The Two Rs: Russia and Rogers….Day 99 of Bond 365

Today in Bond history, From Russia, with Love, Ian Fleming’s fifth James Bond book was published by Jonathan Cape in 1957, sporting the cover art of Richard Chopping. Like the other Fleming books, this one was written during January/February while Fleming was staying at his Goldeneye estate in Jamaica. The book received positive reviews. However, this novel had the added bonus of being tied to two world leaders: British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden and US President John F. Kennedy. Eden made a visit to the Goldeneye estate and was covered by Life magazine in 1961, while Kennedy listed From Russia, with Love on his top ten favorite books. Fleming stated that in many ways it was his best book.

The novel was eventually made as a film by the same title and was directed by Terence Young. It was the second Eon Productions movie starring Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi as the main Bond Girl.

Eric Rogers

Passed away this day in 1981

Conductor for Dr. No

Eric Rogers (or Rodgers) was an English composer and conductor during the 1960s and 1970s. He conducted for 22 of the Carry On films over two decades and he was the conductor for Dr. No. However, according to Wikipedia, none of his orchestral tracks appeared on the Dr. No soundtrack that was recorded in June 1962 and released in 1963.

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