The James Bond franchise is the gold standard for long-running film series. Sixty years of 007 have not only come with new takes on the secret agent himself but what the franchise should be for each generation of the character. This has meant consistent alterations to every aspect of the movies, as one star takes over for another, from ditching the overt sexism on Bonds past when Daniel Craig took over the role to embracing the absurd in the early years, namely the later Sean Connery films and the majority of the Roger Moore era.
Even the music has changed with each theatrical adventure. From absolute classics, such as Matt Monro’s “From Russia With Love” and Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” to more modern hits like Adele’s “Skyfall,” each new Bond song is as big an event as the movie itself. But not all Bond songs are equal, and...
Even the music has changed with each theatrical adventure. From absolute classics, such as Matt Monro’s “From Russia With Love” and Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” to more modern hits like Adele’s “Skyfall,” each new Bond song is as big an event as the movie itself. But not all Bond songs are equal, and...
- 11/11/2022
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Near the beginning of what many consider to be the definitive James Bond movie, 1964’s Goldfinger, Sean Connery’s 007 reveals himself to be simultaneously roguish and antiquated. The moment occurs when his latest conquest affronts his snobbish tastes—dismissing something to do with champagne and refrigerators. He thus believes it’s his duty to explain, “My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done, such as drinking Dom Pérignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.”
Bond might’ve been the coolest fictional character around at the time of that movie’s release, but his musical tastes were clearly not. Fortunately for the superspy, his producers at Eon Productions were rarely so old-fashioned.
Over the past 60 years and 25 James Bond pictures, the Bond franchise has become synonymous in its better years with evolving with the times.
Bond might’ve been the coolest fictional character around at the time of that movie’s release, but his musical tastes were clearly not. Fortunately for the superspy, his producers at Eon Productions were rarely so old-fashioned.
Over the past 60 years and 25 James Bond pictures, the Bond franchise has become synonymous in its better years with evolving with the times.
- 9/23/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
This article marks Part 10 of the Gold Derby series analyzing 84 years of Best Original Song at the Oscars. Join us as we look back at the timeless tunes recognized in this category, the results of each race and the overall rankings of the winners.
The 1965 Oscar nominees in Best Original Song were:
“The Ballad of Cat Ballou” from “Cat Ballou”
“The Sweetheart Tree” from “The Great Race”
“The Shadow of Your Smile” from “The Sandpiper”
“I Will Wait for You” from “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”
“What’s New, Pussycat” from “What’s New, Pussycat”
Won: “The Shadow of Your Smile” from “The Sandpiper”
Should’ve won: “The Ballad of Cat Ballou” from “Cat Ballou”
On February 15, 1965, at the mere age of 45, Nat King Cole, unimpeachably one of the all-time great vocalists and jazz pianists, died of lung cancer. Cole tunes were nominated on three occasions at the Oscars – in 1950 (for...
The 1965 Oscar nominees in Best Original Song were:
“The Ballad of Cat Ballou” from “Cat Ballou”
“The Sweetheart Tree” from “The Great Race”
“The Shadow of Your Smile” from “The Sandpiper”
“I Will Wait for You” from “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”
“What’s New, Pussycat” from “What’s New, Pussycat”
Won: “The Shadow of Your Smile” from “The Sandpiper”
Should’ve won: “The Ballad of Cat Ballou” from “Cat Ballou”
On February 15, 1965, at the mere age of 45, Nat King Cole, unimpeachably one of the all-time great vocalists and jazz pianists, died of lung cancer. Cole tunes were nominated on three occasions at the Oscars – in 1950 (for...
- 10/29/2018
- by Andrew Carden
- Gold Derby
Do you love movies about cute animals? The original pet-lion-in-Africa romp is actually a well balanced nature film about the separation between wild animals and those raised by humans. Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers winningly play the Adamsons, game wardens that dedicate themselves to the well-being of Elsa, the lioness they raise from infancy. Born Free Blu-ray Twilight Time Limited Edition 1966 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 96 min. / Ship Date December 8, 2015 / available through Twilight Time Movies / 29.95 Starring Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers, Geoffrey Keen, Peter Lukoye, Omar Chambati Cinematography Kenneth Talbot Film Editor Don Decon Original Music John Barry Written by Lester Cole from the novel by Joy Adamson Produced by Sam Jaffe, Paul B. Radin Directed by James Hill
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Savant normally becomes sullen and anti-social around overly committed animal lovers, I suppose because I think the world gets a little out of balance when people seriously consider their domestic...
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
Savant normally becomes sullen and anti-social around overly committed animal lovers, I suppose because I think the world gets a little out of balance when people seriously consider their domestic...
- 1/1/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Let’s face it. The songs are the best parts of the James Bond movies. Throughout 007’s five decades, the title tracks are each film’s one hope of rising above dubious casting choices, retreads of old villains, and grandiose plots for world domination that will inevitably be foiled. And like all that other stuff, we like the songs because they’re another expected element in a series that’s filled with them, a pop cultural barometer for measuring the secret agent’s standing in the zeitgeist.
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
Bond songs can be aged bygones of their time with poetically vague lyrics that don’t add up to much, but the best ones rise above their period trappings to comment and reflect on their respective films. With Spectre set to hit American theaters this week, let’s look back at each and every title song in Metro Golden Mayer’s canon:
24. Rita Coolidge...
- 11/2/2015
- by David Klein
- SoundOnSight
James Bond is finally back in Spectre and, like all Bond films, it boasts a high-profile theme tune from an artist-of-the-moment. But where does Sam Smith sit in the illustrious ranks of Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney and Rita Coolidge (!)? We've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked.
A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
23. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
22. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a...
A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
23. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
22. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a...
- 10/27/2015
- Digital Spy
According to Spectre director Sam Mendes, we'll soon find out who'll be joining the illustrious ranks of Shirley Bassey, Paul McCartney and Rita Coolidge (!) in belting out a James Bond theme.
To mark the occasion, we've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked. A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
22. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
21. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a film is Madonna's...
To mark the occasion, we've gone back through every single 007 song to find out which ones are earworms and which need their 00 status revoked. A quick point to note: we've discounted instrumentals so the opening credits pieces from Dr No and On Her Majesty's Secret Service are not on the list.
22. 'Another Way to Die' - Jack White & Alicia Keys (2008)
The first and only duet in the entire Bond theme back catalogue, on paper this sounded great but what emerged was a sludgy, lifeless and unremarkable track that went in one ear and out the other.
21. 'Die Another Day' - Madonna (2002)
Compounding the horror of her on-screen cameo in this stinker of a film is Madonna's...
- 7/20/2015
- Digital Spy
The James Bond series - based on Ian Fleming's spy novels - is one of cinema's biggest ever film franchises, thrilling fans now for over half a century.
1962's Dr No and the following year's From Russia with Love lay the groundwork, but it was with 1964's Goldfinger that the 007 movies became a true global phenomenon.
A 50th anniversary Blu-ray re-issue of the Sean Connery classic is available to buy from today (Monday, September 22). To mark the occasion, Digital Spy explores how Goldfinger shaped Bond as we know and love him.
1. The Extravagant Pre-Titles Sequence
The previous film, From Russia with Love, was in fact the first Bond to feature a pre-titles sequence. But that scene, which saw Robert Shaw's Red Grant stalk and kill a 007 impersonator, was short and simple - and didn't even feature the real Bond.
Goldfinger was the first film to take full advantage...
1962's Dr No and the following year's From Russia with Love lay the groundwork, but it was with 1964's Goldfinger that the 007 movies became a true global phenomenon.
A 50th anniversary Blu-ray re-issue of the Sean Connery classic is available to buy from today (Monday, September 22). To mark the occasion, Digital Spy explores how Goldfinger shaped Bond as we know and love him.
1. The Extravagant Pre-Titles Sequence
The previous film, From Russia with Love, was in fact the first Bond to feature a pre-titles sequence. But that scene, which saw Robert Shaw's Red Grant stalk and kill a 007 impersonator, was short and simple - and didn't even feature the real Bond.
Goldfinger was the first film to take full advantage...
- 9/22/2014
- Digital Spy
It can be such a beautiful happening when the natural forces of humanity and the wild kingdom can get together and establish a sense of harmony in motion pictures. Also, it can be a compelling yet regrettable conflict as well when man and beast decide to collide in the interest of big screen entertainment. Whatever the case may be certainly does not matter because the concept of beasts of all species (rather it be of the four-legged or two-legged variety) collectively clashing or cooperating sends a special message about triumph, tragedy and just plain tenderness.
In Beast of Burden: Top 10 Human-Animal Combinations in the Movies we will look at some of the best selections where man and animal co-exist whether it be in calmness or chaos. There is no doubt that one can come up with numerous top ten lists detailing their ideal man-animal themes in cinema. The struggle for...
In Beast of Burden: Top 10 Human-Animal Combinations in the Movies we will look at some of the best selections where man and animal co-exist whether it be in calmness or chaos. There is no doubt that one can come up with numerous top ten lists detailing their ideal man-animal themes in cinema. The struggle for...
- 8/8/2014
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
The Voice auditionee Bob Blakeley has recorded a studio version of 'Cry Me A River' for his new album.
The 56-year-old grandfather left viewers in a spin after he failed to get any of the Voice coaches to turn for him, but Mike Batt later offered him a record deal live on BBC Breakfast.
Get an exclusive look at Bob Blakeley recording 'Cry Me A River' with a full orchestra for his album below:
Blakeley told Digital Spy that going on The Voice was "absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt" the best thing that happened to him.
"If I hadn't gone on the show, I wouldn't have met Mike Batt and had a chance of being in the studio discovering the genius that Mike is," he said. "[After the audition], even though it was a difficult couple of days after the chairs didn't turn around, the surprise came when Mike appeared on...
The 56-year-old grandfather left viewers in a spin after he failed to get any of the Voice coaches to turn for him, but Mike Batt later offered him a record deal live on BBC Breakfast.
Get an exclusive look at Bob Blakeley recording 'Cry Me A River' with a full orchestra for his album below:
Blakeley told Digital Spy that going on The Voice was "absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt" the best thing that happened to him.
"If I hadn't gone on the show, I wouldn't have met Mike Batt and had a chance of being in the studio discovering the genius that Mike is," he said. "[After the audition], even though it was a difficult couple of days after the chairs didn't turn around, the surprise came when Mike appeared on...
- 4/11/2014
- Digital Spy
Michael Caine's early films defined the look of an era, but with scores by John Barry, Quincy Jones and Sonny Rollins they also defined its soundrack
There is a kind of music in Michael Caine's voice: deceptively flat, barely inflected, emitting just the tiniest glints of detached insolence and laconic menace as it maps the area between the pre-war docklands community of Rotherhithe, his birthplace, and Elephant and Castle, where his family was rehoused in a prefab built on bomb-damaged land not far from the location of Shakespeare's theatres. Few people alive know more about the actor's craft than Caine, none is more gifted in the art of underplaying, and that voice is integral to his virtuosity.
But there is music of a more conventional kind in the films that made him famous – when the former Maurice Micklewhite rather unexpectedly became the model of a new kind of English leading man,...
There is a kind of music in Michael Caine's voice: deceptively flat, barely inflected, emitting just the tiniest glints of detached insolence and laconic menace as it maps the area between the pre-war docklands community of Rotherhithe, his birthplace, and Elephant and Castle, where his family was rehoused in a prefab built on bomb-damaged land not far from the location of Shakespeare's theatres. Few people alive know more about the actor's craft than Caine, none is more gifted in the art of underplaying, and that voice is integral to his virtuosity.
But there is music of a more conventional kind in the films that made him famous – when the former Maurice Micklewhite rather unexpectedly became the model of a new kind of English leading man,...
- 1/31/2014
- by Richard Williams
- The Guardian - Film News
Morrissey cuts an elegant figure in this 'intimate' concert documentary
Morrissey loves icons; watching this film of his show this year at the Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, I found myself thinking he was a mix of Edith Piaf, Matt Monro and the late Tory MP Alan Clark. He is an elegant figure – proud, impassioned, preposterously wounded – wearing snugly fitted shirts hinting at how he has kept his figure. This is further revealed when he removes these shirts and throws them into the crowd. "Intimate" concert documentary films of this sort are gaining in popularity; increasingly, a key shot is that of audience members singing frantically in lip-sync, practically nose-to-nose with their idols. Morrissey keeps his conversation between songs to a minimum, restricted to a wry invitation to flattery, passing the mic into the crowd. A deeply entertaining spectacle.
Rating: 4/5
Music documentaryMorrisseyPop and rockPeter Bradshaw
theguardian.com © 2013 Guardian News...
Morrissey loves icons; watching this film of his show this year at the Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, I found myself thinking he was a mix of Edith Piaf, Matt Monro and the late Tory MP Alan Clark. He is an elegant figure – proud, impassioned, preposterously wounded – wearing snugly fitted shirts hinting at how he has kept his figure. This is further revealed when he removes these shirts and throws them into the crowd. "Intimate" concert documentary films of this sort are gaining in popularity; increasingly, a key shot is that of audience members singing frantically in lip-sync, practically nose-to-nose with their idols. Morrissey keeps his conversation between songs to a minimum, restricted to a wry invitation to flattery, passing the mic into the crowd. A deeply entertaining spectacle.
Rating: 4/5
Music documentaryMorrisseyPop and rockPeter Bradshaw
theguardian.com © 2013 Guardian News...
- 8/22/2013
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
In 1962, Monty Norman created one of the most indelible movie theme tunes of the 20th century. With some help (whether he liked it or not) from John Barry, the James Bond Theme was born. With lightly intensifying horns and brushed drums, a guitar twangs out the now familiar melody. Ask anyone to sing the theme, and you’ll get the same response: “Dun du du dun dun, dun dun dun dun du du du dun…”
The song has permeated pop culture for the past 50 years that the film series has blasted onto our screens, and if the performance of Skyfall is any indication, it won’t be fading from our collective memories any time soon. But it wasn’t until the following film, 1963′s From Russia With Love, that the standard template for a Bond theme would be created.
With Matt Monro’s wistfully romantic title track closing the film out,...
The song has permeated pop culture for the past 50 years that the film series has blasted onto our screens, and if the performance of Skyfall is any indication, it won’t be fading from our collective memories any time soon. But it wasn’t until the following film, 1963′s From Russia With Love, that the standard template for a Bond theme would be created.
With Matt Monro’s wistfully romantic title track closing the film out,...
- 2/21/2013
- by Mike Reyes
- Obsessed with Film
Enter now for your chance to win a CD copy of Best Of Bond… James Bond and a copy of the Xbox 360 videogame 007 Legends. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the James Bond franchise, this prize pack can be yours for the holidays. The Music Best Of Bond… James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and is available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, “50 Years - 50 Tracks” 2Cd and digital collection. Best Of Bond… James Bond [CD, digital] 1. James Bond Theme – The John Barry Orchestra [from Dr. No, 1962] 2. From Russia With Love – Matt Monro [from From Russia With Love, 1963] 3. Goldfinger – Shirley Bassey [from Goldfinger, 1964] 4. Thunderball - Tom Jones [from Thunderball, 1965] 5. You Only Live Twice - Nancy Sinatra [from You Only Live Twice,...
- 12/20/2012
- by Keven Skinner
- The Daily BLAM!
Ignoring the 1954 American television version of Casino Royale (and one really should), it’s been 50 years this month since James Bond first graced the silver screen and entered the world’s consciousness and collective hearts. Created by author and former secret service agent Ian Fleming, Bond was a Commander in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy who became a Double-o agent of MI6. He’s a spy who kills and loves without conscience, suave yet deadly. The classic cliché of a man who women want and men want to be. Six actors and twenty-two official movies later, and Bond is still just as popular. And now, Capitol Records and MGM Music have released a new album filled with all sorts of musical goodies from those films.
The two-disc set starts off with The John Barry Orchestra performing the now iconic “James Bond Theme”, which is just as exciting to listen to...
The two-disc set starts off with The John Barry Orchestra performing the now iconic “James Bond Theme”, which is just as exciting to listen to...
- 11/1/2012
- Shadowlocked
Deborah Lipp, author of The Ultimate James Bond Fan Book, is counting down 007 Favorite Things while we await Skyfall during this, the 50th anniversary year of Bond, James Bond.
It started with Goldfinger. Shirley Bassey belted out a bold, brassy, remarkable title song that changed everything. Oh, sure, Matt Munro had sung From Russia With Love, but over the end credits, not over the titles. Besides, a sweet-voiced crooner delivering a pretty but bland love song was not about to make movie music history! No, it was Shirley who turned the tide, busting her vocal chords on Newley and Bricusse’s lyric while she busted the charts. From then on, a Bond film had to have a great (at least in theory) title song, and the rest of the movie industry sat up and took notice — movies sell songs, and songs sell movies.
Bond songs usually play over the title and reflect them.
It started with Goldfinger. Shirley Bassey belted out a bold, brassy, remarkable title song that changed everything. Oh, sure, Matt Munro had sung From Russia With Love, but over the end credits, not over the titles. Besides, a sweet-voiced crooner delivering a pretty but bland love song was not about to make movie music history! No, it was Shirley who turned the tide, busting her vocal chords on Newley and Bricusse’s lyric while she busted the charts. From then on, a Bond film had to have a great (at least in theory) title song, and the rest of the movie industry sat up and took notice — movies sell songs, and songs sell movies.
Bond songs usually play over the title and reflect them.
- 10/26/2012
- by Deborah Lipp
- FilmExperience
Well, I think we can all agree that Adele’s Let The Sky Fall is a wonderful opening track for Skyfall- it’s a really return to the bond themes of old, and if the opening song is that good, it fares well for the actual film that entails (although this has not always been the case- Thunderball, The Spy Who Loved Me, A View To A Kill…).
But with the Bond machine back on track and Danny boy signed for 2 more films, we can expect Bond 24 sooner rather than later. So let’s look ahead and I’ll suggest 10 artists to potentially take on the next opening tune.
10. Michael Buble
Some people have gone off Buble’s work of late, but I thinking he’s still very charming with a marvellous voice. He’d been an interesting male voice, something we haven’t had since You Know My Name...
But with the Bond machine back on track and Danny boy signed for 2 more films, we can expect Bond 24 sooner rather than later. So let’s look ahead and I’ll suggest 10 artists to potentially take on the next opening tune.
10. Michael Buble
Some people have gone off Buble’s work of late, but I thinking he’s still very charming with a marvellous voice. He’d been an interesting male voice, something we haven’t had since You Know My Name...
- 10/21/2012
- by Oscar Harding
- Obsessed with Film
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise, and in conjunction with Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Capitol/Emi is proud to join the world.s celebration of 007. Best Of Bond. James Bond, a new commemorative collection of the legendary films. digitally remastered music, will be released in two configurations on October 9th (October 8th outside of North America). Best Of Bond. James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and will be available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, .50 Years . 50 Tracks. 2Cd and digital collection. On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day was celebrated around the world.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the themes from all 22 Bond films released since 1962, including The John Barry Orchestra.s seminal .James Bond Theme. from Dr. No,...
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the themes from all 22 Bond films released since 1962, including The John Barry Orchestra.s seminal .James Bond Theme. from Dr. No,...
- 10/9/2012
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The Beatles' debut single 'Love Me Do' celebrates its 50th anniversary today (October 5). The Fab Four officially released the track on October 5, 1962 through Parlophone in the UK, alongside releases from James Brown and Matt Monro. The track wasn't an instant hit and had a slow ascent up the chart, finally peaking at number 17 during the last week of December later that year, reports NME. However, the track was the quiet before the storm as Beatlemania erupted the following year in 1963, which would see the Liverpool act go on to become one (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
You’d have to have been living at the bottom of a hollowed-out volcano (with all your communications disrupted by a pesky secret agent) not to know that Adele was all but confirmed to be signing the theme tune to Skyfall. The lady herself tweeted a picture of the lyric sheet for the song – called, shockingly, Skyfall – earlier this week and now the track is finally online after an official launch at 0.07am BST (see what they did there, eh?). Give it a listen above.Threaded through with bars from Monty Norman’s original theme for Bond, it’s a classic ballad that calls back towards the likes of Shirley Bassey and Matt Monro. Which, honestly, seems more than fitting given Sam Mendes and the Eon team’s commitment to blend Bond’s past with his present for his latest adventure.And if anyone was going to do a Bond theme justice,...
- 10/5/2012
- EmpireOnline
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film franchise, and in conjunction with Eon Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Capitol/Emi is proud to join the world’s celebration of 007. Best Of Bond. James Bond, a new commemorative collection of the legendary films’ digitally remastered music, will be released in two configurations on October 9th (October 8th outside of North America). Best Of Bond. James Bond features the memorable theme songs from all 22 official Bond films and will be available on CD and digitally, and as a deluxe, “50 Years – 50 Tracks” 2Cd and digital collection.
On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day will be celebrated around the world. Best Of Bond. James Bond will be available for pre-order on James Bond Day.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the...
On October 5th, the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Bond film, Dr. No, James Bond Day will be celebrated around the world. Best Of Bond. James Bond will be available for pre-order on James Bond Day.
The 23-track single-disc edition and deluxe edition of Best Of Bond. James Bond both feature the...
- 10/2/2012
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sean Connery's 1963 outing to Istanbul may look grainy now, but his exchanges with Robert Shaw have lost none of their edge
From Russia With Love is my favourite James Bond movie, simply because it is the first Bond I ever saw at the cinema. This was at the old Classic in Hendon Central in London, some time in the early 1970s, in an era before Bond films were shown on television, and going to see them at the cinema was a special school-holiday treat. Quite long-in-the-tooth Bond films would be revived on the big screen like this: this was a double bill of From Russia With Love (1963) and Thunderball (1965).
What a thrill to hear that incredible theme tune played live (as it were) for the first time, echoing around the cavernous old cinema and seeing those opening titles: the mysterious circle shunting across the dark screen, Bond walking in profile,...
From Russia With Love is my favourite James Bond movie, simply because it is the first Bond I ever saw at the cinema. This was at the old Classic in Hendon Central in London, some time in the early 1970s, in an era before Bond films were shown on television, and going to see them at the cinema was a special school-holiday treat. Quite long-in-the-tooth Bond films would be revived on the big screen like this: this was a double bill of From Russia With Love (1963) and Thunderball (1965).
What a thrill to hear that incredible theme tune played live (as it were) for the first time, echoing around the cavernous old cinema and seeing those opening titles: the mysterious circle shunting across the dark screen, Bond walking in profile,...
- 9/25/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
As James Bond prepares for his 23rd official outing in Skyfall and to mark next year’s 50th Anniversary of one of the most successful movie franchises of all time I have been tasked to take a retrospective look at the films that turned author Ian Fleming’s creation into one of the most recognised and iconic characters in film history.
Following the huge success of the first James Bond film Dr. No, producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were keen to start production on a follow-up. With United Artists offering the pair $2 million, double the budget of Dr. No, to quickly get a sequel in the works Broccoli and Saltzman were left to decide which of Fleming’s novels to adapt next.
In an interview with Life magazine the then Us President John F. Kennedy had mentioned the Bond novel From Russia With Love in a list of his top ten favourite books.
Following the huge success of the first James Bond film Dr. No, producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman were keen to start production on a follow-up. With United Artists offering the pair $2 million, double the budget of Dr. No, to quickly get a sequel in the works Broccoli and Saltzman were left to decide which of Fleming’s novels to adapt next.
In an interview with Life magazine the then Us President John F. Kennedy had mentioned the Bond novel From Russia With Love in a list of his top ten favourite books.
- 11/30/2011
- by Chris Wright
- Obsessed with Film
We continue our unabashed appreciation of some of the highlights of composer John Barry’s early movie career beyond the remit of the Bond franchise...
In the second part of our look at John Barry's extraordinary back catalogue of movie scores, we concentrate on a few more of the films from the mid- to late sixties. This was the beginning of a phase of phenomenal output, as well as experimentation, signposting his continuing diversity of technique and his burgeoning sense of style. Following on from the success of Zulu, his was a reputation that was quickly gaining momentum and garnering feverish accolades.
Stylish, contemporary and full of energy, Barry played as hard as he worked, and this musical period took place in a blur of fast living and nights at the Pickwick Club with the likes of Michael Caine and Terence Stamp, sampling the delights of the sixties at...
In the second part of our look at John Barry's extraordinary back catalogue of movie scores, we concentrate on a few more of the films from the mid- to late sixties. This was the beginning of a phase of phenomenal output, as well as experimentation, signposting his continuing diversity of technique and his burgeoning sense of style. Following on from the success of Zulu, his was a reputation that was quickly gaining momentum and garnering feverish accolades.
Stylish, contemporary and full of energy, Barry played as hard as he worked, and this musical period took place in a blur of fast living and nights at the Pickwick Club with the likes of Michael Caine and Terence Stamp, sampling the delights of the sixties at...
- 8/1/2011
- Den of Geek
Film composer John Barry, who died yesterday aged 77, remains an inspiration to many. We look at some of his finest work, from Beat Girl to Bond
Already a successful band leader, with the John Barry Seven, the movie world was introduced to the composer when he provided the music to Beat Girl, a movie starring his friend Adam Faith. The result was the first soundtrack album to warrant a UK release, the launch of a five times Oscar-winning film career for Barry, one of the first examples of rock music being incorporated into film scores and, best of all, a killer, world-class opening title sequence.
Barry won two Oscars for his astounding work on Born Free, one for the soundtrack and the other for his collaboration with lyricist Don Black for the classic Matt Monro title song. Amazingly, this signature tune, a chart topper even in cover versions by Roger Williams...
Already a successful band leader, with the John Barry Seven, the movie world was introduced to the composer when he provided the music to Beat Girl, a movie starring his friend Adam Faith. The result was the first soundtrack album to warrant a UK release, the launch of a five times Oscar-winning film career for Barry, one of the first examples of rock music being incorporated into film scores and, best of all, a killer, world-class opening title sequence.
Barry won two Oscars for his astounding work on Born Free, one for the soundtrack and the other for his collaboration with lyricist Don Black for the classic Matt Monro title song. Amazingly, this signature tune, a chart topper even in cover versions by Roger Williams...
- 2/1/2011
- by Phelim O'Neill
- The Guardian - Film News
Sad news this morning: five-time Oscar winning composer John Barry died yesterday in New York at the age of 77.
In addition to his many Academy honors — two in 1966 (song and score) for "Born Free" and then one apiece for "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Out of Africa" (1985) and "Dances With Wolves" (1990) — Barry is notable for having scored 11 James Bond films, along with countless others: "Midnight Cowboy," "Walkabout," "The Day of the Locust," "Game of Death," "The Golden Child," "Howard the Duck," "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Chaplin," "Indecent Proposal"... you're getting the idea here, right?
Barry's work on Bond is by far his most recognizable. The iconic Bond theme was originally credited to composer Monty Norman, though some questions have been raised in recent years over how much of the work belongs to Barry. It is now commonly accepted that Norman's contribution laid out the basic notes, which Barry then fleshed out into a full orchestral piece.
In addition to his many Academy honors — two in 1966 (song and score) for "Born Free" and then one apiece for "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Out of Africa" (1985) and "Dances With Wolves" (1990) — Barry is notable for having scored 11 James Bond films, along with countless others: "Midnight Cowboy," "Walkabout," "The Day of the Locust," "Game of Death," "The Golden Child," "Howard the Duck," "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Chaplin," "Indecent Proposal"... you're getting the idea here, right?
Barry's work on Bond is by far his most recognizable. The iconic Bond theme was originally credited to composer Monty Norman, though some questions have been raised in recent years over how much of the work belongs to Barry. It is now commonly accepted that Norman's contribution laid out the basic notes, which Barry then fleshed out into a full orchestral piece.
- 1/31/2011
- by Adam Rosenberg
- MTV Movies Blog
These are the tearjerking moments when Jack Duckworth is reunited with his beloved wife Vera, as he loses his battle against terminal cancer. The moving scenes, which will air in tonight's double bill, see Jack pass away in the same chair Vera did. As he does, she reappears and the two share a final tender moment together. The couple share one last dance together as Matt Monro's 'Softly As I Leave You' plays in the background. Tarmey announced that he was quitting the ITV soap after three decades earlier this year.
Not long after, a devastated Tyrone, Molly and Connie return to find Jack dead. Bill Tarmey said: "People often ask me if I like Jack Duckworth and I always reply - 'Like him, I bloody love him!'. I have had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack. Because of him I have made some fantastic friends and travelled...
Not long after, a devastated Tyrone, Molly and Connie return to find Jack dead. Bill Tarmey said: "People often ask me if I like Jack Duckworth and I always reply - 'Like him, I bloody love him!'. I have had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack. Because of him I have made some fantastic friends and travelled...
- 11/8/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Morning Boxwishers and welcome to another week of movie-inspired goodness. Today we bring you ten fantastic gift ideas for this Sunday’s Father’s Day and later in the week we’re continuing our summer style series with some fantastic women’s sunglasses. Oh and we’re coming down with machine madness thanks to those ‘robots in disguise’ from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. But before we get to any of that, there’s the business of today’s new DVD and Blu-Ray releases and it’s an exciting lot. There’s rom-com cuddliness with He’s Just Not That Into You, family animation with Bolt and some retro gems getting their Blu-Ray debuts in the form of Ghostbusters and The Italian Job. Enjoy!
If you see… The trials of dating, relationships and marriage explored in ensemble rom-com He’s Just Not That Into You starring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore,...
If you see… The trials of dating, relationships and marriage explored in ensemble rom-com He’s Just Not That Into You starring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore,...
- 6/15/2009
- Boxwish.com
The Best of Bond site for "The Best of Bond...James Bond" compilation album has been added with two more music videos. Exposing Bond movies' theme song of the 1981 "For Your Eyes Only" and the 1983 "Octopussy", the pair of clips features Sheena Easton's "For Your Eyes Only" and Rita Coolidge's "All Time High" in various formats and resolutions.
Prior to the posting of these two videos, the site has included three other music videos, "A View To A Kill" from Duran Duran, "GoldenEye" from Tina Turner and "The Living Daylights" from A-Ha. While Easton and Coolidge's videos can be enjoyed below, the rest of the clips can be obtained through either AceShowbiz or The Best of Bond.
Presented by Capitol/Emi, "The Best of Bond...James Bond" features 23 musical standouts from the Bond movie series and a previously unreleased version of Bond theme by composer John Arnold. Still,...
Prior to the posting of these two videos, the site has included three other music videos, "A View To A Kill" from Duran Duran, "GoldenEye" from Tina Turner and "The Living Daylights" from A-Ha. While Easton and Coolidge's videos can be enjoyed below, the rest of the clips can be obtained through either AceShowbiz or The Best of Bond.
Presented by Capitol/Emi, "The Best of Bond...James Bond" features 23 musical standouts from the Bond movie series and a previously unreleased version of Bond theme by composer John Arnold. Still,...
- 11/4/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
A string of hits that have supported James Bond films in the past years will be compiled in a single CD collection entitled "The Best of Bond...James Bond". Included in the October 28 set are songs by Madonna, Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner, Sheryl Crow, Chris Cornell, Garbage and others.
As many as 23 songs, five music videos, and a live concert footage are molded in a single CD/DVD package. There will also be an unreleased version of Bond theme by composer David Arnold.
Beside in anticipation of the upcoming release of Bond's latest flick, "Quantum of Solace", the compilation is in line with Bond franchise's 46th anniversary. The film meanwhile, will have a new set of soundtracks with one of them coming from a duet between Jack White of The White Stripes and Alicia Keys, called "Another Way to Die".
"The Best of Bond...James Bond" CD Track List:
'James...
As many as 23 songs, five music videos, and a live concert footage are molded in a single CD/DVD package. There will also be an unreleased version of Bond theme by composer David Arnold.
Beside in anticipation of the upcoming release of Bond's latest flick, "Quantum of Solace", the compilation is in line with Bond franchise's 46th anniversary. The film meanwhile, will have a new set of soundtracks with one of them coming from a duet between Jack White of The White Stripes and Alicia Keys, called "Another Way to Die".
"The Best of Bond...James Bond" CD Track List:
'James...
- 10/7/2008
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
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Day 2 in Venice, and as the press accreditation desk wasn’t opening till the afternoon, that left the morning free for a visit to the Libreria Solaris, the only place in Venice for film books and DVDs (and I mean ‘only’ in both senses of the word). Having grabbed a fistful of movies – including the Italian releases of both HerculesHercules Unchained, which I fervently hope are taken from better prints than the budget discs available in the States – I moseyed on back to the hotel and then over to the Lido, pondering awhile the relationship between Venice and the movies.
MoonrakerVenice has often been likened to a living film set, a most appropriate comparison considering the city was literally conjured into reality from nothing. And yet, paradoxically, it’s the very unreality of the place, the sheer improbability of it, that leaves...
Day 2 in Venice, and as the press accreditation desk wasn’t opening till the afternoon, that left the morning free for a visit to the Libreria Solaris, the only place in Venice for film books and DVDs (and I mean ‘only’ in both senses of the word). Having grabbed a fistful of movies – including the Italian releases of both HerculesHercules Unchained, which I fervently hope are taken from better prints than the budget discs available in the States – I moseyed on back to the hotel and then over to the Lido, pondering awhile the relationship between Venice and the movies.
MoonrakerVenice has often been likened to a living film set, a most appropriate comparison considering the city was literally conjured into reality from nothing. And yet, paradoxically, it’s the very unreality of the place, the sheer improbability of it, that leaves...
- 8/30/2007
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
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