Cracking the Code of Spy Movies! – Details, episodes & analysis

How many of the gadgets do you remember from Pierce Brosnan's first two James Bond movies, GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES? In this episode, Dan and Tom decode about 30 of them.  We also let you know if we think a gadget is believable! 

So, how many different pitons do we talk about in these two movies?  Do we think they are believable? Do you? 

Tom calls out a favorite weapons/gadgets in any movie and how TOMORROW NEVER DIES enhances that! 

How realistic is an exploding pen?  How about digital scopes with the ability to transmit data?  Would either of those things have worked in 1995 when GOLDENEYE was released or in 1997 with the release of TOMORROW NEVER DIES? 

And, what was that thing in Wai Lin's lab that took the one thug out? 

How many different uses did we point out for the remote controlled BMW and it's remote control? 

So have a listen, getting a better understanding of these gadgets will enhance your viewing experience next time you watch GOLDENEYE or TOMORROW NEVER DIES. 

In this episode, we mentioned an article about a guy who made a laser watch.  Here's the link to that article: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/home-made-laser-watch-is-real 

So, did we miss any gadgets?   Which are your favorite gadgets?  Did any gadgets strike you as believable?  If so, which ones? 

Please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   

Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dBH705 

Click here to watch the video version of this episode

George Lazenby has announced his retirement from public life.  This is a well-earned retirement and we wish him nothing but the best.

In this episode, Dan and Tom bring Mike Reyes back for a salute to the second Eon Productions actor to play James Bond.  George had huge shoes to fill in following Sean Connery.  We think he filled them very well.

Some of the topics we decode include:

• How George Lazenby landed the role of James Bond
• The Hulu show "Becoming Bond"
• How his James Bond was introduced in the movie and his "This never happened to the other fella" line in the ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE pre-title sequence.
• The pressure of taking over for Sean Connery who emblazoned his version of James Bond in the moviegoers' minds.
• Lazenby's upbringing
• How his work on ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE shaped the role of James Bond for the rest of the series
• What they think the next James Bond movie George Lazenby should have done.  Hint, it isn't DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, which was the successor to ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE

So, once again, we wish George Lazenby well in his retirement.  And we thank him for his work on ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE.

You can read Mike Reyes' articles on CinemaBlend.com.

Let us hear from you about George Lazenby.  What did you think of his performance as James Bond in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE.  Do you wish he'd done another Bond movie?

Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!  

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.  

Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3X8RO4j

SPIONE And Its Influence On Spy Movies is a look at this 1928 Fritz Lang spy movie. And, Dan and Tom fill you in on just how big an influence SPIONE is in the spy movie genre.   

Significantly, SPIONE is the first spy movie we've been able to find that isn't based on a war. Not surprisingly, this movie laid out the blueprint for most non-war-based spy movies to come. 

Even if you don't watch the movie, this episode will fill you in on how SPIONE blazed the trail and influenced spy movies to come, which all spy movie fans should know. You'll certainly recognize some tropes you've seen in more modern spy movies.  Tropes such as: how did that guy not die when he was shot at close range? What was that pill that guy bit down on?  What is a spy movie villain supposed to look like?  A train in a spy movie? What things in this movie did we then see Alfred Hitchcock do? How was that guy dressed? And more! 

What are the positives and the negatives of SPIONE? 

We should warn you that SPIONE is a 2 ½ hour black and white silent movie. Watching a silent movie is a different experience from what we get when watching modern 
movies.  Although the movie was filmed in Germany, there are many versions with English subtitles available.  You can certainly find different releases of SPIONE on YouTube. The English title of the movie is SPIES. 

So, have you seen SPIONE?  Will you watch it after you listen to this episode? 

Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3xjW0US

SPECTRE – can this James Bond movie be defended? Dan and Tom bring Vicky back to answer this question.

While SPECTRE is not often in a James Bond fan's top 5 list, it is often in a Bond fan's bottom 10 list.  Why is that?  What about this movie turns fans off?

Dan, Tom, and Vicky uncover both the positives and the negatives of SPECTRE to try to figure out if it can be defended.

They start with a look at some of the negatives of SPECTRE.

• Dan, Tom, and Vicky think one of the problems is the reason Blofeld hates James Bond.  At least the reason Blofeld tells Bond.  Dan says that this plot point irks him.
• Or maybe it is the character of Madeleine Swann.  Vicky says she thinks the character is too flat.
• Or maybe it is the writing of Purvis and Wade.  You know Tom will chime in on that one.
• And more.

To be sure, there are some positives in SPECTRE.  Such as:

• The production quality is top-notch, a signature of Eon Productions' James Bond movies.
• The spectacular pre-title sequence.
• The supporting cast.
• And more.

This is a lively discussion as the three of them aren't in agreement on all the positives and negatives.

So, what are your reasons for liking or disliking SPECTRE?  Can you defend it?

Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!  

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.  

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3XlnXpN

We welcome back Vicky for this episode. You can visit her channel THE BOND ROOM UNLOCKED on YouTube and on Facebook. You can also catch her at the 007GB Fan Club website.

Before you go on to this episode, "You Only Live Thrice, Mr. Bond," if you haven't seen NO TIME TO DIE, there are some spoilers here so you probably should skip this one – NOW!  

James Bond is dead!  Dead as a door nail.   Dead! 

Your field operatives Dan and Tom decode the fundamental meaning of James Bond dying in NO TIME TO DIE and detail the HOW of what Eon Productions can do to move on! 

From James Bond returning to the Daniel Craig "arc" – nothing is left to chance in this lively debate.  So, how does Eon deal with the fact that the Daniel Craig arc took OO7 from obtaining his OO status up to his death? The end credits told us "James Bond Will Return".     Is it problematic?  Surprisingly, Eon is in a very tough position.  What were they thinking in clarifying for us that JAMES BOND IS DEAD? 

Dan and Tom examine realistic ways the Bond series can continue after NO TIME TO DIE's ending. Also, they have some future advice and warnings to tell Bond: "You Only Live Thrice, Mr. Bond!" 

So, take a listen.  What do you think Eon Productions' next move must be?   

In a previous episode "Come On Bond, Where The Hell Are You – How James Bond Can Survive" we took a sarcastic look at some crazy ways Bond could survive after the ending of NO TIME TO DIE.  

Also, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!  

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.  

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3V0b1mk

Dan and Tom decode the 1952 classic spy movie, 5 FINGERS.  This excellent movie starring James Mason is a fantastic espionage thriller, but not an action thriller.  And we think it works quite well that way.

5 FINGERS is based on the true story of Albanian-born Elyesa Bazna, who worked as a valet for the British ambassador to Turkey during World War II and became a Nazi spy. Also, it is based on the L.C. Moyzisch novel "Operation Cicero".  If you are a fan of our podcast, undoubtedly noticed that we generally like spy movies based on reality.   Emphatically, 5 FINGERS is no exception.

We look at James Mason's character's codename which is Cicero, and discuss the significance of that name. As well as the significance of the title. Specifically, beyond the "5-finger discount's" obvious significance.

Dan and Tom also look at what they think are the positive aspects of 5 FINGERS. These include an intriguing plot, strong acting performances, a suspenseful atmosphere, and more.  

Tom is a huge fan of this movie.  And without a doubt, the last 90 seconds of this movie are a big reason.  The build-up, stress, and apparent relief throughout make this ending spectacular. James Mason's performance at the end takes it significantly to great heights.

Dan and Tom also look at some of the negative comments they've read about 5 FINGERS and share their thoughts on those.

We should highlight that this episode is about the 1952 movie 5 FINGERS with the numeral 5 at the beginning.  There is a completely different movie from 2006 that has nothing to do with this one.

Did you see 5 FINGERS? If so, do Dan and Tom have the right perspective? What did you think of this episode? Please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and if you want to be notified of our next event. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3WSdt11

Dan and Tom held their first Chicago 007 Fans Meetup on May 9, 2024, at Ma O'Brien's Irish Pub in Chicago.

Part of the event was a James Bond trivia quiz and people from all over the world played, including those in the pub. The questions ranged from fairly easy to "nobody got this one". The winning score was 18 out of 25.  Congratulations to William Kanas for the win.

This episode highlights the interviews they streamed of some of the 007 fans in attendance. In fact, one of the fans we talked with, stuntman Ross Scharphorn, placed second in the trivia quiz.  He answered the same number of questions as William Kanas, but Kanas answered faster for the win.

In addition to Ross, we interviewed Scott Winterroth and Brandon about their favorite Bond movies, actors, and the direction they would like Eon Productions to take the franchise.

Finally, we talked with Leonard Johnson and Chris MacGregor from the Ian Fleming Foundation.  They talked about the foundation, its charity focus, and how they obtain and refurbish James Bond movie vehicles. 

We also held a drawing with James Bond tchotchkes awarded to the winners.

A big Thank You goes out to all who attended our Chicago 007 Fans May 2024 Meetup and those who agreed to be interviewed. 

What did you think of this episode? Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and if you want to be notified of our next event. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.

Webpage: https://bit.ly/4avMfR0

Dan and Tom interview Maestro John Morris Russell (JMR) about his Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert, "Shaken Not Stirred," musical scores, and James Bond music.  As you might have guessed, the concert's focus is the music of James Bond.   You may know JMR from his work as the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for the past 13 years. 

Joining JMR in the concert is the amazing vocalist Capathia Jenkins. She possesses the wide vocal range needed to cover the various styles of singers from the James Bond catalog.

We will be attending the concert and we're sure James Bond fans will enjoy this one.  

In this episode, JMR talks about what to expect in this concert and how they put it together.  He also talks about his career, why he decided to conduct instead of play an instrument, some influential composers, and film scoring in general.  If you've ever wanted to know what a composer has to deal with in scoring a movie, JMR gives you a good idea.  It is really amazing how they do it.

One other area we discuss is how technology has made composition more efficient.  Much is the same as it's been for hundreds of years.  But, some of it is streamlined today.

Dan and Tom wanted some expertise for this interview, so they asked Raymond Benson for an assist.  Of course, Raymond graciously agreed. Raymond helped us delve into other composers' works and JMR's experiences with them.  Plus, Raymond tells of a very scary experience he had with composer John Barry.

So, we're excited to be going to this concert and see John Morris Russell put what he told us into action.  We think this will be a good one.  Do you have plans to go to this concert?   If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3UxXUJ2

Credit: John Morris Russell pictures courtesy of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Dan and Tom decode SPY HUNT, a 1950 espionage B movie.  And they don't agree on this one.

SPY HUNT was based on the book "Panther's Moon" by Victor Canning. It has espionage, a MacGuffin, a train, a dead drop, escaped black panthers, a budding romance, and quite a few interesting characters.

Dan and Tom call out some interesting plot points that may have been influenced by earlier movies such as THE LADY VANISHES, THE 39 STEPS, and others. 

In addition, you'll find out what a black panther really is.  We're sure you've lost sleep trying to figure that out.

Above all, they look at some places where SPY HUNT may have influenced spy movies that followed, including one very interesting piece of dialogue.  How much influence did this movie have on the James Bond franchise?

So, if you've seen SPY HUNT, do you agree with Dan or Tom on one? What did you think of this episode, SPY HUNT – 1950 Cold War Espionage Classic Decoded?

Overall, if you hadn't seen SPY HUNT did this episode encourage you to watch it? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3JMn8OO

Dan and Tom talk with Matt Sherman about the DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Las Vegas and OCTOPUSSY Utah filming locations.

Besides being a James Bond expert, Matt Sherman leads tours to many different James Bond filming locations – check his website https://bondfanevents.com/.

In this episode, we discuss what we experienced on Matt's tour of two relatively close filming location areas for two movies, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (DAF) and OCTOPUSSY. 

Much of DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER was filmed in and around Las Vegas, Nevada in the U.S. For instance, the casinos, the desert, the mortuary, the car chase and more are all there.

Surprisingly, if you take a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas into southwestern Utah, you'll end up in some key locations from OCTOPUSSY. Much of the OCTOPUSSY pre-title sequence was filmed in this stunningly beautiful part of the U.S. Some of the scenes toward the end of the movie were filmed here as well.

Some of the filming location questions we answer are:

• What airport did James Bond arrive in when he came to Las Vegas?

• How many locations were used when Plenty O'Toole was tossed from the hotel window?

• Where is the location of the parking lot from the car chase?

• Why is visiting the Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetary not enough to experience the mortuary scenes? 

• What game can you still play at the Circus Circus arcade area?

• Where was the gas station that James Bond's jet pulled up to when Bond said "fill 'er up"?

• How did they film the take-off and landing of Bond's jet?

• Where is the bridge the plane flies under?

• Where did James Bond jump from his horse onto Kamal Khan's plane?

• When standing near the bridge, you can see places portraying what countries from what movies?

This is a fun discussion.  The next time you are in Las Vegas, go visit these sites.  You'll be glad you did.

So, have you been to any of these sites? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!

You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.

Webpage: https://bit.ly/3wdPJt9