierce Brosnan, M is acted by Judi Dench, and Q is voice acted by the Monty Python master John Cleese. Numerous secondary appearances are made, however from the currently popular Elizabeth Shannon as a likeable Bond girl, to Willem Dafoe to the Japanese pop star Misaki Ito. To round out the cast is the lovely Victoria's Secret lingerie girl Heidi Klum and singer Mya Starling. From the preview build we have, the videogames characters are remarkably re-created in videogame form, from the body shape to the facial structure, hair and distinct facial lines.

Switching to a third-person perspective appears to have been the first order of business, and, like any 3D game these days, that change brings along with it a glut of potential problems. Namely camera angles. But EA worked hard into the Christmas season to get this game right, and several gameplay schemes seemed to have paid off well. Players use the shoulder pads to crouch, sneak around and to stick to corners, and in an aiming scheme similar to that in kill switch, players can aim, spin out from a behind a corner, and plug their opponents. The camera doesn't hurt your head with overly quick moves, and it is well buffered from the walls and from tight spots in alleys, hallways and the like.

The cool new addition to the targeting scheme occurs with the newly implemented Pipper. The reticule targets an enemy - and can switch from one to the next with the direction button - but it's got two parts. The outer aiming device, which functions as a frame, and the single red dot in the middle. By using the left analog controller, players can aim the reticule onto an enemy, but with the right analog, they can actually move the pipper around within the reticule - even outside of it - to pinpoint certain parts of the enemies' body. So, if you want to perform headshots all day, you can. Whichever body part you aim at, the accuracy and control is tight, quick and responsive. Hardcore gamers should dig it.

James Bond: EON exercises several similar gameplay elements seen in the previous Bond games, but here that's a good thing. The game is predominantly an action-shooter, but EA has connected with its erudite racing development team up in Canada to provide a heaping armful of killer racing/driving levels. For instance, in the third level Train Chase, Bond must prevent a Russian train from escaping. If he runs left he gets into a sweet maroon Cayenne Turbo, but if he runs right, he jumps onto a high-powered motorcycle, which is faster and more fun, but far more dangerous, thus a greater challenge. One of things we've noticed about the game that also differentiates this from previous Bond games is this very point. The game is well designed, build for both casual gamer and well constructed with the hardcore gamer in mind - something that EA has never delivered in any of its previous Bond titles.

The game offers three difficulty modes, Operative, Agent, and 00 agent (easy, medium, and hard), and as players step up to the next difficulty level, they're notice the requisite harder enemy, but also more objectives. It also looks like EA has really tried to not dumb down this version like it has the last two or three games, so, while players might blast past the first two levels pretty easily, they won't be blowing through the rest of the game the first time through.

As previous unveiled at Camp EA, another cool element separates this from the others. Using a rappel device, Bond can jump down the sides of buildings - swinging left or right, switching direction and using guns to target enemies while rappelling - or he can climb up to second and third stories of buildings to progress. This adds a nice streamline 3D technique to plow through levels, and it also is accompanied by an excellent camera that works perfectly to make the addition nearly flawless.

Several other elements push this game far and away from the pack. While it may not be new, a Spider-Bot has been added to the lineup of gadgets. The bot is quick and agile, and it is used to locate special areas, blow up enemies and to explore. While I've definitely seen this kind of gadget before, I'll admit it works quite well here. Additionally, EA must have been drooling a bit over Spider-Man, because it's added a Bond sense. Bond sense isn't really like a Spidey sense, rather it's like a super slow-motion pause. The game switches to a darker palette, Bond can select weapons in the middle of a heated gun fight, and he can also see things he couldn't see before, such as breakable items, hidden enemies, and more.

Did we mention the game is also online for PS2? That's right, EA took the extra time this winter to build a two-player online co-operative mode, including a deathmatch level. These online levels were created entirely for the online game, and they really demand players work cooperatively to make it through each new one. There's also a killer new arcade mode, inspired by the VR missions from Konami's Metal Gear Solid series. It's a survival mode of sorts, and it's not going to start a revolution, but the gameplay is tight, the challenge level is hard and if you have a good gameplaying friend around, this mode may keep you up all night. It's very cool.

All in all, James Bond: Everything or Nothing is on the right path to success. It's running at a solid 30 FPS, it's already proving to be a game that's not following its brethren, and I think the team has actually trimmed down to a minimum the duh-duh-duhhhh-duh soundclip that's been so overused in previous games. Wouldn't it be great to play another stellar Bond game again? We think this may be the one.

Since when is the James Bond theme overused?





Lazenby and Shriver Expecting James Bond Jr.

January 18, 2004 - by Rosanne Michie for The Herald Sun

TENNIS legend Pam Shriver and Australia's only James Bond, George Lazenby, 64, are expecting a baby. Shriver confirms that "Baby Lazenby" is due in July. "I haven't talked about it publicly yet, but we are thrilled," Shriver, 41, said on her way to Melbourne to commentate on next week's Australian Open.



Shriver said Lazenby's age was not an issue. "It keeps you young. George is very excited," she said.

Lazenby played James Bond in 1969 in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The couple deserve happiness. Shriver's first husband, Joe Shapiro, a former Walt Disney company lawyer, died of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1992. Lazenby's only son died 10 years ago. He also has two adult daughters.

"I am very well. I have had a comfortable time, touch wood. I had to be pretty careful early on. I'm keeping reasonably fit. I am not a picture of fitness, but I guess it's all relative," laughed Shriver, who plans to stay in Australia with Lazenby for six weeks.

The pair will have a brief holiday after the Open before returning to their Los Angeles home. They plan to have the baby in the US, but Shriver was open-minded as to the baby's residency status.

"I wouldn't rule out anything as far as living here or whatever," the American said. She plans to continue working until April.

Shriver, who won 21 singles and a phenomenal 112 doubles titles, including 22 Grand Slams, met Lazenby at a tennis tournament in Australia. Their paths crossed again in 2000 at Wimbledon. Love blossomed on Valentine's Day in 2001. Shriver boasts she can still beat Lazenby on the tennis court. The sporting rivalry between Shriver and Lazenby, is fierce.

"I can still beat George in tennis," she boasted. "But not for long," quips Lazenby, who's relishing the thought of fatherhood and finally usurping his wife of two years.

Golf, it seems is another matter. "He plays off nine. I played off three before I got pregnant."

I never knew she had it in her!?





Willard Whyte Canned!

January 22, 2004 - by Mark Brown for Chicago Sun-Times

Sara Lee Corp. has dumped Jimmy Dean as the spokesman for the breakfast sausage brand that he founded. Julie Ketay, a Sara Lee public relations person, spoke about replacing Dean.

"Unfortunately, we're not looking for a spokesman. We're focusing more on the product, not the person. Our consumers want convenience and great taste."

75 year old Jimmy Dean was not taking it real well to being divorced from the company he started in West Texas in 1969 and sold to Sara Lee in 1984. Not many entertainers put their name on a product and make a go of it over time, which is a compliment to Dean, who must have been a sharp businessman. His sausage was the nation's top seller in its category when he sold it to Sara Lee and remains so today. It is odd that Jimmy Dean would no longer be hawking Jimmy Dean sausage.

"It is extremely odd, and I don't understand it at all," said Dean in that same rich country voice that sold millions of records and even more pounds of sausage. "Hell, I'm still the best sausage peddler they've got." Dean said that's exactly what he told Sara Lee President Bob Kopriva after he was dumped.

"He said, 'Yes, that's true, but you're not going to live forever and we've got to move on,'" recalled Dean. "It's kind of painful to hear someone say: We don't need you anymore. But the old folks left Sara Lee and the new ones came in. And always the new ones want to reinvent the wheel. They told me when this thing happened that they were trying to attract the younger housewife. An old saying came back to me from some West Texas dance hall: You better remember to dance with the one who brung you."

Dean said he understood the company's desire not to use him on camera ("My face has so many wrinkles it looks like 12 minutes of bad reception"), but figures they could have worked around that.

Hmm. They used Colonel Sanders until his death. Why not use Jimmy Dean until he drops? Perhaps this is a diabolical plot performed by Blofeld, who allegedly is living in retirement on an island near Japan.





Sir Sean Swaps His Martini For Scotch

January 22, 2004 - by Frank O' Donnell for Scotsman.com

After years of being wooed by various distillers, Scotland’s most famous actor has agreed to front a major campaign for Dewar’s, the world’s fourth-largest whisky brand. It is the first time Sir Sean has agreed to promote his country’s most illustrious export, with the deal reported to have cost the brand more than $1 million. The promotion for Dewar's 12-year-old will not run in the UK, where the brand is small, but will instead focus on the emerging markets of Lebanon, Greece, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Thailand, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Television and cinema commercials with subtitles will run alongside poster advertising, with the strapline: "Some age, others mature". The campaign will run until March 2006. Neil Boyd, the global brand director of the Aberfeldy-based company, said the company was thrilled to be associated with Sir Sean.

"As celebrities go, he is one of the biggest names." He said it had taken 18 months of negotiations to make the promotion happen.

"Celebrity endorsements are very fashionable just now. The public seem very interested in their lifestyles and what they do. And it’s an effective promotion for a brand," he added. "It took a lot of chasing and a lot of hard negotiations. We are delighted it is the first Scotch whisky he has ever promoted.

Sir Sean has never previously promoted a Scotch whisky, but, in 1991, he courted controversy by appearing in an advertisement for the Japanese whisky, Suntory. Amid accusations that he was jeopardising Scottish jobs, a Labour MP even drafted an early-day motion in the Commons, accusing the actor of hypocrisy. The new advertisement, like its Japanese equivalent, which is parodied in the current Bill Murray film Lost in Translation, cannot be shown in the UK for contractual reasons.

The adverts splice images of a young Connery appearing in the 1964 Hitchcock film Marnie with current footage of the 73-year-old actor, who berates his former self for not drinking Dewar’s 12-year-old. At the same time, there is a knock at the door and the camera pans to a dark-haired girl in a long, split dress, saying: "Sean, Sean, are you in there?" Old Sean looks at young Sean and says: "Shall you get it or I?" Old Sean motions towards the door and says to the camera: "Some age, others mature. Dewar’s 12 Scotch Whisky."

Alan Gray, a whisky analyst with Sutherlands, said the choice of Sir Sean to promote the brand in emerging markets was a good one. "He is such a well-known figure worldwide - James Bond is shown everywhere - so this makes sense," he said.

Dewar’s has used celebrities before: the actor Andy Garcia fronted a previous campaign for its 12-year-old whisky, while in Spain, the label was promoted in a poster campaign by the actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Liam Neeson and Jeremy Irons.

Dewar’s was formerly a major brand in the UK, but was de-listed in 1980 by its former owner, Diageo, which chose to concentrate on Bell’s. The brand was bought for $1.4 billion by Bacardi in 1998 and has re-established itself in the market. But it is abroad that Dewar’s is a major success - it is ranked No1 in the United States, ahead of the likes of Johnnie Walker. About 98 per cent of its business is export, and it sells 48 million bottles annually.

Sean Connery. Putting the word Scot into Scotch.





The Art Of Being Bond, James Bond - A Review of Everything Or Nothing

January 23, 2004 - by James Temperton for Cubed3.co.uk

EA have certainly used their licence to release endless reams of Bond games onto consoles very well, no fewer than three have rained out of the publishing behemoth onto Nintendo home systems. The World is Not Enough was the best of the bunch and the N64 title is still enjoyable today, on the GameCube things have been far from enjoyable. Agent Under Fire was fun enough, but in the end was like having your eyes bathed in Hydrochloric Acid, Nightfire wasn't much better. But we will give EA the benefit of the doubt. Could it be third time lucky on the GameCube for Mr. Bond or will he finally bite the proverbial bullet as far as gaming prestige goes?

The idea behind Everything or Nothing is to do Bond at its biggest and best without making it so ridiculous it becomes a spoof. Thankfully the perfect balance would seem to have been met. For a game based on a film series, but no particular film in that series, they have still managed to rope in Judy Dench (who plays M), Pierce Brosnan (James Bond) and John Cleese, of Faulty Towers and Monty Python fame. There are various other smaller names dotted about all over the place to bolster up the character list and enable EA to make a plot of some description. The presentation of the characters is truly stunning and you can easily see a likeness between the real person and their videogame counterpart.



The first thing you notice is that EA have preferred a third-person perspective, which to say the least seems like an odd decision. They say it makes it a more cinematic experience, we say it gives EA a higher chance of mucking up this game altogether. Camera angles are the main issue here. We were worried when we first saw this game a little while back, it all looked a bit off centre, but a few months in development and behind the scenes work seems to have got the game back on track. One feature that has caught our eye is the new targeting system, which allows you to switch between enemies and target them individually. Faced with more than one foe, and one is targeted, a simple hit of a button will allow you to toggle between them and pick which one you want to kill first, quite sadistic really. Even more clever is the ability to pick which bit of an enemies body you want to pepper with bullets. Moving about a smaller aimer you are able to use headshots, groin shots, leg shots and indeed any shot anywhere on the body you like. This brings an added depth to shooting, which in the less intelligent shooters can result in you standing there hitting fire and running about like a crazed dervish.

Bond has also got a rather stealthy for his latest outing. You can sneak, crouch and stick to corners. The latter allows you to take aim whilst still around a corner before spinning out and taking down anyone who is unfortunate enough to be standing about admiring the view. Like in other games in the Bond catalogue this one doesn't just focus on the shooting, there are driving sections put together by a special and totally separate development team. There are certain sections where you have to chase people down on motorbikes or in classy cars, its all very cool and it is certainly very James Bond.

There are three modes of difficulty included, Operative (easy), Agent (medium) and 00 Agent (hard). Thankfully EA's idea of difficult isn't enemies that can take a disturbing amount of bullets before actually keeling over, this time things are far more satisfying. Your foes will try and outthink you; more objectives will be set up, taking the gamer deeper and deeper into the levels. Essentially the better you are the more game you get to see.

A problem with shoot-'em-ups nowadays is that they are too linear, Everything or Nothing looks to change all this. At points you choose to go one way or the other and this changes ever so slightly how you see the game. There are more side-quests and a lot more areas to explore making it feel more like you are playing the game rather than you simply being pushed through it from start to finish. This is something we have never seem before from EA in a bond title, this is innovation from Electronic Arts, an oxymoron if ever we heard one.

Just like in the films (and just about every Bond game ever), Everything or Nothing is stuffed full of gadgets. None is more impressive than the Spider-Bot. This is a nippy 'cute' little device that can locate hidden areas and or enemies and blow itself up; inspired fun and surely something to bring a smile to even the most serious of gamer. Yes it has been done before, in Perfect Dark on the N64 there was something similar, and it has been in numerous other titles, but that still doesn't make it any less fun! One thing we can't quite get to grips with is the 'Bond Sense'. This stupidly odd inclusion works thus: the game goes all dark and spooky, now you can select weapons in the midst of an ongoing gun battle along with being able to see all sorts of other things such as hidden foes. It all sounds stupid to us, Bond just uses his cunning and good looks to win the day in all the films, so why does he need to have a demented superhero power to beat puny enemies in Everything or Nothing.

When you take everything into consideration James Bond: Everything or Nothing is looking pretty damn good. The graphical presentation is top draw, there is a load of new features and ideas included along with some very solid looking driving sections to spice it all up. All the real names from the films are adding their talents to the script and that you can use a mass of weapons and gadgets to dispose of enemies with very good AI. This is a very promising game, and one that could continue to show an improvement in the way that EA make their games.

Let the mayhem begin.





James Bond Cars On Show

January 23, 2004 - Carkeys.com

Cars driven on film by various manifestations of 007 will feature in Classic Cars Live! This is the renamed London Classic Motor Show, with its now almost obligatory use of the word "Live" and the similarly all but ubiquitous exclamation mark.

A replica of Sean Connery’s Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 - complete with bullet-proof screen, revolving number plates, oil and water sprays, ejector seat and front-mounted machine guns - will take pride of place. Although the original Goldfinger car has long since disappeared, the replica has had its own screen career in somewhat lesser films.

Roger Moore’s Lotus Esprit Turbo (with a non-turbo engine, as it happened) used in For Your Eyes Only will also be at the show. So will Pierce Brosnan’s Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day, in company with the baddie Zao’s Jaguar XK8 Convertible.

Classic Cars Live - now where did we put that exclamation mark? - will be at Alexandra Palace, London, on March 20 and 21.

For those of you who have a 'licence to drive'.





Dinner With Halle Berry or Sean Connery Top Valentine List

January 28, 2004 - Sur La Table

If you could choose a celebrity to dine with on Valentine's Day, who would it be? According to a recent survey* commissioned by the national kitchenware retailer Sur La Table, 27% of American males surveyed said they would prefer to dine with Academy Award winner Halle Berry and 40% of American females prefer to dine with the "ultimate 007" Sean Connery. When asked which celebrity chef they would choose to prepare their meal, Chef Emeril Lagasse kicked it up a notch and was declared a favorite by 36%. The survey also revealed that strawberries are the aphrodisiac of choice and the majority of those surveyed admitted to using a pet name for a loved one.

If only a chance of dining with a high-profile celebrity was as easy as baking a batch of homemade cookies! For males, Jennifer Anniston (20%) was chosen second to Ms. Berry, while Jennifer Lopez (19%) won a tasty third place. Unfortunately for the material girl, Madonna was considered least appetizing (5%).

Although Mr. Connery received the majority of votes for women surveyed, Denzel Washington (19%) proved to be an utterly delicious choice, with Brad Pitt (16%) and Ben Affleck (11%) trailing not far behind.

Unfortunately for British culinary sensation Jamie Oliver (7%), most Americans prefer cuisine prepared by Emeril Lagasse (36%). Wolfgang Puck tempted palates at (19%), leaving culinary cutie Rachael Ray with only a small percentage of votes (9%).

One might think oysters to be the preferred aphrodisiac, however, 49% of the people surveyed said strawberries were the superior choice. Oysters (19%) finished only slightly higher than truffles (12%) leaving caviar in the dust (5%).

When asked what term of endearment Americans found most palatable, honey topped the list with 64%. Sweetie was considered less appetizing, with only (34%) respondents having used it. Most considered the term peaches inedible with only (6%) respondents having used the expression. Even fewer respondents admitted to calling a loved one cookie (4%).

For kitchenware perfectly suited to cook, entertain and romance, Sur La Table offers several items** for the Valentine's holiday. For products and gift suggestions visit www.surlatable.com .

Sur La Table, the premier store, mail order and e-commerce kitchenware company, currently operates retail locations across the United States, many with culinary programs; an in-store and on-line gift registry system; a mail order catalog and an e-commerce site. For the nearest store and to request a free catalog, call 800.243.0852 or shop online at www.surlatable.com .

What? No mention of Dom Pérignon. I prefer the '53 myself.





'James Bond-Like' Truck Found Smuggling Drugs

January 28, 2004 - The New Mexico Channel

Drug smugglers are getting more creative in using technology to move contraband through New Mexico, but a truck customized for smuggling didn't get past a drug-sniffing dog and border patrol agents in Alamogordo.

The agents said the truck they found Monday was like nothing they had seen before. The pickup was stopped at the traffic checkpoint on Highway 70, south of Alamogordo. Agents said the driver, Larry Green Jr., was acting suspicious and then the border patrol dog sniffed something out in the truck bed. Under the truck's speakers, the agents said they found a false compartment operated by hydraulics, with a built-in trigger switch. Inside, they found 200 pounds of marijuana.

U.S. Border Patrol spokesman Doug Moiser said there was a similar system inside the cab hiding a loaded gun. "It was James Bond-like," Moiser said. "There was a lot of good work done by the agents." Moiser said that the agents also found 68 Ecstasy pills, a stun gun, cash and cell phones. The truck -- and Green -- were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Obviously a former employee of Franz Sanchez. He should have had the invisibility device installed as well.





OO7 Goes Incognito

February 2, 2004 - The Daily Telegraph

JAMES BOND couldn't have done a better job of hiding in a crowd. Or maybe we've all just forgotten about Australia's only Agent 007, George Lazenby. All week, he's been photographed next to big-name celebs such as Greg Norman, Lleyton Hewitt, Kim Clijsters and Mark Philippoussis at the Australian Open, yet the former James Bond has gone largely unnoticed by the media. Yet the Queanbeyan-bred actor may be one of the bigger stories of the Open.

At 64, Lazenby is an expectant father: his wife, US tennis legend Pam Shriver, 41, is expecting in July. Lazenby shot to fame in 1969 when he played James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. He later had TV roles including a part in General Hospital.

Lazenby and Shriver met several years ago at a tennis tournament in Australia. They were reunited at Wimbledon in 2000 and launched a whirlwind romance, becoming engaged on Valentine's Day 2001 and married in June, 2002. Such is the former secret agent and the 22-time grand slam winner's love of tennis that the couple have just sold their $4 million home in Pacific Palisades, California - because it doesn't have a tennis court.

The pregnancy was announced on the eve of the Australian Open, during which Shriver spent most of her time in the commentary box, leaving Lazenby to watch the games with Australia's tennis greats.

"I love being incognito. I'm not a shy person, but I don't like being on show," Lazenby said.

He said he was relishing the thought of fatherhood and the age difference between him and Shriver was not a concern.

"Life goes on; you know the bullets are still red-hot."

The couple plan on having the baby in the US, where they will return after a short holiday in Australia.

From Australia with Love-30.





Britney Spears Mad About Bond

February 3, 2004 - The Mirror

DIAMONDS are forever but a pop career sure isn't - which could explain why Britney Spears has set her sights on becoming a Bond girl. And what a surprise... it just so happens that her mentor, Madonna, played a small part in the last Bond flick, Die Another Day.

According to our sources, Britney fancies herself as a lithe-limbed lovely opposite Pierce Brosnan in the next 007 movie, due out in 2005. The 22-year-old copycat is in talks with film-makers after instigating a meeting with Bond producer Barbara Brocolli.

"Britney's desperate to carve out a name for herself as an actress and loves the idea of being a Bond girl," reveals our insider. "She's in great shape and thinks she'd be brilliant.

"Britney has seen what it's done profile-wise for Halle Berry and she wants a slice of the action." But we can understand why they may be reluctant to sign her. Britney was widely panned for her starring role in Crossroads, a sickly-sweet teen road-trip movie.

And since then her acting experience has only extended to a new Pepsi advert, where she appears alongside Pink, Enrique Iglesias and Beyonce Knowles. In an exclusive interview she told us: "I want to take my acting very seriously because that's what I'm going to be concentrating on over the next few years."

Sources close to Britney say they hope she will get the part as she needs to have something worthwhile to focus on. The gum-chewing singer has had friends and family pulling their hair out in despair over the past couple of years at her partying lifestyle. The last straw came when she married childhood friend Jason Alexander in a tacky Las Vegas chapel after going on a massive New Year's Eve booze bender. Her mum Lynne went crackers and made her daughter get the marriage annulled after 55 hours. Insiders say furious Lynne has told Britney in no uncertain terms to sort herself out or her career could be irreparably damaged.

Our source continues: "Britney knows she's got to buck up her ideas. "Her music career's going nowhere and she knows that to succeed in films she's got to go for the jugular - that's why she decided to go directly to Barbara.

"Ideally Britney wants to have a main role as a beautiful villain but nothing has been signed yet." Let's just hope that if she does managed to land her dream role, Britney doesn't take acting lessons from Madonna, too.

Although this is news from a well know tabloid newspaper. The thought of Britney being a Bond girl makes my stomach turn. In the pass, Bond girls were more mature and sexy. Britney looks like a bubble gum chewing teenager on speed.





Brosnan May Have To Say 'Never Again!'

February 9, 2004 - The Times Of India

The buzz doing the rounds is that Pierce Brosnan may be axed from the next James Bond flick. The reason is that producers think he is too old to play the suave spy at 50! According to a report in Rate the music.com, the Irish actor who has donned the garb of the sleuth in four films, has been optioned to return for a fifth.

However, sources claim that studio bosses want a new face and a fresh look for the 22nd Bond movie, which is slated to go on the floors next year. Other faces being considered for the role of Bond include Jude Law, Colin Farrell, Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale and Orlando Bloom.

"We have the opportunity to re-energise the franchise and take it to even greater heights. We will go back to the first days of Bond – maybe even his first mission. We want to attract more young fans and we think that having a younger Bond will help," a source at Bond makers Eon Productions revealed to British newspaper the Daily Mail. But The Tailor of Panama is hung up on stirring martini and cruising along in his trademark Aston Martin.

"Pierce felt Roger Moore did one too many Bond movies and he wants to move on while he is still considered alongside Sean Connery," a source said.

Although Eon is yet to officially announce the move, a spokesperson hinted that the hunt is on for younger audiences.

Gives a whole new meaning to 'you're only as good as your last job!'





Welcome To Miami, Mr. Bond

February 9, 2004 - BCW Productions

BCW Productions is organizing their seventh Bond Collectors' Weekend. The BCWs are variety events drawing fans from as far as Europe and Asia to the US to visit James Bond locations and movie vehicles and to meet celebrities in an intimate setting limited to 50 fans.

The seventh annual Bond Collectors' Weekend is set for Miami, Florida! Six previous BCWs in Las Vegas, California, Florida, New Orleans and Chicago have drawn notice in the LA Times, Washington Post, Time Magazine, on television and on hundreds of websites.

Weekend 007 features an overnight Key West stay and theme tours of 40 book and film points of interest from "Goldfinger", "Licence To Kill", "Nobody Lives Forever", "The Man From Barbarossa" and "Thunderball".

Itinerary

FRIDAY

8:00 AM: (For those arriving early) Meet fellow fans and collectors from around the US and Canada. Your stay includes complimentary breakfast each day, poolside.

9:30 AM: Guided tour of downtown Miami, Virginia Key, Cape Florida Lighthouse and Biscayne National Park.

Noon: Group luncheon on Key Biscayne, on location from Clive Cussler's CYCLOPS. Take a dip with us in the Atlantic after lunch.

2:00 PM: Miami tour including fashion and entertainment centers Coral Gables ("Midnight Cowboy"), Coconut Grove ("Wild Things") and Bal Harbour ("Analyze This").

5:00 PM: Dine at Joe's Stone Crab, the "Bill's On The Beach" of Ian Fleming's GOLDFINGER. (Nominal charge for those in early/able to attend.)

8:00 PM - 2:00 AM: Nonstop TUXEDO/COSTUME/COME AS YOU ARE, 007 PARTY with games, prizes and themed food and drink at hotel. Sip martinis and dance the night away with couple and single Bond fans and friends.

SATURDAY

7:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel

8:00 AM: Visit beautiful Marathon and the Seven Mile Bridge (Sanchez escapes!) and more than 25 points of interest from the 007 books and films! Enjoy historic Key West's Lighthouse, Old Town, Southernmost Point and more on our guided tour plus Bond, Bond, Bond!

8:12 PM: Catch Sunset Celebration (as Bond did in NOBODY LIVES FOREVER) on the Gulf of Mexico at Mallory Square before heading for local nightlife. Shop world famous Duval Street. Your overnight stay is at the Key Ambassador on seven resort acres overlooking the Atlantic.

SUNDAY

7:00 AM: Breakfast together at Key Ambassador Resort.

8:00 AM: Tour the Florida Keys, South Beach and Miami's Art Deco district including more movie and book locations from GOLDFINGER, THUNDERBALL and LICENCE TO KILL.

3:00 PM: Depart Sunday for home or stay late for shopping, Bonding with the gang and dinner at Bayside Marketplace.

This year's tours feature 40 Bond locations and exclusives as always. Points of interest are also on tap from Speed 2, Miami Vice, True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Ace Ventura, Scarface, There's Something About Mary, The Specialist, Cocoon, Bad Boys.

Your BCW package includes: HOTEL STAY of three days/two nights single or double occupancy in Miami and Key West; breakfast each morning; all guided tour admissions; dinner Friday night at our party; all ground transportation and gratuities; 007th Weekend commemorative gifts and themed prizes and more!

Bond Collectors' Weekend 007: Friday - Sunday, June 4-6, 2004

*Single Occupancy (One 007): $389.50

**Double Occupancy (Two 007s, ask about roommate matching): $565.50 per couple

*Extra child staying in room/on tours (Junior 007s 13 and under): $160.00, space permitting (one child and one adult in one room are charged couples'price)

BCW packages for locals (without hotel stay) are available for $200 per person. Call or write for more. Late and early hotel nights are available through BCW Productions, including upgrades to a suite on Friday night for only $25 more or stay in a suite with Jacuzzi for just $65 more (single or double occupancy)!

Please make checks or money order payable to AllSpies Productions at: ALLSPIES PRODUCTIONS 2711 NW 42 PL GAINESVILLE FL 32605

Note on your check: "007th Weekend Registration". Space is limited. For more information contact 007Forever.com

Gold painted dead ladies are always free of charge.





Sideshow Collectibles Giving Away OHMSS

February 9, 2004 - SideShow

Sideshow Collectibles will be debuting their new products for the upcoming 2004 year at Toy Fair, February 15 - 18. Press and reporters are welcome to stop by our booth #2573. Stay tuned to their newsletter as they will start releasing advanced pictures for new items from James Bond. Also EA Bond gamers and Sideshow newsletter members can now compete to win a set of Bond figures from the movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." This set includes George Lazenby as James Bond and the bald-headed Telly Savalas as evil Blofeld.

You can link to the website by clicking on the Sideshow banner on the main page.





New Sideshow Bond Figures For 2004 And Beyond

February 10, 2004 - DSBG

According to a source close to Sideshow Toys, new James Bond figures will soon grace the shelves of collectors. Memorable characters from Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, From Russia With Love, Moonraker, The Living Daylights and GoldenEye will soon be announced in the next few days.



Sideshow plans to bring out Donald Pleasance as Blofeld, Gert Frobe as Goldfinger, Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo, Daniela Bianchi as Tatiana Romanov, and Robert Shaw as Red Grant. Plus Sir Miles Messervy as played by Bernard Lee.

Once again Sideshow Toys is helping to keep the British end up.





Brosnan May Be Getting The Boot Afterall

February 11, 2004 - DSBG

Sources close to MGM and Eon Productions have confirmed that Pierce Brosnan's contract to play OO7 in Bond 21 may not happen. Although this is nothing new when it comes to contractual negotiations (Roger Moore's lawyers were very shrewed when negotiating for dollars during the making of For Your Eyes Only and Octopussy while Broccoli tested actors such as James Brolin), the rumormill has gone into over drive with speculations as to who will replace him. But one should also take this with a grain of salt since the filmmakers may be testing the water to see if the general public will be upset with this revelation.

It is also possible that the producers want an actor who is available to make the films every two years rather than three.





Bond Girls For Your Eyes Only

February 11, 2004 - by Alan McEwen for Scotsman.com

Two of the most famous Bond girls are set to appear in Edinburgh as part of a 007 celebration. Shirley Eaton, who gained worldwide fame by lying naked on a bed covered in gold paint in Goldfinger, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the film in the home city of its star, Sean Connery. And Tanya Roberts, who played Bond’s love interest in A View To A Kill, has been approached to attend a similar special screening.

Eaton will be interviewed live on stage at the Dominion Cinema by leading James Bond expert Brian Smith before a showing of the secret agent’s 1964 outing. The actress, now 67, played the character of Jill Masterson who was killed by bowler-hatted henchman Odd Job using a suffocating layer of glistening gold paint.

Shirley was a very big name in British cinema before Goldfinger, which gave her international status. She even appeared on the cover of Life magazine. But she more or less retired in 1968 to devote herself to her husband and children."

Eaton’s other film roles include Ten Little Indians, Doctor In The House, Three Men In A Boat and Carry On Nurse. She also starred in three episodes of The Saint television series with future Bond actor Roger Moore.

Mr. Smith is currently in talks to persuade American actress Roberts, 48, to fly over and visit the Capital. She played Stacy Sutton in 1985’s A View To A Kill and was a former member of TV crimefighting trio Charlie’s Angels. In the film her seismologist character helped Bond foil a plot by the villainous Max Zorin to destroy California’s Silicon Valley.

The event will take place on March 25th.





A Seabisquit Fluke

February 13, 2004 - DSBG

What a difference a week makes. On Monday, February 9th, speculations rushed through the Internet like a fiery thunderball that Pierce Brosnan was being let go from his OO7 contract. Fan sites and legitimate news vendors were hyping the story so well that one would think the rumor was true. Both MGM and Eon Productions had not denied the reports until Friday. Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, both very reliable sources, reported that Brosnan was definitely signed to play Her Majesty's secret agent in Bond 21.

But is that the end of this story?

The part of James Bond has always been a horserace, and around the globe this week bookies were taking bets as to who was going to be the next OO7. Hugh Jackman was 2/1 odds while Orlando Bloom was 5/1 and Jude Law 25/1. But the reports did not say if Brosnan was still in the race. We may never know for years if this was a seabisquit fluke or a contractual disagreement between MGM and Brosnan. But as this website mentioned before, take this information with a grain of saltpeter.

And pass the ammunition.





GoldenEye Lives Again

February 13, 2004 - GameCube Europe

EA have announced that they will be creating and in-house game developed around the 1995 James Bond film Goldeneye! That's right, folks, GoldenEye will live again! EA have decided to make full use of their publishing rights to the James Bond franchise and create a game based on an existing James Bond film.

Traditionally, EA-developed Bond games have been created based around original plotlines and characters. But this time they've decided to work on the popular film licence, which made its' exclusive outing on the Nintendo 64, developed by Rare.

Those of you hoping for an update of Rares classic are going to be disappointed, however: this is NOT going to be a "GoldenEye: The Directors Cut" this will be an entirely new game developed by the in-house development studios in America. It will be interesting to see the reaction of the gaming public to the news that one of gamings best-loved sons is now to be made anew by the worlds largest third party publisher.

No doubt Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day are all being considered as well.





Brosnan Is Our Bond

February 16, 2004 - Empire Online

Readers have been emailing us all week about the state of play on Bond 21 following an article in the Daily Mail which quoted a source at Eon Productions as saying that Brosnan's contract to play 007 wasn't being renewed for Bond 21. The status of the Bond film was further confused this weekend when the website Latino Review spoke to MGM who said that the rumours weren't true at all.

Eager to put the matter to rest once and for all, Empire Online spoke direct to Eon Productions this morning to find out just what was going on. And let us tell you – they're not happy bunnies there at all. 'All these rumours have come from a newspaper who quoted someone at Eon when they haven't spoken to anyone here,' complained Eon's Publicity Manger Catherine McCormack. 'For now, Pierce Brosnan is our James Bond. We haven't made any statement to say he isn't our James Bond.'

'It's so difficult to comment,' she went on to say, 'when we don't have a script or even a start date.' So has Brosnan signed a contract with you, we asked. 'He signed an initial three contract deal with us,' she explained, 'and from then on it's on a film by film basis. So he hasn't signed one yet.'

So there you go. They don't have a script. They don't have a start date. And as of this morning, Eon doesn't even have a signed contract with Pierce Brosnan – but that's apparently completely normal for this stage of film production. Just so you know.

Facinating. Eon is admitting that Brosnan has not signed a contract as of today, which in most circles of entertainment news would spin it to say that Brosnan is not doing Bond 21. As I mentioned before, take it with a grain of salt.





Everything On EVERYTHING OR NOTHING

February 18, 2004 - Various

James Bond returns today in Electronic Arts' James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, which has shipped to retail outlets nationwide under the EA GAMES brand. Everything or Nothing is a stunning mix of action, espionage and high-speed driving that marks Bond's fifth mission for Electronic Arts. The title is available for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system from Sony, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, and Nintendo GameCube.

In James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing, players will encounter dangerous villains, exotic locations, beautiful women, fast cars, and high-tech gadgetry. The original script by veteran Bond screenwriter Bruce Feirstein immerses the player in the world of James Bond. The real-time, cinematic action-adventure is set in a third-person view that showcases an all-star voice cast featuring Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, John Cleese, Richard "Jaws" Kiel, Heidi Klum, Mya, and Shannon Elizabeth. All versions of the game feature both action and driving levels. The PlayStation 2 console version adds online play so that two agents can play together, a Bond franchise first (online play requires the PlayStation 2 console, a broadband connection, memory card and network adaptor for the PlayStation 2).

Officially licensed by MGM Interactive, James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing was developed by EA Redwood Shores and EA Canada. The game is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $49.95 on console platforms ($29.95 for Nintendo Game Boy(R) Advance, which also is available). For more information on the game's online features, visit the platform-specific pages of the official James Bond videogame home page at www.007.ea.com.

The game's script was written by Bruce Feirstein, whose Bond movie-writing credits include The World is Not Enough, Tomorrow Never Dies and GoldenEye.

"I was completely amazed by the cast that EA assembled. It was as good as anything we've done on a Bond movie," Feirstein said in a telephone interview. "I think what this game shows is the kind of convergence that goes on. Whereas this has become such a big, important entertainment medium, we're now able to attract that kind of talent. I mean, Judi Dench in an electronic game?"

The game's cast of actors and musician-composers have won or been nominated for Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and Grammys. Everything or Nothing even starts like a Bond movie - although it is a stand-alone title with no links to future films - as the gamer is thrown into a ticklish situation before the plot kicks in.

It was Feirstein's first foray into the world of gaming, but the American says it wasn't that much different from writing for any other medium.

"It's like a newspaper article, you hope the first paragraph will be interesting enough that people want to read the second," he said. "When you do a video game or an electronic game, you hope the first level of play will keep you interested to do the second. Writing is writing. It's all about what happens next."

And there's plenty to write about when it comes to Bond, although Electronic Arts designers presented Feirstein with the basic framework for a story. There are restrictions, however. Like Star Wars devotees, Bond fans can be fanatical. There was someone on hand to oversee game production "from the Bond point of view."

"There are things you do and don't do," said Feirstein. "Everyone thinks they know Bond but it's really once you get inside it that you realize all the little rules. The rules for a Bond movie are that you can have everything that someone can do with an unlimited amount of money," he continued. "What that means is you can hollow out a volcano and fill it with big-breasted women. What that means is that you cannot time-travel, you cannot morph yourself into something else. The last movie (Die Another Day) came very very very close to skirting that rule with the invisible car. The Bond movies deal five minutes into the future."

Everything or Nothing has Bond in a new third-person perspective, as opposed to the first-person view of the last game 007: Nightfire. The new game also offers a two-player co-op mode and four-player multiplayer mode, and there is online play in the PlayStation version. Graphics are superb and gamers should enjoy rapelling down buildings with a weapon in hand or breaking the speed limit in an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, Porsche Cayenne Turbo SUV or Triumph Daytona 600 motorcycle. In addition to the now-routine goofy Bond plot, the game also features more than 20 weapons and gadgets.

Feirstein's many writing credits include a regular column for the New York Observer and he is also a contributing editor for Vanity Fair. But his Bond credentials often grab attention first.

"You can't imagine the impact that Bond has had on worldwide culture. I defy anyone to go a week in any newspaper without finding at least some reference to something that is Bond-like . . . It's amazing to me how it permeates culture everywhere. There were almost riots when Pierce would go to various cities," he added.

Bond movies produce plenty of other anecdotes on location. Feirstein, who is in his late 40s and remembers watching Bond movies in the theatre with his dad, recalls being in a producer's hotel suite in Bangkok, which covered the entire top floor. The hotel overlooked the Chiang Mai river and as Feirstein and others went over the script in the boardroom, two black helicopters rocketed up the river one firing at the other.

"Off in the distance, we saw something blow up and a small cloud rise. I don't even blink, I turn to the producer and say 'Are those ours?' 'Yes, those are ours."'

Then there was the time making GoldenEye when the producers bought up a consignment of Russian tanks and MIG aircraft and put them on a film lot north of London. A couple of days later, the studio got a visit from the Home Office and MI5. A satellite had noticed the weaponry and the officials were wondering what the hardware was needed for.

Since 1962, there have been 20 Eon produced Bond movies. EA has done a half-dozen video games: Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, 007 Racing, 007: Agent Under Fire, 007 Nightfire and now 007:Everything or Nothing.

And soon a version of the film GoldenEye.





Jaws Sinks His Teeth Into Video Gaming

February 18, 2004 - by Neil Davidson for The Canadian Press

"His name's Jaws. He kills people."

That's how Roger Moore sums up Richard Kiel in Moonraker, the 1979 James Bond film that was the second and final Bond outing for the seven-foot-two assassin with steel teeth. But Kiel is after Bond again - Pierce Brosnan, this time - in 007: Everything or Nothing.

Kiel, who got a royalty fee from EA for appearing in the game, has been in video games before "but nothing like this one," he says.

True to character, Jaws does not say much in the game. "Jaws is more the strong silent type," said the 64-year-old Kiel, noting that Jaws said nothing in The Spy Who Loved Me and had one line in Moonraker.

Kiel has done plenty of other acting - everything from films Happy Gilmore, The Longest Yard and Pale Rider to such TV shows as Lassie and Gilligan's Island - but Jaws stands out.

"It suddenly made me a household name all over the world," he said of Jaws. "It's been totally a blessing."

He has done appearances in Germany and the Netherlands already this year. London, Tokyo and Scotland have also been on his itinerary in recent years. Jaws isn't your normal villain. He was sometimes hapless, in fact, an underdog bad guy with a soft side. Kiel sees a resurgence in Jaws. "It's phenomenal, the Jaws thing."

Fans haven't forgotten him. The new issue of 007 Magazine has a big spread on Jaws and there's even a 35 centimetre Jaws figure, a limited edition that retails for $50 US. Kiel's 4½-year-old grandson has seen the demo version of the new game and loves it. And when the little guy saw the new Jaws figure, he couldn't wait to play with "the papa toy." And while Jaws is about to reach senior citizen status, he can always come back. He survives the crash of a space station at the conclusion of Moonraker.

It's been almost a quarter-century, but Kiel remembers wearing Jaw's teeth. "They weren't painful but they were uncomfortable in that they were sort of nauseating. If you've ever had a dental impression taken where they put that tray with the glue stuff and they shove it up in the roof of your mouth to mould to your teeth. . . . These teeth were made out of chromium steel, so you had the taste of chrome up in the roof of your mouth. It was kind of like swallowing a bumper. It was very nauseating. "So when the director said 'cut, print,' out came the teeth and they had a teeth person standing by with mouthwash for the teeth and for me."

Kiel has a special place for Jaws. He recalls sneaking into to a special screening of 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, a viewing for MGM Studio blue-collar workers. He had no idea whether Jaws would live or die, since they shot two endings. "I was just amazed by the reaction to Jaws," he said. Kiel thought he was a goner when the submarine base collapses in the finale, only to see Jaws pop up in the water.

"The audience when berserk," he said. "They just screamed and laughed and applauded. Man, what a moment for an actor. "Seventeen years of working as an actor, all these TV things, and at that moment I knew that I had finally made it in the movies. It was incredible."

Outside of Bond, he has been co-working on a novel called Kentucky Lion: The Cassius Clay Story. It's the true story of a man who ran for president the same time as Abraham Lincoln, who helped free slaves, including the great-great-grandfather of Muhammad Ali.

"It's a great story, it's kind of like Schindler's List except it's about an American who did more than anybody else to put an end to slavery," said Kiel, who first came across the story some 25 years ago and has been researching Clay's story ever since.

A car accident that affected his balance has hampered Kiel from acting recently, although he made Happy Gilmore with the help of producers who allowed him to lean on things. Back surgery did not cure the problem, but the 340-pound Kiel is getting on with things. "Hey, I'm still here. I'm not complaining," he said. And he sees a positive in having more time to write and to spend with wife, his four kids and three grandchildren.

Good to see an old henchman dropping in for a quick bite.





Four Questions With Mya

February 18, 2004 - by Misha Davenport for The Chicago Sun Times

Mya has tackled the charts as a Grammy-winning R&B singer and the big screen as one of the merry murderesses on Death Row in last year's Oscar-winner "Chicago." She now sets her sights on video games, singing the title song and appearing as a character in Electronic Arts' "James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing," in stores today. We recently chatted with Mya about her role in the game and everything else shaken, not stirred:

Q: Describe the role you play in the game.

A: I play Mya Starling, an NSA agent who is working undercover as a singer in a jazz club in New Orleans called the Kiss Kiss Club. I do some double crossing, get captured and James Bond has to rescue me.

Q: What's different about acting in a video game versus in a film?

A: The video game didn't require much movement on my part. I did the voiceover and then sat for a cyber scan that took 10 minutes at the most. I had to sit still, no action or movement. The Mya in the game is pure technology

Q: What do you think of your digital counterpart?

A: They shot some film of me acting, so they have my facial expressions down. It's spooky. It's very fascinating to see "myself" in action -- animated, but so real life.

Q: The game features three renditions of your theme song -- a pop version, a jazz version and a techno version. Do you have a favorite?

A: Performance-wise, my favorite is the jazz version that appears in a scene in the Kiss Kiss Club. I got to work with some jazz musicians. Of course, the techno version is more appropriate for gamers. It's got more of a beat.

Interesting. The Kiss Kiss Club, originally seen in the film Thunderball, has a franchise in New Orleans. Who would have thought?





Connery Joins Hands With Taiwan

February 19, 2004 - ShortNews.com

"Hand in Hand to Protect Taiwan" is an event which has been organised to protest China’s missile threat against Taiwan. Taiwan won independance from China in 1949 with a civil war. A 190-mile human chain is planned for next week and Sir Sean Connery will be joining the protesters. President Chen Shui-bian and Connery will join hands in front of the Presidential Office building in Taipei. Tibet independence supporter Richard Gere had also been invited to join the chain but had prior commitments.

A modern day version of an 'arms race'!





From Taiwan With Rumorfinger

February 20, 2004 - by Huang Tai-lin for The Taipei Times

Members of the Hand-in-Hand Taiwan Alliance yesterday lodged a protest in front of the opposition People First Party's (PFP) headquarters in Taipei, demanding an apology from party chairman James Soong for supposedly hindering Scottish actor Sean Connery from coming to Taiwan and taking part in the alliance's rally.

The protest was in response to PFP spokesman Hwang Yih-jiau's statement on Saturday that the award-winning actor's decision not to take part in the rally was a result of advice by the PFP. Connery's agent, however, said on Friday that the award-winning actor and Scottish-independence activist never intended to join the rally.

Connery was rumored last Thursday to be coming to Taiwan to join the "Hand-in-Hand Rally" slated to take place on Feb. 28. The rally, a human chain that organizers say will stretch across the island over a distance of more than 500km, is meant to protest China's targeting of Taiwan with missiles.

Hwang, who also serves as the spokesman of the pro-unification Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT)-PFP alliance, toned down his remarks yesterday, saying that Connery's decision not to join the Hand-in-Hand rally was strictly his own.

"It was based on the principle that we wished Connery not be misled and manipulated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that the PFP, via its channels, explained to him the truth and essence about the rally -- that the event involves Taiwan's election," Hwang said at a press conference at the alliance's national campaign headquarters.

"Out of respect for Taiwan's domestic election, it was Connery's decision not to come to Taiwan, and not one that resulted from any demands or hindering from the PFP," Hwang said.

Charles Chen, president of the Madielih International Corp, told the Taipei Times in a phone interview yesterday that it was due to "political influence" that Connery canceled his rumored plans to take part in the 228 rally. Stating that he had become acquainted with the James Bond star when he helped finance the production of Connery's movie, Entrapment, Chen said he had made a phone call to Connery on Sunday. Chen said that during their phone conversation, which lasted for approximately 20 minutes, the actor told him that he had been invited to the 228 rally and had originally planned to come to Taiwan and take part in the event.

"While [Connery] refrained from making a clear explanation, he stated that it was because of political influence that he decided to cancel his plan [to take part in the event]," Chen said.

What we have here is a failure to communicate!





James Bond Car Comes To An End

February 20, 2004 - EDP24

Smooth, stylish, sophisticated – and licensed to thrill. Just like its most famous driver, James Bond, the Lotus Esprit has become a British star with a global following. But today Norfolk's very own 'Bond car' reaches the end of its action-packed 28-year journey as the last ever Esprit rolls off the production line.

The saffron yellow 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 supercar, with a top speed of 175mph, is the 10,675th Esprit to have been made at Hethel, near Wymondham, since production began in 1976 – and it's already been snapped up by a Lotus collector in America.

Current and retired staff who have been involved in hand-building Esprits will gather this morning with other guests for a ceremony to mark the end of an era. The company says the Esprit has reached the end of its "long and illustrious life" and wants to concentrate on developing other models.

"We will be celebrating how successful the Esprit has been and look back at a really important period in the history of Lotus," said company spokesman Mike Stainton. "It will be a chance for people to share their many memories and stories from the last 28 years."

He added: "The Esprit has been such a great product because of the hard work, dedication and support of all the staff involved. We cannot speak highly enough of them."

Unveiled in 1972 as a styling concept at the Turin Motor Show, the Esprit's's hand-made suits. The Peter Stevens redesign of 1987 gave the Esprit softer, rounded edges and though some enthusiasts felt this endowed it with a butch, muscular body, traditionalists were saddened by the demise of Giugiaro's "cutting-wedge technology".

Thanks to a shrewd deal struck with producer Cubby Broccoli by the then Lotus public relations chief, Don McLauchlan, the Esprit was propelled to world stardom as Roger Moore's amphibious Bondmobile in the 1977 movie The Spy Who Loved Me. Two more Esprits featured in Bond's 1981 adventure, For Your Eyes Only, albeit briefly.

"It was quite something to say I was off to work each morning to build James Bond cars," said Bill Brown, 60, who began at Lotus in 1963 and is its longest-serving employee. "Everyone's disappointed to see the Esprit go – it's the last of the traditional hand-built Lotuses."

A legend in it's own time.





Sean Connery IS BACK!

February 24, 2004 - Sideshow Collectibles

From the original James Bond comes Sean Connery's portrayal of our favorite secret agent: 007! The new 1/4 scale Connery as James Bond from 'Diamonds are Forever' is now available for pre-order at Sideshow Collectibles.
This highly detailed, limited edition figure features an amazing portrait of Connery with his classic arched eyebrow expression. Follow the link to view pictures! This suave super spy has an exquisitely detailed tuxedo, famous cross-legged stance, and comes with a display base that features the classic gun barrel design. Sculpted by Mat Falls this collectible is retailing for $225.00.

Diamonds are forever, but this collectible will not be. It is a limited addition and most likely will sell out quickly.





On This Day In 1962

February 26, 2004 - MegaStar

At last, the Swiss produce something better than cuckoo clocks On this day in 1962, filming started on the first ever Bond movie Dr No. MegaStar sent this report from set...

A film about a Martini drinking nancy? We have to say we’re dubious. However, we’re not one to turn down a jolly to the West Indies to see what it’s all about.

Filming has just started on a new film based on the novels of Ian Fleming about a secret agent who goes to a Caribbean island and battles with an evil scientist who – quelle surprise - is after world domination. Yawn.

Dr No? More like Dr No-No.

They reckon this will launch a series of films - but judging by the predictable story lines of this Fleming chap and the limited acting skills of Sean Connery – a dodgy Scot who is playing the lead John Brand (or something) - we can’t see it happening.

However, there is a diamond in the rough, so to speak - and it’s not the all-inclusive massages on offer at our freebie hotel. Imagine our joy on set today as a damp specimen of female loveliness emerged from the sea, naked but for a bikini, knife and a scowl. This honey - quite literally for her character is named after the bee-produced product – is Ursula Andress. Ursula Undress more like! As for more films staring this 0800 chap we reckon they should stick with the Swiss Miss Ursula for the next spin-off, judging by the effect she’s left on us. Shaken? Nah. But we’re most definitely stirred.

Be careful of what you say or write, it might come back to haunt you 40+ years later.





Connery Falls!

March 2, 2004 - Ananova

Sean Connery has been handed the unusual honour of having a waterfall named after him. The former Bond actor is to be immortalised as Connery Falls on Panama’s River Pina. The feature was renamed in his honour by the British Explorer Colonel John Blashford Snell, reports the Mail on Sunday. The 73-year-old star was a patron of the explorer’s recent Central American expedition.

And you thought Sean had fallen in an accident?





Brosnan Says His 007 Future is "Opaque"

March 2, 2004 - Variety

Variety chatted with one of the many superstars at the Oscars Night Before party, Pierce Brosnan, who noted he'd completed four films in a row. As for whether he'll be back for another outing as James Bond, Brosnan said that commitment was "opaque."

So Brosnan is trying to say that his future as OO7 is either impervious to the rays of light; not transparent. Or obscure; not clear; unintelligible. According to Dictionary.com. Quick someone call Roger Moore and ask him what opaque means?





Bond 21 May Have A Familiar Face

March 2, 2004 - Moviehole

According to insider 'Brits' Martin Campbell is under consideration to direct the next Bond film. Campbell of course directed Pierce Brosnan in his first 007 outing "Goldeneye". "Campbell has been tipped, though his commitment to Zorro 2 would clash with the Bond schedule", he says, signalling a switcheroo in the schedule would have to happen if Campbell agrees to return.

The next flick's a long ways off still. "On the script side, it is said from insiders that Bond 21 hasn't been written yet..".

And whilst on the subject of the Martini swiggin' super-agent, On BBC's Breakfast show today, February 26th, special guest actor Dougray Scott - rumoured to be up for the 007 gig once Brosnan vacates the Aston Martin - was asked whether he is about to take over from Pierce Brosnan and be the next James Bond. Dougray smiled and said it's a huge thing to take on, but if the Broccoli's called him up, then he'd surely be interested.

The obvious Scottish comparrisons were made between Dougray and Sean Connery where he responded by saying he thought Sean was great, but Pierce is brilliant too.

And an update on that 'Female Bond' flick, "Semper Occultus" starring Jet Li and Jason Statham. Former 007 star Timothy Dalton is believed to be in talks for a role.

Martin Campbell is perhaps the best of the last four directors who have helmed a Bond film. I hope this rumour is true.





Dana Broccoli - 1922-2004

March 3, 2004 - The Telegraph

Dana Broccoli who died on Sunday aged 82, was the widow of Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, the producer of the James Bond films; during their 37-year marriage she was her husband's unofficial adviser and muse, and became, after his death, the custodian of the James Bond franchise.



Elegant and well-connected, Dana Broccoli was the perfect foil to her husband who was the son of an Italian-American bricklayer; but while the vast and affable Cubby - who liked to cook pasta for his cast and crew - was noted for his geniality, it was the chic, raven-haired Dana who had a more steely reputation. "I'm half Irish and half Italian," she would explain. "I'm just bloody-minded." Even her adoring husband described her as "formidable" several times in his autobiography. "Dana," he wrote, "takes no prisoners. She does not have the gift of forgiveness".

In 1959 Broccoli was already a successful producer when he married Dana Wilson, a divorcee, following a six-week courtship. A year later Broccoli and the Canadian producer Harry Saltzman set up a film company with the intention of putting Ian Fleming's James Bond novels on the big screen. Broccoli was not the first film-maker to approach Fleming, but, aided by his shrewd and glamorous wife, the bear-like New Yorker struck up an unlikely friendship with Fleming, an Old Etonian with a marked disdain for Hollywood. "I found him a lovely man," Dana Broccoli recalled years later, "charming and intelligent."

Moreover, it was Dana Broccoli who decided that an unknown beefcake named Sean Connery was the right man to play Bond in Dr No (1962), the first of the Bond films. Connery had come to Cubby Broccoli's attention playing a burly farmhand in a Walt Disney film about leprechauns.

"One day," Dana Broccoli later recalled, "Cubby called me and said: 'Could you come down and look at this Disney leprechaun film, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, at the Goldwyn Studios? I don't know if this Sean Connery guy has any sex appeal.' I saw that face and the way he moved and talked, and I said: 'Cubby, he's fabulous!' He was just perfect, he had star material right there."

But she had little sympathy with Connery after he referred, in 1966, to "fat-slob producers living off the backs of lean actors", and after Connery issued a law-suit in 1984 against Broccoli demanding more royalties from the Bond films. Connery eventually abandoned the dispute after settling for merchandising rights.

But, following Cubby Broccoli's death in 1996, Dana Broccoli was surprised and disappointed when Connery did not appear at the memorial service. "I don't have to understand Sean," she said in 2000, "and he doesn't need my understanding; he's doing very well without my understanding."

She was born Dana Natol in New York on January 3 1922. Having decided at an early age to become an actress, she attended Cecil Clovelly's Academy of Dramatic Arts at Carnegie Hall in New York. There she met her first husband, Lewis Wilson, who was the first actor to play Batman. In 1942 she gave birth to a son, Michael, and three years later the family moved to California where Dana Wilson and her husband joined the Pasadena Playhouse.

After separating from Wilson, she moved to Beverly Hills where she became a screenwriter; in 1959, at a party, she met Broccoli, whose previous wife had died. Broccoli, had been born into an impoverished family of Italian immigrants in Queens, and was a self-made man, descended, apparently, from farmers who had invented broccoli by crossing a cauliflower and a pea.

A keen gambler, he had had a sketchy career, working as a vegetable packer and coffin polisher before getting a job as a tea boy at Twentieth Century Fox. In 1947, while trying to earn some extra dollars, he had got a job selling Christmas trees on a street corner and was particularly struck by a beautiful young woman who had bought one of the trees and for whom he had constructed a stand to hold it. When he was finally introduced to Dana Wilson, 12 years later, he realised that she was the same woman, and she too remembered the incident. Both believed that fate had brought them together.

Following their wedding in Las Vegas (Cary Grant was the best man), the couple returned to Cubby Broccoli's house in London. Dana adopted Cubby's two children from his previous marriage and the following year gave birth to a daughter, Barbara.

In 1967, Danjaq LLC, the film company set up by Cubby and Dana Broccoli, produced Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, another of Fleming's books; and in 2002 Dana Broccoli produced the successful stage version, which is still running in the West End.

Dana Broccoli also published two novels, Scenario for Murder, and Florinda. She adapted the latter for the musical, La Cava, which was staged in London in 2000.

The Broccolis lived in London for many years until, in 1977, they reluctantly sold their house in Mayfair and moved to Los Angeles for tax reasons. Although the couple enjoyed the wealth acquired through the Bond films (they had a large collection of paintings, including a Renoir and a Picasso) they also raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, particularly the NSPCC, which benefited greatly from the Broccolis' largesse.

In 1996 Dana Broccoli's son, Michael G Wilson, and daughter, Barbara Broccoli, took over production of the Bond films, and after her husband's death Dana Broccoli took over as chairman of the board. "It was all family," she explained, "that was a large part of our success; the big extended family . . . We still see a lot of Timothy Dalton, and Roger [Moore] is always popping in. Roger always liked the pasta and the backgammon."

Cubby Broccoli's death left her bereft but by no means bowed. "I was very happy taking care of Cubby," she said recently, adding, "I would never marry again. Cubby was irreplaceable. We went through so much together, ups and downs, but it has been a fabulous journey."

Dana Broccoli is survived by her two sons and two daughters.

She will be greatly missed from this Bond fan because of her greatest input into the series. If she had said no to Sean Connery in 1962, who knows what the fate of the series might have been. Sincere condolence.





Smoke And Mirrors

March 8, 2004 - The Telegraph

Their faces might light up the screen, but their actions are causing anti-smoking groups to fume. Some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Catherine Zeta-Jones, Nicole Kidman and Pierce Brosnan, are under fire after research showed that smoking on screen is at its highest for 50 years.

An analysis of 150 films produced between 1950 and 2002 has found that there are now about 11 depictions of smoking in every hour of the typical film. The incidence of smoking, according to the study by scientists at the University of California, has risen steadily over the past decade and is higher than the corresponding figure for the 1950s, when films such as Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window and Vertigo portrayed a highly glamorised image of cigarettes. The study also found that smoking scenes now feature in children's films.

The disclosure has infuriated anti-smoking campaigners who claim that films are encouraging the young to smoke. Some last night called for all films that depicted smoking to be given an 18 certificate. Among the films analysed for the study were the James Bond film Die Another Day, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring.

Stanton Glantz, a professor at the School of Medicine at the University of California, who led the research, said that the prevalence of smoking in films was allowing manufacturers to overcome the difficulties created for them by restrictions on tobacco advertising.

"Films that feature cigarettes and smoking are worth millions to the tobacco companies in terms of advertising. This is particularly true of a country like Britain where there is a strict ban on tobacco advertising," he said. "A dangerous habit that was once ignored by film-makers is now more high-profile than ever. This is particularly worrying in the light of research that shows that young people are taking up smoking because of what they see on the big screen."

The study found that in films in the 1950s there was an average of 10.7 incidents of smoking per hour. Concerns about health and pressure from lobby groups saw this figure fall to 4.9 between 1980 and 1982, but by 2002, the total had risen to 10.9 depictions of smoking per hour. As well as the films in the study, other box office hits, including Chicago, the Oscar-winning musical that starred Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, The Hours, which starred Nicole Kidman, and Monster, with Charlize Theron, have all featured characters who smoke.

Deborah Arnott, the director of Ash, the British anti-smoking organisation, said that it was referring the American findings to the British Board of Film Classification. She was particularly worried that children would be encouraged to smoke unless tougher restrictions were imposed on film content.

"I am not so concerned about seeing Charlize Theron smoking in a film like Monster because she is playing a psychotic lesbian and is not supposed to be a role model. It is a different story, however, when James Bond picks up a cigar in Die Another Day. He is very much a glamour figure."

Simon Clark, the director of Forest, a pro-smoking campaign group, dismissed the concerns, saying that violence and gratuitous sex in films were far more damaging than the depiction of smoking.

A staff member at Eon films, which produces the James Bond films, said: "It would be ridiculous if Bond did not smoke in the films. We try to keep the films as true to the original Ian Fleming novels as possible and he smokes quite a lot in them.

"Everyone knows Bond likes the finer things in life such as wine, food and fine cigars. Having him give up smoking would be like having him give up beautiful women."

I have a better idea. Why don't we let the people of the world make their own decisions on the subject of smoking cigarettes?





Wade & Purvis Talk James Bond 21

March 9, 2004 - Empire and Coming Soon

Empire magazine caught up with "James Bond" writers Robert Wade and Neal Purvis who said they've started penning James Bond 21.

"We started writing the new one two weeks ago – so obviously all the cliches are already in place," says Purvis. "As far as we understand it, Pierce Brosnan is Bond. He's a great Bond and he gives you a lot to work with as a writer because he's very good looking. Seriously, he is very good at suggesting an undercurrent of – you don't know what. He shows that there is a shadow on this man."

Wade added that he doesn't think "there's a more difficult task. It's all been done. The twentieth film was harder than the nineteenth. It's very difficult to think of new ways to blow things up! But character is the thing; it's finding new ways to explore the character."

Just give what the fans want and everything else will fall in place.





Christmas Came Early

March 16, 2004 - Fox News

LOS ANGELES — Charlie Sheen and his wife, Denise Richards, are co-starring in a new project -- parenting. Their daughter, Sam Sheen, was born in Los Angeles on March 9, Sheen's publicist, Biana Bianconi, said Monday. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

"They're thrilled," Bianconi said. "Mother and daughter are doing great."

Sheen, 38, also has a 19-year-old daughter, Cassandra, from his first marriage. Sheen and Richards, 33, were married in June 2002. They co-starred in 2003's "Scary Movie 3." The couple met while shooting the film "Good Advice" in 2000. They began dating after Richards did guest spots on Sheen's former TV series, "Spin City."

He is starring in the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men." Denise Richards co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the 1999 Bond film "The World Is Not Enough".

Personally I never knew she had it in her.





Brosnan's Back for Bond

March 19, 2004 - by Carl Jones for The Shropshire Star

Pierce Brosnan is poised to return as James Bond for a fifth time after his Shropshire cousin exclusively revealed today that he had not been stripped of his licence to kill. The 50-year-old Irishman was reported last month to have been pensioned off in favour of a younger model, with names such as Clive Owen, Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Hugh Jackman among the favourites to take over.

But Ann O'Callaghan, Brosnan's cousin who lives at Brookside in Telford, today revealed that he was being lined up to play Ian Fleming's secret agent at least one more time. Speaking after returning from a trip to visit relatives at the Brosnan family home in Navan, Ireland, she said: "Pierce told me last year he was lined up to do at least one more, and possibly two, and this is still the case.

"No-one has sacked him, contrary to what the media has said," she added.

Her claims were backed up by Bond script-writing duo Robert Wade and Neal Purvis, who revealed they had begun writing the 21st James Bond movie screenplay with Brosnan in mind. Wade said he was not aware of Brosnan being axed, adding: "He is a great Bond and he gives us lots to work with."

But Mr. Wade and Mr. Purvis, you are not giving lots to work with for Pierce.





Strip Club Goes Bottoms Up

March 22, 2004 - Herald Sun

BOTTOMS Up, Hong Kong's most storied strip club which featured in a James Bond film and was the subject of an indecency crackdown, is to close, a bar insider said today. The seedy bar in the Kowloon tourist district will pull down its shutters for the last time in April, the member of staff said. Bottoms Up opened in May 1971 and quickly established itself at the heart of the city's racy nightlife.

In its heyday its clientele included visiting stars like Peter Sellers, George Peppard and Gregory Peck. The bar became an institution after it was featured in the 1974 James Bond flick, "The Man With the Golden Gun". Bond star Roger Moore returned to the bar on subsequent visits to the former British territory.

In 1994 it lost a court battle to prevent the government removing its saucy naked-buttocks neon sign as part of an obscenity crackdown. The ruling also forced the naked dancers to cover up with bras or negligees. The staff member wouldn't say why the bar was closing but reports in local media say rising rents had made it impossible to keep going.

And all this time I thought the Bottoms Up Club was a fictional bar created by the production crew. I wonder if they had 'cover' charges.





Brosnan Unsure About Spears Bond Rumor

March 22, 2004 - Associated Press

If pop singer Britney Spears is going to be a Bond girl, it's news to James Bond's Pierce Brosnan. The actor says he knows nothing about Spears becoming a Bond girl, in spite of rumors to that effect.

Brosnan says, "Bless her cotton socks and good luck to her." If given a choice, Brosnan says he'd like Monica Belucci to be in a Bond movie.

While the 21st Bond movie is supposed to be in theaters November of 2005, Brosnan says the producers are having a hard time of it. He says "there's a certain sense of paralysis that has kind of blanketed production at the moment. The last Bond broke all records. They don't know what to do."

Add to that the matriarch of the Bond empire, Dana Broccoli, recently passed away. Brosnan calls the Broccoli's death "a terrible loss." But, when things do get moving and the next Bond movie is ready to be filmed, Pierce Brosnan will be there. The actor has appeared in four Bond movies and says they know where to find him, "if they want to set sail with a fifth."

Let's do the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid. Less explosions and more Fleming inspired stories will make Bond 21 better than the rest. Just look at the first half of Die Another Day. It was better than the second half because it had a serious tone.





Brosnan Concern About Bond 21

March 23, 2004 - Itv.com

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is unsure whether he will star in another Bond film, claiming producers "don't know what to do". Brosnan accused the producers of being "too scared" and claimed work on the next film had hit paralysis. In an interview with a film website, he said: "We seem to have taken a break at the moment. The producers have reached an impasse, as far as I can tell."

He added: "They don't know what to do. They don't know how to move on. A sense of paralysis has set in. So, for me it's business as usual. I shall just carry on with creating work for myself. I certainly would love to do a fifth Bond and then bow out, but if this last one is to be the last one, then so be it."

Brosnan also expressed his desire for a more character-driven aspect to the Bond films, in the vein of the classic From Russia With Love.

He said: "It's frustrating, really, because they feel they have to top themselves in a genre which is just spectacle and huge bang for your buck. For me, I think you can have your cake and eat it. You can have real character work and real storylines and a thriller aspect and all the kind of quips and asides and explosions and the women."

Brosnan said the producers had told him they were not talking to any other actors about doing the film. He said: "Oh, my contract is up. They can do it or not. They say they're not talking to someone else."

Although Brosnan would not be drawn further, he made a quip about "backstabbing" when asked if the producers would tell him if they were talking to other actors about the role.

He also criticised aspects of the last film, Die Another Day, which was a huge commercial success. Brosnan, talking about the opening prison sequence, said: "Yeah, that was like, 'Huh? This is a Bond movie?'. But they broke out of it too soon into the formulaic, safe side. They're too scared."

With the death of Dana Broccoli, both Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson are possibly at a critical level of business contracts. Which could only rival the last days when Cubby passed away. Fans should be prepared to experience a similar delay in production as Bond 21 faces an uphill struggle. The Board of Directors for Eon/Danjac would also have a major say in the future direction of OO7.





Live And Let Tie

March 29, 2004 - WebIndia.com

Sir Sean Connery left a poor impression of himself when he donated a "plain, old office tie" for auction at a fund raising dinner by a charitable organisation. The actor was requested to make a contribution to the James Bond themed event after he turned down an invitation to attend as the star guest, according to a report in The Telegraph.

Other supporters of the High Blood Pressure Foundation donated a ride in a speedboat used in a Bond film, a helicopter trip, a champagne dinner and a weekend's use of an expensive sports car. It had been hoped that the patron's donation would be the highlight of the evening at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. However, the event organiser, Pippa Macleod, said that she was disappointed when Sir Sean revealed he would not be attending but "gobsmacked" when she saw his donation. The charity has now written to him asking if there is anything else he could donate, and whether the tie has an even slightly glamorous history.

Perhaps this is Sean's way of saying he does not want to get 'tied down' with this role.





Bonds Are Back Where They Belong

March 29, 2004 - WebIndia.com

STOLEN signed photos of James Bond stars Sir Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan were returned to Wakefield Hospice this week. Last week Sir Roger had given the hospice a replacement signed photograph after reading about the theft in the Express. Now the two photos, plus one of the Coronation Street cast, stolen last December have been anonymously returned.

Hospice fund-raiser Helen Knowles said: "We're absolutely delighted to have them back. It was very unfortunate when they were stolen, as we could not put a price on what they are worth to the hospice."

The photographs were originally donated to the hospice six years ago for a special 007 fund-raising event. They were taken when burglars smashed through the front window of the hospice's fund-raising office and snatched them off the wall.

Gives a whole new meaning to the tag line "JAMES BOND IS BACK".





Lost 1956 James Bond Film Found

April 1, 2004 - DSBG

Film historian, Simon Bermuda, has uncovered the rare (and thought to be lost) 1956 James Bond film MOONRAKER. The film directed by Orson Welles and starring Dirk Bogarde as OO7 was recently discovered in the late producer Dayton Mace's estate. This unfinished film shows Orson Welles playing the part of Sir Hugo Drax and Peter Lorre as henchman Willy Krebs. Mr. Bermuda explains how the Rank Organization bought the rights to Ian Fleming's book and the problems that arose during production.

To see the article covering the history of this lost gem just click on this link:

THE FORGOTTEN BOND FILM

Don't miss this. It is well done.





And Now The Adventures Of Young James Bond

April 5, 2004 - Ian Fleming Publications

In spring next year James Bond will return as we’ve never seen him before. Ian Fleming Publications Ltd is thrilled to announce that in March 2005 Charlie Higson will take us back to where it all began in the first of his novels introducing the teenage years of the boy who was to become 007.

Charlie Higson is co-creator of the hugely popular The Fast Show and is a successful film and adult thriller writer. He’s also a firm fan of the original Ian Fleming Bond novels and, with meticulous research, he has created an authentic 1930s world for Young James Bond that fits seamlessly with Fleming’s. Higson says of this new project ‘Ever since having children of my own I’ve wanted to write a thriller for kids, so when I was approached by the Fleming estate to work on a new James Bond series for younger readers it was too good an opportunity to turn down. I’ve grown up with Bond, and whilst I’ve had to finally accept that I’ll never play him in the films, writing about him is even more exciting.’ The Fleming family are delighted. Lucy Fleming, Ian’s niece, said yesterday 'Charlie’s done a wonderful job in capturing the essence of my uncle’s James Bond.'

The first adventure will be published in the UK by Puffin. Rebecca McNally, Fiction Publisher at Puffin says ' James Bond is the world's biggest spy brand and Charlie's writing is perfect - gripping, suspenseful and very true to the original Bond. We've had enough of wannabes - this is the real thing.' Aimed primarily at the 9-12 market, initial reactions suggest that these quintessential Bond stories will appeal to young and adult readers alike:

James Bond is thirteen and just about to start at Eton having been educated at home by his Aunt Charmian since the death of his parents. The first adventure takes James to a remote Scottish castle where a wealthy American has been conducting some very disturbing experiments.

You've got to be kidding?





Who Is Charlie Higson?

April 5, 2004 - BBC

His comedy career began in partnership with his friend Paul Whitehouse. Their first big success came in 1987 on the cult TV show Saturday Live when they wrote the character of Stavros for Harry Enfield. They followed this up with an even bigger hit, Loadsamoney, which they created for the next series. Since then they have been much in demand in the field of television comedy. Hits include the Harry Enfield Television Programme for the BBC.



In 1994 Charlie and Paul wrote, co-produced and performed in a sketch show of their own, The Fast Show. They completed three series of the show which gained a cult following. Charlie is also a novelist. His first novel King of the Ants was published in March 1992. His second novel Happy Now was followed a year later. He has written two further books - Full Whack and Getting rid of Mr Kitchen.

James Bond is now aimed at the Hardy Boys market. Go figure?





Quentin Tarantino Wants Royale Treatment

April 6, 2004 - SciFi Wire

Quentin Tarantino told SCI FI Wire that he has talked to Pierce Brosnan about adapting Casino Royale as Brosnan's fifth and final James Bond film. The director noted that his challenge would be to convince producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to diverge from the current formula of expensive action set pieces.

"I don't see that they have anything to lose at all," Tarantino said in an interview while promoting his latest film, Kill Bill, Vol. 2. "They've got this gigantic franchise, they can't do anything wrong with it. Pierce Brosnan's only going to do one more movie for them, if that, so if he stayed on to do one more with me, let's just this one year go my way and do it a little differently. I won't do anything that will ruin the series."

Tarantino hopes that the offer of a low budget and Brosnan's return would convince the producers to approve a one-time-only return to the character-driven spy plots of the first several 007 films. "Wouldn't it be great to have a James Bond movie that didn't cost $115 million and only cost $40 million or something like that?" he asked. "You know it's going to make its money back, and we [would] all do good. Maybe we win the critics this time, then you're back in business the way you were before."

Tarantino felt there was only "a thin chance" that he would win the project, and said he would concede to update the 1952 novel for the present day. "If I owned the material, I would set it in the '60s, but I'm sure I'd have to do it now." Casino Royale was first adapted as a comedy in 1967.

It just might work. But doubtful that Eon would go that direction.





Pierce Is Finished

April 6, 2004 - Toronto Sun

Pierce Brosnan is finished with James Bond, according to his friend, neighbour and one-time 007 co-star, Michael Madsen.

"Pierce lives right down the beach from me. Our kids play together," Madsen said during interviews for his own new movie, Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Vol. 1. "And he told me he doesn't want to do another one. I also heard that they bought him out. I really don't know but an impasse is an impasse."

Madsen said he was told that Brosnan will be replaced with an Australian, although he did not know who and could not confirm if it was Hugh Jackman, who has been touted as a possible future Bond. So has Englishman Clive Owen. Madsen's comments seem to put in stone something that Brosnan has only hinted at. The Irish-born actor admitted last month that, while he was willing to do his fifth Bond picture if the filmmakers could get a decent script written and find a director for the project, the negotiations were not going well. Neither was the script development.

"We've reached an impasse with the producers," Brosnan said in March. "They seem to be paralyzed and cannot move forward. If they want me, they know where to find me. I was prepared to do a fifth film and then walk away. I made that very clear to the producers. We had started negotiations and I want to follow through, but conversations and telephone calls have dried up."

Madsen said he himself is interested in the new Bond because he was supposed to get a role in it. He last worked with Brosnan as Bond in Lee Tamahori's Die Another Day (2002), playing Damian Falco. Now Madsen is wary.

"Well, I was going to do it with Pierce but, now that Pierce is out of the Bond picture, I don't know what is going to happen. If (producer) Barbara Broccoli calls me up and says: 'Michael, I want you to be in the James Bond picture,' I'll probably go do it, but I'm not going to call her. I don't know the new Bond guy. I've never seen anything he's done. I don't even know what he looks like. I can't remember the guy's name. I would have to feel like he's going to be a good Bond for me to want to do it."

Madsen, who plays the assassin Sidewinder in the Kill Bill films, said that watching Brosnan on Die Another Day taught him how torturous it is for the star on a 007 set.

"You know, making a Bond film is not an easy thing to do. That's a heavy shoot, man. That's a long, long, big, big, heavy thing. The Bond thing is a tremendously gigantic production and the last one was hugely successful. For Pierce, that was the fourth one that he did. He's tired, man. You know, he's James Bond. He doesn't have to do another one. Why would you? Why would you bother?"

The world of James Bond is in such a disaray that one wonders what the future will bring for OO7?





The New 007?!

April 10, 2004 - Ign.com

It might be an Aussie (not Hugh Jackman or George Lazenby). April 08, 2004 - Die Another Day co-star Michael Madsen recently said at a Kill Bill Vol. 2 press conference that his friend and neighbor Pierce Brosnan would not be returning as 007 in the 21st James Bond film.

"(Brosnan) told me he doesn't want to do another one. I also heard that they bought him out. I really don't know but an impasse is an impasse," Madsen advised The Toronto Sun earlier this week, adding that Brosnan's replacement would be an Australian. "I don't know the new Bond guy. I've never seen anything he's done. I don't even know what he looks like. I can't remember the guy's name. I would have to feel like he's going to be a good Bond for me to want to do it."

According to Moviehole, the Aussie thesp in question is not oft-rumored Hugh Jackman but Heath Ledger! Ledger is only 25 years old but the producers are reportedly looking for a younger Bond than fiftyish Brosnan. Previously rumored young thesps include Ledger's Ned Kelly co-star Orlando Bloom, Bend It Like Beckham's Jonathan Rhys-Myers, Horatio Hornblower's Ioan Gruffudd, and King Arthur's Clive Owen.

Ledger's star rose quickly with such films as 10 Things I Hate About You and The Patriot but his bankability at the box office quickly sank with such flops as The Four Feathers and The Order. His brief turn in Monster's Ball is arguably his best work yet.

Bankability, however, has never been a concern for the Bond producers. Sean Connery was largely an unknown, George Lazenby (also an Aussie) wasn't even an actor, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan were TV stars with iffy feature track records, and Timothy Dalton was a respected stage actor who appeared in supporting roles on TV and film before being cast as 007.

Heath Ledger's forthcoming projects include Brothers Grimm, Brokeback Mountain and Lords of Dogtown. He's also attached to star in Touchstone's Casanova for director Lasse Hallstrom. Production begins later this year. Bond 21 starts filming next January for a holiday '05 release.

Hint! Hint! Michael Madsen's interview was conducted on April 1st. For a guy who knows nothing about the new Bond actor he sure is in the know.





Sir Sean's Rude Replies Leave Reporter Shaken

April 10, 2004 - Jim McBeth for Scotman.com

As James Bond, and a host of other screen heroes, Sir Sean Connery has always epitomised cool - never shaken or stirred by the awkward moment or a dastardly villain. So an interview with Scottish Television should have been a doddle for the greatest living Scot. But Sir Sean stunned Americans by being insufferably rude to Nicola Kane, a Scottish reporter, when she asked him about his involvement in the annual Tartan Day celebrations in New York. Kane collared the actor as he was going into Monday’s Dressed to Kilt fashion show.

She asked a simple question, the staple of these kind of PR events:
"Why was he lending his support to the event and the promotion of Scotland?"
He rounded on her and said: "Why am I?" As she repeated her question, he asked: "What’s it called?"
The reporter answered: "Dressed to Kilt."



The star countered: "Thank you very much. What is it about?" As Kane tried to answer, he repeated: "What is it about?"
"It’s about promoting Scotland," she said.
Sir Sean replied sarcastically; "You’ve got it in one. Give this woman 5,000."

She pressed on, and asked the actor to assess how important it was to promote Scotland’s image in the United States.
He replied: "How important? I think that is not a very smart question."

Later, off-camera, when the reporter asked Sir Sean how it felt to take part in the New York parade, he explained that it felt like "getting a sore throat from talking to people like you".

In New York yesterday, Kane revealed the two had previously clashed, although it wasn’t clear if Sir Sean remembered her.

"To be honest, I wasn’t surprised. I’ve been in this position before with him," she said. "If he didn’t want to speak, he could have moved on. Instead, he chose to stop and became antagonistic and offensive."

The reporter revealed that at the event two years ago, the film star behaved in exactly the same manner.

"I had a run-in with him at the same event, so I was approaching him this time wearing kid gloves." She added: "I just thought it strange that he couldn’t say two civil words in support of the event that he is so obviously committed to. We used some of what he said to us as he walked past, but he was evasive about the whole thing. I don’t know why he was rude to me in particular, but later, others suggested it's perhaps because I was a woman."

No, it is not because you are a woman. It is because you are stupid.





Fencing Strikes Back Thanks To James Bond

April 12, 2004 - by Emma Pinch fop The Birmingham Post

When James Bond swapped his Walther PPK for a fencing sword in Die Another Day, it wasn't just his opponent who was left all shaken and stirred. Fencing, once the sport of public schoolboys and actors with Errol Flynn-type aspirations, has been dusted off and given a glamorous new image.

James Bond, Johnny Depp and Star Wars' Jedi knights are providing the inspiration for a new generation of fencing enthusiasts and have made it one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

This year's Birmingham International Fencing Competition, which took place at the weekend at Birmingham University, was the biggest, attracting 550 participants aged between 14 to well into their 60s. Participants also came from as far afield as the USA, Thailand, New Zealand, Germany and France.

On Saturday evening the foil and sabre finals were held in front of the Lady Mayoress, Coun Deirdre Alden (Con Edgbaston), herself a former fencer.

"Die Another Day was big news for fencing," said Keith Smith, the president of British Fencing. "Some clubs could hardly find room for all the people who started coming after it came out. Pirates of the Caribbean and the Lord of the Rings have also helped and Star Wars has always created interest too. If you give kids a couple of sticks they will bang them together and have a sword fight."

There are three categories of fencing and they depend on the weapon used. The most popular form involves an epee, the traditional duelling weapon. A "hit" is scored when the weapon makes contact with any part of the body and an attack can be made at any time. Fencing using a foil was developed as a practice device for fighters to hone their parrying moves in tandem with their attacking skills. The third form uses the sabre, a battle weapon used by the cavalry to slash as well as cut.

Food technology teacher, Janet Baron, aged 51, first took up fencing in 1976 when the school she moved to, Edgecliff Comprehensive in Kinver, Staffordshire, started an after school club.

"It was just the fact that you could start alongside children, you could go into a mixed group and learn it and compete, it was that side of it that I liked. Fencing is a combination of athleticism and thinking. You've got to have a plan, it isn't entirely down to speed or fitness."

Touché!





Brosnan Loves His Wife, Regardless Of Her Weight!

April 12, 2004 - Web India

He might be the womanising James Bond in "reel" life, but in "real" life, Pierce Brosnan is a devoted family man. And this is evident from the actor's unconditional love for wife Keely Shaye Smith, who is fighting a severe weight problem, according to a report in Star magazine.

"Keely is devastated. She's packed on nearly 50 pounds since she and Pierce first met," said a source close to the couple.

When the pair met in Mexico a decade ago, Pierce was taken by her beauty. But a source close to the couple -who have two sons, Dylan, 7, and Paris, 3 - reveals that 40-year-old Keely now tips the scales at 180 pounds.

"Keely has tried everything to lose the weight," said the source, "including the Atkins diet, the South Beach Diet, and working out."

But whatever her weight, the 50-year-old star, who appears in April's Laws of Attraction, is just as smitten with his wife today, as the first day they met.

It's called 'having two kids' or perhaps those in the media did not realize that?





Another Time, Another List

April 14, 2004 - by Anthony Harwood for The Mirror

Premiere Magazine has taken a year to compile another list of the 100 greatest movie characters. Coming in at Number 1 is not Ernst Stavro Blofeld but Marlon Brando's mob boss Vito Corleone in the original Godfather movie in 1972.

Fellow movie legend Humphrey Bogart was second but surprisingly for his role as Fred C. Dobbs in the 1948 film Treasure of the Sierra Madre. It is not one of his best-known parts and his role as club owner Rick Blaine in Casablanca was only 19th.

Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, played by Vivien Leigh, is third in the list in front of Anthony Perkins as deranged Norman Bates in Psycho.

In fifth place is the only James Bond to make the 100, and that's Sean Connery's 007 from Dr No.

Annie Hall (Diane Keaton), Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Ellen Ripley of Alien (Sigourney Weaver) are next. Sean Penn's early portrayal of Jeff Spicoli, from teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High, is a surprise at No9. Next is the partly computer-generated Gollum from Lord of the Rings.

Film buffs from Premiere magazine refused to include real-life characters in the vote. It said: "We're giving priority to people who never were - but who are always with us movie lovers."

Hmm, then why is Bonnie Parker from the film Bonnie and Clyde on the list at Number 34? She was a real person before the authorities shot her and Clyde with hundreds of rounds of lead!





Autogyro Pilot 'Nervous' Before Round-the-World Flight

April 14, 2004 - by Tim Moynihan, PA News

An Army helicopter pilot planning to fly around the world in an autogyro said today he was excited but also nervous about the project, which begins next Wednesday. Warrant Officer Barry Jones, 37, aims to become the first person to fly the small open-cockpit craft around the globe.

Today as he posed for the cameras in London with the autogyro, which he has dubbed The Eagle, he said: “I’m excited but nervous. My biggest worry is if the engine fails over water. I would lose the aircraft, and I would get a swimming lesson as well.”

His concern mainly centres on a 457-mile stretch from Greenland to Iceland, which should take about five hours to accomplish. His route will also take him to such troublespots as Pakistan and Jordan but he said everything had been carefully planned. And he has no fears about being able to land the craft if the engine fails over land.

“It happened once before, on take-off, and it is no problem then. I can put it down in a car parking space.”

His journey, which is expected to take four months, will take him more than 25,000 miles across 25 countries. The father-of-three, based at Dishforth, North Yorkshire, entered the record books in February last year when he flew 579 miles across the UK in seven hours and 23 minutes.

The autogyro is the only class of aircraft yet to circumnavigate the globe. The type of light aircraft – a rotary wing aircraft with a propeller – was made famous in 1967 as Sean Connery’s gadget Little Nellie in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. The autogyro has a maximum speed of about 120mph but WO Jones aims to cruise The Eagle at 80mph. The adventure is costing £200,000, which will be raised through donations and sponsorship, and WO Jones also hopes to raise money for the Dyslexia Foundation, the NSPCC and the Red Cross September 11 Appeal. WO Jones is leading a team of six Army soldiers whose responsibilities include maintaining the aircraft, route planning, logistics and sponsorship and charity liaison. WO Jones is dyslexic himself, as are two of his three sons.People wishing to make a donation to the charities are asked to visit www.globaleagle.co.uk.

Just remember - keep away from those volcanoes.





Actor Robert Davi Rescues Girl From Fire

April 15, 2004 - Associated Press

Film and television actor Robert Davi found himself in the middle of a real-life drama Monday. Davi's neighbors said the "Profiler" star helped a 10-year-old girl get out of her home that had caught fire in suburban Los Angeles. They say he beat back the fire until firefighters showed up.



Davi was helped by two plainclothes police officers who are apparently his friends. Davi also played James Bond's nemesis Franz Sanchez opposite Timothy Dalton in "Licence to Kill" and most recently starred in "The Hot Chick" and "Call Me: The Rise and Fall of Heidi Fleiss."

Franz Sanchez - Drug Kingpin and Part Time Volunteer Fireman.





James Bond Hulks Out?

April 16, 2004 - IGN.com

According to Moviehole, Eon Productions is still considering Heath Ledger to possibly replace Pierce Brosnan as James Bond but now there's another Aussie thesp in the running for the coveted part: Eric Bana. Bana, star of The Hulk and Black Hawk Down, is reportedly "being considered based on box office clout." He next appears opposite Brad Pitt and another rumored Bond contender, Orlando Bloom, in this summer's Troy.

However, Universal might not let Bana accept the Bond role, if offered, since it would compete with their Hulk franchise. As Moviehole points out, "Christian Bale was apparently offered both Bond and Batman at the same time, and had to make a choice, because Warner weren't too keen on him doing another franchise. Fair enough."

Personally, I always thought Bana was too 'green' for the part.





Brosnan's Home Facing Demolition

April 16, 2004 - Online.ie

The boyhood home of actor Pierce Brosnan who stars as James Bond is facing possible demolition. It has been confirmed that permission is being sought to replace it and other houses at St. Patrick's Terrace, in Navan, Co Meath, with a five-storey apartment block. A number of locals say they intend to object to the proposal.

Hey, let's make a museum out of a movie stars former childhood home, and keep other people from living in a proposed apartment complex. Makes perfect sense.





One Small Step For OO7 - One Giant Leap for DVD's

April 19, 2004 - by Fred Kaplan for Slate.com

ON the second floor of an unassuming office building on the edge of Burbank, John Lowry is forging what might be the future of the DVD — and, with it, the way that classic films will be stored, preserved, telecast and watched. Mr. Lowry, who has worked for decades at enhancing video imagery, is responsible for some of the best-looking DVD restorations in recent years, including transfers of "Casablanca," "Singin' in the Rain" and "Once Upon a Time in the West." Since last November, he has been immersed in a project that promises to advance the state of the art — and that has been kept secret, even among most industry insiders, until now. What he is doing will make a DVD look nearly as sharp and detailed as a 35-millimeter film print. It will produce images with six times the resolution of today's high-definition television sets. In video quality, it could turn home theater into a true rival of the neighborhood cineplex.

Walk into the suites of Lowry Digital, the company that Mr. Lowry started six years ago, and the first sight that strikes you is the computer bank — rack after rack of Macintosh G5 computers, 600 of them, holding a combined memory of 2,400 gigabytes.



Beyond this room is a super-sanitized, temperature-controlled chamber. Inside, a technician wearing a white smock and cap monitors a pair of machines called the Imager XE-Advanced, made by the Imagica Corp. The Imagica machines are ultra-sophisticated digital film-scanners. They are loaded with reels from the original negative of the 1967 James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice." The spools advance slowly, one frame every four seconds, which is how long it takes the Imagica to scan across a frame 4,000 times — a process known as 4K scanning. During the scan, the machine creates a digital replica of the frame, consisting of 4,000 horizontal lines of data. A cable then transmits this data to a hard-drive server in an adjoining room. To put the magnitude of 4,000 lines in perspective, a television displays broadcast signals as 480 lines. High-definition televisions have up to 1,080 lines. (The greater number of lines, the more detailed the image — the more closely it resembles a seamless, lifelike picture.) Impressive as HDTV looks, 35-millimeter film has far more color and detail. Engineers calculate that 4,000 lines of data would be needed to reproduce all the visual information in a frame of film — exactly as many lines as the Imagica delivers.

So, if it scans an original camera negative, as it's doing with "You Only Live Twice," it creates a data file that's a virtual duplicate of the negative. By contrast, most DVD's these days — good as many look — begin with a compromise: they're scanned at just 1,080 lines, at most 2,000 (sometimes as few as 480), and the source is almost always not the original negative but a copy. When you start with a copy, Mr. Lowry said, "you're immediately losing lots of details. Colors are less pure, too." In other words, a DVD that's scanned at 4K from an original negative should look better than the best DVD's today. That's the theory, anyway.

MGM has hired Lowry Digital to make 4K digital masters of nine James Bond films, including all of those starring Sean Connery. I have watched scenes from a high-definition transfer of these masters on monitors at Lowry Digital. I've also seen a DVD, which Mr. Lowry gave me, on my TV set at home. The scenes look as brilliant as anything I've seen on a video disc — and better than any video of a color movie that was shot 35 to 40 years ago. Colors are saturated and natural. Gardens have dozens of shades of green. Flesh tones are uncannily lifelike. Shadows look like shadows, not gray blots. Motions are smooth, not jumpy.

MGM executives decline to say when they'll be releasing these Bond DVD's — or anything else about the project, except to confirm that it exists. The new discs won't be out until next year at least — perhaps in part to avoid angering consumers who bought the 20 Bond films in three boxed sets that MGM put out just last year. Those discs (which Mr. Lowry had nothing to do with) tend to look grainy, blotched and flat.

They were made with the materials at hand — faded film stock and high-definition (sometimes standard-definition) scanners. Studios frequently use 4K scanners for computer animation and special effects, but few have even considered 4K-scanning of entire movies for DVD. It's an expensive operation. An Imagica scanner costs about $300,000. The G5 computers cost $3,000 apiece. The software, servers and so forth aren't cheap either. All told, mastering a DVD in 4K costs two to four times as much as doing it the usual ways. The attraction of going this route is that it produces not just better-looking DVD's for now but a foundation for formats of the future.

In its current format, an image on a DVD consists of about 500 lines — no more than a DVD player can "read" or a regular TV set can display. Even a 4K master has to be reprocessed to fit the DVD format. (It will still look better, just as a photo taken by a Nikon looks better than one taken by a disposable camera, even on newsprint.) Some time in the next decade, though, DVD's will probably be supplanted by high-definition DVD's. High-definition TV may evolve into ultra-HDTV. (Engineers in Japan have built prototype discs and monitors that display 4,000 lines.)

A hard-drive master that contains a 4K scan could serve the same function as a film negative — a source of copies, for whatever medium. Unlike film, it won't fade; and as video technology improves — as its resolution becomes higher and higher — there will be no need to make new masters; 4K is high enough to accommodate the changes.

"We're making an archive — for DVD, film, digital cinema, HDTV, TV, whatever — that will last the next two or three generations of technology," Mr. Lowry said.

Thirty-five years ago, Mr. Lowry, who is now 71, patented a method of cleaning up NASA's live televised transmissions from the moon. Six years ago, as the DVD took off, he set up Lowry Digital — then a two-man R & D shop — to apply his techniques to digital restoration.

He hired a photographer to make a short 35-millimeter film clip of some children playing soccer on a lakeshore. He paid a local lab to transfer the film to digital video, using a 4K scanner. The picture was clear, sharp, detailed. He then processed the images with his film-restoration software, which he'd programmed onto some Macintosh G4 computers. (The effort took months, as the faster G5's weren't out yet.) The processed picture was clearer, sharper and more detailed still. He could see every divot on the turf. What had once looked like a smudge in the background was now recognizable as a boat on the lake.

In January 2000, some executives from Warner Brothers saw his demo. They were so impressed, they faxed him an order the same day to restore the masters for three DVD's: "Gone With the Wind," "Now Voyager" and "North by Northwest." With the advance money, he bought the computers he needed to do the job.

Since then, he has bought hundreds of computers, hired a staff of 30 and worked on 80 DVD's — including the long-awaited DVD of "Star Wars" — erasing wear, tears, dirt, scratches and other ravages of age. (In the early days, he sometimes erased too much. By his own admission, his restoration of "Citizen Kane" is too clean; the natural grain of film is gone; it looks like a video. He later figured out how to fix flaws while preserving grain.)

Many restoration specialists do this sort of work manually, often frame by frame. Mr. Lowry may be the first to do digital restoration while the images are still in a digital format — a bunch of 0's and 1's inside a computer — before they're transferred to video.

Not long ago, MGM sent a camera crew to interview him about his restoration techniques for a "special feature" to be included on the Bond DVD's. The question now is how long it will take MGM to release these DVD's and how long it will take other studios and digital-mastering houses to catch on — in short, how long it will take for the future to begin.

I have both CITIZEN KANE and ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST on DVD and I will say the quality is fantastic. But the quality of the Bond films currently on DVD are also very good and do not justify me having to buy a whole new set. Unless you do not own the current set, I suggest you save your hard earn money. The new batch of DVDs would have to have the following to make me want to buy them:

1.Great quality
2. Both mono and stereo audio versions
3. Original TV documentaries from the 1960s such as THE INCREDIBLE WORLD OF JAMES BOND or WELCOME TO JAPAN, MR. BOND.
4. Deleted Scenes from all the films. (John Cork who worked on the Special Edition versions has mentioned that there are few deleted scenes in existence).
5. Longer interviews with actors such as Joseph Wiseman, Louis Jourdan, Christopher Walken, Sean Bean, etc.
6. Separated music soundtracks - (I know, it will never happen).
7. Better selection of trailers and teasers. Moonraker had many back in 1979 and only one on the DVD.

That's my wish list. Perhaps years from now when these same DVDs come down in price, I may sell off my set - - but not before.





Britney, You Are No Pussy Galore

April 21, 2004 - by Samantha Bonar for The Los Angeles Times

A recent Extra television report revealed that Britney Spears has had the gall to approach Barbara Broccoli, a producer of Bond films, with a view to becoming the next Bond Girl. (Broccoli is working on the 21st installment of the film franchise, slated for a November 2005 release.)

With Spears' brazen request on the table, perhaps it is time for a refresher on what a Bond Girl is and what she is not. A new coffee-table book, Bond Girls Are Forever: The Women of James Bond (Harry N. Abrams, $40) by John Cork (coauthor of James Bond: The Legacy) and former Bond Girl Maryam d'Abo (Kara Milovy in 1987's The Living Daylights), breaks down the Bond Girl mystique.

Those who pigeonhole Bond Girls as mere sex objects are guilty of reducing complex female characters to one rather boring dimension, the authors argue. Bond Girls are the quintessential alpha females, melding masculine confidence with feminine manner.

The classic Bond Girl's sex appeal, says Graham Rye, publisher of Britain's 007 Magazine and author of The James Bond Girls, is "drawn from an air of classy sophistication, partnered with independence, intelligence and toughness and complemented by a face that turns heads -- and a great body," he said.

"There isn't a girl next door in the entire lot," Sean Connery said in a 1964 interview quoted in Bond Girls . . .

Spears is on tour and was unavailable for comment. A representative refused to confirm or deny the report. Broccoli, in London, could not be reached for comment.

Rye reacted with horror to the idea of Spears as Bond Girl. "Britney Spears may well be suited to an appearance in a Cody Banks movie swigging from a can of Pepsi -- but James Bond -- never! Unless 007 goes undercover as a pimp," he said.

"The biggest challenge for Britney Spears," said Cork, coauthor of Bond Girls . . ., "is that people already have a very strong preconceived notion of what Britney Spears is -- and that is very different from audience preconceptions of what a Bond Girl is."

So what are the precise ingredients for a sublime Bond Girl? Vodka babetini, never shaken, stirring up James:

A Bond Girl has sex appeal. Her allure stems from her classic beauty -- tall, lithesome, elegant. Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder) rose from the sea like a knife-wielding Aphrodite in 1962's Dr. No, the first of the Bond films. Another Dr. No Bond Girl, Sylvia Trench (played by Eunice Gayson), is described in the screenplay as "willowy, exquisitely gowned, with a classic, deceptively cold beauty." Britney, on the other hand, is already looking over-the-hill at 22. In fact, she'd look right at home in a trailer with three to five kids.

A Bond Girl is exotic. She usually has an accent and speaks at least three languages -- her native tongue, English and the language of love. She is from Shanghai, China; Istanbul, Turkey; Brussels, Belgium; or Belarus. Britney is from Dadgummit, La.

A Bond Girl is smart. Mollie Peters (Patricia Fearing in 1965's Thunderball) is an osteopath, Lois Chiles (Dr. Holly Goodhead) is a Vassar-educated astronaut (and secret CIA agent) in 1979's Moonraker. Britney is, well, let's just say she probably hasn't cracked a Dostoyevsky novel since college. Oh wait . . .

A Bond Girl is powerful. In his novel Live and Let Die, Ian Fleming describes Solitaire (played by Jane Seymour in the 1973 film) thusly: "Part of the beauty of her face lay in its lack of compromise. It was the face born to command." Author Camille Paglia in "Bond Girls . . . " describes Pussy Galore as played by Honor Blackman in Goldfinger (1964) as "one of the most commanding, authoritative women in popular culture for the time." Granted, Britney once sold a lot of Pepsi. But it's not quite the same.

A Bond Girl is sassy. Sarcasm is one of her sharpest weapons. She uses it to pierce James Bond's ego at every opportunity. Luciana Paluzzi, who plays assassin Fiona Volpe in Thunderball (1965), mocks Bond: "James Bond, who only has to make love to a woman and she starts to hear heavenly choirs singing. She repents and immediately returns to the side of right and virtue -- but not this one! What a blow it must have been -- you having a failure." Britt Ekland, who plays Hong Kong spy Mary Goodnight in The Man With the Golden Gun (1974), chides Bond: "Oh darling, I'm tempted -- but killing a few hours as one of your passing fancies isn't quite my scene." Britney has never been known for her devastating repartee.

A Bond Girl always keeps her wits about her. So sometimes she is drugged, poisoned, shot or covered with suffocating gold paint, but she can't help that. She would never get drunk in a Vegas club and marry some schlub wearing a baseball cap. Unless she killed him afterward. Which brings us to . . . a Bond Girl can hold her liquor.

A Bond Girl is sophisticated and classy. She knows how to dress to impress and how to dress to kill; she knows which fork to use and never eats with her mouth open. Bond Girls are daughters of diplomats, royalty and top scientists. Britney thinks a corset and a python make good accessories and it wouldn't be surprising if she ate her peas with a knife.

A Bond Girl is talented. She can pistol-whip a criminal mastermind with one hand while whipping up a prize-winning chocolate souffle in the other while stomping out a fire caused by a mysterious chemical from an Eastern European country. D'Abo's Kara Milovy in The Living Daylights, for example, is a world-class concert cellist. Britney can, um, what is it she can do, exactly? Shimmy?

Most important, a Bond Girl is a man-killer. Literally, of course, but she also gets the richest, the smartest, the most dangerous men in the world. Until she tires of them, or they try to feed her to sharks, or vice versa. Andrea Anders (played by Maud Adams), for example, is the kept woman of million-dollar-a-shot hit man Francisco Scaramanga in The Man With the Golden Gun (1974). Kept very well, thank you. Honey Rider in Dr. No describes to Bond killing a rapist with a black widow spider: "I put a black widow under his mosquito net, a female, and they're the worst. It took him a whole week to die. . . . Did I do wrong?" Britney couldn't even hold onto Justin Timberlake. Or dispatch him in a suitably creative manner. Bond Girls, sums up writer Andrea Lee in Bond Girls . . ., are "not simple sexpots, but ruling-class goddesses." Britney, live and let this dream die.

I could not have written this article any better.





Sony In Talks To Buy MGM For $6.8 Billion

April 22, 2004 - The New York Times

A consortium led by Sony was in talks to acquire Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the Hollywood studio famed for The Wizard of Oz and James Bond films, for as much as $6.8 billion, executives close to the negotiations said.

The consortium, which includes buyout firms Texas Pacific Group and Providence Equity Partners, was discussing a complex arrangement in which the group would buy MGM from billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian for about $20 a share, shut down most of the movie studio operation, and then have Sony license and distribute MGM's most valuable asset, its film library, the executives said.

Under the proposed deal, only the studio's best-known film series, like James Bond, would continue to be produced under the MGM brand. But analysts said it was a changing movie business, in which revenue from DVD sales and rentals had surpassed the box-office take, and that was what made the deal so tantalising. MGM's library has thousands of old movies waiting to be repackaged in DVD form.

"Originally retailers were just buying the hits, but in the past 12 months, they are trying to buy entire libraries, at an accelerated pace," said Robert Routh, who follows entertainment for Natexis Bleichroeder. "They want any DVD they can get their hands on because it drives sales of other products at stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart. That makes companies such as MGM with its large library - it has 4000 titles - very appealing."

In addition, MGM makes money from signing re-broadcast agreements with cable and satellite TV channels looking for content. The talks, however, had reached a delicate stage, the executives said, and the negotiations could collapse. Beyond having to reach agreement on a final price with MGM, there appeared to be dissension within the consortium yesterday about the terms of each participant's role and stake in the possible transaction, the executives said.

The talks could potentially become more complicated because several rival private equity firms offered to participate with Sony, possibly giving it extra leverage in its negotiations. The arrangement is being structured in such a way so that Sony, which owns the Columbia and TriStar studios, can gain access to MGM's library without having to foot the entire bill and take on additional debt, which its Japanese parent has made a requirement. Under the deal, MGM would remain a separate, privately held company in which Sony would be a minority shareholder. Sony would have the right of first refusal to buy out its two partners at a later time, the sources said.

This kind of news is disturbing since it was Sony who sided with Kevin (Never Say Never Again) McClory several years ago trying to sue MGM/UA over the Bond franchise.





Pierce Brosnan: My Name Is 'Poppy', Not Bond

April 23, 2004 - Fox News Channel

I guess we can't call Pierce Brosnan James Bond anymore. Or not until the folks who make the "007" spy series, the Broccoli family, decide their next move. Brosnan's contract with them is over after four successful trips to the Bond fountain with "Die Another Day," "The World Is Not Enough," "Tomorrow Never Comes" and "GoldenEye."

But we can call him Poppy. His eldest stepchild, Christopher, who was the son of his late first wife Cassandra, now has a five-year-old son of his own. This makes the 51-year-old former Remington Steele one of the youngest grandfathers around. But he told me last night at the premiere of his new romantic comedy, "Laws of Attraction," that he doesn't mind at all.

Poppy Pierce recently did have a talk with Quentin Tarantino about remaking "Casino Royale," the James Bond spoof that was first issued in 1967. The story was based on an Ian Fleming novel, but David Niven — not Sean Connery — played Bond, and an all-star cast of Ursula Andress, Peter Sellers, Deborah Kerr, William Holden, Jean-Paul Belmondo and even Woody Allen helped heap on the humor. Imagine what a cast Tarantino would assemble! Of course, the big problem is that MGM owns all the rights to all the Bond films, even "Casino Royale." And MGM, as we speak, may be on its way to a takeover by Sony Pictures.

Confusing? You betcha. But Brosnan is ready for Tarantino "in a heartbeat." In the meantime, he's on his way back to Mexico for what he termed a "grueling" five more weeks on the set of "The Matador," co-starring Hope Davis and Greg Kinnear.

With the press announcing that Brosnan is a 'grandpa', its no wonder Eon Productions and MGM is looking for a new younger actor to play OO7.





Seven-Figure Bidding War Set For Sir Sean's Memoirs

April 25, 2004 - Craig Brown for The Scotsman.com

The world’s most famous living Scotsman is finally to lift the lid on his colourful career with plans for a long-awaited autobiography.

Sir Sean Connery is understood to be preparing the book in conjunction with Scots author Meg Henderson. Industry experts believe the memoirs will attract bids of more than £3 million from leading publishers.

The book could shed light on a series of controversies throughout the life of the most famous James Bond, still a big Hollywood draw at the age of 73.

As 007, Connery had a stormy relationship with Bond producer, Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, while he may also use the book to try to draw a line under the comments which have dogged him for almost 40 years. He told Playboy in 1965: "I don't think there is anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman."

The memoirs are also likely to feature the row over the political blocking of a knighthood for the former milkman from Fountainbridge, Edinburgh - as well as the subsequent change of heart and Sir Sean’s involvement with the Scottish National Party. He has given substantial sums to the party, but has been heavily criticised for living abroad while supporting Scottish nationalism.

The prestigious literary agent Mort Janklow - who lists the Pope, several former US presidents and Jackie Collins among his clients - is thought to be representing Sir Sean’s interests. Swifty Lazar, a fellow literary agent, once claimed he could get at least $6 million (£3.4 million) for Connery’s memoirs.

Jamie Byng, owner of Canongate Books, said: "He’s a popular guy, a lot of people are interested in his life, and it’s difficult to say how much his memoirs would be worth; but the publisher would be guaranteed a best-seller.

"You have to start adding up the possibilities - there’s the UK and world rights - but you are looking at a pretty big sum, and if you have a lot of publishers queuing up, then you have an auction on your hands and you could get a lot of money. Of course, he may want a Scottish publisher to be involved, and we would love to take it on."

Henderson, who has written for The Scotsman and whose publications include her best-selling autobiography Finding Peggy: A Glasgow Childhood, has had a long-standing friendship with the actor, having met him through shared involvement in work for children’s charities. A spokeswoman for Sir Sean said he had no comment to make.

Et tu Brutè.





The Men Who Would Be Bond?

April 27, 2004 - IGN.com/Moviehole

Moviehole insists that Aussie thesp Heath Ledger is "reportedly in talks with the 007 producers to wear the tux and swig Martini's for the next Bond film - replacing Pierce Brosnan." The site points out a Sunday Herald Sun article claiming that Ledger recently ankled a project called Candy, where he would have portrayed a junkie, to apparently accomodate Bond 21's schedule. Filming is slated to begin in early 2005.

A scooper for Moviehole reveals, however, that "Bond Producers are holding out to see" how Clive Owen's forthcoming turn as King Arthur fares to decide whether he still has a shot at being the next 007. The same source adds that "the next one will definitely be a stand-alone Bond movie, with the lead probably only doing the one movie. The benefit of doing this is that the producers can easily sway a young – or old – hotshot into playing the role, because it is just for the one film."

At the moment, the studio has apparently a short-list of actors they’d like star in the 21st Bond movie. They are Ledger (haven’t they checked out this B.O track record of late?), Eric Bana (Send them a copy of ‘The Nugget’ and then see if his name’s still atop of that list), Mel Gibson (always been a favourite. Doubt he’ll even consider it), Orlando Bloom (apparently a fave. But c’mon. He’s as much a Bond as Ledger), Clive Owen (Hmmm…yeah…whatever) and Ewan McGregor (Ok, that’s not bad. Suave anyway.) Apparently the new Bond is going to be sworn in in the next few weeks. In an ideal world, it would be starring Hugh Jackman and be directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Finally, Moviehole has yet another very interesting Bond scoop. This time sources for the site allege that, should Sony buy 007's home studio MGM as the trade papers are reporting they might, then "it's looking more likely than ever that a second 'Bond' film – a la Never Say Never Again – is going to rear it's [sic] head in the next couple of years."

Fans will recall that Kevin McClory, a credited screenwriter on the Connery-era Thunderball, had won the rights to use the situation and characters of Thunderball in future Bond films produced independently of Eon Productions. This is how 1983's Never Say Never Again came about. McClory tried to remake the film again in the 1990s as Warhead 2000 but that legal battle ended in Eon's favor. Now, should Sony buy MGM, there might apparently be "a window of opportunity."

The last time Eon Productions went through a 'hostile takeover' was during the six year hiatus between Licence To Kill and GoldenEye. Is it possible that Bond 21 might be delayed because of the Sony/MGM deal?





Halle Berry Files for Divorce

April 27, 2004 - Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Actress Halle Berry has filed for divorce from her husband, R&B singer Eric Benet, a spokeswoman said. Publicist Karen Samfilippo confirmed the filing Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court but declined to comment.

The couple were married about three years and separated in October. This is the second divorce for the actress, who was previously married to Cleveland Indians outfielder David Justice. Tabloids speculated about Benet's faithfulness from nearly the moment the "X-Men" star married Benet in January 2001. The two met in 1999 at a party to celebrate the premiere of Berry's HBO movie "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge," about the first black woman nominated for a best-actress Oscar with 1954's "Carmen Jones."

Berry won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for the Dandridge role. She then became the first black woman to win a best-actress Oscar for her work in 2001's "Monster's Ball."

Benet has a young daughter, India, from a previous relationship with a girlfriend who was killed in car crash 15 months after the girl was born. His first album, "True to Myself," was released in 1996. He has had such hits as "Spend My Life With You" and "Love Don't Love Me."

Her marriages are living up to her name in Die Another Day - JINXED!





Philip Locke (Vargas) Dead at 76

April 27, 2004 - The Telegraph

Philip Locke, the actor who has died aged 76, was a veteran of numerous productions at the Royal Court, the National Theatre and with the RSC, although he was better known to the film-going public as Vargas, the silent assassin in Thunderball (1965) who ends up impaled on a palm tree by 007's speargun.

Tall, gaunt, balding and intense-looking, Locke was noted for his portrayals of nervy fanatics: Vargas (unlike his nemesis) "does not drink, does not smoke and does not make love". But Locke was capable in genres from classical tragedy to light comedy. His Lear at the Young Vic (1980) reduced a Telegraph critic to tears. At the other end of the spectrum, he gave a finely-judged comic performance as the irascible Sir Roderick Glossop in Jeeves and Wooster (Granada TV, 1993).



In his autobiography, Almost a Gentleman, John Osborne described Locke as "special and reliable", praise which, coming from such a curmudgeonly source, qualifies as almost fulsome. Osborne was particularly delighted with Locke's performance as Father Evilgreene, who leads a Satanic dance in the playwright's The World of Paul Slickey, a musical satire on the world of critics and gossip columnists, which was roasted by Osborne's targets after its opening in 1959.

Philip Locke was born on March 29 1928 at St Marylebone, London, and educated at St Marylebone Central School. After training at Rada, he made his professional debut with Oldham Rep in 1954 as Feste in Twelfth Night, before touring with the Old Vic as Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

From the late 1950s, he became a member of the ensemble at the Royal Court, taking mostly minor parts. After the late 1960s he made frequent appearances at the National Theatre and with the RSC, playing numerous Shakespearean roles, including Boyet in Love's Labour's Lost; Jacques in As You Like It (both 1969); Lord Stanley in Richard III (1970); Lepidus in Antony and Cleopatra (1973); Casca in Julius Caesar (1973); Junius Brutus in Coriolanus (1973); Ulysses in Troilus and Cressida (1976); and Kent in King Lear (1986).

Locke was particularly effective as a gentle and over-anxious Quince in Peter Brook's Midsummer Night's Dream (1970), and as a bespectacled, academic Horatio in Hamlet (Old Vic, 1975), for which he won a Plays and Players award for best supporting actor.

Other stage roles included the schoolmaster Medvedenko in Tony Richardson's 1964 staging of The Seagull at the Queen's Theatre; the English chaplain John de Stogumber in Shaw's Saint Joan (Olivier, 1984); Mycetes, King of Persia in Tamburlaine the Great (Olivier, 1976); the Colonel in Stoppard's Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (Royal Festival Hall, 1977); and - his own favourite role - Gaev in The Cherry Orchard (Olivier, 1979).

In Gorky's Enemies (Aldwych, 1971), Locke played the well-meaning but ineffectual head of a family firm at odds with his hard-line partner (Patrick Stewart) over how to deal with a workers' revolt. In Thomas Bernhard's poetic farce The Force of Habit (Lyttleton, 1976), he played a circus ringmaster struggling against fearful odds to bully his little troupe into playing the Trout Quintet.

His performance as Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes (Aldwych, 1974) won Locke a Tony award nomination. The Telegraph's critic noted that the vigorous booing that greeted the character's downfall was "a fine tribute from a grateful audience".

Locke's first film appearance was in a Rank B-movie, Cloak without Dagger, in 1955; in addition to Thunderball, he appeared in several Edgar Wallace productions, worked with Ronnie Barker in a film version of Porridge (1979), played Vogel in Escape to Athena (1979) and a prime minister on board a doomed ship in Fellini's E La Nave Va (And The Ship Sailed On, 1983).

Locke's television credits included many appearances on ABC's Armchair Theatre, and he played the villain in numerous crime dramas, including The Avengers; Inspector Morse; Poirot; Bergerac; Minder; and The Ruth Rendell Mysteries. He was an android in a Dr Who series, and the magical sage Arnold of Todi in the BBC Television version of Masefield's Box of Delights (1984). A private man who spent much of his time in his pyjamas, Locke died on April 19.

One of the last great 60s Bond villains. He also went up against Roger Moore's Simon Templer in The Fiction Makers.





Sony Interest Grows in MGM Takeover

April 28, 2004 - By Georg Szalai and Marla Matzer Rose for Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

A possible takeover of MGM remained the talk of the industry Tuesday, as sources confirmed that Sony Corp. had sent a formal letter of interest to buy the company. Meanwhile, Viacom Inc. president and chief operating officer Mel Karmazin hinted his firm isn't interested in the studio at current price expectations.

Buoyed by the continuing takeover talk, MGM shares hit a 52-week high Tuesday, closing up 2.9% at $20.75 on the New York Stock Exchange, after going as high as $21.50 during the day. The company continued its stance of declining to comment on sale talk. In its latest quarterly earnings conference call, Sony executives also declined to discuss their plans for MGM. However, sources familiar with the situation said the company was looking for additional information before submitting a formal bid.

In its Tuesday edition, the Wall Street Journal first reported that Sony had sent a formal letter of interest to MGM. In any offer, Sony is likely to team up with private equity firms Providence Equity Partners and Texas Pacific Group, sources said last week. The group is looking at a bid valued at about $5 billion in cash and debt.

Time Warner also is considering whether to submit an offer together with private equity group Thomas H. Lee Partners, sources said. TW also hasn't commented on its intentions so far, but management might get MGM-related questions in the conglomerate's first-quarter earnings conference Wednesday afternoon.

Analysts have suggested that after recently reducing its overall debt load, TW will have to choose between using its financial power on a takeover play for MGM and such possible acquisition opportunities in the cable industry as bankrupt Adelphia Communications, which put itself on the block just last week. TW chairman and CEO Richard Parsons has expressed an interest in both cable and film library assets.

One industry player unlikely to play a role in deciding MGM's future is Viacom. Speaking at a breakfast event in New York on Tuesday, Karmazin said Viacom's main interest has always been MGM's film library given his firm already owns Paramount Pictures. While he wouldn't say what price Viacom would be willing to pay for MGM, he said it is "not comparable to the price MGM is looking for."

Merrill Lynch analyst Jessica Reif Cohen said in a report Tuesday that price disagreements have been the spoiler for MGM's past attempts to strike a deal with another major studio. "We believe in each case, price has been the prohibitive factor," Reif Cohen said. "This in part reflects the concern that MGM's library may already be heavily exploited in the DVD market."

Still, a deal with another big Hollywood player is a "solid" idea, she said. "A large chunk of duplicative expenses such as global home video distribution, theatrical development and overhead could be eliminated," the analyst explained.

This may also explain why the Bond films are frequently overplayed on cable stations. MGM is looking to sell and the Bond series is a major part of it. Bond 21 may be in serious trouble simply because of legal litigations, mergers and buyouts. Be prepared to hear the worse news of all. No Bond 21 in 2005.





Connery's Canon: Ex-007 Joins Long-In-Development Caper

May 1, 2004 - Ign.com

Variety reports that Oscar-winner Sean Connery will star in Josiah's Canon. Brett Ratner (Red Dragon) is in talks to direct the long-in-development project for producer Adam Fields and 20th Century Fox. While no official start date has been set yet the project will film sometime this fall in New York City and Europe. Phil Alden Robinson (The Sum of All Fears) rewrote Jeff King's original screenplay.

According to the trade paper, Josiah Cannon is a "dramatic heist story [that] concerns a Holocaust survivor (Connery) who leads the world's foremost team of bank robbers. The criminal mastermind sets his sights on an supposedly impenetrable bank in Switzerland, which holds special appeal: It purportedly houses money deposited by Jews before the Holocaust."

Josiah's Canon has been in development since 1996, at different times attracting the likes of Paul Newman, Warren Beatty, Michael Douglas, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino. Directors who have flirted with the pic reportedly include Brad Silberling, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott and Mimi Leder.

Is it just me or does this caper sound similar to Connery's film ENTRAPMENT?





GoldenEye: Rogue Agent Announced

May 5, 2004 - Gamespot.com

Electronic Arts has today released the first official information on its upcoming James Bond-inspired first-person shooter, which we now know is entitled GoldenEye: Rogue Agent. As has been hinted at previously, players will assume the role of a former MI6 agent turned villain in the game, and will interact with villains from other James Bond movies as they progress.

Although it suggests links with the James Bond movie and Nintendo 64 game that carried the same name, GoldenEye is actually the name of the villain that players will control in the game. An aspiring "00" agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, GoldenEye earned his name when, after working as an enforcer for Auric Goldfinger in his war with Dr. No, he lost an eye and had it replaced with a gold-hued synthetic one. Players will purportedly have the option to upgrade and customize their character as the progress through the game, although no more specific details on that aspect of gameplay have been released at this time.

As befits any game based on the James Bond license, the single-player game will see players carrying out missions at exotic locations all over the world. Locales from Bond movies that have been confirmed for inclusion in the game to date include the mountains of Switzerland, the streets of Hong Kong, Fort Knox, and Dr. No's lair at Crab Key in the Caribbean. GoldenEye: Rogue Agent will also feature lots of characters from various Bond Movies, including Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, Pussy Galore, and, we hope, Jaws.

Gameplay modes in GoldenEye: Rogue Agent will include the story-driven campaign missions, deathmatch-style simulator trials, and objective-based war games. All three versions of the game will feature split-screen multiplayer support, although online play will be exclusive to the PlayStation 2.

Sounds interesting.





Tarantino: "Uma Would Make Good Bond Girl"

May 6, 2004 - Ireland Online

Maverick movie director Quentin Tarantino would cast Uma Thurman as a Bond girl if he lands the next 007 director role. The Kill Bill director is a huge fan of the franchise and is desperate to helm the 21st Bond film – a remake of Ian Fleming’s original story Casino Royale.

He would keep perpetually suave Pierce Brosnan on for one more spy outing. A source told British tabloid Daily Star: "Quentin wants Pierce as his Bond and Uma as a Bond girl. The thing is that Uma doesn't like the idea of being just another girl for Bond, so she's said she'll only ever do it if she gets to kick 007's butt."

It's been done.





The Name's Bonn…Cologne-Bonn

May 7, 2004 - Deutsche-Welle

"Please do not park in the no-parking areas...or else."

Recent announcements at the Cologne-Bonn airport have had passengers obeying with increased attentiveness. The reason? The announcer was done by none other than 007.

In recent days, German passengers have reportedly been taking announcements at the Konrad Adenauer Airport between Cologne and Bonn more seriously. For many, the drone of safety announcements over the PA had become mere white noise. But that changed after the standard voice was replaced with that of James Bond.

Those wary of getting on the wrong side of the British agent with the license to kill were seen to be adhering more seriously to the announcements after airport officials decided to enlist the help of 007. The move came after research showed that many passengers were just letting the messages drift off in to the ether without taking any notice of them.

However, the new voices have really only been a help to speakers of German. The reason being that the secret agent in question is Frank Glaubrecht, the German actor who is known by millions of Germany's movie going public as the voice of Pierce Brosnan in dubbed films. To the others, it was just another German announcer but to the locals, it was Bond…James Bond.

So much for German efficiency.





Bond Girl Is Licensed To Thrill At City Show

May 7, 2004 - Evening Times

SHOPPERS will be shaken, not stirred when former Bond girl Caroline Munro strolls into Glasgow. The glamorous star is coming to town to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the city's St Enoch Centre. The Vintage Bond exhibition will run from May 20 to 23 and will feature memorabilia including the Lotus Esprit car from The Spy Who Loved Me. Organisers Memorabilia Ltd, who run collectors fairs up and down the country, will take over two units in the centre.

And fans of author Ian Fleming's popular suave superspy will be able to wallow in wall-to-wall Bond nostalgia. Organiser Henry Cook said: "On display we will have the likes of original artwork from as far afield as Argentina and Turkey, Bond girl costumes and props." A St Enoch Centre spokesman said bosses were expecting demand for the exhibition to be "fantastic".

And what a handsome craft. Such lovely lines.





For Queen And Country

May 7, 2004 - UTV

A gallant James Bond stepped in to help his leading lady today when he found the Queen in need of secret agent action. Sir Roger Moore, famous for formerly playing smooth-talking spy 007, was the perfect gentleman when the monarch had trouble unveiling a plaque at Heathrow Airport.

The Queen pressed a button, but the red curtains in front of the brass plate refused to budge, causing her to peer round the front of the podium to see what was happening. Sir Roger, seated nearby, realised her dilemma and moved forward, then crouched down to tug at the material. Eventually the curtains were opened when the button was pressed again.

Sir Roger said afterwards: ``I wasn`t meant to be up there but James Bond has got to do something.``

The Queen and the star were at Heathrow`s Royal Suite to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Unicef and British Airways` Change for Good programme. Unicef ambassador Sir Roger, who was knighted by the Queen last year, said he was delighted to meet her once again.

``I`m a royalist so I`m always thrilled,`` he said.

Under the Change for Good scheme, air passengers can donate unwanted foreign coins and notes during flights using envelopes found at their seats. Unicef collects the money to help children across the world and has raised more than £17 million.

Oh, the things he does for England.





Robert E. Fulton Jr., an Intrepid Inventor, Is Dead at 95

May 11, 2004 - by Douglas Martin for The New York Times

Robert E. Fulton Jr., an adventurous inventor whose more than 70 patents included a car that could fly and a rescue system for spies behind enemy lines that was used by the C.I.A. and a James Bond movie, died on Friday at his home in Newtown, Conn. He was 95.

Mr. Fulton's adventures started early. When he was a child, according to relatives and published accounts, his family took him on a commercial flight from Miami to Havana in 1921, and in 1923 to Egypt when King Tut's tomb was opened.

He built his first car as a high school student in Switzerland, won three events for Harvard at its track meet with Yale in 1931, and traveled 25,000 zigzag miles, most of the way around the world, on a motorcycle when he was 24, according to contemporary accounts.



His flying car, which he named the Airphibian, was thought by its advocates to be a postwar necessity: an airplane in every garage. The plane could be converted into a car in less than five minutes, chiefly by removing its wings and propeller. It used the same controls for flying and driving, traveled 50 miles per hour on the ground and 110 in the air, and got 25 miles to the gallon. Three years after its first flight in 1947, it became the first flying car to be certified by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, the precursor to the Federal Aviation Administration.

His considerable development expenses for the vehicle finally forced him to sell his company to a larger one, which never manufactured it. An article in Smithsonian magazine in 1989 said it was "underpowered as an airplane and overpowered as a car." The only remaining Airphibian is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.

Mr. Fulton's aerial rescue system, called Skyhook, was modeled on British railway mailbag pickups and was used by the military, secretly, to grab espionage agents off the ground during the cold war. It was also used in "Thunderball," one of the James Bond spy/thriller movies. He invented a related system, called Seasled, to recover frogmen for the Navy.



Robert Edison Fulton Jr. was born in Manhattan on April 15, 1909. Given his name, he once said, his destiny was obviously to be an inventor. He may have been a collateral descendant of the Robert Fulton who designed the first commercially successful steamboat, but according to one account, Mr. Fulton never bothered to check the genealogy. His grandfather was a friend of Thomas A. Edison, according to a 1961 account in The American magazine.

His ancestors ran stagecoaches in the West and founded the Greyhound Bus Line. His father, president of Mack Trucks, gave the boy the run of the machine shops. After attending school in Lausanne, Switzerland, he went to Exeter and Choate, graduated from Harvard with a degree in architecture, and went to Vienna for a further year of architectural study. He decided to travel the world to see more great architecture. For a year and a half, he rode a modified Douglas twin-cylinder motorcycle with a .32-caliber revolver hidden beneath the crankcase and a straw sun helmet on a rack between his handlebars.

Contemporary reports in The New York Times and other newspapers said Mr. Fulton traveled 25,000 miles and took 40,000 feet of film. (Later accounts saying he traveled 40,000 miles might have been confusing film and distance.)

He spent a night in a Turkish jail, dodged bandits in Iraq, was shot at by Pathan tribesmen in the Khyber Pass and was entertained by Indian rajahs. He wrote a book about the trip, "One Man Caravan" (Harcourt, Brace, 1937), which the New York Times reviewer, Edward Frank Allen, considered informative and refreshingly modest.

"Never once does he say, or even intimate, that he was a wonderful fellow, and so he has set an example to young travel writers who are inclined toward exhibitionism," Mr. Allen wrote.

Mr. Fulton also lectured on his trip and showed some of his miles of film in Carnegie Hall and scores of other places around the country.

During World War II, he developed one of the first ground-based aerial flight trainers, but there were no takers. So he converted it to what many believed was the first fixed aerial gunnery trainer. He delivered more than 500 to the Navy and the Army Air Corps. He learned to fly in order to write the manual for the trainer, according to the article in The American.

Mr. Fulton said he developed his flying car because he tired of delays as he traveled to demonstrate his gunnery trainer.

In 1950, Charles Lindbergh flew an Airphibian and pronounced it an improvement. In 1998, the surviving model in the Smithsonian was a centerpiece of the Louis Vuitton classic car show in London and New York.

In his later years, Mr. Fulton perfected and sold Skyhook, his air rescue system, designed and built a special wheelchair to allow disabled people access to airlines, made films, and completed poetry and sculpture, among other things.

In 1935, Mr. Fulton married Florence Coburn, with whom he had three sons. She died in 1996.Their son Robert E. Fulton III died in 2002, the same year as Mr. Fulton's second wife, Anne Boireau Smith.

Mr. Fulton is survived by his sons Rawn, of Bernardston, Mass.; and Travis, of Snowmass, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

A real life 'Q' with real life Bond adventures.





Chris Blackwell To Expand Goldeneye

May 13, 2004 - by Al Edwards fors the Jamaican Gleaner

MUSIC INDUSTRY and hotel mogul Chris Blackwell is to expand the Goldeneye property located in the parish of St. Mary. The original three bedroom Fleming House was the dwelling where the English thriller writer, Ian Fleming wrote 13 of his Bond books.

The property houses a number of villas, namely Honeychile, Villa 2, Tiffany Case and Domino and Villa 3-Romanov, Solitaire and Vesper. Royal Palm is a magnificent waterfront villa where each of the bedrooms are their own inclusive spacious building.

The plan is to expand the number of villas and to add some guest houses. Golden eye is located in the village of Oracabessa and includes James Bond Beach which has become a venue for concerts and shows.

I prefer Villa #3 myself.





Bond Feud Over With?

May 21, 2004 - Ign.com

According to The World Entertainment News Network, Eon Productions and actor Pierce Brosnan have resolved their differences and will reunite for the next James Bond film. This would end all the rumors about Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, Eric Bana, Clive Owen, Jude Law or Ewan McGregor assuming the mantle of 007.

According to WENN (via the IMDb), "insiders say Pierce – who had publicly slammed the Broccoli's [the Bond producers] for delaying the project – is still their number one choice for Bond. A source says Barbara Broccoli told employees she had forgiven Brosnan's recent outbursts, as they didn't compare to the friction between her father Cubby and original Bond Sean Connery. Broccoli reportedly said, 'If you knew what my father went through with Sean Connery, that's nothing.'"

It was enough to pull the hair from Sean's head.





Bond Girl's Wines Make American Debut

May 21, 2004 - By Nick Fauchald for Wine Spectator.com

Actress Carole Bouquet that her wines will make their American debut at Alain Ducasse's two New York restaurants. Best known in America for costarring with Roger Moore in the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, the French actress has been making wines in southern Italy and Bordeaux.

Alain Ducasse at the Essex House and Mix in New York will carry both of Bouquet's wines: a 2001 dessert wine called Passito di Pantelleria and La Croix de Peyrolie 2002, a Bordeaux red from Lussac-St.-Emilion, a satellite appellation of St.-Emilion. "Most people don't know about Lussac," said winemaker Claude Boudamani, who is overseeing both of Bouquet's vineyards. "In Bordeaux, there's still good soil that has not been discovered."

Bouquet owns nearly 15 acres in Pantelleria, a small volcanic island that belongs to Italy and is located between Sicily and Tunisia; it is known for its Moscato di Pantelleria, made from Zibbibo grapes (a member of the Muscat family). The wine is produced through a concentration technique that has been practiced on the island for centuries: Grapes are handpicked and allowed to raisin on top of the volcanic soil for up to a month (a process called appassimento in Italy), resulting in a sweet, amber-colored wine. "This wine looks and smells like the place it came from," Bouquet said. She has also begun producing olive oil on the land.

Bouquet produced about 420 cases of the Passito di Pantelleria 2001, which already appears on the menus of several of Ducasse's other restaurants. In New York, it will be sold for $82 a bottle or $16 a glass. The La Croix de Peyrolie 2002 is 100 percent Merlot and produced on 3 acres that Bouquet purchased in 2002. It will be bottled and released in June, Boudamani said.

Boudamani said he expects to sell some of the wines at retail shops in or around Manhattan beginning in September. The Passito di Pantelleria will retail for around $50; the La Croix de Peyrolie for $80 to $100.

For her wine only? (ouch!)





No Sex Please, We're British Special Agents

May 24, 2004 - by William Lyons for Scotsman.com

The image of female special agents sleeping their way to uncover the world’s deadliest secrets may have provided Ian Fleming with plenty of risque material, but in reality the men at MI5 had a horror of women agents with an "overdose of sex".

The latest files from the Security Service released to the National Archives at Kew contain some firm advice for MI5 officers when it comes to handling women agents. They caution against the use of "Mata Hari methods" by women to gather intelligence and issue instructions to officers to ensure that their female spies do not fall in love with their opponents.

The advice was written at the end of the Second World War by one of MI5’s most successful agent runners, Maxwell Knight, the real-life model for the spy chief M in Fleming’s James Bond novels. During the war, Knight headed MI5’s M/S section, which was involved in recruiting agents to infiltrate Nazi spy rings operating in Britain. And like his fictional counterpart, he did not approve of 007-style tendencies in combining the serious business of espionage with liaisons of a more amorous kind - especially where women were concerned.

"It is important to stress that I am no believer in what might be described as Mata Hari methods," he wrote, in a reference to the First World War spy, better known for her many lovers than any feat of spycraft.

"I am convinced that more information has been obtained by women agents by keeping out of the arms of the man, then was ever obtained by sinking too willingly into them.

"For it is unfortunately the case that if a man is physically but casually interested in a woman, he will very speedily lose interest in her once his immediate object is attained; whereas, if he can come to rely upon the woman more for her qualities of companionship and sympathy, than merely those of physical satisfaction, the enterprise will last longer."

It was not that Knight - who carved out a post-war career as one of the first television naturalists - was against the use of female agents altogether. He complained about the "very long-standing and ill-founded prejudice" against them, acknowledging that they had pulled off many of the greatest spying feats.

He also acknowledged that "a clever woman who can use her personal attractions wisely has in her armoury a very formidable weapon" when it came to espionage. However, he stressed the importance of careful selection in recruiting women agents, not least from the point of view of the agent-runner himself (Knight seemed to assume that it would always be a ‘he’).

"If over-sexed, it is clear that this will play an over-riding part in their mental processes, and if under-sexed, they will not be so mentally alert, and their other faculties will suffer accordingly," he wrote.

"It is difficult to imagine anything more terrifying than for an officer to become landed with a woman agent who suffers from an overdose of sex, but as it is to be hoped that no such person would be chosen for the work, there is no need to go further into this point."

Whether Knight suffered his own "terrifying" encounter with an over-sexed female agent is not recorded. He did, however, stress the advantage of a woman gaining a man’s confidence through the "expression of a little sympathy" rather than a sexual advance. He advised that in dealing with women agents, their handlers needed to ensure that they would not end up falling for the men they were spying on.

Kind of kills the entire myth of a Bond girl, doesn't it?





Choice Video Survey Picks Four Bond Stunts

May 29, 2004 - New Kerala News

Action film buffs are not impressed by techno savvy film's like Matrix and X-men, instead they prefer classic action films like "The Great Escape," it was revealed in a survey by Choices Video of the greatest action scenes of all time.

According to The Sun, Steve McQueen's motorcycle jump over a barbed wire fence in "The Great Escape" was voted the best action scene ever, while Bond films also scored with those surveyed. The top ten action scenes were:

1. Steve McQueen's motorbike stunt in The Great Escape
2. The corkscrew jump in the OO7 film The Man With The Golden Gun
3. Pierce Brosnan's 750 ft bungee jump from a dam in GoldenEye
4. Paul Newman and Robert Redford jump off a cliff edge in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
5. Jackie Chan's leap from a casino in Rush Hour 2
6. Roger Moore's skiing off a ledge and then opening a parachute in The Spy Who Loved Me
7. An indian leaping onto galloping horses only to fall beneath the hooves in Stagecoach - 1939
8. Building falls around Buster Keaton in Steamboat Bill
9. Burt Reynold's 232ft jump without a parachute in Hooper
10. Roger Moore running across crocodile backs in Live and Let Die

Nobody does it better like Roger.





James Bond Photographer, 82, Dies

June 1, 2004 - The New York Times

Simon Nathan, a photographer and writer whose "Simon Sez" columns in popular photography magazines kept professionals and hobbyists up to date with the innovations of camera makers after World War II, died May 19 in the Bronx. He was 82.

Nathan began writing his column in the 1950s, when Japanese cameras were making their way to America to challenge advanced German models. Appearing in Popular Photography, Modern Photography and other magazines, the column was an opinionated guide to new equipment that also offered tips on how to shoot various subjects.

He was particularly interested in panoramic photography, a field that caught his attention while he worked for the Flying Tigers freight line. Faced with the challenge of photographing cargo planes, he worked with camera builders on a hand-held camera to take undistorted large-format pictures.

He later applied his panoramic techniques to make photographic stills for Hollywood epics such as "Waterloo" and "Khartoum," as well as for nine James Bond films.

Rest in peace.





Pierce Brosnan and IFAW Launch New Vessel to Save the Whales

June 6, 2004 - U.S. Newswires

International film star and environmentalist Pierce Brosnan yesterday teamed up with IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) to launch its new research and education vessel, uniquely designed for its mission to protect marine mammals.

Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan are committed environmentalists and IFAW supporters. Brosnan serves as honorary spokesman for IFAW's global whale campaign. Shaye Brosnan has recently been appointed to the organization's Board of Directors.

Pierce Brosnan said: "I congratulate IFAW and its tireless fight to save whales around the world. This unique sailing ship will contribute much to IFAW's heroic work. There is no cause I feel more passionately about than the health of our environment and I am enormously proud to launch IFAW's flagship, Song of the Whale."

The Brosnans launched IFAW's Song of the Whale at St Katharine's Dock in London yesterday, Sunday, 6 June 2004, and wished her well on her maiden voyage to Iceland, where IFAW is campaigning against a recent resumption of whaling and working to promote responsible whale watching.

Keely Shaye Brosnan said, "Pierce and I joined forces with IFAW half a decade ago, during a campaign to save the last pristine breeding ground of the pacific grey whale from industrial development. Together with the help of the NRDC we were successful in protecting the world heritage site of Laguna San Ignacio, and we continue to support IFAW's noble work to protect whales worldwide.

It should be a 'whale of a time'.





Pierce Brosnan Roots For Tree Fight

June 15, 2004 - NBC

SACRAMENTO -- After actor Pierce Brosnan became the latest celebrity to back a ban on logging California's oldest trees, an Assembly committee Monday passed a bill it had stymied last year.

Brosnan, the latest actor to play secret agent James Bond, urged the Assembly to follow the Senate in approving a bill that would allow only emergency logging in private and state forests of large hardwoods, redwoods, giant sequoias, Douglas firs and Port Orford cedars that were growing when commercial logging began in 1850, the year California became a state.

After it had delayed the bill last year, the Assembly Natural Resources Committee approved it 7-1 Monday, but only after bill sponsor Sen. Don Perata promised he will resolve provisions that committee members said could hurt responsible landowners.

Timber land owners argued the bill will harm the economies of rural timber communities, which have already been pounded by restrictions on logging. It will also make millions of dollars of valuable timber impossible to sell, thereby forcing owners to chop it down before the legislation makes it worthless, said representatives of the California FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified Landowners, a group of land owners who cut timber.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also opposes the bill as "unnecessary and scientifically unsound" because old growth forests are protected under other existing laws. That's not enough, bill supporters said.

"These ancient trees are a link to our past and our hope for the future," Brosnan said at a news conference before the vote. "Along our coastlines, deep in the valleys, atop the mountains and in the forests, old growth trees are a living symbol of California's natural, historical, cultural heritage."

His wife, environmental activist Keely Brosnan, called the trees "a natural wonder" that provide important habitat for many species, including endangered ones.

Brosnan is such an advocate for the environment perhaps the next James Bond film should be titled FOXFIRE.





Willard Whyte's Home For Rent

June 21, 2004 - The Oregonian

Diamonds are forever, and so are vacation memories especially if you're sleeping in James Bond's bed. Well, OK, 007 -- aka Sean Connery -- didn't actually sleep in the Arthur Elrod Estate in Palm Springs, Calif. But "Diamonds Are Forever," the 1971 spy thriller, was filmed in the spectacular 5,600-square-foot house considered one of the most visually stunning residential properties in the world.

And now you, too, can sleep in one of the estate's five bedroom suites, including the James Bond Suite, thanks to Time and Place Homes, a private agency that rents luxury digs around the globe.

The glass-and rock mansion includes a curved 25-foot electronic sliding glass door, suspended from the perimeter of the roof, that retracts automatically to the side of the house leaving the living room completely open to the desert and a 220-degree of the San Jacinto Mountains.

A 60-foot-diameter clear-span roof fills the main living area with sunlight during the day. But at night, the black-slate floors throw no reflection, so that light from twinkling stars above reflect in the pool to create an otherworldly sense of place.

James and Tiffany Case (Jill St. John) cavorted here, and so can you -- for a mere $8,871 three-night minimum. Oh, what the heck, invite a few friends and book the place for a week at the bargain price of $20,000. Details: Time and Place Homes, 866-244-1800, www.timeandplacehomes.com

Only if Bambi and Thumper are added!





Love, Honor & Obey

June 21, 2004 - Sunday Herald

Honor Blackman, the leather-clad 60s icon who played Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, talks to Stephen Phelan about beauty, accents … and why there’s only one Bond for her

Honor Blackman does a one-woman stage show, in which she sings and plays various characters. People like it, and she regularly fills midsized regional theatres with admirers. But many wonder why she doesn’t satisfy their curiosity by doing something more autobiographical. “I could, I suppose,” she says in that purr of perfect Kensington vowels, the voice that made James Bond doubt himself for a moment. “I know I’ve worked with all sorts of interesting people. But I was always very shy. I feel there are two kinds of actors, the show-offs and the shy ones who have to wear masks. And you also find yourself thinking that you’re so boring, why would anyone want to sit and listen to you?”

At 78, Blackman sounds great, and looks it. She happily admits how beautiful she was as a young actress, and seems to have aged with a certain respect for that memory. On Tuesday night in Glasgow, she will be introducing an evening of Bond theme songs, played by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Blackman has done this kind of thing a few times before.

“People just love it,” she says. “The music brings back a lot of memories, and you can see the film running in their heads as they listen to it.”

Her own job is just to tell a few anecdotes about the making of Goldfinger, the movie the fans love the most, and the one where she starred as Pussy Galore – the horse-riding, street-fighting ace pilot who defined her career, for better or worse. She won’t tell me in advance what those anecdotes are, but she does suggest that people generally want to hear stories about her co-star, and the one true Bond, Sean Connery. Which seems a shame, because Pussy was a much more interesting character. Bond is actually pretty ineffective in Goldfinger – in the end, it’s Pussy who saves the world.

“Absolutely,” says Blackman. “Just think of it. I sometimes do resent being called a Bond girl, because Pussy Galore was a character I would like to have played in anything. Most Bond’s women fall on the floor in front of him. Pussy Galore never did.”

In Ian Fleming’s original novel, of course, the character was written as a woman’s woman, won over by Bond’s rough brand of heterosexuality.

“Oh yes,” she says. “But they wouldn’t let me be a lez in the film. The only little nod they gave to lesbianism was allowing me to call my [all-female] crew Joe, and Biff, and names like that.”

Blackman never took the film very seriously, or the trouble caused by the character’s overtly “metaphorical” name – many journalists were too embarrassed to even say it out loud, and some accused her of shamelessness because she didn’t feel the same way. And she admits she lost interest in the Bond movies when Connery gave up.

“I wish you wouldn’t ask about that, but I’ve only seen a couple of the others. I can’t help thinking that Sean was perfection, so once it changed I wasn’t very interested. He had the right wicked twinkle. You could believe he would leave the bodies by the wayside and not worry. The word you would never attach to Sean would be ‘nice’.”

Unlike Connery, though, Blackman was never given room to reshape her image after Bond.

“I do get shot at for saying this, but if you establish a glamorous persona, lots of other things go out the window. And so I haven’t done a lot of the work I would like to do. I can say I’ve been lucky in the work I did get, mostly because of the way I looked, but I wasn’t the first choice for any classics, that’s for sure.”

Blackman didn’t always want to be an actress. Even after her father bought her elocution lessons for her 15th birthday – thinking she might go further in life without her natural-born Cockney accent – and after her voice coach encouraged her to go on to drama school, she still found it hard to believe that “people actually acted for a living, and raised families on those earnings”. While she studied the craft for fun, she also worked as a filing clerk for the Home Office, and fully expected to follow her father into the civil service.

“I was the best clerk in the place, because I was accustomed to memorising lines. All the men would come and ask Ms Blackman for their files. And not just because of my efficiency, I suspect, ha ha.”

In the dark days of the second world war she volunteered as a motorcycle dispatch rider, and freewheeled around London through the blitz. “I was christened Top Gear Tessie, I had a whale of a time. You could hear the air raid sirens, but you had to get somewhere, so you just went for it. Too young, too stupid.”

When the world settled down a bit, Blackman found she could make a living on the stage, rising from understudy to leading parts, and on to pretty-girl roles in cheap movies like Daughter Of Darkness. Back then, casting directors were unapologetic about putting faces before talents. Blackman, a little nostalgic, can’t completely disapprove.

“I know how this sounds,” she says, “but nowadays you can have any kind of atrocious accent, and look like the back of a bus, and still get employed. It’s good that looks aren’t as important as they used to be, but this job was much more glamorous once. We used to get the stage door johnnies armed with flowers and champagne and boxes of cigarettes. Now everyone is trying to be the boy or girl next door, and it’s utterly boring.”

Blackman, by contrast, became the girl with the black leather outfits and lethal judo skills. Her role as Cathy Gale in the first two series of The Avengers established a new kind of female creature for the 1960s – “she was pure, she was bright, and she could defend herself”. The show was big enough for the producers to cash in with the goofy novelty single Kinky Boots, sung by Blackman and a tuneless Patrick McNee (“That awful song,” she says. “My poor children couldn’t raise their heads on the way to school.”) Blackman threw herself so hard into the martial arts that she once knocked out guest star and professional wrestler Jackie Pallo. By the time she got the part in Goldfinger, flinging Connery around the barn in their fight scene was “easy-peasy lemon-squeezy”.

Between Cathy Gale and Pussy Galore, Blackman is still celebrated on fan websites as a definitive swingin’ 1960s chick, but that’s not how she remembers it herself. She didn’t even remember meeting The Rolling Stones until her daughter recently produced an old photograph.

“People always talk about the 1960s,” she sighs, “but I was so busy a lot of it passed me by.”

After that, like Blackman says, she wasn’t offered any classics. She appeared with Connery again in the woeful western Shalako, and turned up in scrappy British horror movies like To The Devil A Daughter, in which her character is stabbed through the head with a steel comb by a naked Satanic nun.

“Oh good God,” she says, having forgotten that film until just now. “All I can say is, I had to feed my children.”

And more recently, her poise and variety have been effectively wasted in everything outside her own one-woman show – a frisky grandma role in lamentable ITV sitcom The Upper Hand, twinkling cameos in Bridget Jones’s Diary and the forthcoming Colour Me Kubrick. But there’s still time for someone to recognise how rare she is, and exploit her again to full effect.

“I know I should be a little old lady,” says Blackman, “yet I just can’t manage to become one. There aren’t many parts for somebody of my years who isn’t a little old lady. So obviously, someone should write one.”

Honor Blackman introduces An Evening Of Bond … James Bond at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on June 22, 2004.

It should be a 'Galorious' evening.





Bond Songs Make Top 100

June 23, 2004 - American Film Institute

The American Film Institute has announced the top 100 film songs of all time and James Bond makes two places in the list. At #53 is the title song GOLDFINGER from the 1964 classic starring Sean Connery. At #67 is the song NOBODY DOES IT BETTER from the 1977 Roger Moore classic THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.

The songs LIVE AND LET DIE and FOR YOUR EYES ONLY were also nominated but did not make the final cut.





Diamonds Are Forever's Mustang On The Auction Block

June 23, 2004 - Barrett-Jackson

The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback which featured in the Las Vegas car chase and escaped by tipping on two wheels through a narrow alley is on the auction block this weekend.



Sean Connery and Jill St. John appeared with this Mustang in numerous scenes throughout the filming of this movie. Original Ford Invoices, Marti Auto Works Elite report, Director of chase scenes and additional research all confirm this Mustang was used in the movie. Fully optioned Mach 1, early produced Mustang, with 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air engine, C-6 automatic, with trim rings and hub caps and reproduction White side wall tires. For more information link to www.barrett-jackson.com

And if you see a mad professor in a minibus, just smile.





Sean Connery's Impersonator Nominated For Cloney Award

June 23, 2004 - eMediaWire

Bond, James Bond. Sean Connery professional lookalike, Impersonator, John Allen has been nominated for the highly acclaimed Cloney Award. The Award ceremony will be held at The Celebrity Impersonators and Tribute Artists Convention Aug. 1-4 at The Stardust Casino in Las Vegas



John Allen has been nominated for his excellant preformances in the catagory of Most Outstanding Impersonation of a Male Legend. John Allen has worked along side of Sir Sean Connery as his stand-in along with numerous appearances as James Bond for corporate theme events and fundraisers.

The Cloney award is considered the Oscar of the celebrity impersonation business. You can see photos, videos, and appearances made by John Allen at his website http://www.johnallen007.com

Shhplendid!





New York Bond Weekend Announced

June 23, 2004 - OO7Forever - Matt Sherman

What has had: 140 locations from 7 Bond films and 7 Bond books. 100 Bond costumes. 24 Celebrities from 12 Bond movies and 16 Bond books. 17 Bond vehicles. 8 Bond memorabilia shows. 5 Bond city tours and 1 magnificent group of Bond fans? The Bond Collectors' Weekends!

Matt Sherman has announced that they are gearing for their next BCW, the eighth annual event, in NYC, and have unearthed many locations from Thrilling Cities, Live and Let Die and more to tour.

So start saving those frequent flyer miles now.





Scene It? The DVD Game Adds James Bond Edition to Line Up

June 24, 2004 - Business Wire

Scene It? James Bond Edition features some of James Bond's most memorable moments on film spanning from Dr. No to Die Another Day. The game is the result of a licensing relationship with Eon Productions/Danjaq, LLC, the affiliated companies that control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise, in cooperation with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.



"We polled our Scene It? fan base and we received an overwhelming response to make our next edition of the game the James Bond edition," said Dave Long, co-founder and CEO of Screenlife. "James Bond is a timeless character who spans many generations. Everyone enjoys the intrigue, suspense and sex appeal of the Bond films."

Scene It? James Bond Edition will be available in October 2004 at national department and specialty stores and online at www.sceneit.com. Retailing for $49.99, Scene It? James Bond Edition contains a DVD with more than 700 on-screen challenges, 600 trivia card questions, 30 Q Cards, a Flextime(TM) game board and 007-themed collectible game pieces.

The success of the original Scene It? game was unprecedented, selling more units in its launch season than Trivial Pursuit, Pictionary and Cranium combined in their launch seasons. In June of 2003, Screenlife signed a mass-market distribution marketing deal with Mattel, Inc. Scene It? was also one of only five nominees for the Toy Industry Association's prestigious 2003 Game of the Year award; Scene It? Jr. recently received a 2004 Parents' Choice Award in the Fun Stuff category from the Parents' Choice Foundation.

A note to parents: All clips featured in this product are rated PG-13, consult www.filmratings.com for further information.

Screenlife, LLC, is the creator of Scene It?(R) The DVD Game and Optreve(TM), DVD enhancement technology, the first technology that allows state-of-the-art games to be played on DVD players. Scene It?, Scene It? Sequel Pack(TM), Scene It? Jr., and Scene It? TV Edition take classic board game fun to a new level by incorporating hundreds of Hollywood stars and films from five major studios -- 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, Dreamworks-SKG, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Universal Studios. Other content partners include Discovery Channel and TV Guide. For more information, visit the Web site at www.sceneit.com or call (866) DVD-GAME.

Scene it . . . done that.





OO7 Stuntman Crashes His Way Into World Record Book

July 1, 2004 - The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Former Brighouse man Roy Alon has been named the world's most prolific film and TV stuntman in the Guinness Book of Records. Roy, who now lives at Alwoodley in north Leeds, has spent 35 years crashing cars, being thrown off cliffs, getting blown up and setting himself on fire. He has been killed by James Bond, saved by Superman and even donned a dress to double for screen beauty Sophia Loren. Altogether, Roy has made more than 1,000 appearances on screen. He is one of the world's top stuntmen and is still in high demand.

"I'm as busy as I've ever been. I've been lucky to do something I enjoy. I love the business."

Roy has just worked on blockbuster Troy and is about to film stunts for Hollywood movie Mission: Impossible 3. Roy says his job is not about courting danger but minimising risk. However, it was his taste for a risky sport that led to his unusual career.

Roy left school at 14 and joined the Merchant Navy at 15. When he was 18 he went to work at Tetley's brewery in Leeds as an engineer. He started motorbike racing - and after a crash he was told he was a natural stuntman.

"A man said: `The way you fell as you flew through the air you'd make a good stuntman.' That set me thinking."

In 1968, he went to the newly-formed Yorkshire Television and talked his way into a stuntman's job. He appeared in regular stunt gags on The Les Dawson Show and in The New Avengers. He then made the blockbuster World War II film A Bridge Too Far and eventually moved on to Bond films. His first was The Spy Who Loved Me followed by Octopussy, Never Say Never Again, The Living Daylights, GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.

"Any action film you can think of is judged by the Bond standards. I've always been the villain. I've been killed many times by Sean Connery and Roger Moore."

Roy's other film credits include Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Superman III, Firepower and The Man Who Knew Too Little. In the early 1980s he made big news after earning $1m for falling off a cliff in a wheelchair in Trail of the Pink Panther. Despite big screen success, Roy is also at home on the small screen. He has been in many TV shows, including Taggart, where he gained the UK `high fall' record of 138 feet. He also appeared regularly in A Touch of Frost, turning down a part in Titanic in favour of the series.

Roy Alon played the SPECTRE prison guard who is thrown out the window by Sean Connery in NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN.





John Cleese Prefers OO7

July 1, 2004 - Ireland Online

John Cleese prefers his role as Q in the James Bond franchise to his work as Nearly Headless Nick in the Harry Potter movies - as he enjoys having a greater input in the script.

The 64-year-old actor prefers working on movies like The World is Not Enough to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as he is given free rein to add more humour to the dialogue.

Cleese explains: "Bond is brilliant as you are allowed to have a say in the script, but with Harry Potter everything is in the hands of the special-effects team.

"No one knows what's going on except them - not even the director because he doesn't know if the take works."

And they spend $100 million on these Harry Potter productions? Scary!





Young At Heart

July 1, 2004 - The Daily Record

According to a poll by YOURS magazine, grannies, or Scottish grans as they would prefer to be known as, feel Sir Sean Connery is the sexiest over-50s man on earth, with fellow 007 Roger Moore second and Pierce Brosnan in a distant third. Scots grannies are also the most adventurous in the UK. Half have played a computer game, while nearly three in five have been to a theme park.

I can see it now, Grandma sitting next to Roger Moore playing 2 player NightFire.





Clive Owen Denies Bond Rumors

July 6, 2004 - The Arizona Republic

Rumors have King Arthur star Clive Owen taking over the shaken-not-stirred mantle of James Bond from Pierce Brosnan. But supercool Owen has no plans to don the Bond tux, at least not yet.

"The first thing to say is, there are far worse things to be associated with than James Bond," Owen tells the Associated Press. "The next thing is, it's all been complete media speculation. I don't know where it comes from and why it keeps coming up, because it's never been anything more than just rumor. And thirdly, I think Pierce Brosnan has been a great Bond. He's done a fantastic job, and as far as I'm concerned, he's the man. . . . He's been fantastic for that franchise, and he should be back."

Nuff said.





Jessica Simpson A Bond Girl?

July 6, 2004 - TeenHollywood.com

Pop babe and Newlyweds star Jessica Simpson could become a sexy Bond girl. The cute blonde has reportedly been approached to play the love interest of Pierce Brosnan in his last appearance as 007.



According to showbiz website TeenHollywood.com, Simpson was considered as a possible replacement for Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones.

"Jessica is being mentioned as a possible Bond girl," a source told the website. "They really want Catherine Zeta-Jones but it doesn't look like she's going to be available."

Simpson, 23, who has become hot property since appearing with husband Nick Lachey in the MTV reality series Newlyweds, is performing around the US on her Reality Tour. Also on the prestigious Bond girl wishlist is fellow pop sensation, Britney Spears, although it seems unlikely the Toxic singer will land the part.

"Britney's just too well known for other things even though she has the kind of popularity with kids the producers are looking for", the source said.

The same girl who thought Buffalo Wings came from real buffalos.





Moonraker Actress Dies

July 6, 2004 - by Joe Holley for The Washington Post

Alexandra "Alex" Middendorf, who died at her home in Kensington, Maryland on June 29, once told an interviewer: "I love doing collages. When I was in Europe, I was always cutting collages. I have about 50 collage notebooks. Instead of keeping a diary, I would do collages."

Mrs. Middendorf, 52, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), lived a life that itself resembled a vivid collage. She had been a stuntwoman, a circus performer, an actress, an artist and an illustrator. Most recently, she was an executive producer with the Learning Channel (TLC).

Her television work included "Junkyard Wars," a show featuring two teams of builders let loose in a junkyard and given a day to build a working vehicle. The show was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2001.

She also produced "Circumcision vs. AIDS in Africa," "Vietnam: The Soldiers' Story" and 10 episodes of TLC's "Great Books" series. She was known not only for her exhaustive research, but also for doing whatever necessary to make a project work. Once, former colleague Kathryn Davidov recalled, a producer pitching a show about wolverines brought one of the stocky, ferocious carnivores to Washington. Because no hotel was eager to put the creature up for the night, Mrs. Middendorf took it home with her and even took it on walks in her neighborhood.

Alexandra Lewis Middendorf was born in East Orange, N.J., and moved to Washington in 1970 to attend George Washington University and the Corcoran College of Art and Design. In 1974, she moved to Paris to study theater with Jacques Lecoq, mime with Etienne Decroux and circus arts with Annie Fratellini and Pierre Etaix. For her first job, she rode a horse bareback with the Circo Americano, a European circus. She also had bit parts in films, including the James Bond thriller "Moonraker" (1979). She played one of the gorgeous girls in gold lame dresses who helped direct the moon launch.

"I gave the countdown for the Moonraker blastoff," she told The Washington Post in 1983. She also served as the stand-in for Jessica Harper in Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories" (1980).

She returned to the United States in 1981, living briefly in New York City before beginning a career as an illustrator and artist. Her clients included The Post, Washingtonian magazine and the New Republic. She once explained how she created an image of a burning plane for a New Republic cover story on Soviet warplanes' downing of Korean Airlines Flight 007. To get the image she wanted, she attached felt to a toy plane, suspended it from a bent coat hanger, doused the felt with lighter fluid and let it burn in front of a dark backdrop. She repeated the process several times so the photographer could capture images of the plane in several stages of burning.

After taking time off for the birth of her two children, she returned to work as an illustrator at National Geographic magazine and developed an interest in documentary filmmaking. She worked as an associate producer in the natural history unit before moving to TLC in 1996.

Survivors include her husband, Chris Middendorf, and their children, Jordan Middendorf and Gabriel Middendorf, all of Kensington; her parents, Lawrence and Nancy Lewis of Marathon, Fla.; three brothers; and a sister.

Rest in peace.





More Info On James Bond OO-13 Years Old

July 12, 2004 - The Independent

Charlie ("Charles") Higson occupies some ambiguous positions in the TV and publishing worlds. He's a writer of comedy who hates comic novels. He's a dealer in 45-second funny sketches who writes 100,000-word thrillers. He dwells at the centre of the modern humour orbit, where the planets Reeves and Mortimer, Enfield and Whitehouse circle each other endlessly; yet he has a whole alternative literary universe in which to roll around.

Higson himself grew up "typically middle-class" in Kent, mostly in Crawley and Sevenoaks, the third of four sons and the child of an accountant and management consultant. "Imagine - he was an accountant in the days when I was obsessed with Monty Python, and accountants were its main target. I used to love Monty Python."

Did it give him ambitions to be a comic writer? Higson looks scornful. "It was 30 years ago. There were no media studies courses or Channel 4. The thought that you might one day work in TV was unimaginable. But I was writing. Since I was 14, I wrote books for my own amusement. Science-fiction stuff. I started off influenced by Michael Moorcock and graduated to J G Ballard."

Higson has been writing novels for two decades. His first was King of the Ants: "I thought I'd write an American-style thriller, but make it English and set in Hackney Marshes." Three more followed, under the name of Charles Higson: Full Whack, Happy Now and Getting Rid of Mister Kitchen (in which a killer spends the book trying to get rid of the body). Now he's picked up the most lucrative commission imaginable - to write a series of children's novels starring the young James Bond.

"I was approached by Kate Jones, who'd been my editor at Hamish Hamilton, and was working with the Fleming estate. She knew I liked James Bond, and there were Bond references in my earlier books. The estate was looking for ways to reawaken interest in Fleming. Penguin had republished nice editions of Dr No and Casino Royale. Now they wanted someone to write books for nine-to-12s, to show that Bond was a literary character before he was a movie character."

He's now written the first (its title firmly under wraps) to be published by Puffin next March. In it, the 13-year-old Bond is at Eton in the 1930s, and is drawn into an adventure on a remote Scottish island. There's a villain, and a villain's henchman. There's even a love interest. "She's called Wilder Lawless. But it's a fairly chaste relationship. She's older than him, and he's got an older friend who fancies her. There's a lot of confused pre-sexuality. She wrestles him to the ground and pins him down with her thighs, and he likes it but he doesn't know why ... "

To research the book, Higson re-read the complete Bond oeuvre, in search of biographical clues. "There are only tiny nuggets of information, because Bond is a fantasy figure on to which anyone can project themselves. The books were like a textbook for the dull, grey, Fifties, British chap on how to be a man. It was the early-Playboy time. This is how you order a steak in a restaurant. This is what you should be drinking and wearing. This is how you treat a lady. That's why they were so popular and why they're interesting now, for what they tell us about Fifties aspirations."

The jury is still out on this debate.





Moore For OO7?

July 13, 2004 - World Movie Magazine

Roger Moore's son Geoffrey Moore is on the short-list of candidates to replace Pierce Brosnan as the next James Bond. Following the collapse of contract negotiations between film bosses and Brosnan, the 37-year-old restaurateur attended the read-through with producer Barbara Broccoli. This makes him a strong contender for the next Bond movie, the 21st, which is scheduled for release in November next year.

Roger Moore, the third official Bond, made way for Timothy Dalton nineteen years ago. A source says that his son Geoffrey would be the perfect choice. “Geoffrey is like a real-life Bond. He looks the part, too. He's a dashing upper-class restaurateur who lives a real jet-setting lifestyle. If anything, he is more like James Bond than his dad.”

Geoffrey’s lavish life-style includes spending plenty of time in the exclusive Swiss resort Gstaad – which would make him well-prepared for a role in like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, where 007 is forced to battle snow-capped mountains and treacherous avalanches.

Moore Junior also owns celebrity hangouts, restaurants Hush and Shumi in London, but he has acted in the past, with appearances including a part in secret agent escapade, Fit To Kill.

But, with an impressive spectrum of talent to pip to the post, Geoffrey will need more than his father’s reputation to win him the role. Hot contenders include King Arthur star Clive Owen, X-Men hunk Hugh Jackman (who, according to a survey done by Sky.com is the British public’s favourite) and Cold Mountain heart-throb Jude Law.

Don't believe it folks. Mark my words, Brosnan will be back in Bond 21.





New Sideshow James Bond Figure Announced

July 13, 2004 - Sideshow Collectibles

Media mogul Elliot Carver has an ingenius plan to lead the British and Chinese governments into World War III for his own financial gain. The plan goes smoothly until James Bond steps into the picture. In the eighteenth Bond film 'Tomorrow Never Dies,' Bond (Pierce Brosnan) finds himself teaming up with stunningly lethal Chinese agent, Wai Lin (Michelle Yeoh), to stop Carver's evil plot.



Wai Lin was designed by artist And Bergholtz and has over 30 points of articulation. It comes equipped with her espionage ready costume, shoes with throwing stars mounted on the soles, throwing stars, MP-5, small explosives, and a "Tomorrow Never Dies" 12" figure stand.

SIDESHOW EXCLUSIVE EDITION
The first 500 customers to order directly from www.SideshowCollectibles.com will receive a bonus accessory available nowhere else! The Sideshow Exclusive accessory is an extra MP-5!

Personally I have enjoyed some of Sideshow Collectible's OO7 figures but this particular one does not do Michelle Yeoh's face justice.





Pierce Brosnan Is Set To Get The Bullet

July 13, 2004 - by Bruce Walker The Sunday Mail

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is to be pensioned off. Producers want the next film about the suave superspy to be in the mould of an old-fashioned 007 movie instead of a hi-tech blockbuster. And they have decided they need someone younger to play the part.

At 51, Pierce is seen as too old to play the licensed-to-kill smoothie and Van Helsing star Hugh Jackman, 35, is favourite to become the new Bond. Scots actors Ewan McGregor and Gerard Butler - who starred in Tomb Raider The Cradle of Life - have also been tipped for the spy role.

The move to ditch Brosnan comes after writers Andrew Neal and Robert Wade patched up their differences with producer Barbara Broccoli.

A source said: 'Without all the special effects, the film will work best with a young, fresh actor.

'Andrew and Robert have at last persuaded everyone at the production company Eon that a traditional Bond is the way forward.

'So now it looks as if Brosnan's services won't be required for the next film.' The Irish actor has played the part of 007 in the past four films - and was desperate to star in the 21st Bond movie. Brosnan is credited with having breath-ed new life into the franchise since he first appeared as 007 in GoldenEye in 1995. Although his contract had ended, he was hopeful of getting one last shot at pulling on his black dinner jacket and bow tie. However, the source added: 'Apparently, he was demanding a Tom-Cruise-level pay cheque but I don't think he's quite in that league.'

Producers could have a rebellion on their hands if Pierce is given the bullet after Samantha Bond, who plays sexy Miss Moneypenny, warned she would quit if he is not given the role again. She joined Dame Judi Dench, who stars as M, in declaring her support for the actor. Nobody from Eon Productions was available for comment.

Not only is this story bogus but the writer does not have all his facts. The screenplay writers name is Neil Purvis - not Andrew Neil.





James Bond Junior Born In Baltimore

July 14, 2004 - by Sandra McKee for The Baltimore Sun

Tennis Hall of Famer and Baltimore native Pam Shriver, 42, has given birth to a baby boy. Baltimore tennis fans have followed Shriver's career since she was a child and have shared her on-court successes as well as news of off-court joy and sadness. They knew of her boyfriends and of her sister Marion's illness and death. They rejoiced with her over her marriage to Joe Shapiro and shared her pain at his death.

When she married George Lazenby, 63, who played James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service, fans again wished her well as she talked about her dream of becoming a mother.

At 11:59 p.m. Monday, George Samuel Lazenby weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces.

And, true to form, Shriver, who lives in California, shared the news, letting everyone know shortly after midnight via a pre-arranged e-mail. "[We're] thrilled and everyone is well," she wrote.

This is the best news in the OO7 community all week. Congratulations from this website.





Pierce Brosnan's Son Arrested

July 15, 2004 - by Alexa Baracaia for The Evening Standard

The son of James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has been arrested on suspicion of stealing mobile phones at a London nightclub. Christopher Brosnan, 32, was seized by police at Chinawhite, in the West End, accused of rifling through clubbers' bags beside the dance floor. He was held by bouncers until police arrived shortly after 3am, when he was led away in handcuffs.

After spending the night in a central London cell, Brosnan was bailed pending further inquiries. Routine DNA swabs allegedly linked him to the theft of a handbag at Victoria Station. Scotland Yard confirmed a 32-year-old man was arrested.

In 1997 the aspiring film producer served seven months in jail in London for drunk-driving. In March 2002 he almost died after overdosing on illegal dance drug GHB. He and his sister Charlotte, 30, were adopted by Brosnan when he married their mother Cassandra Harris, who died of cancer 13 years ago. Last November the Bond star, 51, said of Christopher: "He's gone through a lot."

A very sad story but Mr. Christopher Brosnan is going to have to answer to his alleged problems. Funny that the children of three OO7s have made headlines this week.





James Bond 21 to Film in Prague?

July 18, 2004 - Coming Soon and Variety

Variety has learned that executives on the next James Bond installment are keen on filming in Prague and have begun talks with studios and service companies. However, it looks like a decision may be waiting on the completion of a script.

Filming in Prague was a major help to films such as The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The value of the dollar/pound is lower and the city has been very supportive of foreign filmmakers.





Never Say Never Again Actor Dies

July 19, 2004 - BBC

Actor Pat Roach, who starred as Count Lippe in Never Say Never Again, has died from cancer aged 67, his family has announced. The British star featured in movies including three Indiana Jones films, Barry Lyndon, Willow, Conan The Destroyer and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

He died during the early hours on Saturday, biographer and family friend Shirley Thompson said.

"This is to confirm the news that Pat Roach passed away at 1.20am today, Saturday 17 July, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer," a family statement said. Pat was a wonderful, wise and gentle man much loved by all."

His role as Lippe in Never Say Never Again was one of the highlights of that film. The weight room fight scene at Shrublands is a classic that rivaled many of the earlier Bonds. Rest in peace.





Three 'Bond Beach Moments' Top Blockbuster List

July 19, 2004 - Fox News - Blockbuster

NEW YORK — Splash yourself with cold water: Blockbuster has named its best beach moments in movie history and two red-hot Bond girls lead the pack.

The No. 1 choice as selected by the video chain is the eye-popping scene in which Ursula Andress emerges dripping wet from the sea wearing a revealing bikini in the first James Bond flick, "Dr. No" (1962).

"It is yet to be equaled and remains to this day one of the most memorable moments in cinema history," says the Web site hollywoodcultmovies.com.

In second place is Halle Berry, who sashays from the ocean dressed in a jaw-dropping orange bikini in the 2002 Bond movie, "Die Another Day." Berry's stunning beach walk was intended by the film's producers as a tribute to the Andress scene 40 years earlier.



The films 10, Jaws, From Here to Eternity, and Point Break take third thru sixth. But it is the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) that brings the number to seven and three positions for OO7 where Roger Moore and Barbara Bach dive into the sea and the car becomes a submarine before emerging again on a packed beach of shocked holidaymakers.

Of course my vote would continue with such scenes as Domino making love underwater with Bond - Thunderball (1965) and Tracy preparing to drown herself in the wake - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)





Brosnan's Wife Says 'Sort Out' Your Children

July 19, 2004 - Ireland Online

Pierce Brosnan's wife has ordered the James Bond star to "sort out" his children after his son was arrested of suspicion of theft.

The Irish actor's spouse Keely Shaye Smith, 39, is concerned the recent behaviour of Brosnan's older children - from his first marriage - will affect their two sons, Dylan Thomas, 7, and three-year-old Paris Beckett, and she's reportedly begging him to steer his kids away from trouble. According to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, Shaye Smith told Brosnan: "Sort your older children out - now. I don't want my kids affected by their bad behaviour."

Brosnan's son Christopher was detained by police this week after allegedly stealing mobile phones at a London nightclub. But Shaye Smith has reportedly banned Brosnan from flying to the capital to help his 32-year-old son. A source says: "Keely feels Pierce does his kids no good when he picks up the pieces and heads for London each time they find themselves in trouble. "She's insisting that he shows them 'tough love', letting them know in no uncertain terms that their behaviour is not going to be tolerated any more."

Little does anyone know that Keely is in the running to be the next 'M' in Bond 21. She's a natural when it comes to giving orders to Pierce.





Aston Martin is UK's Dream Used Car

July 19, 2004 - Responsesource.com

A new report from BCA shows that UK motorists plump for class and style when asked to choose from a list of dream used cars. From a list that ranged from the powerful (Michael Schumacher’s F1 car) to the functional (Tony Blair’s Ford Galaxy), the clear favourite was James Bond’s Aston Martin, chosen by 31%.

Sean Connery drove the classic silver birch Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. Aston Martin models were also featured in Thunderball, The Living Daylights and GoldenEye and more recently Pierce Brosnan drove a V12 Vanquish in Die Another Day. While it was the choice of 37% of men, just 25% of women choose the Aston Martin as their favourite.

Add at least one financially strapped American too.





Roger Moore Helps Goldfinger

July 20, 2004 - ITV.com

Former 007 actor Sir Roger Moore has made an unusual show of support for one of the UK's most notorious criminals - John "Goldfinger" Palmer. The timeshare fraudster was at the High Court in London to challenge a Home Secretary ruling that he must not be transferred to an open prison.

Palmer, in his 50s, from Battlefields, Bath, was jailed for eight years at the Old Bailey in May 2001 for conspiracy to defraud. His estimated 17,000 victims, many of them pensioners, were said to have handed over millions of pounds to buy shares in apartments which in some cases did not even exist. The resale and rental value of the shares, and their saleability, were exaggerated by Palmer's companies. Palmer - dubbed "Goldfinger" after being acquitted of handling gold from the 1983 Brinks-Mat bullion robbery - claimed he had repaid £10million, but this was not accepted by the Crown. The judges ordered him to pay £7,889 prosecution costs.

Moore, whose stepdaughter is employed by Palmer's legal team, shook hands with the con man after his victory. Just moments earlier, Sir Roger and Lady Moore looked on as Mr Justice Collins declared a decision by the Home Office refusing to allow Palmer to move to an open prison as "fatally flawed".

Mr Justice Collins said: "It seems to me there must be a fresh consideration which must take into account all the material Mr Palmer has raised in these proceedings."

These sure are strange days we live in.





Betting On Robbie Williams To Be The Next James Bond

July 21, 2004 - GamblingGates.com

Internet bookmaker Intertops.com released its odds on Robbie Williams to be the next James Bond. Currently the image of this undisputed hero is closely associated with Pierce Brosnan, who won the role in 1994 and signed a contract for GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is not Enough and Die Another Day. But casting for the next Bond film is in doubt now.

The bookmaker company, which is well-known for its unusual bets, has estimated the possible changing in film history and now has Robbie at 5/1 favorite to be the next Bond. According to Biz.yahoo.com, Robbie Williams cherished a hope of being James Bond since 2001. The singer used samples from Bond themes and the Bond image for his single Millennium.

The company's experts tried to identify key aspects for the Bond role. They found that it has to be quintessentially British though offered some odds for Hollywood stars. Onlinecasinonews.com reported that some of the outsiders in the offering list were Tony Blair at 1000/1 and David Beckham at 100/1. American choices include Ben Affleck at 250/1, Tom Cruise at 80/1 and George Clooney at 50/1.

"Our customers love our cinema and entertainment props, so offering odds on a cult movie hero such as Bond gives fans a chance to win some bucks and have fun speculating on the next 007. James Bond has been a sex symbol for years so there's some interest here for female fans too," commented Intertops.com Chief Bet Manager Michael Maerz.

Robbie Williams 5
Hugh Jackman 5.5
Clive Owen 6
Christian Bale 7
Jeremy Northam 8
Guy Pearce 8.5
Adrian Paul 9
Colin Firth 9
Colin Wells 11
Gerard Butler 11
Clive Robertson 13
Dougray Scott 13
Ewan McGregor 16
Ralph Fiennes 16
Edward Atterton 21
Geoffrey Moore 21
Ioan Gruffudd 21
Jude Law 26
Rupert Everett 26
Orlando Bloom 31
Colin Farrell 33
Russell Crowe 33
George Clooney 51
Hugh Grant 67
Tom Cruise 81
Simon Cowell 201
Ben Affleck 251
David Beckham 301
Rowan Atkinson 751
Tony Blair 1000

Welcome to LoseYourShirt.com.





GoldenEye: Rogue Agent Update

July 24, 2004 - bondmovies.com

Bondmovies.com has reported that Christopher Lee and Dame Judi Dench will be providing their voiceovers for the new video game GOLDENEYE: ROGUE AGENT.

Why save the world when you can rule it? Going where no previous James Bond game has dared to tread, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent breaks all the rules. Cross over to the dark side of the Bond universe to experience life as a high-rolling, cold-hearted villain.

As an aspiring 00 agent dismissed from MI6 for reckless brutality, you’re recruited by Auric Goldfinger in a ruthless war against Dr. No for control of the Bond underworld. A brutal encounter with Dr. No costs you an eye, but Goldfinger’s technicians replace it with a gold-hued, synthetic eye, earning you the name ‘GoldenEye’. With the ability to customize and upgrade your villain persona, wreak havoc as you make your unrelenting rise through the ranks.

On globe-spanning missions of vengeance and demolition, cross paths with such infamous allies and enemies as Oddjob, Scaramanga, Xenia Onatopp, and of course, Pussy Galore.

The creators of the game have added levels that are lifted from classic Bond films such as Goldeneye satellite uplink, the Golden Gate Bridge from A View To A Kill, the pyramids and Atlantis from The Spy Who Loved Me, and Scaramanga’s funhouse from The Man with the Golden Gun.

This sounds like a fun game. I just wish I could still play the part of James Bond but I may be acting too critical here.





Pierce Brosnan Calls It Quits

July 27, 2004 - Associated Press

NEW YORK - Pierce Brosnan appears to be turning in his license to kill, says Entertainment Weekly. "That's it," Brosnan told EW.com. "I've said all I've got to say on the world of James Bond."

In an interview on the magazine's Web site, posted Tuesday, the Irish-born actor said 2002's "Die Another Day" was his last mission on her majesty's secret service.

"Bond is another lifetime behind me," Brosnan said.

But the 51-year-old's statement might be a negotiating ploy. Original Bond Sean Connery quit for a whole movie before being lured back for bigger bucks. If true, England-based Eon Productions, which produces the Bond flicks, must find another star to carry 007's Walther PPK in the 21st Bond movie, scheduled for release next year.

Speculation surrounds Brits Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Gerard Butler, Jude Law and Ewan McGregor, as well as Aussies Hugh Jackman, Heath Ledger and Eric Bana.

For Brosnan, playing Bond will always be a fond memory.

"We went out on a high," Brosnan said, "and I look back affectionately at that time and doing those four movies. But I've said all I gotta say on it."

Sad day for Brosnan fans.





Orlando Bloom Is New James Bond

July 27, 2004 - femalefirst.co.uk

However, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' heartthrob will not be replacing Pierce Brosnan as 007 - instead he will star in a movie about the suave spy' s younger days.



A source at Hollywood studios Miramax, who are making the film, revealed: "The story that Orlando will play Bond is true but we are doing a rather novel film about the young James Bond.

"The author, Ian Fleming, never really got into this period of his character 's life, but he did mention in 'You Only Live Twice' that Bond attended Fettes College, having been expelled from Eton. Charlie Higson, who is writing the screenplay, has woven a wonderful tale around this." Miramax believe Orlando - who was recently tipped to take over from Pierce Brosnan in the regular Bond films - will be perfect for the role.

The source told Britain's Sunday Telegraph newspaper: "Orlando's got the sort of face that makes him look believable for that whole period in Bond's life."

The movie is also set to show Bond's notorious womanising started at a young age. The insider added: "There will be a lot of that sort of thing."

I thought young James Bond was going to be 13 years old, not 27 like Bloom? Personally I would take this news item with a grain of salt.





Timothy Dalton Labors for 'Hercules'

July 28, 2004 - by Nellie Andreeva for The Hollywood Reporter

LOS ANGELES - Sean Astin, Leelee Sobieski and Timothy Dalton are set to star in NBC's four-hour miniseries "Hercules." British newcomer Paul Telfer has been selected from more than 200 candidates to play the title role in the $20 million project, which chronicles the life of the Greek hero who, after killing his two sons and two of his brother's sons, performs 12 labors to repent.

Astin will play Linus, Hercules' music teacher. Sobieski will play Hercules' second wife, Deianeira. Dalton will play the hero's stepfather, Amphitryon. Angie Harmon ("Law & Order") is in talks to join the cast as Hercules' mother, Alcmene.

"Hercules" is scheduled to begin production Aug. 23 in New Zealand with the premiere eyed for May 2005. While Telfer has an imposing physique, at 6-foot-2, the project will not follow the Hollywood formula of portraying Hercules as a Schwarzenegger-type muscle man with incredible physical strength.

"His strength comes within," executive producer Robert Halmi Sr. said. "He grows strong emotionally, mentally and spiritually as he tries to redeem himself."

Telfer is not a stranger to ancient times. He had roles on TNT's miniseries "Spartacus" and the upcoming indie "Alexander the Great From Macedonia." Astin, who played Frodo's best friend Sam Gamgee in "The Lord of Rings" trilogy, recently wrapped the feature "Caught in the Act." Sobieski's credits include starring roles in the miniseries "Joan of Arc" for CBS and "Uprising" for NBC. Dalton, best known for his role as Agent 007 in two James Bond movies, starred as Julius Caesar in Halmi's 1999 TV movie "Cleopatra."

Is there a role available for another former Bond?





MGM Mum On Brosnan

July 29, 2004 - by Bob Tourtellotte for Reuters

Film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc kept its lips pursed as tight as any secret agent with a license to kill on whether Pierce Brosnan would play James Bond in the next superspy movie set for release in November 2005. The Irish-born actor has portrayed the fictional hero of the multi-billion dollar film franchise four times since 1995's "GoldenEye," but this week he said he has holstered his gun for good.

But in the world of covert espionage (i.e.: Bond movies and Hollywood deals), things are rarely what they appear. MGM, which along with EON Productions owns the Bond movie rights and distributes the films, has not yet counted Brosnan out.

MGM Vice Chairman Chris McGurk told reporters and financial analysts the company and EON are still developing the 21st Bond film in the 42 year-old series. A script was complete, a director was being hired and then they would see about Bond.

"At that point, we're going to address the casting issues. It's the same process we went through with 'Die Another Day,"' which was the most recent Bond movie, McGurk said. "We're deep in development, and right now, we're still targeting November 2005" as the release date, he added.

Brosnan completed his contract to portray the British superspy with the 2002 film that co-starred Halle Berry. Until the Entertainment Weekly interview, he had often told reporters he was open to another turn as Bond. Hollywood insiders speculate Brosnan may be starting negotiations for the next movie in the press. His media representative referred calls to MGM, which declined to comment beyond McGurk's statement.

"Die Another Day," was the biggest Bond box office hit racking up a total of around $425 million in worldwide ticket sales, and in 2003's second quarter MGM took in another $140 million from the film's DVD and home video sales.

Hmm, with MGM trying to sell to the highest bidder, most likely the future owner is wondering if Brosnan comes with the deal. Stay tune, the worst is yet to come.





WANTED: Actor To Play Fictional British Spy

July 29, 2004 - by Fiona Cummins for The Mirror

The search is on for a new James Bond after Pierce Brosnan confirmed he is quitting as 007. And there is no shortage of talent queuing up to take his place as the world's most famous secret agent.

Stars such as Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Hugh Grant and Jude Law are among those being considered as the sixth Bond. Brosnan, 51, has decided to call time on the role after making four Bond blockbusters, the last being Die Another Day. The Irish actor said: "Bond is another lifetime behind me.

"We went out on a high and I look back affectionately at that time and doing those four movies. But I've said all I've got to say on it."

Many female fans will miss Brosnan's smouldering brown eyes and soft Irish brogue but they'll also be impressed with the list of stars wanting to take his place. Also among contenders are Colin Firth, Ewan McGregor, Orlando Bloom, Colin Farrell and even Rupert Everett.

McGregor is said to be "definitely thinking about the role". But a friend added: "He's wary of taking on Bond because he's concerned about being pigeon-holed."

Many believe Everett would be too camp for the tough guy part. He said: "I could play the most macho thing on the planet but people would still think of me as gay." Whoever is chosen as the sixth will be thrown into action pretty soon as Bond movie makers EON Productions want to start shooting the next film in January.

SO WHO WILL BE NEXT?

CLIVE OWEN - Suave, handsome and sophisticated, the King Arthur star, 39, has everything needed to be a hit as the next 007. Rating 9/10

IOAN GRUFFUDD - The 30-year-old Welsh star is tipped to take the role. He's staying quiet on the subject but he'd certainly look the part as Bond. 7/10

HUGH GRANT - There's no doubt he's got the looks and 43-year-old is a hit with the ladies. Bit too foppish to be taken seriously as a tough spy. 8/10

JUDE LAW - Possesses the presence and charisma for part but has his own important reason for wanting job. Jude, 30, said: "My kids would love it." 9/10

My vote goes to Australian Eric Bana.





License To Thrill: He's Bond-Like ... James Bond-Like

July 30, 2004 - by Leslie Gray Streeter for Palm Beach Post

For about 45 years, John Allen looked like John Allen, which is to say a former boutique and furniture store owner and sculptor in Delray Beach. But maybe a decade ago, his dark hair began to turn an elegant silver, and his face sprouted a distinguished silver beard to match. And all of a sudden, the Pennsylvania native had, by all appearances, turned into someone else.

"I grew a beard," says Allen, now 57, and "turned into James Bond."



To be exact, that's Connery, Sean Connery, the legendary sexy Scots actor, to whom Allen bears a startling resemblance. While some might have been content to let that coincidence become the subject of cocktail party chatter and excited looks in the grocery store, Allen parlayed his resemblance to Connery into a fruitful career as a professional celebrity impersonator.

Next week, the Delray father of two heads to Las Vegas for the annual convention of the International Guild of Celebrity Impersonators and Tribute Artists (IGCITA), where he is nominated for a Cloney Award for Best Portrayal of a Male Legend, a category he shares with a Clark Gable, a Humphrey Bogart, an Elvis, a Frank Sinatra and a John Wayne.

In the last eight years, Allen's played Connery in television and radio commercials for Samsung and Michelob Lite, corporate events and private birthday parties, and even had a close encounter with Connery himself.

"After I grew the beard, people would say to me 'Hey, you look like Sean Connery,' but I never really got it, even for a year after I started working," Allen says. "I have so much fun with it."

He's not the only person who finds Allen's gradual resemblance to Connery amusing — "Most people's dads own a business or whatever," says his 28-year-old son, Dusty Nangle of Delray. "My dad's a Sean Connery look-alike!"

Fil Jessee, president of the IGCITA and a long-time agent of impersonators, explains that while some of his guild's 80 or so members are strictly look-alikes, Allen is a full-fledged impersonator. That means "he can look like, sound like Sean Connery, and really convince you.... Also, he's a well-liked, dependable person who does his job very well." Just ask Robert De Niro's double.

"He projects Sean Connery, his energy, his aura," says Joseph Manuella, a New York-based De Niro impersonator who's known Allen for about two years. "We were walking down Las Vegas Boulevard, and he got stopped literally every 25 feet. It's amazing. I get the same thing, but he had his tuxedo on, so he got it more."

Born John Allen Nangle, the future faux-Bond's professional career included ownership of a Philadelphia men's boutique called The Different Drummer, and a gallery and furniture store in Delray. But in his teens and early 20s, he started a career he wouldn't resume for another two decades, as an actor doing summer stock with performers like Howard Keel and Gene Wilder ("I beat him up in a play once!" Allen remembers.)

After getting into retail, Allen didn't seriously consider revisiting acting until about eight years ago. That's when he was "discovered" as he ate dinner, as he did every Friday night, at the former Bacci at Mizner Park in Boca Raton.

"An agent walked up to me and said 'I can make you a lot of money. I want you to beat some guy up and throw him in Donald Trump's swimming pool,' " Allen remembers. "I said, 'I can do that!' "

The gig turned out to be a party at Mar-a-Lago hosted by a Hollywood producer, who staged an elaborate scenario where "terrorists" kidnapped the producer's wife, who was rescued by Allen and a Pierce Brosnan impersonator playing the older and younger James Bond. The fake terrorists were thwarted, the damsel was saved and a new career was born.

"I was shocked that you could make a living doing this, and I was shocked at the money," Allen says. "The way I looked at it was that I always wanted to push open as many doors as I could."

Because of his classic appeal and classiness, Allen says Connery is a particularly marketable look-alike character — "I'm going to be able to do more corporate events than, say, an Ozzy Osbourne."

His credits include a casino night at a local auto mall, a party at Universal studios, and a Korean commercial for a Samsung laptop computer. But it was in the Bahamas, on the set of a commercial for a German product called Teekane Tea, that he came face to face with the man whose face he shares.

"I was hosting a documentary about the making of the commercial, and had wrapped my stuff. We heard the announcement 'Sean Connery is in the elevator. He's coming to the set,' " Allen says. "Everyone was nervous about him coming there, but he walked right up to me and said, 'John, you look wonderful today.' I told him, 'That's because I look like you!' "

Allen walked away from the encounter impressed by the real Connery's graciousness. "He didn't have to talk to me. He doesn't know me. I knew from around that he had heard of me, but he didn't have to take the time to talk to me," he says. "That was very nice and kind of him."

Up close and personal, Allen also got a glimpse of Connery's appeal to the masses — "He's got a certain sex appeal. It's his manliness, his mysteriousness," Allen says. "And his classiness."

Sharing in that sex appeal makes Allen attractive to more than just advertisers and corporate clients. He demurs when asked if looking like Sean Connery has gotten him dates, but allows that "it doesn't hurt. I'm sure of that."

Occasionally, "somebody's girlfriend at a restaurant will talk to me, and the guy could be like 'Ah, that guy doesn't look like him,' " Allen says. "And I just say, 'That's OK. I'm not him. I'm me.' And then I graciously get out of there."

Allen says he immediately offers his card to duped strangers and explains that he's a look-alike. But occasionally he's let the misperception stand. He recalls a woman who excitedly approached him in an airport to tell him she'd just been released from the hospital after an illness, and "that she was so happy to meet me. She was just really sweet. I couldn't tell her."

Heads turn even faster when Allen hangs out with other impersonators. He tells a great story about hitchhiking in Las Vegas with a Pierce Brosnan impersonator, and of a recent dinner in Delray Beach with friend Manuela, who was in town to do his De Niro shtick at a wedding.

"In business, you go out with (who you work with)," Manuela says. "Like attracts alike. Look-alikes attract look-alikes. There's a vibe, a universal wavelength. We're all doing the same kind of work, all trying to get work for each other."

Allen, who is about 20 years younger than the actual Sean Connery, sees no end to his current career in sight. He's booked with events and commercials until next April, playing up his inner Bondness and having the time of his life. And even though he didn't initially see the resemblance, Allen admits that sometimes, he occasionally fools himself.

"I'll look in the mirror, and I'll see an illusion of Sean Connery," he says, "and then I say, 'Oh, it's me!' "

Must be interesting living a double-O-life.





Next Actor To Play OO7 Could Be Native American

August 8, 2004 - Elites TV

Since actor Pierce Brosnan's formal resignation from playing the character of James Bond, media and fan speculation has focused on a short list of top contenders to step into the secret agent's polished wing tips. Although producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson have not made an official statement towards favoring a specific actor to replace Brosnan, industry and media sources have concentrated on Hugh Jackman (X-Men), Eric Bana (The Hulk), Rikki Lee Travolta (Camelot: Excalibur), Orlando Bloom (Pirates of the Caribbean), Adrian Paul (Highlander), Clive Owen (King Arthur), and Ioan Gruffudd (Horatio Hornblower).

Should Travolta be handed the Bond mantel it will be the first time an actor with a Native American bloodline will take the role. Travolta meets the requisite British heritage unofficially required of Bond actors by route of Australia. Meanwhile his strong Italian bloodlines give him a brooding handsome profile to rival past Bond actor Timothy Dalton. Being one-quarter Nez Perce American Indian would, however, make Travolta the most exotic Bond actor.

According to a report by News of the World, Eon Productions is looking to 'modernize Bond and turn him into a youthful, suave and modern hero to compete with the likes of Spider-Man and Keanu (Reeves) in The Matrix.' Reeves' subtly exotic looks are spiced by Chinese and Hawaiian bloodlines.

Should Travolta be named the next Bond, it would not be the first time that the entertainment industry had capitalized on the subtle spices of an exotically ethnically mixed actor to update a classic character.

In 1993 one-quarter Japanese actor Dean Cain was tapped to play Superman in the television series Lois and Clark. Val Kilmer, who is part Cherokee American Indian, added his touch to the role of the caped crusader in the big screen Batman Forever.

While Travolta would add the most distinct ethnic flair to the role of Bond, there are other contenders in the 007 race with a little ethnic extra to add to the role. Paul, like Travolta and Dalton, has a strong Italian lineage - in addition to his British roots. Australian born Bana is the son of a Croatian father and a German mother.

Other names to record varying spikes on the Bond rumor graph include Heath Ledger (The Four Feathers), Gerard Butler (Timeline), and Colin Firth (Love Actually).

When you get down to it, OO7 is just a mutt like the rest of us.





Sean Connery Look-Alike Wins Award

August 9, 2004 - by Leslie Gray Streeter for Palm Beach Post

Following in the suave footsteps of award-winning actor Sean Connery, Delray Beach's John Allen is now an award-winning Sean Connery impersonator. Last week, Allen, 57, was named Most Outstanding Impersonator of a Male Legend at the Cloney Awards, presented at the national convention of the International Guild of Celebrity Impersonators and Tribute Artists in Las Vegas.

Allen, whose Connery shtick was profiled recently in Accent, beat out a Jack Nicholson, a Bob Hope and a Jackie Gleason.

"This really solidifies you in your craft," explained Allen, who has already booked a few jobs and appearances since winning the Cloney. "It's not money. It's your peers saying, 'You're the best.' That means a lot."

Shhhplendid.





Eye Of The Tiger - Catching Up With Joe (Peter Franks) Robinson

August 10, 2004 - Morecambe Today

REMEMBER this classic James Bond movie moment? In Diamonds Are Forever, Sean Connery and a blond diamond-smuggler named Peter Franks scrap it out in a rising glass elevator. In typical fashion, 007 takes a pasting from the powerful baddie until he manages to make a late comeback, blinding Franks with foam from a fire extinguisher. Bond then hurls his nemesis over a bannister to send him plunging six storeys to his death.

"Then Jill St John, who was absolutely beautiful, bent over me and I couldn't help but open my eyes. Sean Connery shouted: 'Joe, you're supposed to be dead!'"

'Tiger' Joe Robinson, who played Franks in the 1971 Bond film, grins as he recalls the most famous moment of his low-profile, but colourful movie career. When Joe popped into The Visitor offices during a recent holiday in Morecambe, he was keen to share this and other tales from his days as a cinema action hero. The bodybuilder, wrestler, fight co-ordinator and martial arts expert starred in 37 films in the 50s, 60s and 70s, alongside such luminaries as Errol Flynn, Diana Dors and Anthony Quinn. And away from the cameras, he rubbed brawny shoulders with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Kirk Douglas.

In his day he was known as 'The Blond Beefcake', an adonis of a man with rippling muscles, and even now it is easy to see why. To say Joe is proud of his body is putting it mildly. A confident character, the Tiger needed no encouragement to remove his shirt and show off the kind of tanned physique most men 50 years younger would envy. As for his grip, it could surely crush rocks. "That was my soft one," he grins as we shake hands and he nearly lifts me straight off my feet.

Even today, it appears Joe Robinson is not a man to be messed with. The formidable figure, born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne but with ancestral links to South Cumbria, is now retired from the silver screen and lives in Brighton. He spends much of his time travelling the world but has a soft spot for Morecambe. Not only do his cousin Lillian Simpson and her husband Bob live at Overton, but back in the late 40s and early 50s, 'Tiger Joe' was a top professional wrestler at The Winter Gardens. Just like modern movie action hero The Rock, Joe was a third generation wrestler, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. He trained in many different forms of combat, including judo and karate, while growing up in South Africa. With his blond hair, rugged looks and powerful build, Joe soon became a big box office attraction after joining the UK pro wrestling circuit in his early 20s.

"I came along before the TV era and the likes of Mick McManus," he says. "People queued around the block to see what was billed as my six foot seven inch flying drop kick."

The highlight of Joe's career in the ring came in 1952 when he beat former Olympic champion Axel Cadier to win the European Heavyweight Wrestling Title at the Royal Albert Hall. However, after injuring his back while wrestling in Paris, Joe returned to his first love – acting.

"I've been a film fan all my life and my hero was Errol Flynn," he says. "I eventually got to do a film with him and it was the most amazing thing."

He had trained some years earlier at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and appeared in a number of minor film roles. But his big break came after he landed the part of Harry 'Muscles' Green in the London stage musical 'Wish You Were Here'. Joe was spotted by writer Wolf Mankowitz, whose novel 'A Kid For Two Farthings' was to be adapted for film in 1955.

"They were considering Kenneth More for the part but it called for someone who knew how to wrestle and anyway, he was much smaller than me," said Joe, who loves to talk about his height (he remains a strapping 6ft 1ins tall) and how it compared to other actors of the time. "Everyone exaggerates their height in Hollywood and leading men wear lifts in their shoes to make them seem taller," he says knowingly.

Joe Robinson with Diana Dors

The Tiger was cast as Sam, a gentle giant who dreams of becoming Mr World and in the film's closing sequence, beats former boxing champion Primo Carnera in a wrestling match. He was also the love interest of Diana Dors, who was then known as 'The British Marilyn Monroe'.

"I kissed her on screen, she was absolutely beautiful and she said I reminded her of Burt Lancaster," said Joe, who does not mind giving the impression that he was, and perhaps still is, a bit of a ladies' man. A Kid For Two Farthings was a success and Joe was invited to the Cannes Film Festival of 1956. He stayed at the plush Carleton Hotel in Cannes and says he danced with Hollywood leading ladies Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Esther Williams and Grace Kelly. Joe also gave a judo exhibition on the sands, where legendary musical star Gene Kelly joined in.

The sky seemed to be the limit for Joe but then his five-year contract with London Films collapsed on the death of Alexander Korda, producer of A Kid For Two Farthings. He was offered a part in the 1956 adaptation of Alexander The Great, starring Richard Burton, but director Carol Reed advised him to turn it down. Joe admits this was a mistake.

"I thought I was a big star and perhaps success went to my head," he says.

From there the offers began to dry up. He did make the odd bit-part appearance here and there, such as alongside Roger Moore in TV show The Saint and as a gladiator in the 1962 Anthony Quinn film 'Barabbas'. "I played all kinds of roles – Vikings, Nazis, you name it – but I turned down the part of the 'gong man' for J Arthur Rank because I thought it would typecast me," he explains.

His movie career seemingly on its last legs, Joe concentrated on running his martial arts centre in Brighton and his gym in London. But then he was offered the spot in Diamonds Are Forever through his friendship with Sean Connery. Sean trained at Joe's gym during the 1960s. The Tiger also knew Honor Blackman, Connery's leading lady in the film Goldfinger, from the time he trained her in judo and they co-wrote a martial arts book.

"I nearly got the part Robert Shaw eventually played in From Russia With Love, but Shaw was Sean Connery's golf partner and that's why he got it," says Joe. "I think Connery felt a bit guilty about that. We were the same height so he recommended me for Diamonds Are Forever. I was getting paid £2,000 for the part and Connery said that was rubbish, because he didn't like the producers and thought he was badly paid. So thanks to him I ended up with £9,000, which was a lot of money in those days."

Joe's biggest acting role since Diamonds Are Forever was seven years ago, when he played Burt Lancaster in a documentary on the American actor's life. But his reputation as a tough guy has continued to open doors for him. In the early 80s Joe was invited to Hollywood, where he was a guest at the homes of Kirk Douglas and Frank Sinatra. "Sinatra invited me to his house and he served everyone, including his own staff, with spaghetticarbonara," he says. He also knows Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom he says looked up to him as a young bodybuilder.

Joe says with pride: "Schwarzenegger used to say I had the best shoulders he had ever seen."

The Tiger's legend as a hard man was put to the test six years ago in Cape Town when he was attacked by muggers on a street corner. Joe's eyes widen, the veins in his neck bulging as he assumes a fighting stance to re-enact this frightening moment.

"There was nine of them, two with baseball bats, one had a knife and one had knuckle dusters. I said to them: 'Are you tired of living? Come on punks, make my day'. I used my years and years of judo experience to throw the first man and break his arm, beat a few of them up and then I ran like bloody hell!"

This story is straight out of the movies; a pensioner 'cleaning house' on a gang of thugs. Certainly the South African newspapers had a field day when they found out about his heroic deed.

"The headlines said: 'The Tiger Shows His Claws!'" says Joe. "I felt revitalised and like a hero again. It proved to me I could still fight. It was only later on that it affected me. I used to wake up screaming because they really could have killed me."

Thankfully, he survived to tell the tale. Twice-married Joe is now a father of four, with 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Even so, this immensely proud man would rather not admit his true age. He concedes to being "in my 70s" but prefers to say "I was born on the same day as Clint Eastwood and I'm younger than Roger Moore.

"People say I look like Harrison Ford and could pass for 50."

He laughs a deep, throaty laugh, then taps me playfully on the arm, nearly knocking me off my chair. Whatever his age, there certainly appears to be plenty of life left in this Tiger.

An elevator-action career that certainly has had it's ups and downs.





Halle Berry Disappointed At James Bond

August 10, 2004 - Female First

Halle Berry is disappointed Pierce Brosnan will no longer play James Bond. The stunning actress, who played Bond girl Jinx in 'Die Another Day', believes the handsome actor is irreplaceable as the suave spy.

She said: "I've heard the news and I think it's just extremely sad. I really can't think of anyone else who could play Bond. It's such a shame that Pierce won't be doing it anymore."

Favourites to replace Pierce as 007 include Australian actors Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman, British heartthrobs Orlando Bloom and Jude Law, and Irish womaniser Colin Farrell.

Truly amazing. Less than two years ago there was talk about a Jinx movie franchise and Brosnan preparing for Bond 21. Now both have faded into oblivion.





Roger Moore Condemns Discrimination Against AIDS Orphans in Beijing

August 11, 2004 - Voice Of America

The British actor Roger Moore has criticized hotels and schools in China's capital that refused to offer lodging to a group of children whose parents died of AIDS. Mr. Moore is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund. In Beijing Wednesday, he said establishments that refused the AIDS orphans should hang their heads in shame.

The kids were in Beijing for a three-day summer camp this week. They are not infected with AIDS, but their parents died from the virus after selling their blood at unhygienic collection stations in central China. Mr. Moore, a former James Bond film star, said there should be no stigma or discrimination against the orphans. One hotel on the outskirts of Beijing eventually did give the children lodging.

Tell them, Rog!





Ian Fleming Remembered

August 12, 2004 - DSBG

How does one celebrate the 40th anniversary of a person’s death? It seems too morbid, yet on this day, August 12th, 1964, the creator of the world’s best-known secret agent died at the age of fifty-six. Many fans of this intrepid spy will be reading this article and reminiscing about the first Ian Fleming-James Bond novel they read back when they were young.

Ian Fleming in front of his famous gold-plated typewriter.

I can remember mine, it was Live and Let Die and the film had just come out in 1973. I was looking forward to reading the book when I discovered how different it was to the film. I was even more curious over the other novels, listed on the back cover, which had yet to be made into films.

Sex and violence were subjects that were beginning to enter my vocabulary. My world was no longer Saturday morning cartoons but pulp fiction thrillers. I can remember reading the passage where Bond, traveling on a train, reached up to Solitaire in the upper berth only to discover that she was naked. Cursing since he had a broken finger, a gift instilled upon him by evil henchman Tee Hee, and was unable to climb up and make passionate love to Solitaire. Her response to OO7 was to heal quickly.

Other novels soon followed with memorable scenes such as the giant squid attack in Dr. No. The struggle onboard the Orient Express between Bond and Red Grant in From Russia With Love. And the scene where Wint and Kidd pour hot steaming mud onto a hapless horse jockey’s face in Diamonds Are Forever.

Ian Fleming was unique in writing his stories. Villainous plots usually involved the Russians trying to financially cripple the Western countries in such stories as Goldfinger or Live and Let Die. Stories so outrageous back in their days are considered plausible in our own times. The thought of nuclear bombs being hijacked and held for ransom in Thunderball or biological warfare threatening the worlds food supply in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was science fiction to some but now can be found on the front pages of our daily newspapers.

Sad though is Mr. Fleming never really had the chance to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Passing away from his second heart attack one month before the premiere of Goldfinger that started the James Bond craze. If he had survived and lived to see the last 40 years, one wonders if he would continue writing James Bond novels. Some who knew him felt he was growing tired of his alter ego yet others felt his best novels were the second half of his series.

What would Mr. Fleming write about on the subjects of the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Watergate, The Falkland Islands, the fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism? Staples that inspired his imagination have since faded away. A time left to our father’s fathers.

Yet our generation continues to be keepers of the flame. Hoping for a return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when our world was young and innocent. Yearning for a novel, from a new Bond author, like Dr. No or From Russia, With Love when the world was filled with real men and women who knew their sexuality. Unfortunately, we only have what was left behind, eleven completed books, nine short stories, and one partially finished novel. There are of course other novels written by numerous authors, but you cannot replace the original. And Ian Fleming was an original.

So in honor of this solemn occasion, I would like to end this article with a martini (shaken not stirred) toast and an epitaph written by Mr. Fleming for his final completed novel, You Only Live Twice. “I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them; I shall use my time.”

"It reads better than it lives." - Tiffany Case - Diamonds Are Forever 1956.





Young James Bond in SilverFin

August 18, 2004 - Ian Fleming Publications

Ian Fleming Publications can now reveal that Charlie Higson's first Young Bond novel, due for publication in March 2005, is titled SilverFin. According to IFF, the book cover has been designed and a tease has been written. It says: The dark waters around a Scottish castle hold a sinister secret. One man with a thirst for power will use it - whatever the cost. SilverFin is dangerous. SilverFin is the future. SilverFin must be destroyed... Bond, James Bond. The legend begins with SilverFin.

SilverFin! Sounds a little like Goldfin-ger doesn't it?





Elmer Bernstein, Film Composer, Dead at 82

August 19, 2004 - by Bob Thomas for The Associated Press

Film composer Elmer Bernstein, whose prolific career spanned seven decades and earned him 14 Academy Award nominations, an Oscar win and an Emmy Award, died in his sleep at his home Wednesday, he was 82. Although he won an Oscar only once for the 1967 film "Thoroughly Modern Millie" - considered one of his weaker works - Bernstein was revered for experimenting with various techniques that bolstered the films.

"It's one thing to write music that reinforces a film, underscores it - the traditional sense of stressing, underlining - or gives it added dramatic muscle," director Martin Scorsese once said. "It's entirely another to write music that graces a film. That's what Elmer Bernstein does, and that, for me, is his greatest gift."

Among his more notable efforts were the scores for "Some Came Running," "Birdman of Alcatraz," "The Great Escape," "Hawaii," "The Great Santini," "Cast a Giant Shadow," "My Left Foot," "A River Runs Through It," "Devil in a Blue Dress" and "The Age of Innocence." He also composed several works for symphony orchestras. In addition, he scored such movie classics as "The Ten Commandments," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Great Escape" and "True Grit." Other credits included "National Lampoon's Animal House," "Airplane!," "Stripes," "Meatballs," "Ghostbusters," "Trading Places" and "The Rainmaker." For the landmark western "The Magnificent Seven," Bernstein composed a galloping march that remained famous for years afterward in TV ads for Marlboro cigarettes and the 1979 James Bond film "Moonraker" where the theme can be heard when Roger Moore as OO7 is riding horseback into a monastery.

"Film music, properly done, should give the film a kind of emotional rail on which to ride," Bernstein told The Associated Press in a 2001 interview. "Without even realizing that you're listening to music that's doing something to your emotions, you will have an emotional experience."

"To Kill a Mockingbird" presented Bernstein quite a challenge. For six weeks he could find no way to approach the story, which concerned racism and the Depression in a small Southern town.

"Then I realized that the film was about these issues but seen through the eyes of children," he once recalled. "The simple score was played by a small ensemble, at times employing single piano notes, much like a child picking out a tune."

For "The Man with the Golden Arm," in which Frank Sinatra played a heroin-addicted jazz musician, he discarded the studio orchestra for a jazz ensemble. He contributed to the 60's spy genre with Dean Martin's Matt Helm caper "The Silencers". And he worked with fellow Bond alumni Don Black in "True Grit" and "Gold".

A piano prodigy who studied composing under Aaron Copland in New York, Bernstein moved to Hollywood in 1950 to work on his first movie score, for the football film "Saturday's Hero." After a few more routine assignments he made his mark with the moody music for the Joan Crawford thriller "Sudden Fear."

Although both hailed from New York, he was no relation to the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. "That's a common question," Mouton said. "They were friends and fellow New Yorkers, but they were not related in any way."

A supporter of left-wing causes, Bernstein's career was nearly destroyed by the Hollywood Red Hunt of the 1950s when he was summoned before a congressional subcommittee and told to identify communists in the film industry. He refused, saying he'd never attended a Communist party meeting. "I wasn't important enough to be blacklisted, so I was put on a gray list," he once said. Still, major studios refused to hire him, and he resorted to turning out music for low-budget films like "Robot Monster" and "Cat Women of the Moon." Ironically, it was the vocally anti-communist director Cecil B. De Mille who broke the gray list by hiring Bernstein to replace the ailing Victor Young on "The Ten Commandments." De Mille asked him, "Do you think you can do for Egyptian music what Puccini did for Japanese music in `Madame Butterfly'?" The young composer accepted the challenge, earning the first of his 14 Oscar nominations in the process.

Through 200 movies and 80 television shows, Bernstein would prove that he could adapt to any kind of music. He won an Emmy Award in 1964 for "The Making of The President: 1960." He is survived by his wife, Eve, sons Peter and Gregory, daughters Emilie and Elizabeth, and five grandchildren.

Another gifted master of music has left us. He will be greatly missed.





Ex-Spymaster Suspects She’s Being Watched By Dame Judi Dench

August 19, 2004 - by Phil Miller for The Herald

She was the first female director-general of MI5, the first spy chief to be publicly named, and a cornerstone of Britain's national security – battling the threats of the Cold War, secret agents and terrorism. Yesterday, however, Dame Stella Rimington revealed one of the most satisfying results of more than 30 years at the heart of the country's spy network – the performance of another dame, Judi Dench, as a thinly-veiled impersonation of Dame Stella in the latest Bond movies.

Dame Judi has played M in the past four James Bond movies, since her first appearance as a stern spy chief in 1995's Goldeneye. M's real name is Barbara Mawdsley – but her character is generally agreed to be a cinematic version of Dame Stella, complete with closely cropped hair, sensible suits and a healthy intolerance of lazy sexism.

Speaking to a capacity audience at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, which is sponsored by The Herald and Sunday Herald, Dame Stella said she thoroughly approved of the impersonation. After pointing out that M is the head of MI6 in the movies and not MI5, she added: "I think she does a great job. I could recognise elements of myself in her portrayal. I have two daughters and they were breathtaken when they saw her in the films. The eldest one said 'Gosh, she even holds her hands like you do'."

Dame Judi once said she did not think that Ian Fleming, Bond's creator, would have approved of a female M, and has denied the part was modelled on Dame Stella. The two dames have never spoken, but Dame Stella said she suspected Dame Judi had been performing some surveillance of her own.

"We have never met but she must have seen some interviews of television footage of me because it was remarkably similar," she added.

There is nothing like a dame!





Rupert Everett Would Rather Dance Than Bond

August 21, 2004 - Sky News

Actor Rupert Everett says he will never be cast as superspy James Bond - because he is gay. The star of An Ideal Husband and Shrek 2 said he believed he would be the ideal successor to Pierce Brosnan. But he told the Daily Mirror: "I'd never be given it.

"You know why not. The producers would sooner drive nails into their eyes."

The 45-year-old, who came out after starring with Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding, says he has lost roles because of his sexuality. He was apparently first choice for About a Boy - but the role went to Hugh Grant instead. But he said he had no regrets, adding: "I do not want to sit around in some gloomy place and be with someone and hope he wouldn't call the papers.

"That's such a boring life. I wanted to go to discos."

It is truly amazing that Rupert Everett continues to get mileage out of this revelation. He has given numerous interviews on this subject since his performance in My Best Friend's Wedding.





Eric Bana Will Not Be James Bond

August 25, 2004 - by Jonathon Moran for The Herald Sun

AUSTRALIAN actor Eric Bana will not be the next James Bond. The actor, who last appeared on the big screen opposite Brad Pitt in Troy, tonight said he was definitely not in the running to take over from Pierce Brosnan as agent 007. "Let me start by putting it to rest, that I am not the next James Bond," Bana said while launching the new teenmatters magazine in Sydney.

"I still don't know where that came from."

In fact, Bana only heard he was a contender while watching the evening news in his Melbourne home.

"I was sitting at home watching the news and thinking I did not know anything about this."

Almost every celebrity in Hollywood is being named as a possibility to take over as Bond, including Jude Law, Ewan Mcgregor, Christian Bale, Orlando Bloom and Colin Farrell. News reports coming out of the UK on Friday suggested that despite Bana's denial, he had been offered the part.

"Eric has been offered the part of James Bond but is currently deciding whether it's something he really wants to sign up to," an insider reportedly told London's Evening Standard last week.

But the only role Bana has definitely signed to is Steven Spielberg's Vengeance, a chronicle of the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by a group of Palestinian militants.

"That (Vengeance) has been put back to next year but there are a couple of other things (on the cards)," he said.

Bana was first noticed in Hollywood after appearing in 2000 film Chopper, playing the notorious Mark "Chopper" Read. He has since starred in such films as Black Hawk Down, Finding Nemo and Hulk.

"The nature of the kind of projects I have been involved in, they end up being spaced pretty widely apart so I have never been in a position where I have had to race from one movie to another," Bana said of managing his working life with two young children - daughter Sophia, two, and son Klaus, five. Bana appears as the cover boy of teenmatters, a magazine put together by charity Youth Off The Streets.

Too bad. Eric probably would make a great OO7.





No Double-O Heaven For Keira Fans

August 30, 2004 - Ananova

Keira Knightley has turned down the chance to be the next Bond girl because she fears she wouldn't look good enough in a bikini. The 19-year-old Londoner has appeared in a string of roles completely starkers but fears she cannot compete with Bond girls who have included Ursula Andress and Halle Barry.



Keira was even recommended for the role by former James Bond Pierce Brosnan but she told Empire magazine: "I don't think I have the assets to be a Bond girl. Anyway, I'm no good with bikinis. They always have to wear bikinis, don't they, Bond Girls?"

Keira was last seen by fans romping while wearing next to nothing in King Arthur.

I thought the idea of acting was to stretch your abilities?





MGM Shares Jump After Sources Say Deal Near

September 1, 2004 - Reuters

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. shares jumped 7 percent on Wednesday after sources close to MGM and its merger talks said a deal to acquire the company for up to $5 billion could be announced as early as next week. MGM, the film studio behind the James Bond franchise, has been in protracted merger talks since early this year with a group led by Sony Corp. and, more recently, with Time Warner Inc. .

Sources close to the talks have said Time Warner has taken a slight lead as the more likely candidate to buy MGM. Both possible bidders are still in talks with MGM and no deal has been signed, one of those sources said.

But an Aug. 27 internal memo sent to some MGM employees and obtained by Reuters said certain employees' ability to buy and sell MGM common stock is restricted until further notice, a sign that the company expects the release of news that could affect its stock price. Companies that open and close employee trading windows generally do so ahead of earnings reports or other news to protect against improper trading that could violate securities laws.

MGM's shares rose 82 cents to $12.21 near midday on the New York Stock Exchange. A merger arbitrageur watching the trading cited Reuters' report late Tuesday as the reason for the activity because it hinted at possible timing on a deal.

Talks between MGM and both Sony and Time Warner have been widely reported, but timing on any announcement has been fuzzy and no specific bidding deadline has been set. MGM controlling stakeholder Kirk Kerkorian could still choose to walk away from the merger negotiations.

Sony is working on a bid that could offer MGM up to $5 billion, while any Time Warner bid would be lower in value but be paid partly in Time Warner stock, sources said, a move that would save Kerkorian a hefty tax bill. The talks with both parties are still fragile and could easily fall apart, sources said. Sony is teaming with private investors Providence Equity Partners and Texas Pacific Group. MGM's library of more than 4,000 films, its most coveted asset, includes the "Pink Panther" and "Rocky" movies.

And that ends our latest update of stocks and Bonds.





Casino Royale Voted In Top 20

September 1, 2004 - by Paul Donald for Scotsman.com

For gamblers, the ice-cool nerve of the poker-faced card-sharp is no better embodied than by Steve McQueen. Nearly 40 years after it was made, his classic The Cincinnati Kid has been voted the top gambling movie of all time - ahead of more modern films such as the remake of Ocean’s Eleven and Casino. The suspense of the 1965 epic, which saw McQueen’s young card-sharp take on the old master, played by Edward G Robinson, won the votes of poker players.

The poll by the online casino 888.com surveyed 5,000 regular gamblers and executives within the industry. The Cincinnati Kid just beat the violent Casino, starring Robert de Niro and Sharon Stone, which centred more on the crime syndicates controlling Las Vegas than on games themselves.

In third place was the British hit Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which again mixed gambling and crime and made an acting star of the former footballer Vinnie Jones. The list also included the recent version of Ocean’s Eleven, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, but not the 1960 original which featured Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. There is no room either for Sean Connery’s gambling exploits as 007, from the casino scene in Dr No to the golf game with Goldfinger.

Mel Gibson’s film version of cowboy card scams in Maverick, Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s cons in The Sting and Newman’s two pool-playing films, The Hustler and The Color of Money, all make it into the final top 20. However, The Cincinnati Kid won because it showed both the ups and the downs as well as the suspense involved in the game of poker, according to 888.com.

Matt Robinson, 888.com’s marketing manager, said: "The 888.com Gambling Greats awards proves that gambling, and in particular poker, is highly watchable as well as great fun to play.

"Choosing the top films about gambling was a very difficult process, especially when each voter is so passionate about the game and how it is portrayed on screen."

Apart from Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the only British films are the 1967 James Bond spoof Casino Royale, gangster tale Face and cult Clive Owen flick Croupier from 1998.

The full top 20 list is as follows:

01. The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
02. Casino (1995)
03. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
04. Oceans Eleven (2001)
05. The Sting (1973)
06. Maverick (1994)
07. Rounders (1998)
08. Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
09. Casino Royale (1967)
10. The Gamble (1998)
11. Rain Man (1988)
12. The Hustler (1961)
13. The Color of Money (1986)
14. Lucky Town (2000)
15. Las Vegas (2003)
16. Snake Eyes (1998)
17. Croupier (1998)
18. The Music of Chance (1993)
19. Havana (1990)
20. Face (1997)

Well, you've got to admit that the gambling scenes in any Bond film are not too suspenseful. Perhaps if Eon decides to remake Casino Royale they will faithfully produce the bacarrat scene from the novel.





Ghandifinger

September 2, 2004 - The Star Online

UK’s Capital FM talked to actor and environmentalist activist Sir Ben Kingsley, who said that he wants to play a villain in the next James Bond film.



“I would like to make it known, on this program, loud and clear, that I would absolutely embrace being a Bond villain,” Kingsley said on the radio station.

The star won a Best Actor Oscar in 1982 for Ghandi and has been nominated three times for Bugsy, Sexy Beast and House of Sand and Fog. However, there’s still no word about who’s going to replace Pierce Brosnan as the next 007. The 21st Bond film is scheduled for a November 2005 release.

Kingsley is a very talented actor and could bring a new form of villainy to the series.





The Fairy Godmother Who Slept With James Bond

September 6, 2004 - Leamington Spa The Courier

Cinderella will bring a bit of James Bond magic to Leamington's Spa Centre later this year. Pumpkins will be turned into carriages and mice into horses by a woman whose career ranges from leading an Amazonian tribe on a manhunt to spending the day in bed with Sean Connery. Former Bond girl Valerie Leon will be playing the Fairy Godmother in this year's pantomime.



Valerie appeared in several films in the 1960s and 1970s which have since attained cult status and been re-released on DVD.

She said: "Because the films are shown and shown, whole generations are growing up with them. It's marvellous and extraordinary. I haven't done a film for years, but I get more fan mail now than I ever did in the 1970s, from all over the world. You can be starring in all sorts of films and don't live on in the public imagination, but a lot of what I have done has become cult."

Valerie's first break came in 1966 when she starred alongside Barbara Streisand in the West End production Funny Girl. But she made her silver screen debut two years later when she played a silent Harem girl in Carry On Up the Khyber. Then came Carry On Camping when she graduated to two lines, followed by Carry On Again Doctor in which she played an over-sexed secretary. She took a larger role in Carry On Up the Jungle as leader of an Amazonian tribe searching for men, gave birth to triplets in Carry On Matron and transformed from plain Jane to beauty Queen in Carry On Girls. In 1969 she greeted Michael Cane when his character was released from jail in The Italian Job. And she got her biggest break yet in 1972 when she took the main female role in Hammer Horror, Blood From the Mummy's Tomb.

But what should have been the highlight of her career turned sour when Peter Cushing pulled-out because his wife became seriously ill and later died and the director also died before his work made it to the screen. Five years later Valerie landed the first of two minor roles that would leave a lasting impression.

She explained: "It doesn't matter how large or small you part is, if you've done a Bond film you are always known as a Bond girl."

She visited Sardinia to film the Spy Who Loved Me with Roger Moore, where she played a hotel receptionist. She also worked with Moore on the television series The Saint, The Persuaders and the film The Wild Geese.

But she was given the chance to compare Bonds at close quarters when Sean Connery agreed to return to the role in Never Say Never Again with a rival production company in 1983. She travelled to the Bahamas to spend the day in bed with Connery for one of the film's opening scenes. She describes the experience as "very nice" but her inclination is clearly towards her first Bond.

"Sean Connery is a perfectionist. Roger was much more joking and easy-going. People are absolutely fascinated by Bond. It is great to be associated with them. It was exceptional. There was no expense spared and I was transported into another world. In a movie you always have a stand-in and when Sean Connery and I did the bed scene in the morning Sean just stayed in bed - he didn't use the stand in at all. But in the afternoon, when his wife was there he couldn't get out of bed quick enough. He used his stand-in all the time. I thought it was quite funny." Valerie will be appearing in Cinderella from December this year.

Ah, those were the days when Bond could make love to Fatima Blush, fight to the death with tiger sharks and make love to another beautiful woman, all in the course of four hours. What a guy!





The Man Who Told OO7 To Hang Up His 'Lady Gun'

September 6, 2004 - by Will Bennett for The Telegraph

James bond's weapons epitomised his brand of cool, deadly professionalism but soon after Ian Fleming's super spy appeared there were accusations that he was carrying "a lady's gun". The criticism came from Geoffrey Boothroyd, a gun expert, and Fleming was so mortified that his hero might be equipped with the wrong weapon that he hired the Glaswegian as his firearms adviser and later introduced him as a character in the Bond books.

Boothroyd became the model for the eccentric and irascible weapons and gadgets expert Q, who was played by Desmond Llewelyn in most of the Bond films. Now Fleming's letters to Boothroyd, which reveal why 007 abandoned his original Beretta in favour of a Smith & Wesson and, more famously, his trademark Walther PPK, are to be auctioned. The previously unknown archive, written between 1956 and 1963 and expected to fetch £15,000 to £20,000 at Bloomsbury Auctions in London on November 4, also shows that Fleming regarded himself as Bond's biographer and referred to him as though he were a real person.

The correspondence, which is being sold by Boothroyd's family following his death three years ago, began after he wrote to Fleming complaining that the Beretta used by Bond in the first book Casino Royale "is utterly useless as well as being a lady's gun".

Fleming replied in the first of the letters in the archive: "Bond has always admitted to me that the .25 Beretta was not a stopping gun and he places much more reliance on his accuracy with it than in any particular qualities of the gun itself." Responding to Boothroyd's suggestion that Bond would be better off using a more powerful Smith & Wesson, Fleming wrote: "As you know, one gets used to a gun and it may take some time for him to settle down with the Smith & Wesson."

Fleming increasingly relied on Boothroyd's firearms advice and told him that his own .38 Smith & Wesson would be used in a dustjacket illustration for his next book, From Russia, With Love. When the book was published in 1957, Fleming sent Boothroyd a copy inscribed: "To Geoffrey Boothroyd. Herewith Appointed 'Armourer' to J. Bond." The book is also being sold by Bloomsbury as is a first edition of the next Bond novel Dr No inscribed "To Geoffrey Boothroyd - alias 'The Armourer' from Ian Fleming". They are expected to fetch £4,000 to £5,000 each.

Now there's a collectible.





William Melville: British Spy Who Inspired James Bond's 'M'

September 6, 2004 - by Jonathan Thompson for The Independent

One of the great espionage mysteries has finally been solved - the identity of the real-life inspiration behind M, James Bond's fictional boss.

A new biography, drawing on previously unseen government files, will unmask William Melville as "the Godfather of MI5" and the inspiration for Ian Fleming's M. Like all good spies, Melville carefully hid his true identity. Few outside the world of espionage have ever heard his name. But next month - more than 85 years after his death - Britain's first modern spymaster will get the credit he deserves.

Melville is referred to in the files as M, and it is now being claimed that Fleming used him and his epithet for the character in his James Bond novels. The new book, written by the historian and intelligence expert Andrew Cook, draws on family material from Ireland and New Zealand, along with closed official records, to reveal Melville as the brains behind Britain's embryonic security service.

A master of disguise, the ex-police officer and his team were at the heart of British counter-espionage during the First World War. Melville's exploits, which included enlisting the skills of Harry Houdini to train his operatives, went on to inspire Fleming, who worked for British Intelligence during the Second World War.

"People often discuss who the greatest spies were, but the really great spies are the ones we've never heard of," said Mr Cook. "Melville was one of the most significant espionage operatives of the 20th century. He was the father figure of MI5. A lot of the things he pioneered are still in use today."

In M: MI5's First Spymaster, Mr Cook traces the roots of modern British Intelligence back to a tiny outfit founded by Melville in London's Victoria Street almost exactly 100 years ago.

"When Melville started in 1904, he was effectively posing as a private detective agency under one of his pseudonyms, William Morgan," said Mr Cook. "Even then, he was acting as a focus for dealing with, and recruiting against, the German espionage network. In 1909, the organisation became the Secret Service Bureau."

From as early as 1904, Melville was known simply by his initial in official documents, an idea that caught Fleming's imagination.

"Melville was referred to by the War Office as M or the Spymaster from almost the beginning," said Mr Cook. "We know for a fact that Fleming was like a sponge during the Second World War, soaking up stories about individuals. He was particularly taken by Melville."

Unlike his office-bound namesake, the real M was also an active field operative. "Melville was a master of disguise," said Mr Cook. "One of his favourite tricks was to gain access to an address by posing as a sanitary inspector."

In 1914, Melville, who had previously headed Scotland Yard and worked on the Jack the Ripper case, founded a secret "spy school" in Whitehall for British operatives.

Fleming's M has always been a popular figure with 007 fans. For the first 11 Bond films, M was immortalised by Bernard Lee, who died in 1981. In 1995, M became a woman, acted by Dame Judi Dench and reflecting the appointment of Dame Stella Rimington as the head of MI5 in 1992.

The book, to be published by Tempus at the end of October, is likely to provoke debate. Former Conservative MP and MI5 historian Rupert Allason said: "The connection with Harry Houdini in particular is absolutely splendid. But I don't believe Fleming ever would have seen Melville's files."

Besides, 'M' sounds more mysterious than Melville.





Actress Spends 'Time' on Mackinac

September 10, 2004 - by Mike Fornes for Cheboygan Daily Tribune

MACKINAC ISLAND - An actress who played a starring role in a film that epitomized the idyllic atmosphere of Mackinac Island will return to the story's setting this weekend.

Jane Seymour portrayed Elise McKenna, the elusive object of Christopher Reeves' love as Richard Collier from another era in "Somewhere In Time," the 1979 romance that also starred Christopher Plummer. Most of the screenplay was shot on Mackinac Island with plenty of scenes taking place in and around the Grand Hotel.



Seymour will be on the island this weekend and a few days next week while modeling for photographs to be used for advertising her new line of Grand Hotel bedding, to be sold through Saks, Inc., the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue.

The actress has played roles in a number of stage and film productions, perhaps most notably as Dr. Mikaela Quinn in the CBS television series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," from 1993 until 1998. The English star got her big break as a Bond girl, playing the sultry tarot-card reader Solitaire opposite Roger Moore in 1973's "Live and Let Die." Seymour eventually became the queen of made-for-TV movies and recently launched her own children's clothing and home-goods line for Saks Fifth Avenue.

Somewhere in Time began as a flop at the box office in 1980, but shortly thereafter, it was released on video and developed a cult following which has continued to grow for the past two decades.

Reeves came back for a visit in 1993, and Seymour returned for the first time since filming the Mackinac Island love story in October of 2002.

During her stay she will sign autographs for the public from 7 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and Monday in the Grand Hotel's parlor . After 6 p.m., the Grand Hotel requires evening wear in all areas of the hotel, including coat and tie for gentlemen, and dresses or pantsuits for ladies.

This really was a great movie. Highly recommended if you have never seen it.





Bond Fans Face Quagmire

September 13, 2004 - by Stuart Basinger for DSBG

What a difference a day makes. First, Bond fans wake up with the news from around the globe that actor Dougray Scott is the next OO7. Then Pierce Brosnan announces that his comments, mentioned in ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY July 27th, were taken out of context and that he is still 'licenced to kill'.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Confidential magazine, Pierce said, "There was no announcement. I think the reporter heard it wrong. I think what I said was, 'I’ve had my fill of talking about Bond.' It was not an official announcement."

To add insult to injury, someone has posted at IMDb.com a plot summary for Bond 21. It says: "When a bridge in Russia is mysteriously destroyed, Bond is recalled from a mission in Egypt to investigate the connection with the recent 'attacks' and the machinations of a legitimate business empire called 'Scorpio'. Richard Falco, the owner, may hold the key to stopping the destruction of various monuments in the world".

What is going on here? Perhaps the rumours that Eon Productions, the producers of the James Bond series, is really in 'development hell'. After all, Eon is in a holding pattern as to who will be supplying them the necessary money to produce Bond 21. With MGM about to sell to Time Warner or Sony, many legal rights must be ironed out before expenditures can be released. So much is riding on the future of OO7 and MGM's stock, the people at Eon are most likely being asked not to comment on the selling of MGM or announce any publicity on Bond 21. Fearing it could jeopardize the deal and cost millions, if not billions of dollars.

Unfortunately, the fans of the films have to endure this agonizing silence which has caused many rumours such as the one posted at IMDb. Hopefully this period of uncertainty will pass us in the next month or two.

Easier said than done.





Will James Bond Be PlayStation-Only?

September 14, 2004 - IGN Entertainment

Whence the Annie Hall FPS? The Wizard of Oz Online? While it's amusingly conceivable that Sony could explore such videogame projects once its purchase of Hollywood giant MGM is finalized, the more serious question for the game industry is what might happen to games based on MGM properties such as James Bond and Rocky.

As reported, Sony Corporation of America, in consortium with media giant Comcast and a selection of other investors, has made a winning bid to purchase long-time Hollywood studio and production giant Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The purchase, estimated at around $4.8 billion, was won from competing bidder Time Warner at the last moment, when Comcast jumped in to join Sony in the deal.

While the deal has yet to be officially finalized, Sony's massive presence in the video game industry means the addition of MGM and its classic film properties could have ramifications for gamers.

While MGM has recently pared down its studio output to focus on its classic films, stretching back to greats like Gone With the Wind, that library includes game-ready IPs like The Pink Panther, Rocky, and James Bond.

Of course, Bond and Rocky have both already spawned video games. Currently handled by Electronic Arts and Ubisoft, respectively, it's possible that Sony would absorb future game development for these popular franchises. Of course, we wouldn't expect current contracts at EA or Ubisoft to be affected by the MGM deal, but properties like James Bond or Rocky would probably look pretty tantalizing as Sony Computer Entertainment in-house projects if and when previous contracts are ended -- and that could also mean PlayStation exclusivity.

Of course, it's still too early to tell, leaving us to mere speculation. Still, it never hurts to dream. A few in the office are already clamoring for the Thelma & Louise racing game. Time will tell.

Do I detect a new highway is about to be built?





Miramax Books May Leave Disney - SilverFin In Question

September 14, 2004 - Authorlink

Miramax Books' co-founder Harvey Weinstein may be about to split with corporate parent, The Walt Disney Co., possibly taking the profitable publishing unit with him, according to a recent article in the New York Post. Miramax is the four-year-old publishing division of the Disney-owned film production powerhouse Miramax. Disney already owns another publisher, Hyperion. Miramax was set to publish a series of 'Young James Bond' novels in spring 2005 together with Ian Fleming Publications. According to The Post, Miramax executives will not comment on the division's future.

The Post noted that Silverfin title listings on Amazon.com—showing the publisher as Disney-owned Hyperion Books for Children—were updated to list the publisher as just Miramax Books, indicating that a split may have already quietly occurred.

The entire OO7 universe seems to be disheveled. I wonder if there will be delays with SilverFin on account of Miramax and Disney going to court?





MGM: Time Warner Leaves It to Sony

September 14, 2004 - by Steve Rosenbush for BusinessWeek

Just a few days ago, it appeared that Time Warner was near an upset victory in the bidding war for famed movie studio MGM, which owns the world's biggest film library. After months of negotiations, rival bidder Sony was still mired in talks with its own financial backers.

Sony had been first on the scene with an offer of $4.8 billion. But the deal was so complicated -- in part because of multiple investors and partners -- that Time Warner seemed to have the edge with a bid valued at $4.6 billion in stock. The thinking was that financier Kirk Kerkorian, who controls 74% of MGM, would accept Time Warner's lower offer because the tax bite would have been smaller and because he thought Time Warner stock was due for a rebound under CEO Richard Parsons. But the tables were turned on Sept. 13 as Time Warner abruptly walked away from the auction. And indeed, Sony won the MGM prize with a bid valued at $4.9 billion -- about the price it had previously offered.

"Although MGM is a valuable asset, we have decided to withdraw our bid," Time Warner said in a statement attributed to Parsons. "Unfortunately, Time Warner could not reach agreement with MGM at a price that would have represented a prudent use of our growing financial capacity. We're confident that there are other capital-allocation choices that will enable us to continue to build shareholder value."

Why did Time Warner walk away? Still recovering from its disastrous sale to Internet giant AOL, the outfit repeated in its statement that it's adhering to a new-found mantra of approaching each acquisition with strict financial discipline. And it may simply see buying part of bankrupt cable-TV operator Adelphia Communications as a more prudent use of its financial muscle. The auction for Adelphia's assets is just getting under way, and Time Warner is a likely bidder for systems in Los Angeles, Buffalo, Western Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Time Warner's departure cleared the way for Sony to snatch the studio. MGM will provide a new source of cash for the Japanese giant, which is struggling with weak fundamentals in the consumer-electronics business. The MGM film library, which includes the James Bond, Rocky, and Pink Panther titles, will generate sales from pay-per-view video and DVD. And the combination of Sony's 4,000-title film library with MGM's 4,500-film library will give Sony control of 40% of the home-viewing movie market.

This is the second time in two years Time Warner has walked away from a potential acquisition of MGM. When the studio started the latest round of talks, the price was expected to be somewhere in the $3 billion range, according to one executive, but the auction process pushed the price higher. Sony justified the higher price because it's essentially acquiring MGM with other peoples' money. Investors include Credit Suisse First Boston and private equity firms Texas Pacific and Providence Equity Partners. Comcast has been invited by Sony to make a minority investment in MGM and is mulling the offer, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The deal may yet pose a challenge for Sony and its partners, however. Private-equity firms typically like to have an exit plan drawn up before they enter a transaction. But it's unclear who, if anyone other than Sony, might want to buy the MGM property three or four years down the road. The Sony group bid values MGM at a relatively high level. To realize the value of its investment, Sony must carefully integrate MGM into Sony Pictures. But the tighter the studios are integrated, the more difficult it will be to value the property for resale. Assuming that Sony ultimately wants to take sole control, it could be locked in complicated talks with its financial backers over MGM's value for many years to come.

On its own, MGM has never lived up to owner Kerkorian's hopes. If the MGM-Sony combination turns out to be a success, it will be impossible to know how much of the credit should go to MGM and how much to Sony. That could make it very difficult for Sony's partners to sell control of MGM to Sony at a premium. Yet another installment could unfold in the long-running drama of selling MGM.

Sony and MGM: has the time come for them to 'bond'?





The Real Reason For The Sony/MGM Buyout

September 16, 2004 - By Nathan Layne and Kunihiko Kichise for Reuters

With its acquisition of Hollywood film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony Corp is one step closer to its vision of linking hardware and content, and to winning the key battle for the next generation DVD. Sony's acquisition of MGM will create the world's largest film library of about 7,600 titles and would appear to fit nicely into Sony's overall strategy of creating synergies between its consumer electronics and movies, music and games.

A group headed by Sony Corp of America has agreed to buy MGM, the 80-year-old studio that owns the James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky movies, in a deal worth about $4.85 billion including the assumption of about $2 billion of debt. Analysts and investors are worried about the potential damage to Sony's balance sheet and have doubts about when and how the synergies between movies and electronics will be achieved. But they say the reasoning behind the acquisition was sound.

"The MGM library is a rich source of content and potential profits for Sony," said Kiyoshi Yamanaka, a fund manager at T&D Asset Management.

Sony also announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with U.S. cable TV operator Comcast Corp. to offer Sony and MGM movies over Comcast's video-on-demand systems and on new cable channels that it would form with the Sony group. This means Sony will also be able to generate cash flow by selling the Sony and MGM library of films on cable TV, in addition to the revenues produced by retail sales of DVDs. Sony does not provide a breakdown of its DVD sales, but the company's music division recorded an operating profit of 35 billion yen ($318 million) in the previous business year to March 31, on sales of 756 billion yen, or about 10 percent of the group's total.

Sony acquired Columbia Pictures in 1989 for $3.4 billion, which at the time was the largest ever acquisition by a Japanese firm. That deal caused numerous headaches for Sony due to losses from large budgets and box office duds. The MGM purchase could help stabilize earnings in its movie division, and may also advance Sony's cause in the battle to establish a format called Blu-ray as the industry standard for the next generation of DVDs.

"One of the important aspects of this deal with MGM is that it may help Sony prevail in the DVD format war," T&D Asset's Yamanaka said. Sony knows how important formats are, having lost out to Victor Co. of Japan Ltd. (JVC) in the famous fight over videotape formats more than two decades ago, with JVC's VHS system becoming mainstream at the expense of Sony's Betamax.

Sony's consortium is up against a format called HD DVD, which is endorsed by Japan's NEC Corp. and others. Both HD DVD and Blu-ray technologies use blue laser light, which, with a shorter wavelength than red light used in conventional DVD recorders, can read and store data at much higher densities needed for high-definition recordings. Sony would also look to use its larger library to capitalize on the spread of broadband Internet access worldwide, UFJ Tsubasa Securities analyst Kazuya Yamamoto said

"Delivering movie content to the home online could become a lucrative business in the future as broadband access expands. Holding movie contents will become more valuable in that light," Yamamoto said.

Bottom Line: We will be buying the James Bond films on this new format within the next ten years.





Will Britain Lose Bond?

September 19, 2004 - Daily Mail

Blofeld tried it. So did Goldfinger, Dr No and a host of other international criminal masterminds. But now it seems James Bond has finally been dealt a potentially devastating blow - by Gordon Brown. And the Chancellor has done it not with a deadly superweapon or evil high-tech gadget but with a change in the tax laws.

Bond film bosses are in "active negotiations" to abandon the world-famous Pinewood Studios and make the next 007 movie abroad, a move partly blamed on Mr Brown's plan to scrap a tax perk for movie investors. Critics say the Chancellor's decision could prove to be a licence to kill the ailing British movie industry. Scouts from Eon Productions, the company behind the massive Bond franchise headed by legendary producer Cubby Broccoli's daughter Barbara, are in talks with studios in eastern Europe, including Prague Studios in the Czech Republic.

If the next 007 film, the 21st, leaves Pinewood - home to every Bond film since the series began in 1962 (except Moonraker and Licence To Kill) - it could mean the loss of hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds in revenue. Mr Brown's tax change, which has hit production of several major films, has come at the same time as the pound is particularly strong against the dollar, giving moviemakers even more reason to look abroad.

The budget for the new Bond film, due to start filming in January, is $100 million, about £55 million. But a source close to the film said: "That sounds like a lot, but Bond films are incredibly technically involved - and while the production staff in Britain are among the best and most highly skilled in the world, the producers will simply get more bang for their buck abroad."

"At the moment, Pinewood wants to charge Bond £20,000 a week to use the stage and that is way above the prices quoted elsewhere." Prague Studios, where original Bond star Sir Sean Connery's last film The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen was filmed, is said to be campaigning to host the next Bond. "They are bending over backwards to offer a deal which far outstrips that being offered by Pinewood," the source said.

BBC chairman Michael Grade, who chairs the consortium that owns Pinewood, said: "Eon Productions are under no contractual obligation to make films here. But it is premature to say that the film will not be made at Pinewood."

The potential loss of Bond from Britain is the latest twist in the saga of the 007 franchise. Pierce Brosnanwho starred in the past four movies, will not reprise his role and among those tipped to replace him are Dougray Scott, Hugh Jackman, Colin Farrell and Ioan Gruffudd.

But whoever is chosen may find himself based abroad thanks to Mr Brown's decision in February to close a vital tax concession. It had allowed some film investors to receive an immediate rebate of twice their initial stake and they had to pay tax to the Treasury only if the movie was a success. The perk helped to nurture a string of successes including Gosford Park and Bend It Like Beckham.

But Brown decided the scheme was being used as a scam by accountants and pulled the plug. The effect was instant. Cameras stopped rolling as directors saw up to a third of their budgets evaporate. Future projects were put on ice and production companies said they could be forced to close.

Anyone ready for a road trip to Mexico?





Sean Connery Is Out of Josiah's Canon

September 29, 2004 - The Hollywood Reporter

Variety reports that Sean Connery has abruptly withdrawn from 20th Century Fox's Josiah's Canon, for which he was to receive $17.5 million. The studio and director Brett Ratner are in the process of trying to replace Connery to keep the film on track. The movie was ready to begin shooting in Prague in February.

"Canon" is a dramatic heist story about a Holocaust survivor who leads the world's foremost team of bank robbers. The criminal mastermind sets his sights on an supposedly impenetrable bank in Switzerland, which holds special appeal: It purportedly houses gelt deposited by Jews prior to the Holocaust.

Connery spokesman told the trade that the actor withdrew from the project because he decided to give his full attention to writing his autobiography for HarperCollins U.K.

Rumours are flying around Bond websites saying Connery has quit acting. Far from the truth. Check back for updates to this story.





Wai Lin Engaged!

September 29, 2004 - Associated Press

Former Bond girl Michelle Yeoh is reportedly marrying Ferrari motor racing team boss Jean Todt.



The couple let the secret out of the bag at a star-studded diamond trade event in Hong Kong when French tycoon Todt revealed he had proposed to the former beauty queen, the South China Morning Post reported.

"I proposed to her and now we are engaged," a beaming Todt, 58, was quoted as saying.

Hong Kong-based action star Yeoh could not be reached for comment today. The pair have had a whirlwind romance since meeting at a Ferrari event in Shanghai in June. They were introduced by Yeoh's former boyfriend of four years, Hong Kong movie producer Thomas Chung. The two were seen together in Shanghai again last weekend during the Chinese Grand Prix, which was won by Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello.

Yeoh, a former Miss Malaysia, shot to international stardom when she co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies as a tough and beautiful Chinese spy.

I guess in their case - tomorrow never dies.





Passport Revoked!

October 5, 2004 - Daily Mail

Former James Bond star Sean Connery's diplomatic passport has been reportedly cancelled by the Panama government. According to the Daily Mail, in an attempt to update the Foreign Relation Department's files, as ordered by President Martin Torrijos. The government has cancelled 121 diplomatic passports including the one granted to Connery.

Vice President Samuel Lewis Navarro has said that the former President President Mireya Moscoso had issued these 121 passports to various "artists, businessmen, politicians and other people on account of them being international promoters of culture, health, business, tourism or athletics," all of which now stand repealed. The government has now asked for all the cancelled passports to be returned to Foreign Secretary offices in Panama City's historic Casco Antiguo district.

Politics rearing its ugly head.





Cash Returns Mean Bond Is Still A Sound Investment

October 5, 2004 - by Mark Cousins for The Scotsman

IF THE whispers from Hollywood are true, the new James Bond movie - the 21st in more than 40 years - is to be delayed. In the scheme of things, this may not seem particularly significant. The ongoing adventures of 007 continue to do well at the box office but the advent of a new one is not heralded like The Lord of the Rings films were.

Bond offerings are not the movie events they once were, and no-one is waiting with bated breath to see what the superspy did next. That said, there are many things that are intriguing about the deferment of the next film. The first, before considering who will succeed Pierce Brosnan as 007, is a purely business matter; the Bond cycle has long been the biggest money-spinner for the ailing Hollywood studio MGM. Even in fine fettle, such film factories rely on their precious franchises. To fail to wheel out their reliable cash cow smacks of indecision, or blockage, in the company.

The suspicion is confirmed when we note that Sony recently bought MGM. The luminous oligarchy which was Hollywood in its golden age has long since broken up, but Sony now owns two pieces of it - Columbia as well as MGM. So, the decision to put Bond on hold until 2006 might well have been taken in Tokyo. The auditors have undoubtedly been called in, but even the most cursory glance at Sony’s new asset will surely show that the cameras need to start rolling on 007 asap.

Bond hasn’t exactly been kind to the Japanese over the years - 1967’s You Only Live Twice, in which Sean Connery turned Japanese, stereotyped them outrageously. Yet, it’s the money that really matters, and Bond still makes it. More interesting still is the question of whether the 007 cycle has finally lost any connection with its times. Way back in 1995, when Judi Dench took over as M in Goldeneye, her character called Bond "a sexist, misogynist dinosaur": a canny move on the producers’ part to acknowledge the criticisms of the Bond persona, of course, but an attempt also to update Bond, to close the gap between the world that he operates in - espionage with impunity, empirical power without responsibility, gin martinis, girls in casinos - and our own.

The Judi Dench scene was refreshing, but the underlying truth is this: Bond will always lag behind his times. The whole point - lest it be forgotten - is that Ian Fleming designed him as a parody. That’s why the spoof Bond movie Casino Royale, starring David Niven, was so absurd. How can you do a parody of a parody? And parodies - exaggerations - usually come after real events. So it never bothered us that Bond seemed out of time. The world he lived in and his unfettered sensualism was so enjoyable for most of us that if the thread of satire which connected him to the real world became ever thinner, so be it. MGM-Sony should quit fretting about whether Bond is dated - if, in fact, that is part of the hold-up - and simply stage his latest cliffhanger on Richard Rodgers’ new London "gherkin" building.

But it’s not that simple. Cinematic parodies only work if their satirical, fun-poking elements are balanced with some realism. Think of the first Bond pictures - Dr No and From Russia With Love. By the completion of the latter in 1963, social change was well under way. Decolonisation had swept through the 1950s. Teenagers - and therefore counter-culture - had been invented. And the women’s movement was firing up. Given that this stuff was in the newspapers and the opinion columns, there was a danger that young movie-goers would buy a ticket for a Bond film and see only a stuffed-shirt on screen, a representative of the ruling class which they were beginning to hate. But they didn’t, and that’s because the producers, Broccoli and Saltzman, and the director, Terence Young, cast someone who wasn’t as exaggerated as the screenplay, who looked solid and physical on screen, where the film was playful. If your idea for a movie is generic but at the same time taking the p*** out of genre, the best thing to do is to give the lead to someone who evinces no uncertainty himself. And they did.

Sean Connery had none of the hang-ups of Dean or Brando, whose debuts, after all, predated him by some years. He was, and is, the benchmark for Bond and had none of the jokiness of the films. He also had sex appeal and when the women swooned and went dewy-eyed, you believed it. And there was a real irony with Connery; he was playing an Englishman with a public-school education and he looked so convincing in the suits and shirts and playing chemin de fer in the casino, even though he was a milkman from Fountainbridge in Edinburgh.

Connery’s main successor - after the blip that was George Lazenby - was more honest about what Bond was. Roger Moore could not take 007 seriously at all. He knew that such men no longer existed and could only smirk as the cameras rolled and he cavorted under silk sheets. You’d think that his response - to act parodically in a parody - would work perfectly, but, as we know, it didn’t. The balance was gone. As Connery once put it to me in an interview: "It wasn’t dirty enough". That’s it in a nutshell. How dirty to make Bond. The Tokyo-LA hotlines are buzzing with takeover talk, but somebody, somewhere - a screenwriter in Palm Springs or North London, perhaps - has to work out just how dirty Bond can be these days.

I have heard a lot of names associated with the role as a successor to Brosnan, but I have to say that when I heard Eric Bana, it made sense. He was by far and away the best thing in Troy and I think he could carry it off. He would, to me, be more believable in the role.

Another big question is how much the storyline of the 21st Bond movie can reflect the fact that the gallery of his potential arch-enemies - which started with Russians and latterly has been economic vandals who hate the environment - now includes low-tech jihadists based in caves in Afghanistan? It would not be a surprise if some generalised and diffuse reference to a fundamentalist Islam-like religion appeared in the latest or subsequent movies, but just enough to add danger. No more than is needed to fuel the pleasures of escapism.

Thought of this way, the prospects, paradoxically, look good for Bond. After all, the imaginative achievements of the cycle have been related as much to its depiction of the worlds of his enemies - architecture, clothes, means of communication and torture - as much as that of himself. Now that those enemies are such a diffuse breed, the screenwriters will have rich pickings. The worry, if anything, is that Bond’s character might get lost in the plethora of antagonists. The hold-up over Bond might, indeed, be explained by corporate upheaval. But it also, surely, has a creative dimension: How do you spin an escapist yarn in a daunting modern world?

You invent an organization, such as SPECTRE, and make them the villains for the next several films.





Brosnan Officially An American Citizen

October 5, 2004 - Ireland On-Line

Pierce Brosnan decided to become an American because he wants the right to vote for John Kerry in the upcoming presidential election. The 51-year-old screen star took the oath in Los Angeles, just weeks ahead of the vote.

Brosnan says: "I want to have a voice. I want to be able to vote for John Kerry."

After taking his oath, Brosnan returned to his home on Malibu, California, where he was greeted by his wife Keely, their two children and a cake decorated with an American flag. Brosnan, who will retain dual citizenship, add: "I found a whole new life and identity in America. (But) my heart and soul will forever be Irish."

I can remember back in 2000 when he applied for citizenship. He wanted to vote for Al Gore. Well better late than never.





Next James Bond Film Delayed Until 2006

October 5, 2004 - MSNBC

It looks like super-spy James Bond can keep his tuxedo in the closet for at least another year. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., on the verge of being sold to a group of companies led by Sony Corp. , has pushed back its target release date from November 2005 until sometime in 2006, a spokesman for the film studio said Thursday. He cited the failure so far to line up a director for the movie, which would mark the 21st installment of MGM’s venerable film franchise.

MGM, which together with EON Productions owns the Bond movie rights and distributes the films, had insisted as recently as late July that a script was finished and the next film was on track to arrive in theaters in November 2005. But without a director on board by summer’s end, producers were not sure they could begin shooting as planned in January or February in order to make a November deadline for release, the spokesman said.

“We’re not going to be the slave to a release date or shoe-horn it in so we can make a date,” he said, adding, “We’re still in the development process.”

One factor in the delay has been MGM executives’ preoccupation with negotiations leading to the recent deal for a Sony-led consortium to acquire the studio for about $2.85 billion plus debt, one insider told Reuters.

“We had plenty on our plates in the last few months,” the source said. “Moving forward on Bond is always a process of agreement between us and EON, and that requires 50-50 agreement, and that’s never a simple thing.”

Another question mark is whether Irish-born actor Pierce Brosnan would return to star as the suave secret agent. Brosnan, 51, who has portrayed agent 007 in four films starting with “GoldenEye” in 1995, told Entertainment Weekly magazine this summer he was through with the Bond franchise.

The MGM spokesman acknowledged that no one has been cast to play Bond and that Brosnan fulfilled his MGM contract with his appearance in the last Bond film, 2002’s “Die Another Day,” but has not been ruled out for a fifth picture. All casting decisions will await the signing of a director. Among the filmmakers being discussed for the job are Paul McGuigan, who directed MGM’s recent “Wicker Park,” and Matthew Vaughn, Guy Ritchie’s producing partner for “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”

The James Bond series, which began in 1962 with “Dr. No,” starring Sean Connery as the fictional British spy first popularized in Ian Fleming’s novels, is one of MGM’s biggest assets. “Die Another Day” alone generated more than $425 million in worldwide ticket sales.

The 'lack of a director' is a poor excuse in this melodrama. I cannot help feeling there is more going on behind the scenes with the bookkeepers and auditors then previously explained. I said this once and I'll say it again, don't look for Bond until the summer of 2007.





Rosamund Melts The Ice

October 12, 2004 - by Sara Nuwar for The Sunday Mirror

BOND girl Rosamund Pike is having a secret fling with her Pride And Prejudice director Joe Wright. The pair have become increasingly close while working together on the new film - and on Wednesday jetted off for an exotic break in a secluded Moroccan hideaway



Rosamund, 25, and Joe, 33 - who has previously been linked with former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten's daughter Alice - have been sharing a room at a £500-a-night spa hotel on the outskirts of Marrakesh. Fellow guests say they have been strolling hand-in-hand in the gardens and lounging by the plush pool at the tranquil hideaway, which has fountains strewn with rose petals. They were wearing dark glasses and sun-hats as they tried to keep the budding romance under wraps, but were also seen enjoying Arabic and French meals at some of the city's top restaurants.

News of Rosamund's new love affair comes only a week after her former lover, artist Henry John, confirmed they had split after six months. He blamed pressures of work, but added hopefully: "I don't think you have necessarily heard the last of us as a couple yet."

Oxford-educated Rosamund was a hot tip for stardom after she played double-agent Miranda Frost in the Pierce Brosnan Bond movie Die Another Day. She has spent weeks on location with Joe as he directed Hollywood's latest remake of Pride And Prejudice. The film, due out next year, also stars Keira Knightley, Dame Judi Dench and Spooks heart-throb Matthew Macfadyen.

Rosamund broke up with actor boyfriend Simon Woods last year and is also rumoured to have been seeing TV host Jamie Theakston. She is due to jet off on a hectic 12-week shoot in Peru for her next film Doom, which will see her fighting aliens alongside US wrestling hero The Rock.

Whatever happened to the 'old fashioned' Rosamund?





James Bond Scribe To Pen The A-Team Big Screen Adaptation

October 12, 2004 - The Star Online

James Bond screenwriter Bruce Feirstein (Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is Not Enough) has been tasked to write a big screen adaptation of The A-Team, Variety reports. The popular TV series, which ran from 1983-87, starred George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz as a group of Vietnam vets who survive in the Los Angeles underground as soldiers of fortune.

According to the trade the new feature film will be updated from the Vietnam era to reflect contemporary issues and politics. It will be less cartoony and more serious in tone, in the vein of the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon series. The 20th Century Fox film will have Stephen J. Cannell and Spike Seldin as producers.

I pity the fool!





Family Is Protector Of James Bond

October 12, 2004 - by Claudia Eller for The Los Angeles Times

It's easy to name the crown jewel in the thousands of movies Sony Corp. will inherit when it takes control of legendary film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

That name is Bond…James Bond.

For four decades, studio chiefs and movie directors have craved the opportunity to put their imprint on the $1 billion franchise that is Hollywood's most successful film series ever. Already, months before they officially acquire MGM, Sony's top movie executives are mulling over ways to refresh the vodka-martini-sipping secret agent. The prospective new owners, according to sources familiar with Sony's thinking, hope to broaden Bond's appeal beyond older males enamored with the fiery explosions, careening Aston Martins and buxom models. They're aiming for the kind of global audiences that flocked to Sony's ''Spider-Man'' blockbusters, believing there should be more to Bond's character than machismo.

But Sony will soon learn that many a studio executive has been shaken and stirred when pitted against Agent 007's off-camera bodyguards. Shielding Bond from the minefields of Hollywood pitches are producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, her half brother. They are the intensely private and fiercely protective heirs guarding the legacy of their late father, Albert R. ''Cubby'' Broccoli, a Long Island vegetable farmer-turned-Hollywood showman who almost single-handedly built author Ian Fleming's secret agent into a global star and pop culture icon.

"The Sony executives may have stars in their eyes right now as they dream of what James Bond can be now that he's theirs," said Lindsay Doran, who headed MGM's United Artists unit during the making of two Bond films. "But they might get their hearts broken, like so many executives before them, if they look at the deal and realize he's not theirs, he's the Broccolis'."

The Broccolis possess a unique license to kill ideas they don't like. Among the casualties: giving Bond a son, exploring his darker side as a paid assassin and even one top actor's take that the misogynous womanizer is latently homosexual. So protective are Broccoli's heirs that they once commissioned a confidential 60-page Bond ''character bible'' that continues to serve as something of an owners' manual. What kind of woman does 007 seduce? What does he wear? How nasty are the villains he battles?

''Every decision they make starts with the question: 'Is this in the tradition of Bond? Is this the right thing for the franchise?' '' MGM Vice Chairman Chris McGurk said. ''They know Bond better than anyone else.''

No creative decision is made without the blessing of Broccoli's daughter, Barbara, 44, and stepson Wilson, 62. Their late mother was Broccoli's third wife, Dana. The two split time between their London production base, where Bond is filmed, and Los Angeles. Working as a team, the producers pore over every script. They decide where in the movie Bond's signature guitar-twanging theme song plays. They sign off on the director, star, even some of the actors playing minor characters. They are on the set every day of filming, and sit in on editing sessions. Movie trailers, posters and TV spots need their OK.

''Barbara and Michael have infinitely more to do with it than any studio,'' said Roger Spottiswoode, who directed 1997's ''Tomorrow Never Dies.'' ''MGM would come up with some new idea and Barbara would say, 'That's not right for Bond.'''

The producers' far-reaching creative rights were first granted to Cubby Broccoli when he and a partner forged the Bond production deal in 1961 with United Artists, acquired 20 years later by MGM. Broccoli's heirs inherited those rights when Cubby died of heart failure in 1996. Broccoli and Wilson declined to be interviewed, as did Sony executives. But speaking about her father for a documentary included in the ''Diamonds Are Forever'' DVD, Barbara Broccoli said: ''I remember one time he said to me, 'You know, the most important thing is don't let 'em screw it up.' ''

Lately, Broccoli and Wilson have flexed their muscle on who will next slip into Bond's tuxedo. The producers nixed actor Pierce Brosnan even though the four films in which he starred were the highest-grossing of the 20-film series. Broccoli and Wilson have let Hollywood agents know they want to replace the 51-year-old Brosnan with a Bond who is 28 to 32 years old.

The producers also postponed the next Bond film, which sources identified as based on Fleming's novel ''Casino Royale,'' until they can find a director and star. That pushes its release from next year into 2006. With that film, Sony will begin reaping the riches from Hollywood's longest-running franchise, which has amassed $3.7 billion in global ticket sales, most from overseas. The last film, 2002's ''Die Another Day'' grossed $430 million worldwide, the most for any Bond installment.

The gold Cubby Broccoli struck came amid a chorus of naysayers, including author Fleming, who believed that Bond had limited cinema appeal. But Broccoli was an accomplished salesman of big action movies, having honed his skills early in life hawking caskets and jewelry. The son of Italian immigrant farmers, Broccoli moved to Hollywood in the 1930s. Before long, he was making large-scale adventure films for Columbia Pictures and became one of Hollywood's most colorful impresarios.

A fan of Fleming's books, Broccoli always wanted to make Bond films but didn't own the rights. A mutual friend introduced him to the man who did, Harry Saltzman, who was broke with 28 days left before his option expired. The two paid a visit to United Artists Chairman Arthur Krim's Manhattan office. Krim was no stranger to the Bond character. The UA chief had been introduced to the spy novels by his friend, President John F. Kennedy, whose enthusiasm for the books helped popularize them. Krim adhered to the philosophy of UA dating back to its founding in 1919 by Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and director D.W. Griffith. They believed that filmmakers made better creative decisions than executives.

UA's then-production chief David Picker was in the room when Broccoli and Saltzman asked for money to bring Bond to the screen. ''They came in and said 'We control James Bond,''' said Picker, a Fleming fan who earlier had tried to land the movie rights. ''We wouldn't let them out of the room before we had a deal.''

Today, that deal has survived as one of the most unique, hands-off studio arrangements ever. During the ensuing decades, the Broccoli family has gone through almost as many studio executives as Bond has bikini-clad girlfriends. MGM and United Artists have been bought and sold at least a half-dozen times, with new executives bringing new ideas. Director Michael Apted said his 1999 Bond film ''The World Is Not Enough'' endured two studio regimes.

''You've got people who constantly want to reinvent the franchise,'' Apted said. ''That has historically been the source of serious tensions between the ever-changing managements of MGM and the Broccolis.'' Sometimes those differences reach a boiling point. ''I remember Barbara shouting at MGM, 'Don't tell me how Bond should be. I intend to still be making these Bond films in 10 years, and you may not even be in business,''' director Spottiswoode said.

There is, however, give and take. On ''Die Another Day,'' the Broccoli family relented to MGM's choice of female lead Halle Berry as girlfriend while the studio acquiesced to hiring director Lee Tamahori. But the producers compromise only so much. They shot down MGM's idea for a TV show featuring a young James Bond. For years, they have resisted studio research screenings.

''When anyone at the studio tries to force anything on them, that's when they get their backs up,'' former MGM distribution chief Larry Gleason said. ''In reality, it comes down to MGM financing the movies and the Broccolis having creative control.''

Still, those who have worked with the producers say they realize Bond needs to appeal to today's moviegoers, some of whom complain that the films have become too formulaic and predictable. The trick in reworking Bond is not to alienate core fans, who know that Oddjob drove a 1964 Ranchero in ''Goldfinger.''

''Sony is incredibly lucky and would be very well-advised to leave the franchise alone,'' Spottiswoode said. ''The Broccolis make it work.''

Blood is thicker than water when it comes to this family owned business. Which brings me to one conclusion that the last four Bond films have been lacklusters due to MGM's butting in.





Roger Moore Recalls His Best Role

October 12, 2004 - The Guardian

"After seven years and 118 episodes of The Saint, I was looking for a new challenge. It was 1970. EMI had recently appointed Bryan Forbes as their head of production at Elstree Studios and we knew each other well from our time in the Combined Services Entertainment Unit. So I was intrigued when he called to ask if I'd heard of a book called The Case of Mr Pelham. He'd just given the green light to a script based on it, with producer Michael Relph and director Basil Dearden heading it up. They were two of Britain's most successful film-makers. Their script was called The Man Who Haunted Himself."

"It was one of the best scripts I'd ever read, with a very intriguing story: Harold Pelham momentarily "dies" on an operating table after a car accident, and his doppelgänger is released into the world. He begins assuming Pelham's identity amongst friends, colleagues and even his family. Pelham (the real Pelham) is pushed towards insanity. It was a role that called for emotion, drama and great intensity; a role that needed an actor. I had that on my passport, so felt somewhat qualified."

"When asked about the film nowadays, I always reflect that it was one of the few times I was allowed to act. It's a terrible admission from someone who has made a living from walking in front of cameras. Though, in my defence, I'd previously been cast in roles that required a relatively straightforward approach, either as a romantic lead, heroic lead - or just holding a spear, as I did in my first movie. I'd never been dramatically stretched, as they say. Basil Dearden was a wonderful director. He gave me a great confidence, as indeed he did the other actors. The great tragedy is that a short time after filming wrapped, he was driving home on the same stretch of the M4 where we'd filmed Pelham's accident, and his car careered out of control. He was killed. The film industry was robbed of a great talent that day."

"Armed with renewed confidence, I briefly returned to television to produce, (occasionally) direct and star alongside Tony Curtis in The Persuaders. It was a joyous year, spent at Pinewood and in the south of France - a dream job. Then I had a call from Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. Sean Connery had said "never again" to the role of James Bond, and would I talk to them about taking up the Walther PPK? Having completed The Persuaders, I was available and certainly interested. I obviously did something right, as they employed me for seven movies over 12 years."

"Any actor who says they wouldn't want to play Bond is lying. It is the role of a lifetime, and as well as financial security, it brought me the ability to choose other terrific roles in between outings. I look back with great affection on all my movies and television work. Among them all, many say my best role was in The Man Who Haunted Himself. Being a modest actor, I won't disagree."

And here all this time I thought he was going to say it was THE NAKED FACE.





Pierce Brosnan's Next Film Project

October 12, 2004 - by Brian Pendreigh for The Scotsman

Pierce Brosnan is to star in a historical epic, set in the Scottish Borders and Cumbria, called The Legend of Lochinvar. The film, based on a poem by Sir Walter Scott, tells the story of Lord Lochinvar, a young Scottish knight, who returns from war to find his sweetheart’s father is about to marry her off to someone else. Lochinvar stages a romantic cross-Border raid, arriving at the wedding and carrying off the bride.

"We’re working with a financier for next summer," said Beau St Clair, Brosnan’s producer partner in the Irish DreamTime film company. "We’re just putting the financing together at this point." She would not reveal details of the presumably large budget.

"It’s hard to do these kind of movies. Epics are hard to get funding for." However, she added that Gladiator and the fashion for historical films had made the task easier.

Irish DreamTime’s previous films include the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair and the recent romantic comedy Laws of Attraction, but Lochinvar represents its biggest challenge to date. There have been numerous films of Walter Scott’s books, particularly Ivanhoe, but five previous Lochinvar films were all made in the silent era, and Scott’s wordy stories of old-fashioned chivalry have fallen out of favour with readers and film-makers. Nonetheless, the character of Lochinvar comes across in the poem as a very modern hero who rides alone, like a bounty hunter in a Clint Eastwood western.

Although Scott’s story is probably fiction, Lochinvar is the name of a loch in Kirkcudbrightshire, and in ancient times the local Gordon family were the self-styled knights of Lochinvar. The poem itself is only two pages long, little more than a single scene in film terms. It is part of the book Marmion, which is set around 1513 and the Battle of Flodden.

In James Bond fashion, Brosnan is keeping details of the screenplay top secret, but it fleshes out Scott’s plot with new characters and moves it back about 300 years to the era of the Crusades. He will play a Knight Templar called MacGregor and may also direct the film. No other casting is confirmed, though Samantha Morton has been linked with the role of Lochinvar’s sweetheart, Lady Ellen.

Dr Robert Irvine, a lecturer in Scottish and English literature at Edinburgh University and an expert on Scott, said it seemed Brosnan was also taking elements from Scott’s novel The Talisman and possibly Ivanhoe. Both novels are set at the time of the Crusades and feature Knights Templar, members of a religious-military sect of monks set up to protect pilgrims. Far from being a simplistic story of right and wrong, The Talisman presents a very positive portrait of the Muslim leader Saladin. Brosnan’s team has already visited Morocco looking for locations, but it is expected they will also use Scotland.

This may just be me, but I cannot help feeling that this film will never see the light of day.





COMMENTARY: Brosnan Should Quit Complaining To The Media

October 14, 2004 - by Stuart Basinger for DSBG

The Bond fan community woke up to another disturbing revelation, Pierce Brosnan did not quit the role of James Bond OO7, he was fired. According to an article by Bruce Kirkland for The Sun Media.

I am not too sure how to take this news. The Sun Media is not exactly a reliable source of Hollywood information. Then again who is? But this news has been broadcast throughout the Internet from many different media outlets. Leaving the reader with the impression that Pierce Brosnan is another victim of post-Bondian dismissal. Dejected by the producers who prefer their OO7s shaken and young.

However, this kind of presser from Mr. Brosnan is not new. Since the final days of his television show, Remington Steele, Brosnan had petitioned for the coveted spy role. Literally signing a contract in 1986 only to have it null and voided by his Steele producers, who were given a reprieve over their dead series, in the final hours of negotiation. With OO7 now in the hands of Timothy Dalton, Brosnan became a cover boy for PEOPLE magazine with the caption “TAKE THIS JOB AND SHOVE IT! Not a very professional way of blowing off steam.



During the Dalton Bond years, Brosnan would act in TV made mini-series such as Noble House and Around the World in 80 Days. Coca-Cola commercials would follow with Brosnan playing an OO7 type action hero, fighting ninjas and meeting beautiful girls, all while sipping a can of Diet Coke. An image reportedly Bond producer Cubby Broccoli was not too happy seeing.

During the six-year hiatus between Licence To Kill and GoldenEye, Brosnan reportedly was in contact with Thunderball/Never Say Never Again producer Kevin McClory. McClory wanted to produce another rogue Bond film with Brosnan as OO7 called WARHEAD 8. In late 1989, PEOPLE magazine asked Brosnan if he would consider doing the McClory film.

Brosnan said, "My mind would be open if the possibility came up again. It's like running for President - once you decide you can do the job, it's very hard to dissuade yourself." Again Broccoli reportedly cautioned Brosnan about crossing the line.

Low budget films would dominate Brosnan’s early 1990’s acting schedule making him out to be a has-been TV actor. But when the announcement came in 1994 that Brosnan was picked to be the fifth actor to play James Bond, all was right with the world. United Artist/MGM and Eon Productions went into overtime creating a PR mega thrust, promoting the James Bond VHS collection in an infomercial and introducing Brosnan as Bond in GoldenEye. Posters, video games, toys and memorabilia dominated Christmas 1995. The world of OO7 had not seen this much press in 30 years.

But Brosnan still was not happy.

His goal was to try and take the aura away from Sean Connery. To bring a darker, more complex character to the silver screen. The following seven years Brosnan completed three more Bond films. Each filled frame-to-frame with more explosions than the D-Day invasion. Each filled with product placements such as BMW and Revlon. Each filled with eye-popping stunts, beautiful girls, and exotic locales, all seriously lacking in the story department. Two years after the release of Die Another Day, Brosnan is still without a memorable Bond film. Reportedly left out in the cold and out-of-grasp of the aura that remains Connery’s.

Now it appears Mr. Brosnan is bitter over Eon’s decision not to offer a contract. Saying, “I did my time in the trenches on that movie franchise.” Admitting there is some satisfaction in seeing the franchise stumble by delaying production of Bond 21. Will this follow with another PEOPLE magazine cover showing his smug face?

The bottom line is plain and simple, Eon Productions saved Brosnan from a career of low budget films and a place in the ‘Whatever happened to...?’ hall of fame. Producers and siblings, Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, have learned from their late father to remain silent during these turbulent times. Doing their best to honor the family’s name and memories. By fighting the onslaught of MGM and Sony's 'slings and arrows' in the form of 'Yes Men', trying to make their personal mark on the longest running film series in history. Delaying production of Bond 21 while protecting the one commodity their family has owned since the early 1960s. Always remembering Cubby’s famous quote, “When the snow melts, there you will see the dog sh**.”

Hang in there guys, the best is yet to come.





Brosnan Fired From Bond?

October 14, 2004 - by Bruce Kirkland for Sun Media

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Pierce Brosnan did not quit his most famous role as agent James Bond, he was fired. And there is no going back, the 51-year-old, Irish-born, four-time 007 says. "It's over, it's over, it's absolutely over," Brosnan says this week in Nassau, where he sits with media to promote his latest film, After the Sunset, a heist comedy which slightly parodies his role as a super-secret agent.

Brosnan says he was willing, even eager, to do a fifth and final Bond, adding that 007 producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson had asked him to return, although no contracts were signed. Brosnan's last Bond movie, Die Another Day in 2002, was the 20th official instalment in the franchise, which started with Sean Connery in Dr. No in 1962.

"They invited me back right before I went to present that film. They said: 'We're so happy with the success, we want you to come back!' I went on the road a happy man, you know. I thought we'd get a fifth and no more. That would be it, really.

"And then one day the phone rang - I was here (in Nassau shooting After the Sunset) - and my agents told me that the goal posts had moved and that they had changed their minds." Brosnan says this with a weary tone, with a sigh.

"It's very hard to find the truth in that town (Hollywood) or in this business at times," Brosnan says. "But it was their prerogative to change their minds. They can do it!" And they might have done it "to go younger," Brosnan says.

"It was disappointing. It was surprising. And I accepted the knowledge (that his run as 007 was over for good) after 24 hours of being in shock."

Brosnan has been extremely reluctant to go on the record about the Bond issue. For TV interviews in Nassau, Brosnan had publicists order TV hosts to avoid the issue. No such orders were given to print media. Then, pressed by Sun Media, Brosnan says: "To bring up Bond ... (he frowns) ... I did my time in the trenches on that movie (franchise) ..."

But offered a chance to finally put his version of the events on the record, Brosnan did. Part of the story, he says, is that he always knew the end was coming.

"If you have that thought ruminating in your head - knowing that things are going to change, knowing that you're going to get older, knowing it only lasts a certain amount of time playing a certain role - then you clearly prepare yourself for what's down the road, even though you don't know what's down the road. But you prepare yourself emotionally.

"(So) you know something's going to be finished, it's going to be over. And it comes with a great disappointment, but it also comes with a great satisfaction of having achieved the success with it that I had achieved."

Brosnan claims he harbours no bitterness. "None, none, none! It's not worth having. If I did, it would make all the great decade, the four films, the lovely success, meaningless. Bitterness against whom, and for what reason?"

But he admits there is some satisfaction in seeing the franchise stumble, with the next Bond movie postponed for at least a year. "Go figure!" Brosnan says with a wry grin.

Question: How do you get fired from a job that requires a contract? Besides, if it were not for the James Bond franchise, Brosnan would still be doing grade "B" movies. Also, to say he 'did my time in the trenches' seems to be a slap in the face to Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson. If this story is accurate then I do not have that much sympathy for Mr. Brosnan.





James Bond: The Exhibition Arriving at the Arizona Science Center

October 16, 2004 - Business Wire

See James Bond's famous, sleek and steel-colored Aston Martin DB5 showcased in "GoldenEye" at the Arizona Science Center during Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition., opening Oct. 23, 2004. James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 is considered among the most alluring of all movie classic speedsters. The curvaceous sports car is the perfect testament to the sophisticated and glamorous nature of James Bond.

Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition. arrived with hundreds of artifacts from the films. From the fast cars to the vibrant gowns worn by the glamorous dames of the films to Q's workshop, this thrilling exhibition has stunning visual fun for all ages.

"Everyone wants to get a glimpse of this exhibition, especially the Aston Martin DB5," said Stan Brower, exhibit operation director at the center. "Since its first silver screen appearance, this car has been speeding through people's dreams of being a world-traveling spy."

However, the DB5 is certainly not the only attraction at Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition. From the film "A View to a Kill" a model of power-mad villain Max Zorin's command center blimp is part of the show. Also on display will be the aquiline, futuristic escape plane Acrostar from "Octopussy." This vehicle is a life-sized capsule with retractable wings that will be on central display in Q's workshop, another wonderful portion of this exhibition.

Q was the gadget master who provided Bond with all of his life-saving devices. His workshop will be laden with its laser watches, bullet cufflinks and many other mini-machines that visitors will recall 007(TM) using to escape from many perilous positions.

Visitors will also enjoy the many interactive stations where children and adults can gauge their potential as secret agents and learn whether they are "licensed" spies or mere "recruits" by using computer kiosks throughout a series of themed areas. A visit to the Action Sequences, Production Design and Marketing Bond areas of the exhibition will show the attendees finished, cinematic products from several different Bond movies as well as the consumer culture that has built up the franchise over the decades.

The exhibition would not be complete without a rogues' gallery full of all the villains who have sent James Bond on his missions to save the world. After that it is on to the Bond's bombshells area where visitors will see all the heroines from throughout the decades of Bond films.

"This exhibition is a favorite for people of all ages," said Jodi Chermack, director of marketing and public relations for the Arizona Science Center. "People will be able to relive the adventure of the films as well as get a comprehensive view of what went into making them."

The Arizona Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to informal science education. The center, located at 600 E. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix, features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a giant-screen theater. For more information, please call 602-716-2000 or logon to www.azscience.org.

Personally I'm hoping this exhibit comes to Washington DC.





The Man Who Armed James Bond

October 18, 2004 - by Conal Gregory for The Scotsman

THE expert behind the guns used by James Bond has been revealed as a Glaswegian whose world-class knowledge of firearms earned him the role of the Armourer in the 007 books.

Geoffrey Boothroyd, who worked for ICI in Glasgow, wrote to the author Ian Fleming shortly after reading Casino Royale in 1956, pointing out that the gun Bond used, a .25 Beretta, was inappropriate for the character. The strength of his argument persuaded Fleming not only to incorporate his suggestions, but also to adopt Boothroyd as a paid adviser on arms-related matters in the Bond novels.

Fleming used Boothroyd’s persona as the Armourer in Dr No, describing him as Major Boothroyd, "a short slim man with sandy hair" with "very wide apart, clear, grey eyes that never seemed to flicker". The character of Boothroyd makes a dramatic entry in Dr No: "M bent forward to the intercom. ‘Is the Armourer there? Send him in.’ M sat back. ‘You may not know it, 007, but Major Boothroyd’s the greatest small-arms expert in the world." Not surprisingly, the major had a rather acerbic view of Bond’s Beretta. When asked as to its use, Boothroyd replied in a clipped manner: "Ladies’ gun, sir."

Correspondence between Fleming and Boothroyd, which is to go under the hammer at Bloomsbury Auctions, the London specialist saleroom for books and manuscripts, reveal how far the author took on board the latter’s technical advice. Fleming frequently asked Boothroyd for more information on weapons and even borrowed his Smith & Wesson to be painted by Richard Chopping for the dust-jacket of From Russia with Love.

Academics and archivists hope the correspondence will not be broken up but kept together and deposited in a library where scholars can use it. Bloomsbury is to offer it as one lot with a pre-sale estimate of £15,000-£20,000.

The collection of 30 previously unknown letters, written between 31 May, 1956, and 30 September, 1963, demonstrate Fleming’s passion for guns and attention to detail, coupled with Boothroyd’s intense knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.

From that first letter on, Bond was never without the correct firearm and his enemies were suitably equipped in return. Potential problems over legally holding guns arise in the letters. Fleming assures Boothroyd that, as the Deputy Commissioner of Scotland Yard is "a close personal friend, we should have no complications over firearms certificates."

The two men’s dry sense of humour often comes through in the correspondence. In a letter dated 3 January, 1962, Fleming writes: "I feel safe in wishing you a Prosperous New Year, and if the tax man becomes too difficult, I suggest you shoot him."

Boothroyd was paid for his technical advice. In a letter to him, Fleming wrote: "I propose to pay you 25 per cent of all revenue I get from this piece and I suggest we needn’t draw up any legal contracts as my secretary, Miss Griffie-Williams, is an extremely honest person and will see that you get your due!" Fleming even signed himself in 1962 as "Comptroller of the Boothroyd Privy Purse".

Boothroyd, who was born in Lancashire but lived in Glasgow from the age of three, became one of the greatest authorities on the history and development of the sporting gun and was a regular contributor to the Shooting Times. He wrote several books, including A Guide to Guns in 1961 and The Handgun in 1988. He died in 2001. A series of first edition 007 books from Boothroyd’s library are also to be sold by Bloomsbury. Fleming signed very few books and, consequently, there is a large premium for signed and presentation copies. As Boothroyd played such a key role in shaping the character of Bond, two of the books are likely to fetch new world records. A copy of From Russia with Love is dedicated by Fleming "To Geoffrey Boothroyd - herewith appointed Armourer to J. Bond from Ian Fleming." The inscription in Dr No reads, "To Geoffrey Boothroyd - alias The Armourer from Ian Fleming". Each is expected to make up to £5,000.

Now that would be an nice collectible. If only I had the extra cash to buy them.





Roger Moore Wants To Play The Villain

October 25, 2004 - Ireland Online

Former James Bond actor Roger Moore is hoping to return to the spy series as a villain. The 77-year-old star, who appeared in seven movies as 007 including the 1977 classic The Spy Who Loved Me, wants to make an appearance in an eighth Bond movie as a bad guy who is immobile and remains unseen. Moore says: "I would love to be a villain who is confined to bed, wrapped in bandages, so that I wouldn't have to appear. I'd just phone my part in."

There are critics who believe Roger phoned in his performance when he was playing Bond.





Julius (Tee Hee) Harris - Dead at 81

October 28, 2004 - Variety

Actor Julius T. Harris, who broke ground for African-Americans in film, died of heart failure Oct. 17 at the Motion Picture & Television Fund home in Woodland Hills, Calif. He was 81.



One of Harris' most well-known roles was as evil villain Tee Hee in the James Bond film, "Live and Let Die," which was screened in October 2003 at a Directors Guild tribute honoring Harris for his groundbreaking work as an African-American actor. In a taped introduction to the event, actress Halle Berry said of Harris, "His work helped African-Americans break out of stereotypical movie roles and be seen as dynamic heroes and fully realized human beings."

Harris began his career attending a casting call on a dare and got the part. He joined the Negro Ensemble Co. in New York and launched a career that spanned four decades and included more than 70 film and television appearances. His film appearances include "Superfly," "Black Caesar," "King Kong" (1976, with Jeff Bridges, "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and "Amazing Stories: Book Four." On television he appeared in "ER," "Murder She Wrote," "St. Elsewhere," "Benson," "The Incredible Hulk" and "Kojak." Harris is survived by a daughter and a son.

He was one of my favorite villains during the Roger Moore years. Rest in peace, sir.





Brosnan Backs Farrell For Bond

October 31, 2004 - Ireland Online

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has backed Colin Farrell to take over the role of 007. The 51-year-old actor, who received an outstanding contribution to Irish cinema award last night at the Irish Film and Television Awards in Dublin, acknowledged there were several actors who could fill the coveted role.

“But I’ll give it to Colin Farrell. He’ll eat the head off them all,” he said.

He suffered disappointment earlier this year when the producers failed to sign him up for the 21st Bond film. But at the Irish Film and Television Awards in Dublin, Brosnan received a standing ovation from the 800-strong audience.

“I’m totally over the moon. I love this country and it’s great we have this ceremony here in Ireland,” he said.

He was presented with his award by British actor John Cleese, who took over the role of Q in the Bond films from Desmond Llewelyn.

“I’m very happy to give Pierce this one last gadget,” said Cleese.

He paid tribute to Brosnan afterwards for the professionalism he had displayed in his four Bond films.

“He’s very nice, he’s generous and very professional. Shooting with him is easy – he doesn’t screw things up,” he said.

However, he cast doubt on his participation in the next Bond film. “I’m told that if there is a Q, I will be Q. But I think if they were to cast someone much younger as Bond, I’m not sure they’d want an old Q. I don’t believe there’s a Q in the current version of the script,” he said.

There were also televised tributes from Colin Farrell, Dame Judy Dench and Famke Jansen, who revealed for the first time that Brosnan broke one of her ribs during the filming of a sex scene in Goldeneye.

“We all know that love hurts,” she said.

Brosnan did not rule out making more action films in the future.

“Possibly, yes. But I really never think about what I’m going to do next. I don’t define myself in concrete ways by saying 'I’ll do an action film or a drama'.”

He said his production company, Irish Dreamtime, had made seven feature films and was hoping to make another epic production in Ireland.

“I will hopefully keep coming back here making films. We have a big project that we want to do and hopefully I’m going to come back and do it,” he said.

Hmm, no Q in the latest draft of the script? Interesting!





The Darker Side Of Bond

November 3, 2004 - Robert Workman for Game Daily

James Bond 007's video game legacy is almost as infamous as his cinematic one, and puts you in control of the world's most famous secret agent. It all started way back in the 80's, when James Bond 007 debuted for the Atari 2600. Since then, a number of successful Bond games entries have given players control, in one form or another, of the hero. However, GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is set to arrive next month and take the world by storm, putting you in the shoes of a villainous Bond type.



The bad guys rule in this 007 game.Sure, you could play the bad guy in previous Bond games (in multiplayer), but this game focuses on nothing but on the bad guy's scene. In the game, you play a former agent of the 00 division who has shown some promise, but has found himself dismissed by the agency for reckless brutality in getting the job done. The agent is a bit dismayed over the fact that he is unable to show off his skill, and switches sides. He enlist\s with Auric Goldfinger, a legendary figure who's tried to dispatch of Bond before. However, Goldfinger has a new focus this time- he's out to take down Dr. No and gain control of the criminal underworld.

The game will take you through a number of familiar scenarios from the Bond films (like the Golden Gate Bridge from A View To a Kill), as well as several classic villains ready to take you out, including the hat-throwing Oddjob, the vicious Sacramanga (voiced once again by Christopher Lee- a nice touch), and even Xenia Onatopp, with her powerful choking legs. They'll all also be available in the game's multiplayer functions, as well as for online battles with the PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

The game does have a few methods to its mayhem that make it that much more interesting. First off, a new AI balancing method is being introduced, and it's called E.V.I.L. It basically allows enemies to react in a realistic manner, hiding from your bullets and looking for prime opportunities to take you out. The game also gives you gadgets to do some damage with, like an EM Hack, which allows you to hack into electronics; a Magnetic Polarity Shield, which allows you to deflect heavy damage; and MRI Vision, which allows you to spy on people and see hidden enemies with an uber-heat sensor system.

The game utilizes a two-gun system similar to Halo 2's, allowing you full control of two weapons at once. The cool thing, however, is that you can combine different weapons for better effect. One hand, for instance, can hold a shotgun, and the other can let loose with a machine gun, allowing for some vicious damage in particular spots. You can also punch out enemies, or even take a hostage in a rough spot.

In terms of multiplayer, the game features 20 different maps to venture through, and a number of villains to take on, each with their own advantages and disadvantages to keep them fairly balanced. You can also set up war campaigns and deathmatch opportunities aplenty, offline or online (PS2 and Xbox only- sorry GameCube owners).

It's all about the double gun action!As far as talent behind the game, besides the development team, EA has brought on oodles. As I stated, Christopher Lee is reprising his role as Scaramanga from The Man With the Golden Gun, and Dame Judi Dench is back as M. Paul Oakenfold is also on board, bringing a new touch to the James Bond theme and adding more soundtrack contributions to make the music that much better. Rounding out the talent is legendary production designer Sir Ken Adam, who has worked on a number of James Bond films.

GoldenEye: Rogue Agent is not your typical Bond game. It offers a lot of original touches and some slick talent that may just make it a standout this holiday season. Plus, any game that features the infamous Pussy Galore can't be bad. As Bond said, "I must be dreaming."

Stay tune to this website for a special review of GoldenEye: Rogue Agent in the next several weeks.





Roger Moore As Irontail

November 4, 2004 - Variety

Roger Moore, Molly Shannon, Tom Kenny and Christopher Lloyd will provide the voices for Classic Media's CG-animated Peter Cottontail: The Movie, reports Variety. The 3-D film, directed by Mark Gravas, is inspired by the beloved 1971 Easter television special Here Comes Peter Cottontail, directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) will voice lead characters Peter Cottontail (originally voiced by Casey Kasem), Junior and Antoine. Moore and Shannon will voice the film's villains Irontail and Jackie Frost, respectively, while Lloyd will play narrator Mr. Sassafras. Principal animation is near completion and the film is on track for a Spring release. Classic Media is in talks with U.S. studios for domestic distribution.

Personally I think Roger should voice the part of OctoBunny.





Brosnan 'Gutted' Over Bond Exit

November 6, 2004 - BBC News

Actor Pierce Brosnan has confirmed he will not play James Bond again, accusing producers of going back on an offer for him to return. Brosnan, who has appeared in four Bond blockbusters, said he agreed to film a fifth but was "gutted" when filmmakers changed their minds.

"When they told me, I was angry and the conversation was pretty short and sweet," he told Jonathan Ross' TV show.

Brosnan first played the famous spy in 1995's GoldenEye, followed by Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. Pierce Brosnan has said he wants Colin Farrell to replace him.

"They invited me back, and they changed their minds half-way through negotiations. It's hard to find the truth," he said on BBC One's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. "If you get uptight it just does your head in so you've got to let it go." He said he felt a "great sense of liberation" after he was told. "I thought they did me a favour, really... leave while you're on top."

First he's upset, then he's okay with it. What's next? Perhaps a pouting Pierce on the cover of PEOPLE magazine.





Colin Farrell Not Interested In Bond Role

November 9, 2004 - BBC News

Actor Colin Farrell has said he is not interested in becoming the next James Bond, despite being tipped for the role by previous Bond star Pierce Brosnan. "I would not like to do it," Farrell said. "They should find someone the audience has no history with."

The 28-year-old Irish actor joked that if he got the part, he would use an Irish accent to confuse fans of the suave British secret agent. Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor and Jude Law have also been tipped for the role.

Last week Brosnan, who appeared in four Bond blockbusters, confirmed he would not reprise the 007 role. He said he agreed to film a fifth Bond movie but was "gutted" when producers changed their minds. Brosnan, 51, added that Phone Booth star Farrell should take the role in favour of other actors because "he'll eat the head off them all".

The James Bond character has taken nearly $4bn (£2.15bn) at the box office since Dr No was released 42 years ago.

In my opinion, Farrell would be like scraping the bottom of the barrel.





Director Martin 'GoldenEye' Campbell May Direct Bond 21

November 10, 2004 - by Liza Forman for The Hollywood Reporter

Martin Campbell, who helped to revive the James Bond franchise with the 1995 hit "GoldenEye," is in negotiations to direct the 21st installment in MGM's spy series.

Although MGM recently said the Bond film will not arrive in theaters next November, as originally scheduled, the project would be on track to meet a 2006 release date should Campbell come aboard. Campbell, who is filming another major franchise -- the sequel to "Legend of Zorro" for Columbia Pictures -- introduced Pierce Brosnan to audiences as James Bond in "GoldenEye." However, Brosnan has said that he will not be returning as Bond, so Campbell could find himself introducing yet another actor in the role. Neither MGM nor producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson have commented on casting plans for the new installment.

Campbell's contribution to reviving the series in the mid-'90s made him the man for the current job, sources said Tuesday. Other directors who had been mentioned as candidates for the assignment were Paul McGuigan, who recently directed MGM's "Wicker Park," and Matthew Vaughn, Guy Ritchie's longtime producing partner who made his directorial debut this year with the British crime thriller "Layer Cake."

Campbell followed his first "Bond" outing by directing 1998's "The Mask of Zorro" with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, followed by "Vertical Limit" and "Beyond Borders."

Broccoli and Wilson have been keeping the direction of the next Bond under wraps. Its script -- by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, the duo that contributed to both "Die Another Day" and "The World Is Not Enough" -- is said to contain more of the elements of earlier Bond pics than the more recent effects-packed pictures.

This could be good news.





Moonbuggy To Be Auctioned Off - Again!

November 10, 2004 - Independent Online

James Bond's moon buggy from the film Diamonds Are Forever is up for sale, Christie's auctioneers said on Wednesday. The buggy that Bond - played by Sean Connery - used to make a hasty getaway in the 1971 film will be among a collection of film and entertainment pieces up for sale at Christie's in London on December 14.

Other entertainment relics to go under the hammer will include Charlie Chaplin's moustache from the 1940 film The Great Dictator, a storm-trooper helmet used in the 1980 sci-fi film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and scripts from British radio's Goon Show.

Editor of 007 Magazine and James Bond buff Graham Rye is offering the moon buggy for sale after tracking it down and having it restored.

"It's an important piece of cinema history from one of Sean Connery's most popular James Bond films," Rye said. "I hope it will find its way into a public display where Bond fans can view it for years to come."

Christie's estimated that the moon buggy would sell for £20 000. On July 31, 2001 an anonymous American bidder offered to pay $212,856 for the moonbuggy (See Who Will Buy My Yesterdays - 2001 Headlines). The organisers for the auction at London's Planet Hollywood said they were "disappointed" by the sum paid as the buggy had expected to fetch between $425,713 and $567,617.

I wish them all the best on this auction.





Bond Stuntman Dies

November 15, 2004 - Herald Sun

VICTORIAN-born hang gliding pioneer Bill Bennett has died in the United States at the age of 73 doing the thing that made him famous -- flying.

Bennett, who helped develop the modern hang glider and popularised the sport, was killed on October 7 in Arizona while being recertified in a powered hang glider his fiancee, Margo Brown, said. The Victorian-born aviator was taking off with an instructor when the glider lost power and crashed.

Nicknamed "Birdman", Bennett introduced the modern controllable glider to the US in 1969 with exhibitions in California and then performing high-flying stunts across the country, once gliding around the Statue of Liberty.

He was the first hang glider to fly higher than 1.6km, soar more than 320km while under tow and pilot a motorised hang glider. He set a 3000m world record when he launched a glider by a hot-air balloon.

In 1972, Bennett made the world's highest and longest unassisted free flight after he took off from a ridge in Death Valley, California, and travelled 10km to the valley floor, 1727m below.

"Probably his most significant role is he helped to make hang gliding a household word," said Josh Criss, a hang glider pilot who interviewed Bennett for a documentary. "He was extremely dedicated -- a fearless promoter of the sport."

Born in Korumburra, South Gippsland, Bennett served in the Australian navy and worked as a mechanic and boat builder.

Bennett has been honoured by the Soaring Hall of Fame, NASA's Space and Technology Hall of Fame and the Francis Rogallo Hall of Fame.

He also was the hang gliding stunt double for Roger Moore in the James Bond film Live and Let Die.

He is survived by Ms Brown, four children, a stepson, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

Rest in peace.





Las Vegas Desert Inn Crumbles

November 16, 2004 - DSBG

The 50-year-old Desert Inn, a historic Las Vegas resort once owned by billionaire recluse Howard Hughes who used one of its floors as his own private reserve, shut its doors forever on August 28, 2000 with its new owners planning to rip it down to make way for a mega-complex.



The Desert Inn is one of the oldest properties on the Las Vegas Strip. The resort was the fifth Las Vegas Strip property - and one of the largest - when Wilbur Clark completed it in 1950 at a cost of $3.5 million. The fabled resort had 300 hotel rooms, a casino, a spa and two restaurants. Casino Mogul Steve Wynn bought the Desert Inn for $270 million

On the evening of November 15, 2004, The Desert Inn was forever destroyed. Torn down to make way for a larger hotel casino. But to Bond fans this landmark is the inspiration behind Cubby Broccoli's dream where he found himself in his friend Howard Hughes' penthouse apartment on the top floor of The Desert Inn. However, he discovers in his dream that the man in the penthouse is an imposter and that Hughes is missing. Thus the script idea behind Diamonds Are Forever's mysterious billionaire Willard Whyte was born.

The times are a changing - sadly.





I Won't Bond With New OO7

November 17, 2004 - by Samantha Booth for The Daily Record

Miss Moneypenny actress Samantha Bond refuses to be shaken or stirred with anyone other than veteran 007 actor Pierce Brosnan. The 41-year-old, who has been in the last four Bond movies, reckons it's the end of the line for her association with the spy now that Pierce has handed in his licence to kill. The sexy mum-of-two thinks love scenes with actors young enough to be her sons would be just ridiculous.



'I just don't want to go on being Moneypenny if Pierce isn't there,' she said. 'I really don't. It's an age thing, for a start. Pierce is just that little bit older than me - eight years - - and when he's doing all that saucy flirting with Moneypenny, it looks OK and a lot of fun, which it is. And she, of course, has her fantasies about being with him, having a romance. It's a gift of a role.'

But Samantha, mum of Molly, 13, and Tom, 11, said that, if they brought in a younger guy to play 007, the sizzling sexual chemistry just wouldn't look right.

'I think it's going to look a bit off having a nod and a wink and a flirty moment,' she said. 'Not very tasteful, to my mind. In fact, it could look a bit gruesome and icky. Older lady, much younger bloke - I don't think so. There is one guy who I might consider as an exception if he was to be cast. But I am not going to reveal who he is, and wild horses won't get his name out of me.'

Big names being linked to the role include Hollywood hotshots Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell. But Samantha wondered whether either would actually want the role at this stage in their careers.

'They both have highly successful careers,' she said. 'Would they really want to become linked to someone like Bond, who is really such a very strong image and identity? Those two guys can do big earner films in their own right. They don't need it. And from what I hear of Mr Farrell's rather salty, non-compromising language, I wonder if they might have to bleep out a lot of the expletives? I'm Bond, James bleep Bond. Perhaps not. The other name being mentioned is James Purefoy. But he's got a contract to play Mark Antony in the BBC's TV production of Rome which will occupy the next five years, so that could be difficult to get around. And all those guys are younger than me.'

Samantha had heard rumours that Irishman Pierce was retiring as Bond, but it wasn't until she heard it from his own mouth she believed it.

'When I first heard that Pierce was supposed to be calling it a day, I honestly wondered if the rumour was all part of a terribly elaborate publicity stunt,' she said.

But one night Samantha and her actor husband actor Alex Hanson were watching TV when Pierce was a guest on Parkinson and confirmed it was true.

'We both looked at each other and said: 'Well, he's just said it himself, so that's the end of the line'.'

But Samantha isn't bitter. She's very grateful to have had the chance to be in the Bond films, although she does admit playing a key character like Moneypenny can be a bit of a poisoned chalice.

She said: 'The role might well be the only one that you are ever known for. I know that dear old Desmond Llewelyn felt that way. He believed the public only ever thought of him as Q, and that they knew nothing about his amazing body of work before he joined the 007 team. And what about the two actresses who played Moneypenny before I got the role? If you're not very careful, playing a part as high-profile as that over a long time can put the kibosh on your career. Which is why I've been very careful to do a lot of other work on stage, in films and on TV. I don't want to be typecast as Moneypenny for the rest of my life, much as I adore the lady. I've just been very lucky to play her in four box-office successes, and that's it. It's been 10 years and maybe enough is enough?'

Close, but no cigar.





11 Year Old Bond Fan Puts Ding In Bond Car

November 30, 2004 - by James Mccarthy for IC Coventry

A youngster's dream ride in a James Bond Jaguar went with a prang after the driver accidentally reversed the priceless motor into a signpost. But, as you would expect from a souped-up Bond car, it came out virtually unscathed.

While museum volunteer George Simpson appeared a little concerned after the scrape at the company's site in Browns Lane, Allesley, Coventry, 11-year-old Daniel Parker was neither shaken nor stirred.

Daniel, of Pen-Y-Lan in Cardiff, was offered the ride in the vehicle - driven by Bond baddie Zao in Die Another Day - when he said the Jaguar XKR was his favourite motor after winning the BBC's Junior Mastermind. His specialist subject was the Volkswagen Beetle but he hopes to drive a Jag or Aston Martin when he is old enough to get behind the wheel.

He said: "When I heard the crunch I sort of cringed. I thought 'Oh God, what's happened?' But it's not too bad. It's only very little. The ride was hard to describe. It was amazing being in a Bond car. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that would happen. I really like James Bond and I think that car is really beautiful, especially the green colour. I didn't see any gadget bits but I reckon there were a few in there. It was amazing inside just feeling the speed and the sound and the wind all around you."

Daniel travelled to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Museum in Browns Lane from Cardiff - in a Jeep - with mum Anne, dad Delwyn and brother Benjamin. Anne, aged 38, said: "It's quite exciting really. He's been on Blue Peter and was invited on to Top Gear a couple of weeks ago. But he's taking it all in his stride."

Just keep away from the rockets, kid!





Goldeneye: Rogue Agent – Visually Stunning, But Lacks Bond

December 6, 2004 - by Stuart Basinger for DSBG

Goldeneye: Rogue Agent is not your typical James Bond video game. Rather, it is a fast-paced shoot ‘em up headache.

The fast paced shoot ‘em up part is easily explained since the game is primarily killing countless henchmen. You are sent to Hong Kong by Goldfinger to eliminate Dr. No who is hiding in a secure skyscraper. Bond fans will remember this scene from the book James Bond: The Biography of OO7 where Bond assassinates a Japanese cipher expert by shooting him through a glass shielded office. At least that is what went through my mind when I first spotted Dr. No behind his glass-protected lair. Once you arrive at an adjoining skyscraper, you are thrust into a massive shootout with henchmen who look like they belong in the game Halo rather than Bond. My biggest problem with this scene is that the emphasis seems to be on gun play rather than on story. I also had problems on aiming my gun at the henchmen. The trigger is not easy to use and it usually takes several shots to take out your nemesis. However, I do like the hand granades that can be thrown at your rival with explosive results.

Now for the headache, world-renowned DJ and artist Paul Oakenfold composed an original musical score and, in my opinion, is absolutely abysmal. I literally had a headache after listening to the head banging noise this Bond composer wannabe calls music. It would be better to turn off the music and play a track or two from John Barry or David Arnold.

The visuals in this latest entry from Electronic Arts are superb and earn a 10+ on the graphics scale. I feel the designers and artist involved have literally put in countless hours of overtime for a visually stunning game that also includes artwork from veteran Bond set designer Sir Ken Adam. But eye candy does not make a classic and this is where GERA fails. It tries to be Halo when it should be trying to be OO7. It lacks charm and glamour that the original GoldenEye and other Bond games possess. Fans will be disappointed since OO7 is a minor character you cannot be or play, but now you can be one of the bad guys. Featured game modes include story-based campaign missions spanning 20 single-player levels and more than 20 multiplayer arenas where players can engage in deathmatch-style showdowns and objective-based team vs. team scenarios. With dual-wielding weapons and a golden eye which has four powers, such as the ability to create a shield or hack machines. Is that really what you want to be – a bad guy? The allure of James Bond movies, books and now video games is to be like James Bond – a hero who gets the beautiful women and fancy cars at the same time saving the free world from diabolical villains. When EA announced earlier this year that they were developing a OO7 game where you play the villain, I must admit I was intrigued. Unfortunately, that is where my interest stopped. I found I wanted to be the hero and save the world not try to destroy it.

In short, I only hope that the next James Bond game will aim to be more like the films we have all come to love. With scenes taken from THE SPY WHO LOVED ME and YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, perhaps one day a game will showcase these films.

Goldeneye: Rogue Agent retails for $49.99 and will most likely face an uphill battle among the Christmas rush of other popular games.





The Fly Who Loved Me

December 11, 2004 - BBC Online

Sir Roger Moore made his animation debut on Friday in a Christmas cartoon supporting children's charity Unicef. The former James Bond star lends his voice to the role of Father Christmas in The Fly Who Loved Me.

The cartoon, which sees Santa in crisis after his reindeer is injured, can be seen free of charge from Friday. Sir Roger has worked for Unicef since the early 1990s, after being introduced to the charity at a press conference held by the late Audrey Hepburn. The film is directed by Dan Chambers and produced by Olly Smith.

"Roger gave a magnificent performance as Father Christmas and I performed opposite him as the fly. A total joy," said Smith.

The cartoon came about after Mr Chambers made a short animation called Roger Moore's Requiem for the internet which he sent to Moore. Moore wrote back to thank him and the pair decided to collaborate on the Unicef project. Although viewing the cartoon is free, the website will be linked to the Unicef online shop in the hope that people will purchase Christmas cards and gifts.

Check it out it at www.flywholovedme.com





Andress Blasts Skinny Movie Stars

December 16, 2004 - Ananova

The star who set the parameters for how a lady should look in a bikini - and thus ruins quite a lot of holidays - has blasted the skinny waifs of today's Hollywood. It was more than forty years ago that Ursula Andress emerged from the sea, looking stunning in a white bikini complete with knife belt for her role as Honey Ryder in Dr No.



But the 68-year-old has revealed her dismay at the lack of curves walking around Tinseltown, saying she is disturbed by the images of pencil-thin stars such as Nicole Kidman and Cameron Diaz. According to Miss Andress, they epitomise the current trend in Hollywood for actresses without an ounce of flesh.

"In my day, there were curves and flesh," she said in a newspaper interview. "Now all the women are straight, like a poker."

However, she did acknowledge that the curvaceous Berry was a different matter, after the Oscar-winning 38-year-old recreated the bikini scene in the 2002 Bond Movie Die Another Day.

"I did think that Halle was lovely in Die Another Day - very curvy," Andress admitted.

Berry herself has revealed how intimidated she was donning her orange bikini and emerging from the sea.

"I was supposed to be coming out of the water, like Ursula Andress in Dr No... How do you relive a moment that is probably one of the most remembered and loved in any Bond film? That kind of scared me."

But the Swiss actress herself was not a fan of her beach attire: "I never thought I looked sexy in the white bikini," Andress reveals. "What I did, I think, is to show a new way women could be.

"It was a sporty and aggressive image, which was different from the way films portrayed us at the time."

Quick, someone please make this woman President of Women's Fashions. The world is in dire need.





Take It Easy At Goldeneye

December 16, 2004 - by Kevin Pilley for The Boston Herald

ORCABESSA, Jamaica - ``Relax, man,'' said Ramsey, giving me the first ingredient of ``The Commander's'' secret recipe for a happy life. ``Drink water with your rum, eat a little red meat but more fish, swim, fish and keep the drinking, the cigarettes and the women in moderation (and at a long distance from your wife).''

Ramsey Dacosta, now 66, used to be the houseboy for the British author Ian Fleming at his Jamaican home, ``Goldeneye.'' It was here in this seaside retreat that Fleming completed 13 of his James Bond books, beginning with ``Casino Royale'' in 1952.

The writer bought the northshore property in ``the beautiful banana port of Orcabessa'' (as he described the area in ``Live and Let Die'') for $7,712 in 1946. That same year, playwright Noel Coward rented the property for two months.

Fleming originally had been sent to Jamaica by British naval intelligence to stop U-boat sinkings in the Caribbean. He named Goldeneye, a property that was once a racecourse for donkeys, after a British Admiralty plan to defend Gibraltar.

Fleming spent 18 winters at Goldeneye, writing four hours a day. In a newspaper interview, he described his writing style as ``fast and with application.'' The writer died in 1964 at the age of 56.

At the front gate today there is still a sign reading ``For Sale or Rent,'' left there for nostalgia's sake. The 15-acre estate, which includes private beaches and coves, remained vacant until 1976, when London-born Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, bought it from the Fleming estate (Bob Marley once considered buying the property too, according to Blackwell).

Today, Goldeneye is an ultraluxurious all-inclusive resort, one of four properties Blackwell operates in Jamaica.

Fleming's old house, the Ian Fleming House as it's called today, is a three-bedroom villa. His former bedroom still has the red bullwood desk on which he wrote with the jalousies shut to keep out the sun (there is a typewriter, but the original was sold in 1995). The bathtub is in a secluded garden location outside.

Adjacent to the Fleming house is a large media room with a big video screen and little library that has a DVD collection (James Bond titles included).

The rest of the property consists of just four one- to three-bedroom villas with glassless windows to let in the breeze and the sound of the pounding surf.

Nothing much has changed since Fleming's time. It is, however, a little disconcerting when checking in to Goldeneye to be told Domino, as in ``Thunderball,'' is waiting for you. The villas are all named after famous Bond heroines, with the exception, strangely, of Pussy Galore (of ``Goldfinger'' fame).

Back in his day, Fleming entertained all the usual suspects at Goldeneye. Former CIA chief Allen Dulles was a guest (although President Kennedy was said to be a great fan of Fleming's writing, he never visited). Fleming described Truman Capote as a ``most incongruous playmate'' when he spent some time here.

According to Dacosta, Fleming had a sense of humor and used to get a horse's carcass put in the lagoon so that when showing around his guests he could point to the circling fins of the sharks the carcass would attract and tell them that was the guests' special swimming area.

On my visit, a couple from Pennsylvania wanted to throw me in the sea. Keen on conservation, they said they believed the number of travel writers should be reduced, because we are ruining a lot of wonderful places by writing about them. They didn't want me to write about Goldeneye. ``It's too nice,'' they said. ``It's real Jamaica. And that's rare.''

This island nation has been used for many Bond movies, and there are plenty of locations to please the Bondophile. Laughing Waters is where Ursula Andress (Honey Rider in ``Dr. No'') came out of the sea in a skimpy white bikini. The swamps around Falmouth were Dr. No's home in ``Dr. No.'' The crew's hotel for that movie, Sans Souci, is where Bond (whom Fleming described as ``a healthy, violent, non-cerebral man in his mid-30s with few perceptible virtues except patriotism and courage'') seduced Miss Taro (Zena Marshall). Charles Swaby's Falmouth Swamp Safari was where Sir Roger Moore hurdled the alligators in ``Live and Let Die.''

But most people who visit Goldeneye spend the majority of their time on-property. They check out the pool, three beaches and private coral reef, which inspired much of ``Thunderball.'' Deep sea fishing excursions are available. And you can take a tour with Dacosta, around the gardens full of African tulips, yellow hibiscus, giant bunyan trees and what seems like every tropical fruit and nut tree imaginable.

Meals and drinks are included in the resort's rates; the Jamaican cuisine is served in the gazebo overlooking the lagoon or in your own private villa. Another obligatory activity is to sit in the sunken garden listening to Ramsey talk about the local birds and ``The Commander.'' Canned Fleming over a special Goldeneye rum punch is perfect.

Under the almond tree you learn that Fleming went to Eton and Sandhurst (the British West Point); had a brother (Peter) who was a travel writer; and was a great antiquarian book collector - he got the name James Bond from ``Birds of the West Indies,'' written by one James Bond.

At Goldeneye, you can't help but feel one with your surroundings and lucky, or as Fleming wrote, ``since the main ingredient of living is to be alive this is surely a worthwhile prospect.''

Getting there: Goldeneye is a 20-minute drive from Ocho Rios. The closest international airport is two hours away in Montego Bay, or you can fly from Montego Bay on Air Jamaica Express to Boscobel Aerodome, 10 minutes from the resort.

Staying there: Winter rates at the all-inclusive resort are from $895 per night for two. Fleming's house, which sleeps six, goes for $3,600 per night. Special honeymoon packages are available. For reservations, call 800-OUTPOST or go to www.islandoutpost.com.

A vacation to live and let die for.





Moon Buggy Sale Good News for James Bond Fans

December 20, 2004 - PRNewswire

The sale of the Moon Buggy from the 1971 James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever to Planet Hollywood owner Robert Earl is good news for James Bond fans the world over.

That's according to the Moon Buggy's vendor and previous owner, 'OO7' MAGAZINE editor and publisher Graham Rye. "This sale guarantees that the time and effort I put into having the vehicle restored to its former glory have been well worth the effort, as now millions of people will be able to see the Moon Buggy for decades to come."

Robert Earl paid over $60,000 at Christie's (14 December 2004) for the Moon Buggy, to use as the centrepiece at his exciting new casino complex in Las Vegas.

"I'm over the moon that the Moon Buggy has been purchased for such a high-profile venue," says Rye. "Robert Earl is well known as an astute businessman. This move will undoubtedly give Bond fans a unique chance for a great photo opportunity when they visit the new Planet Hollywood casino."

Congratulations to Mr. Rye.





Aid Plea From Sir Roger Moore

December 31, 2004 - ITV.com

Sir Roger Moore has added his voice to the international appeal for aid to help the people of Asia. The former James Bond star is a Unicef Ambassador, and says people should not forget the plight of tsunami victims while they are celebrating the New Year.

He said: "As we celebrate the New Year, it is hard to ignore the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Asia. Hundreds of thousands of children are in need. In need of finding their parents, their families. In need of access to clean water. In need of safety. In need of help. Unicef needs your support to help these children and make a difference to their lives. Your donations to Unicef will help make that difference in the New Year."

To make a donation, click on the website for http://www.unicef.org/.





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