One-Time Bond Celebrates Birthday….Day 248 of Bond 365

Both Gert Frobe, as Auric Goldfinger from Goldfinger, and John McLusky, artist for the James Bond comic strip, passed away in 1988 and 2006 respectively. Both have been featured here on Spyfi & Superspies. Frobe was spotlighted on February 25 and McLusky on January 20.

Now, let’s talk about…..

George Lazenby

Born this day in 1939

James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service

One time James Bond for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, George Lazenby was born in Goulburn, a city established in 1863 in New South Wales.

In 1964, Lazenby moved to London. Like all struggling actors, he held several jobs: mechanic, car salesman and model. A chance meeting with Albert Broccoli in 1966 left a lasting impression on the Bond producer as a potential Bond. Lazenby is said to have spend his last few pounds on a suit originally made for Sean Connery as well as a Rolex watch.

When Lazenby did audition for the role of Bond, he was selected based on his fighting skills displayed during fight sequence screen test. He is the one person of all the actors to play Bond that did not come to the role with any real acting experience. Lazenby had been in commercials and a very small role in a Bond spoof. However, he had a strong, masculine refine look about him that worked.

And then he quit the role before it premiered in 1969. He went on to guest appear in a television shows that were popular during their respective time periods. Lazenby had recurring roles in the Emmanuelle series, some Bond spoofs, commercials, and voice work.

He’s still an active actor and is a recurring guest at collector shows. I have met him a couple of times. The most recent time, I had the James Bond 007 Archives book with me for him to sign. He asked if he could look through it because he hadn’t seen the book yet. I asked if he would sign the photograph in the book snapped as Lazenby was tossing his hat onto the hook. He told me that he was the only Bond to successfully get his hat on the coat rack hook. He said that’s why his toss is shown on screen.

Over the years, OHMSS has gain accolades as being one of the best films in the history of the Eon Productions films. It is one of my favourites and in my humble opinion has the best soundtrack of all of the franchise’s films.

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Advertisements al a James Bond….Day 240 of Bond 365

Back in 1978, the world witnessed the passing of Robert Shaw. Since I featured Shaw earlier this month, I figured I could direct you to that day’s entry here and then go in a bit of a different direction with Bond 365 today.

Trying to beat the muggy heat of Southern California this evening and ignore the poolside chatter of kids playing “Marco Polo” for some reason my mind drifted to the concept of advertisements. In particular, I was curious about advertisements that featured James Bond.

Sean Connery

James Bond has been known for many things, including his choice of alcohol. In this case, it was Connery and Jim Beam.

George Lazenby

Here’s a Marlboro advertisement, which directly lifted scenes from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

And, let’s not forget the prominent product placement of Playboy as James Bond waited for his documents to finish being mimeographed.

Roger Moore

I found a couple of interesting advertisements featuring Moore. The Compomotive one provided a Bond movie plug.

Timothy Dalton

It was difficult to find any advertisements featuring Dalton as Bond. I finally found Lark cigarettes and an ad I’m guessing that ran in Asia.

Pierce Brosnan

The Omega watch ads were slick. I found this nice one of Brosnan, however finding ads of him, Dalton and Lazenby was challenging. I figured Dalton and Lazenby was on account of playing Bond the least of the group of actors, but it could be more about what was available/not available on the internet, or perhaps it was contractually based. 

Daniel Craig

The current face of James Bond, Daniel Craig also advertised Omega watches. Fascinating to see the different mood and tone of Brosnan’s (relaxed) vs. Craig’s (vigilant).

Although a silhouette, the likeness is Craig for Coca Cola Zero – he is cognizant of his calorie intake.

I love this advertisement for British tourism – all the symbols that consumers would recognize as uniquely Britain....I want to live like Bond - well, maybe more like, can I have the car? 

You

Yes, you! You know you want to smell like 007, hopefully just after a shower but not after a long intro scene leading up to the opening credits!

And lastly, an advertisement that didn’t need James Bond or anyone for that matter…

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Birthday Wishes to Sir Sean Connery…Day 237 of Bond 365

Sean Connery

Born this day in 1930

Bond. James Bond.

Connery as an infant

Thomas Sean Connery was born to blue-collar parents in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh and is of Irish and Scottish descent. He has a younger brother named Neil, who followed in his older brother’s footsteps by becoming an actor.

Connery as a child - such a cutie! 

Connery held a number labor jobs before going into acting. One of the most unusual jobs, and perhaps a bit macabre, was coffin polisher. For a time, he was a body builder and served in the Royal Navy. IMDB states that he received a medical discharge (stomach ulcers). At the age of 23, he decided to pursue acting.

In the Royal Navy

In 1954, IMDB has Connery’s first role (uncredited) in Let’s Make Up a romantic comedy starring Errol Flynn and Anna Neagle. However, 1957 was Connery’s first good year in acting in which he had his first major role in the film No Road Back and then in the television film Anna Christie the same year.

Connery when he was a bodybuilder

The biggest break came in 1962 of course when, in a smoke filled London club, audience-goers were introduced to Connery as he suavely stated “Bond. James Bond” in Dr. No. He would go on to star as Bond in seven films and voice Bond in the video game James Bond 007: From Russia with Love (2005).

A reflecting Connery

Cemented as a star with the James Bond franchise, Connery has had a successful acting career. I picked out stills from some of the films I have seen him in and enjoyed:

Michael Caine and Connery, The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

Connery, Highlander (1986)

Christian Slater and Connery, The Name of the Rose (1986)

Connery, The Hunt for the Red October (1990)

Connery, A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Connery has been married twice. His first marriage to Diane Cilento resulted in a son Jason Connery, who became an actor and married actress Mia Sara. They had a son, Dashiell Quinn Connery in 1997. During his career, Connery has been nominated and won many acting awards including multiple lifetime awards. He officially retired from acting in 2006.

Connery in Maclean hunting tartan kilt

On a personal note, I do get to say that I am related (distantly) to Connery as we are both from the clan Maclean.

Connery, in reflection

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Focus Puller & Cameraman Kenneth Withers…Day 233 of Bond 365

Kenneth J Withers

Born this day in 1928

Camera Operator for Welcome to Japan, Mr. Bond (TV Movie, 1967)

Focus Puller in You Only Live Twice

Kenneth Withers was born in Antwerp, Belgium and according to IMDB got his start as an uncredited clapper loader at the age of 24 in the UK/USA comedy You’re Only Young Twice (1952). He went on to work on some amazing and memorable films: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), tv mini-series Masada (1981), and Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984). In addition to memorializing Sean Connery as James Bond in You Only Live Twice and the documentary Welcome to Japan, Mr. Bond, Withers worked with another Bond, Pierce Brosnan on the 1980s show, Remington Steele.

Culling through some searches in Google, I came across a forum post on March 11, 2015 from “AO” (jwsound’s forums discussing a production shot from Lawrence of Arabia). The person mentioned having met Ernest Day, one of the camera operators in David Lean’s epic film, Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and related the following Withers’ story:

“My favourite story of Ken’s: he worked with a director one that declared he had worked with someone just prior that who was the focus puller on the famous shot of Omar Sharif riding through the desert haze. Ken embarrassed the director by setting the story straight, that he was the one. The irony of the gullibility of the director was that the gentleman professing to have done the shot was too young…As was the custom of the time, the same camera crew went on to shoot multiple David Lean movies.”

Here is the shot in question:

A Million Dollar Shot -  Widescreen Museum

Withers is listed as a retired member of the Guild of British Camera Technicians (GBCT).

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Uncredited But Not Forgotten, E.J. Young…Day 229 of Bond 365

E.J. ‘Tex’ Young

Passed away this day in 2002

Craps Dealer in Diamonds Are Forever

Ezekiel J. Young was born in 1919 on July 23. I found him on IMDB and the only entry for Young was his uncredited role as Craps Dealer at the Whyte House in Diamonds Are Forever. It is the point in the film where James Bond (Sean Connery) meets the lovely Bond Girl Plenty O’Toole (Lana Wood) and floor Whyte House floor manager Burt Saxby (Bruce Cabot). It is also when Blofeld discovers that Bond is on the case.

Young passed away in Las Vegas and his resting place is at the Bunker Brothers Memory Gardens Memorial Parts and Mortuary’s Pioneer Mausoleum section. His plaque states he was a “beloved husband, father and grandfather” but unfortunately, I was unable to uncover any other information about Young via an Internet search this evening. 

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Remembering James Bond Creator, Ian Fleming…Day 224 of Bond 365

Ian Fleming

Passed away this day in 1964

Creator/Writer of James Bond

It was 51 years ago today that James Bond creator Ian Fleming passed way. The Cold War era spy was shaped in no small part by Fleming’s books about the agent with a license to kill. Few franchises have had the enduring longevity that James Bond has had, especially in the world of cinema. Thinking to all of the men that could have stepped into the role, I believe that it was fortuitous that Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman brought together Sean Connery, Terence Young and many other bright talents to film Dr. No (1962). Seeing Bond smolder on the silver screen must have been quite satisfying for Fleming, who had been trying for several years to realize that dream of a filmic James Bond.

Rather than write about Fleming (there are many splendid tributes out there!), I thought I would share some early photos that I think are cool and honor Fleming’s vision.

Fleming at his writing desk at his Jamaican home, GoldenEye

Fleming with his first James Bond novel, Casino Royale

Getting inspiration for his role as James Bond, Sean Connery

Ursula Andress (Honey Ryder) with Fleming listening intently on set of Dr. No

The name's Bond. James Bond.

Fleming at GoldenEye

Note: All images found through Google Images.

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Music, Food, and Acting: Jimmy Dean…Day 222 of Bond 365

Dean, 1960s

Jimmy Dean

Born this day in 1928

Willard Whyte in Diamonds Are Forever

Jimmy Ray Dean was originally from Plainview, Texas and like a number of other Bond alums, wore many hats. Dean was a musician, an actor and an entrepreneur. He seemed to usher in popular culture trends such as being instrumental in bringing country music to mainstream, an actor who worked with Jim Henson just as he was starting out and he successfully founded his own line of food, which provided him another avenue to market himself. And, if that was not enough, he was a distant cousin another Dean, James Dean.

Dean's big hit, "Big Bad John"

After the war, Dean entered the music industry and toured with his band The Texas Wildcats, which included lead guitarist Roy Clark, who some may remember from the television show Hee Haw. Dean became the host of a television program, Town and Country Time, in which he got to spotlight top talent and up-and-coming musicians such as Clark and Patsy Cline. He won a Grammy for his song “Big Bad John” leading to occasional opportunities for guest appearances on The Tonight Show and eventually his own variety show on ABC network. Again, he was able to provide exposure to new country music talent as he done in his prior show. It was on this show that audiences were introduced to Rowlf the Dog, a muppet from the creative mind of Jim Henson.

In 1969, Dean founded the Jimmy Dean Sausage Company in his hometown. He sold the company to Sara Lee in 1984 and you can still find Jimmy Dean in your local grocers’ freezer sections today.

Dean with Rowlf the Muppet

Dean was offered the role of Willard Whyte because of his number one hit ten years prior being so popular in England. In Diamonds Are Forever, Dean played a billionaire recluse, modeled on Howard Hughes. Whyte was one of nine acting credits, which I found rather surprising – I thought he had more acting credits! I guess that has to be a credit to his ability to work in more than one popular culture medium.

Later in life, he turned to writing. He released an autobiography Jimmy Dean’s Own Story: Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham, which he co-authored with his wife Donna Meade Dean. He passed away in June 2010 at the age of 81.

Dean as Willard Whyte, next to Sean Connery's Bond in Diamonds Are Forever

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Renaissance Man, Robert Shaw….Day 221 of Bond 365

Robert Shaw

Born this day in 1927

Donald ‘Red’ Grant in From Russia with Love

Robert Archibald Shaw was from Lancashire, England and was one of five children to parents who had careers in medicine – his father was a doctor and his mother a nurse. As a child, his family moved to Orkney, Scotland, in the far north, then southwest to Cornwall. In his early teens, Shaw was inspired by one of his schoolmasters, who encouraged him to read. The teacher would take a few of his students to see plays in London, so on one of those outings, Shaw saw Sir John Gielgud in “Hamlet” (1944) and was later to cross paths with Gielgud at Stratford-on-Avon, where Gielgud told Shaw he admired his acting ability but the young man made him nervous. Shaw went on to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Shaw joined the Old Vic (London) and began stage acting, mostly Shakespearean roles. He also got a start in film and television around the same time. Alec Guinness suggested Shaw for a small role in The Lavender Hill Mob (1951) and then Shaw was cast in a small role in the war drama The Dam Busters (1955). The following year, Shaw was cast as the lead in the television series The Buccaneers as the swashbuckler/ex-pirate Capt. Dan Tempest. From then on, Shaw found steady work, however he kept exploring ways to challenge and express himself through other creative outlets.

I did not know until researching for this spotlight that Shaw had been a writer. He wrote a novel titled The Hiding Place and then wrote the dramatization that was aired in England and in the US. Not satisfied, he became a reporter and covered the Olympics in Rome. In all, Shaw wrote five novels, two adaptations, and a play.

In the early 1970s, American audiences were re-introduced to Shaw in The Sting (1973) where he played crime boss Doyle Lonnegan and was famously stung by Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) and Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford). Shaw was then cast as Quint in Jaws (1975), and he was re-paired with Sean Connery in Robin and Marian (1976). I also remember him as Ned Lynch in Swashbuckler (1976) and as Romer Treece in The Deep (1977).

Shaw was one of the most memorable henchmen of the Bond films, in part because he had such delicious lines! However, I’ll always remember Shaw as Quint and my favorite scene is when Quint recounts the sinking of the Indianapolis and his encounter with sharks. Shaw’s delivery is intense and absorbing and unforgettable. 

Take a look at Shaw's speech in Jaws: 

Shaw passed away at the young age of 51 of a heart attack in August, 1978.

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.

Remembering Director/Producer David C Anderson….Day 216 of Bond 365

David C. Anderson

Passed away this day in 2013

Second Assistant Director for Dr. No

Assistant Director for From Russia with Love

David C Anderson passed away at the age of 72 after a brief illness two years ago. He came from a family of directors and actors. His father is film director Michael Anderson who is probably best known for work on Around the World in 80 Days (1956), The Dam Busters (1955), The Quiller Memorandum (1966), and the television miniseries The Martian Chronicles (1980). His brother is actor Michael Anderson Jr. (Logan’s Run, The Sundowners), and step-brother to The Walking Dead actress Laurie Holden and actor/director Christopher Holden (Silent Hill, Felicity).

Anderson got his start with Dr. No (1962) as an uncredited second assistant director. I wonder how exciting that must have been to work alongside Terence Young, Sean Connery and Ursula Andress and perhaps a chat or two with Mr. Ian Fleming at afternoon tea? Anderson returned to the franchise for a second time as an assistant director in From Russia with Love (1963), which paired him with Young and Connery again.

From that start with the Bond films, Anderson continued to direct, but he branched out into producing. He also dabbled directing and producing shows for television. In fact, he worked with Sir Roger Moore on the television series The Saint for five episodes in 1964. Some other memorable work Anderson was associated with include: The Man Who Would Be King (1975) starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine; The Deer Hunter (1978); and The Eagle Has Landed (1976) which included Donald Pleasence. He also had a few surprises: Tales from the Crypt (1996), Invasion U.S.A. (1985) and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986).

Note: The obituary written by Kimberly Nordyke for The Hollywood Reporter (dated August 16, 2013) mentioned that Anderson had worked on Thunderball (1965), but I did not find a credit for Anderson in his IMDB profile.

© Copyright. Michele Brittany. 2011 - 2015. All rights reserved. All text, graphics, and photos are protected by US and International Copyright Laws, and may not be copied, reprinted, published, translated, hosted, or otherwise distributed by any means without written permission.