Latest news with #IanFleming
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Connery as 007: 12 Behind the Scenes Images of Bond at His Best
Here are 12 behind the scenes photos of Sean Connery — the first and best James Bond, aka 007 — to appear in films. From his debut in Dr. No to his surprise return in Never Say Never Again, Connery personified Ian Fleming's dashing, wry super secret agent and set the standard for all James Bond actors to come. Here are the behind the scenes images of Sean Connery's 007. Related Headlines Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace Recounts a Mother's Journey From Tragedy to Nourishing Others To Make 'Toots,' My Sensitive Film About Aging, I Needed the Perfect Fart Noise 11 Shameless 2000s Comedies That Just Don't Care If You're Offended A Working-Class Spy Nicholas Shakespeare's excellent new biography Ian Fleming: The Complete Man investigates the author who created James Bond — but also recounts the casting of Sean Connery in the role. Shakespeare notes: "Connery's background – naval boxer, lifeguard, art class model – was a marketable asset. He was brought up in a Scottish slum, like Ian's grandfather. His father was a truck driver, his mother a cleaning lady." He adds: "Among choice biographical details: He had delivered milk to Bond's second school Fettes, and acted at the Oxford Playhouse as an aristocratic diplomat in Pirandello's Naked. Above, that's Fleming, left, with Connery, right, on the set of the first Bond movie, 1962's Dr. No. The Right Man for the Job? Shakespeare's book notes that according to Fleming's film agent, Robert Fenn, Fleming was initially shocked because Connery "couldn't speak the Queen's English. Fleming said, 'He's not my idea of Bond at all, I just want an elegant man, not this roughneck.'' Later, according to the book, Fleming would call Connery an 'over-developed stuntman' and wonder if he had 'the social graces' to play his hero. Above, Connery is fitted for 1962's From Russia With Love. License to Kill Fleming, obviously, needed a woman's perspective. His friend Ivar Bryce's cousin, Janet Milford Haven, was known as a good judge of people — and men — and offered her input after a lunch with Fleming and Connery. Her opinion of Connery? 'I said, 'I think that fellow is divine. He's not too good-looking, he looks masculine, he looks like a proper man and one that would be used to that life. He looks like he is very clever, he looks like he would know how to do everything, who could kill,'' said Haven, according to Shakespeare's book. Above: Connery and Shirley Eaton in Goldfinger. A Real Charmer Shakespeare writes that Fleming finally became convinced that Connery was the right Bond, writing to his muse and mistress, Blanche Blackwell: 'the man they have chosen for Bond, Sean Connery, is a real charmer – fairly unknown but a good actor with the right looks and physique.' Above: Sean Connery with Ursula Andress and Fleming in a publicity image for Dr. No. Athleticism Whether or not he was an "over-developed stuntman," Connery's athleticism was a key component of his success as 007. Above, he cavorts on a Jamaican beach with Ursula Andress, who played Honey Ryder in Dr. No. Here are 13 Behind the Scenes Images of Ursula Andress in Dr. No. Chemistry His chemistry with Andress on Dr. No was a huge part of the first Bond film's success, and would provide a template for Bond's dynamics with legions of future "Bond girls." The chemistry came through even though Andress' voice was dubbed for the role. (Andress' languages include French, German, and Italian, but her English was accented.) "He was very protective towards me, he was adorable, fantastic," Andress said in a 2020 interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera after Connery's death at 90. "He adored women, He was undoubtedly very much a man.'' Friends Andress, who was married to John Derek while making Dr. No, added of Connery in the Corriere della Sera interview: 'We spent many evenings together and he would invite me everywhere, Monte Carlo, London, New York, from when we met until now we always remained friends. Friends, friends.'" Good as Gold Connery played Bond in seven films in all. What's the best? For our money, it's 1964's Goldfinger, in which Connery starred opposite Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore. Above, they rehearse an infamous scene that, let's admit, has aged badly. Here Are 12 Behind the Scenes Images From Goldfinger. Shakespeare While later Bond actors would lean into the campier aspects of the character, Connery played him seriously. He once said that 'portraying Bond is just as serious as playing Macbeth on stage,' according to Shakespeare. (Ian, not William.) Above: Connery enjoys some downtime on the set of 1965's Thunderball. Buoyant Despite his serious approach to the role, Connery had just the right mix of seriousness and levity to play the deadly superspy who treats everything like a game. That's him behind the scenes of Thunderball with Claudine Auger, who played Domino. Also Read: All 007 Bond Actors, Ranked Of Course Given the technology of the time, sometimes Connery was forced into Roger Moore levels of silliness. That's him behind the scenes of 1967's You Only Live Twice, above. It only adds to the charm. Forever Sean Connery left the Bond franchise after You Only Live Twice, and George Lazenby took over for 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service, perhaps the most tragic of all Bond movies, given its bummer ending. But Connery returned for 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. Above, he shares a laugh on the Diamonds Are Forever set with Jill St. John. Never Say Never? That was it for Sean Connery as James Bond — until 1984, when he was lured back one last time. 1983's Never Say Never Again was a reference to Connery's 1971 quote that he would never again play Bond. Like Thunderball, it is based on Ian Fleming's Thunderball — yes, that's right. Is it a remake? Kind of, but it's updated with Bond frequently referencing his advancing years. (Connery was 52 at the time of filming, and would live for another 38 years.) Never Say Never Again was released by Warner Bros. rather than the usual Bond distributor, United Artists, because of a completed rights dispute we don't have to get into here. Above, Connery waits in the water with Kim Basinger, the new Domino. Liked These Behind the Scene Photos of Sean Connery as the First James Bond, Agent 007? We bet you'll also like these Behind the Scenes Images of Goldfinger, and this excerpt from Nicholas Shakespeare's aforementioned — and excellent — Ian Fleming, The Complete Man. Main image: Sean Connery and Ursula Andress in a promotional image for Goldfinger. United Artists. Related Headlines Lisa Dahl: Blessed by Grace Recounts a Mother's Journey From Tragedy to Nourishing Others To Make 'Toots,' My Sensitive Film About Aging, I Needed the Perfect Fart Noise 11 Shameless 2000s Comedies That Just Don't Care If You're Offended Solve the daily Crossword
Economist
7 days ago
- Business
- Economist
A new paradise for crypto
In Ian Fleming's 1961 novel, 'Thunderball', Ernst Stavro Blofeld, James Bond's archenemy, considers the bolívar, along with the Swiss franc, to be the 'hardest' of all the world's currencies, an ideal store of value for the takings of his criminal enterprise. This fictional depiction accurately reflected contemporary economics. Between 1950 and 1980, Venezuela had the lowest rate of inflation in the world.
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I bought Ian Fleming's incredible UK beach home for under £1million – now I'm selling up because it's ‘too small'
Owner spotted it while swimming the Channel NEVER STAY NEVER I bought Ian Fleming's incredible UK beach home for under £1million – now I'm selling up because it's 'too small' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A JAMES Bond superfan who snapped up Ian Fleming's former seaside home for less than £1million is putting it back on the market – because he says it's no longer big enough for his family. Mermaid Cottage, the striking 1920s Art Deco house in St Margaret's Bay, Kent, was once owned by both Bond creator Ian Fleming and legendary playwright Noel Coward. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 It's now up for sale with a guide price of £1.75million Credit: Getty 7 Its villain, Hugo Drax, constructs his deadly Moonraker rocket just outside Dover near Deal Credit: Strutt & Parker 7 It remained in private hands until 2008, when current owner Mark Sawyer spotted it during a visit to Kent with his then-partner Credit: Strutt & Parker It's now up for sale with a guide price of £1.75million. Fleming is believed to have written part of Moonraker at the property between 1951 and 1957, taking inspiration from the surrounding cliffs and coastline for the novel's dramatic setting. Its villain, Hugo Drax, constructs his deadly Moonraker rocket just outside Dover, near Deal. Coward had owned the house previously and renamed it 'White Cliffs' after restoring it following wartime damage by British and Canadian troops preparing for D-Day. He spent around £2,000 reinforcing the chalk cliffs and reportedly found his love of painting during his years there, according to Dover Museum. The house passed to Fleming in 1951, becoming his weekend and holiday escape. It remained in private hands until 2008, when current owner Mark Sawyer spotted it during a visit to Kent with his then-partner. The 56-year-old, who works in private equity, first glimpsed the village while swimming the Channel in a team relay: 'I distinctly remember the captain of the boat saying, 'There's St Margarets, it's a really pretty village'. I saw it from the water for the first time.' Although the house wasn't officially on the market, the couple fell in love with it and persuaded the estate agent to take it off the books immediately with a £20,000 deposit. They bought it for £800,000 and have since spent around £1million on renovations, including buying land to extend the garden. James Bond expert drops huge hint about new 007 actor after he starred in movie with huge A-list actress 'I'm a massive Bond fan. For me that was the cherry on the cake,' Sawyer said. 'Most people say when we're down there: squint and you could be in the Mediterranean,' he added. 'In the winter, the bay is so much quieter. "You sit there with the log-burning stove roaring with a storm blowing outside. 7 A JAMES Bond superfan who snapped up Ian Fleming's former seaside home for less than £1million Credit: Rex "You're immersed in nature. 7 After nearly two decades in Mermaid Cottage, Mark Sawyer is selling his Bond-worthy home "The only land you can see from our living room is France.' His partner Lara Jewitt, a Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist, helped design the garden, which echoes the style of Derek Jarman's Prospect Cottage. The couple bought land from the council in 2014 to create it, but soon ran out of space. 'We developed every square inch down there, and we just wanted a bit more room,' Sawyer said. 'I never thought I would sell it, to be honest with you. It has three bedrooms, and that is too small to have both of my children back, potentially in the future with their partners, and my family to stay.' Not everyone is pleased about the decision. 'My daughter is still not talking to me since I told her I am selling it,' he admitted. 'She'll get over it eventually.' Strutt & Parker, who are handling the sale, describe Mermaid Cottage as a 'breathtaking location' with a 'rich history of famous connections.' 7 They bought it for £800,000 and have since spent around £1million on renovations, including buying land to extend the garden Credit: Strutt & Parker
The Sun
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I bought Ian Fleming's incredible UK beach home for under £1million – now I'm selling up because it's ‘too small'
A JAMES Bond superfan who snapped up Ian Fleming's former seaside home for less than £1million is putting it back on the market – because he says it's no longer big enough for his family. Mermaid Cottage, the striking 1920s Art Deco house in St Margaret's Bay, Kent, was once owned by both Bond creator Ian Fleming and legendary playwright Noel Coward. 7 7 7 It's now up for sale with a guide price of £1.75million. Fleming is believed to have written part of Moonraker at the property between 1951 and 1957, taking inspiration from the surrounding cliffs and coastline for the novel's dramatic setting. Its villain, Hugo Drax, constructs his deadly Moonraker rocket just outside Dover, near Deal. Coward had owned the house previously and renamed it 'White Cliffs' after restoring it following wartime damage by British and Canadian troops preparing for D-Day. He spent around £2,000 reinforcing the chalk cliffs and reportedly found his love of painting during his years there, according to Dover Museum. The house passed to Fleming in 1951, becoming his weekend and holiday escape. It remained in private hands until 2008, when current owner Mark Sawyer spotted it during a visit to Kent with his then-partner. The 56-year-old, who works in private equity, first glimpsed the village while swimming the Channel in a team relay: 'I distinctly remember the captain of the boat saying, 'There's St Margarets, it's a really pretty village'. I saw it from the water for the first time.' Although the house wasn't officially on the market, the couple fell in love with it and persuaded the estate agent to take it off the books immediately with a £20,000 deposit. They bought it for £800,000 and have since spent around £1million on renovations, including buying land to extend the garden. 'I'm a massive Bond fan. For me that was the cherry on the cake,' Sawyer said. 'Most people say when we're down there: squint and you could be in the Mediterranean,' he added. 'In the winter, the bay is so much quieter. "You sit there with the log-burning stove roaring with a storm blowing outside. 7 "You're immersed in nature. "The only land you can see from our living room is France.' His partner Lara Jewitt, a Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist, helped design the garden, which echoes the style of Derek Jarman's Prospect Cottage. The couple bought land from the council in 2014 to create it, but soon ran out of space. 'We developed every square inch down there, and we just wanted a bit more room,' Sawyer said. 'I never thought I would sell it, to be honest with you. It has three bedrooms, and that is too small to have both of my children back, potentially in the future with their partners, and my family to stay.' Not everyone is pleased about the decision. 'My daughter is still not talking to me since I told her I am selling it,' he admitted. 'She'll get over it eventually.' Strutt & Parker, who are handling the sale, describe Mermaid Cottage as a 'breathtaking location' with a 'rich history of famous connections.' 7 7
Vogue
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
The Best Hotels in London for Your Next English Adventure
Fifty-seven Whitehall in London's Westminster has had a long and storied history, having played host to Tudor royalty, the locus of the military brainpower behind Britain's victories in the two World Wars, and even as the stomping ground of Ian Fleming, providing ample inspiration for his Bond novels. This September, however, the storied address entered a new era as Raffles London at The OWO (short for 'Old War Office'). The hotel's opening followed a six-year renovation, overseen by the late French architect Thierry Despont, resulting in 120 guest rooms across seven floors, 2.5 miles of corridors, and a 65-foot subterranean pool alongside a Guerlain Spa. Here, oak doors have brass push plates adorned with the royal cipher of Edward VII, and the 13 decorative fireplaces were salvaged from other London landmarks. The wide hallways—designed to accommodate couriers ferrying confidential MI5 and MI6 correspondence—have too been preserved. And the hotel has also kept its discreet entrance off of Whitehall Court, marked by EVIIR (Edward VII) insignia—perfect for spies, or perhaps, today, a privacy-seeking celebrity. —E.T. Photo: Nick Rochowski As far as location goes, One Aldwych is hard to beat. Not only is it a few minutes walk to London hotspots like the Covent Garden Piazza, Trafalgar Square, and an endless number of West End theaters, it's also a hop, skip, and a jump from the Thames pathway and the vast array of cultural attractions along the South Bank. Yet once you're happily ensconced in one of its 105 rooms and suites overlooking the likes of Waterloo Bridge and the London Eye, you'll feel a world away from the clamor of the city. Luxuriously-appointed rooms feature crisp Frette sheets and sleek, minimal interiors that further foster the feeling you're in your very own tranquil haven, while the hotel's Indigo restaurant—with its convivial atmosphere and seasonal menu of inventive British classics—is esteemed enough to attract locals alongside One Aldwych guests. Bonus points too for the health club and indoor pool located in the basement, meaning you can get a few laps in before a long day of walking to see all the nearby sights—or retreat to the sauna to decompress on your return. —L.H. When you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
