What has been going on with James Bond this year?

You wait around for news for months and then... well, nothing much happens. It has been a very quiet year so far in terms of 007 big screen developments, but there has been Bond content flowing elsewhere in the literary, comics, and gaming wings of the franchise. We take a close look at the state of the box-office and ask if the movie business being in such flux may cause significant delays for EON, and also reveal some production news about a former 007 and how his next project may have knock-on consequences.

Digitally restored Casino Royale 1954: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNp6-qTWYvo

The recording took place on June 6th, 2024 in the USA and Spain. 

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2024

Where in the world should Bond travel next?

This epsiode we dip into the MI6 archives to play an interview with Black Tomato co-founder, Tom Marchant. Regular Bond followers might remember that mid-last year Black Tomato - a UK-based travel company - came out with a unique European Bond themed travel experience. 'The Assignment' is a twelve day mission across UK, France, and Italy, stopping in at key landmarks from the Bond films. 

Just recently Black Tomato announce a second tranche of travel adventures with a Bond twist. These now include tours to Chile, Mexico, Thailand and Japan. 

Tom Marchant was speaking with MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential co-founder Vipul Patel.

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2024.

What treasures have we dragged out of the archive?

Pull up a comfy chair in front of the fireplace, pour yourself a drink, and sit back and enjoy this 1987 production of The Living Daylights as we ring in the festive season and wish everyone a happy new year. Originally performed by The Rainbow Theatre in the UK for an audio cassette and read-along book, the story of the film is condensed to just 17 minutes. Who played James Bond? If you know - drop us a line.

You can email the show at contact@jamesbondandfriends.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2022

Join us as we watch 1997's Tomorrow Never Dies together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your HALO suit, grab a heavy motorcycle, and cue up your copy of Tomorrow Never Dies as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we learn how to type one-handed, wonder where the internet went, and discover Maxwell connections, hair semi-colons, a hungry Bond, bad parking, a surprising sequel, and Carver's private collection of jam jars.

The recording took place on July 3rd, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1971's Diamonds Are Forever together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your pink kipper tie, grab a radiation shield, and cue up your copy of Diamonds Are Forever as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover romantic trips to mausoleums, a real-life murder mystery, CGI panties, death trap trikes, and a one of a kind swivel toilet. At no point do we ever discuss real-life mafia connections to this production...

The recording took place on June 26th, 2020 in the USA and UK.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Phil Nobile Jr shares his expertise at @PhilNobileJr

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1999's The World Is Not Enough together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your x-ray specs, grab some sour cream, and cue up your copy of The World Is Not Enough as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover helium balloons, paramilitary napkins, a newfound appreciation of Denise Richards, Bond's amazing mental arithmetic, question Renard's virility, and spot some familiar faces on a submarine. We also try and play the infamous TWINE drinking game in real-time which you can join in at home.

The recording took place on June 19th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your frilly shirt, grab some caviar (from north of the Caspian), and cue up your copy of On Her Majesty's Secret Service as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover an unfilmed screenplay, ponder the prevalence of purple, recount other ill-fated weddings, and get stuck in an elevator with George Lazenby (then buy him socks and eat his bacon).

The recording took place on June 12th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1963's From Russia With Love together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your best suit ever, grab some yoghurt and figs, and cue up your copy of From Russia With Love as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we mourn another Canada loss, identify the many cameos, discover an over-indulged horse, spot not Ian Fleming, ponder what Red Grant says in the toilet, and reveal a surprising connection to No Time To Die.

The recording took place on June 5th, 2020 in the USA and UK.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Phil Nobile Jr shares his expertise at @PhilNobileJr

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 2012's Skyfall together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your leather gloves, grab some Union Jack bunting, and cue up your copy of Skyfall as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we try and keep track of Bond's leather gloves, ponder stolen paintings, and wonder what happened to Kincaid's dogs. In an extended epilogue, we discuss the issues the film raises between producers and product.

The recording took place on May 29th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1987's The Living Daylights together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your leather jacket, grab a key fob, and cue up your copy of The Living Daylights as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover baddies leaving their babies with the neighbours, disruptive monkeys, pig fingers, Harrier jump jets cleaning ears, fixing a missing Bond, a lazy 008, conveniently large jackets, a field oculist exam, Felix's budget liquor cabinet, robe abuse, MI6's drug testing policy, and Bill goes in to hiding.

The recording took place on May 22nd, 2020 in the USA and UK.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Join us as we watch 1995's GoldenEye together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your Brioni suit, grab a sandwich (not that one!), and cue up your copy of GoldenEye as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover the first CGI bullet, hanging crosses, goons with PPKS, the origins of Pain Face, a world-saving pole, and Boris' lack of two-factor authentication.

The recording took place on May 15th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Join us as we watch 1981's For Your Eyes Only together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your flared trousers, grab some pistachios, and cue up your copy of For Your Eyes Only as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover a quite interesting parrot, age gaps, a museum of Bond chairs, youthful red lighting, rare Canadians, ill-fated Notherners, a screenwriting class, and a Jim Steinman inspired arrangement of the song.

The recording took place on May 8th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Mark O'Connell catches bullets at markoconnell.co.uk

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Join us as we watch 2008's Quantum of Solace together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your ripped suit, grab some bronzer, and cue up your copy of Quantum of Solace as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover a bullet-deflecting IV stand, the sweepy brush man, Ben's embarrassing x-wind, alternate operas, another defunct airline, Greene's porn scandal, and the rock that always appears on TV channel hopping.

The recording took place on May 1st, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

What ideas were jettisoned from the script that ultimately became Spectre?

The creative path on the 24th James Bond film had more twists and turns than perhaps any of the 007 productions before it, and due to a massive Sony Pictures leak, some of those debates, decisions, and debacles were exposed. We run through the early 2014 state of the film before the serious work was done on getting the script tightened up for filming (months behind schedule) and run through the later drafts scene by scene picking out the changes that were made from the version we all saw on screen. A female villain, a stolen Heineken truck, the return of Irma Bunt, buckets of eyeballs, Moneypenny's redemption arc, 'dopey' passport documents, Tanner's dark fate, terrible one-liners, Q earning his stripes, African diamond mines.... and lots, lots more!

The recording took place on November 24th, 2022 in the USA and Spain. 

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2022

Join us as we watch 1989's Licence To Kill together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your baggy suit, grab a Bud with a lime, and cue up your copy of Licence To Kill as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way, we discover a lighter Leiter lighter, a new idea for a Bond costume party, a corsage hidden in plain sight, talking to maggots, Dario's bad fighting, and Tim's time at Burger King.

The recording took place on April 24th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

But don't look back in anger, I heard you say. 

We kick off discussion this week with the recent GoldenEye watch-along with Pierce Brosnan, hosted from his Hawaiian home. Inevitably we muse on his long association with the iconic part, dating back to 1981, together with the frustration of having Bond snatched away from you, twice: first by NBC contract option in ’86 and then getting dumped by phone in 2005. The second topic is the odd timing and tone of a new interview with Cary Fukunaga in which he reveals his comparatively short history with Bond, and the fact he might just have been reading the MI6 Community. 

Along the way we stumble on vehicular spats, Uncle Bond, going ‘round Roger’s, ethereal instagram captions, the magic of pre-recording, hiring from the art house, Craig’s acting chops, missing Connery commentary, Burt Reynolds’ ‘tash, blooper reels, the curse of Bond, Nicolas Cage cash-ins, location stand-ins, Spock’s rocks, a spike in sales for Dan August DVDs, fan theories run amok, untimely endings, Bill’s interview technique, and another bold prediction from David. 

The recording took place on April 22nd, 2020 in the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Spain.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Phil Nobile Jr is Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine, former Bond correspondent for Birth.Movies.Death David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Join us as we watch 1979's Moonraker together as a group experience.

For this episode, don your shiniest space suit and cue up your copy of Moonraker as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way we discover the perfect 007 theme park ride, rare POV shots, untapped prop replica potential, glued pigeon feet, stiffed tips, a furry convention, stealth jam jars, Hitchcockian casting, Drax Industries welcome baskets, and those 'missing' braces.

The recording took place on April 17th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Join us as we watch 2002's Die Another Die together as a group experience.

For this episode, strap yourself in and cue up your copy of Die Another Day as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way we discover Pierce Brosnan waving, a lack of Korean extras, a familiar-looking shooting target, emergency stairs, strategic use of cacti, cardboard in a car park, and how Moneypenny fantasizes about writing press releases.

The recording took place on April 10th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Join us as we watch 1962's Dr. No together as a group experience.

For this episode, cue up your copy of Dr. No as the panel chats over the film in real-time with observations, trivia, insights, and irreverence. Along the way we discover Ben's encyclopedic knowledge of James Bond's wrong guns, things they glued on Connery's head, bad Uber rides, towel dresses, unfortunate spiders, the unique use of colour in the film, inflatable suits, and how things were done on the cheap.

The recording took place on April 3rd, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

What was the impact and cultural context of GoldenEye's release in 1995?

In this episode, we reflect on the release of GoldenEye back in 1995, the challenges it faced, and the lasting legacy it had on the series. Where was Bond fandom at the time? Is it fair to still frame the film as a critical judgment of the character? Did the film succeed in tackling the issues its publicity ran on? Did the videogame have more of an impact in creating a new wave of fans? Has GoldenEye taken on a brand of its own outside the film series? Why does Jack Wade ask about gardening? We attempt, in our own inimitable way, to try and answer all of these questions and more.

The recording took place on March 19th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

What just happened and how will 'No Time To Die' fare in November?

In this episode to mark the one year anniversary of the podcast, we take a quick trip down memory lane and recount some of the standout moments before getting on to the big news of the week...

On Monday, an open letter suggesting a delay to the release of No Time To Die went viral, and by Wednesday the franchise had officially postponed the film until November. James and David discuss their rationale behind the letter, and the panel bat around the ramifications of the delay. What could happen to Daniel Craig's final outing over the next seven months, and will the move pay off?

The recording took place on March 6th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How are we feeling about No Time To Die's marketing campaign?

This week we round up the latest ‘No Time To Die’ news, and Bill reports from Toronto where he and a large group of Bond fans assembled for ‘Skyfall’ in Concert. We discuss the experience of seeing the film live with an orchestra and what other scores are ripe for the ‘in concert’ treatment before segueing to Billie Eilish’s UK chart success and the behind-the-scenes video narrated by Cary Fukunaga. We end on the long running time and whether this will be conducive to a satisfying close to the Craig era. Along the way we discover the O’Connell proximity effect, unfortunate honeymoons, unrecorded Bond themes by Rudy Vallée and Hoagy Carmichael, underground clubs pumping out Adele remixes, Cary Fukunaga’s outtakes, the cable guy on ‘No Time To Die’, a gun barrel intermission, an industrial dispute at MI6, a missed marketing opportunity for Dr. No, how best to wear your 007 trainers, how many Oscars the B-roll will win, redacted reminisces, and Hans Zimmer’s MasterCard.

The recording took place on February 26th, 2020 in the UK, USA, and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How many times has James Bond died?

In this episode, as rumours swirl about the fate of 007 in No Time To Die, we ponder how many times James Bond is assumed to be dead or pretends to be dead, and how effective was the ruse?

Along the way, we walk around a SPECTRE shrubbery, mourn poor crater guy and Bond's blue-collar victims, discover a crocodile puppet show, the villains who must have left the oven on, Miss Moneypenny's grief counseling, and BBC photographers who are always in the right place. We end with deciding how we would want to see James Bond meet his maker.

The recording took place on February 7th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How was Billie Eilish's title song for No Time To Die Received?

In this episode, we gather a mega panel to discuss the reaction to the new No Time To Die title song by Billie Eilish that was released yesterday. Joining host JAMES© Page this week are BILL® Koenig, LISA™ Funnel, WARREN℠ Ringham, DAVID© Leigh, PHIL® Nobile Jr, and JOE™ Darlington. Along the way, we ponder Bond's emotional state, the bookending of an era, stumble upon Lisa's grocery store litmus test, and raise an eyebrow at Esquire's bizarre rankings.

You can contact the show via the Twitter hashtag #askbond

The recording took place on February 14th, 2020 in the USA, UK, and Spain.

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Lisa Funnell (@DrLisaFunnell) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Warren Ringham is the founder of Q The Music (qthemusicshow.com)

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Phil Nobile Jr is Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine, former Bond correspondent for Birth.Movies.Death

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How well was the 60th anniversary celebrated?

We're back with our first regular episode in months (after wrapping the weekly 'Debrief' season) to share our thoughts on James Bond's cinematic 60th anniversary. We report from Christie's where there was an exclusive interview with producer Michael G. Wilson, review the 'Sound of 007' documentary and Royal Albert Hall concert, run through the box-office success of the UK cinema re-releases, and cast our eye over the plethora of merch.

YouTube playlist of the concert: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9LMzfbvwC9IRxYAyck-MyPDHdC9uslQK

The recording took place on October 19th, 2022 in the USA and UK. 

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Sean Longmore shares his artwork @ThatTallGinger 

Phil Nobile Jr is editor of Fangoria and shares his expertise at @PhilNobileJr 

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2022

What makes the Bond musical ‘sound’?

This week Warren Ringham of Q The Music returns to the show to talk about the James Bond sound and his life as a performer dedicated to 007. We discuss the challenge of composing an original Bond-esque song as Warren has just completed his first composition. Along the way we tackle mainstream journalists writing about Bond music; Bond themes as a snapshot of their musical era and embracing the contemporary; melody replaced by rhythm and ambiance in much modern film scoring; Newman’s scores and where to from here with Zimmer; and the atmospheric scoring of Moonraker, Thunderball and From Russia With Love.

We then transition to Warren’s personal story, growing up in a musical family, attending Music college and then 15 years of building the Q the Music tribute band. He notes the particular challenge of arranging the Bond music for his group and his commitment to creating an authentic Bond sound; Q the Music’s little flourishes or takes on some of the Bond themes; the buzz of the live performance; writing and performing a 20 minute medley for the 50th Anniversary event at Piz Gloria; and what might happen if he met his musical hero.

The recording took place in the UK and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Warren Ringham is the founder of Q The Music (qthemusicshow.com)

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How was EON's new film received and what lies in store for 007 after 2020?

In this episode, Bill draws the straw to go to one of the first US screenings of EON Productions' new film The Rhythm Section and files his report. Back in the world of James Bond, we follow up on the Billie Eilish news and ponder what the Oscar ceremony may have in store (or not), and from one long production to another, debate the merits of a 3-hour runtime. Along the way, we worry about Ben Whishaw's comments, reach down the back of the couch to help Aston Martin's rescue deal, wonder what might be in store with a second trailer, and kick around preferences for an MGM takeover between Apple, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. We round out by making a couple of bold predictions for the next ten years.

The recording took place on January 31st 2020 in the USA and Spain.

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How will the music choices – and late changes – affect No Time To Die?

This week we recap all of the music news hurriedly released after the press got wind of both composer Hans Zimmer and title-song artist Billie Eilish at work on No Time To Die. We talk about the integration of the title song with the score, plus the lacklustre attempts to do so on SPECTRE and Skyfall; the young age of Shirley Bassey, Sam Smith, Adele, Sheena Easton, and Nancy Sinatra at the time of their Bond themes; the perspective a young title-artist will bring to the Bond sound; directors’ choices of composer and artistic impact of key personnel; why Dan Romer was dropped; who proposed a Young Bond prequel television series and why it got nixed; and the possible three-hour running time.

Along the way we stumble on listening to Wings without earmuffs, when good artists experiment and fail, flogging DB5 replicas to keep Aston Martin afloat, the missing melodies, Michael Wilson's naps, cross-dressing Felix, recycled scripts and set-pieces, foreign tax breaks, and why David would never buy the 4-door Aston.

The recording took place on January 17th in the USA and Spain.

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Phil Nobile Jr is Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine, former Bond correspondent for Birth.Movies.Death

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

'No Time To Die' end song by Catherine Cassell Music

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How will 2020 be remembered by Bond fans?

This first episode of a new decade looks forward to what we can expect from a busy year of Bond - plus a number of question-marks that hang over the year and the future of the franchise. We discuss the marketing campaign for No Time To Die, the anticipation of the release, the key announcements to come (composer, albeit with Zimmer’s shop now looking more likely, and title song), avoiding spoilers in the week between UK and US release, and what the press will be talking about during and after the film’s premiere. We also delve into the dearth of Bond books and games and wonder whether the franchise will remain on autopilot or garner some fresh blood through new ownership?

The recording took place on January 3rd in the USA and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2020

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Reflecting on the people the James Bond franchise lost in 2019.

In this end-of-year episode, we look back over 2019 and the people we lost from the James Bond franchise. From lesser-known names to world-famous stars, we reflect on their roles in the series and their careers in general.

The recording took place on December 20th in the USA and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Is James Bond a good cook?

This week Edward Biddulph returns to the podcast for a special Mission Debrief episode all about the food of Bond. We discuss Bond’s heroic consumption of eggs, the novelty of an avocado in the 1950s, strange savoury desserts, Fleming (and consequently Bond’s) passion for rich French-style cuisine, touring Europe like 007, Bond novels as a travelogue, his kitchen and single-use gadgets, and the general dearth of food in the films when compared to the novels.

The recording took place on December 8th in the UK and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Edward Biddulph is author of Licence To Cook (buy now from Amazon) and the jamesbondfood.com blog

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Could Fleming's second novel be adapted faithfully in the 21st century?

This episode we consider how Daniel Craig's reboot of the series could have continued with a faithful adaptation of Ian Fleming's second novel Live And Let Die to follow up the modern update of Casino Royale. Often easily waved away as an outdated story with race issues and bygone attitudes, we take a close look at how the essence of the book could have been kept for a 2008 adventure. What other problems would arise from making another film based on the book? What shadow would Roger Moore's 1973 outing cast?

The recording took place on November 22nd in the USA.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

What can we learn from the No Time To Die trailer? What might be the reaction of a wider audience? 

This week we assemble a large panel to dissect the No Time To Die teaser trailer that debuted on 4th December 2019. Each panelist offers their hot take to the first good look at the 25th James Bond film and we all concede this is no mere teaser trailer. Then we jump into the minutiae - dissecting the characters, sets, photography, and what we learned about the plot – before chatting through the launch strategy of Good Morning America. Along the way we discuss the villain’s lightsabers, the time that passed between SPECTRE and No Time To Die and pitching the trailer at a more general audience, where you might find the gun barrel, a grotesque villain in a politically correct era, a possible flashback in the snow, more homages to Dr. No, Blofeld’s preposterous age, Bond’s new reading habits, the nature of Safin’s scheme, films that don’t feel like Bond films, a missing wedding guest, para-military chic, and that Ken Adam vibe.

The recording took place on December 4th 2019 in the UK, USA, Spain, and New Zealand.

James Page and Paul Atkinson are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Phil Nobile Jr is Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine, former Bond correspondent for Birth.Movies.Death

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Has the creative team written themselves into a cul de sac?

This episode we continue our round-up of all the latest news and interviews for No Time To Die since principal photography wrapped, digging in to some of the more contentious issues that have popped up in recent weeks. Along the way, we discuss an MIA composer, underscored scenes, Kitty Galore, bad dubbing options, a BMW switcheroo, retirement planning, Bill's Sisyphean task, and whether the attempts to appease sections of the audience may end up leaving everyone unsatisfied.

The recording took place on November 15th in the UK, USA, and Spain. 

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

John Clark (AKA HaphazardStuff) runs the aptly named haphazardstuff.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

What's been happening since No Time To Die wrapped photography? 

This episode we round up all the latest news and interviews for No Time To Die since principal photography wrapped, and welcome newcomer John Clark (AKA HaphazardStuff) to the panel. Along the way we discuss Daniel Craig's insistence that he's happy to be James Bond, a throwaway joke that enraged some fans, an emerging publicity campaign, keeping SPECTRE in the desk drawer, missing Greene, a not-so-big budget, and sketchy Italian truck drivers. 

The recording took place on November 15th in the UK, USA, and Spain. 

James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

John Clark (AKA HaphazardStuff) runs the aptly named haphazardstuff.com

Calvin Dyson Reviews Bond channel can be enjoyed at youtube.com/calvindyson

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

In this mission debrief for NO TIME TO DIE, we identify the iconic elements we would use to describe it as "the one with", shake the Bond cocktail and pick this film's most potent ingredients, toot the horn for underappreciated elements, round up our favourite trivia tidbits, and give our final top/middle/bottom rankings. 

James Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. But when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA asks for help, he finds himself facing off against a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

The recording took place on September 28th, 2022 in the USA and Australia.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Ben Eslinger (@CICSpypod) is co-host of the Central Intelligence Podcast 

Natalie Bochenski (@girlclumsy) is a writer, performer, and producer from Brisbane known for her Raven On series 

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential 

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2022

How much Bond continuity is successful? How much is necessary?

This episode we consider the problem of continuity in a 57 year-old film franchise. We speculate why the Daniel Craig era leaned so heavily on connections to the past and wonder what could have happened to poor Sylvia Trench. Along the way we stumble on abandoned continuity opportunities, James Bond in a retirement village, alternate universes in the franchise, possible timeline strategies after Craig, David’s plan to drop Waltz’s Blofeld down a chimney stack, our hopes and wishes for No Time To Die, Cary’s Instagram account, Mathis’ AirB&B, what a Danny Boyle Bond could have looked like, and a composer compromise all culminating in a rare track from Sir Roger to play us out.

The recording took place on November 1st in the USA, Spain, and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Phil Nobile Jr is Editor-in-Chief of Fangoria magazine, former Bond correspondent for Birth.Movies.Death

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How did the character of Moneypenny evolve from page to screen?

In light of the news that Naomie Harris has suggested an independent Moneypenny adventure, we delve into the character of M’s long-serving secretary and the other women of the MI6 offices – both in Fleming’s work and the film adaptations. We discuss the way the characters of Loelia Ponsonby, Mary Goodnight, and Miss Moneypenny merged to form the screen incarnation of the latter and Fleming’s grappling with the reception and characterisation of women in the workplace. Along the way we wonder where the other 00s have gone, stumble into Moneypenny’s wardrobe, and upon Desmond Llewelyn’s fridge, muse on Moneypenny’s missed opportunities, Rami Malek’s least-likely character name in No Time To Die, our Netflix spin-off that will never get made, catch up with Honey Ryder and her journey through the encyclopaedia, and return to the topics of unsurprising surprise castings, the attitudes of filmmakers and treating audiences with respect.

The recording took place on October 25th in the USA, Spain, and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Lisa Funnell (@CinemaOnFire) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

It is one of the world's largest collection of James Bond posters, and it's about to go under the hammer at auction on November 5th. Who better to chat about it than the man himself, Adam Carter-Jones, and the poster consultant for the auction Mike Bloomfield. We discuss how the collection started, some of the rarest and oddball items in the 460+ lots, personal favourites, and how the poster collecting scene has changed in recent years. You can check out the collection online at PropStore.com

The recording took place on October 31st in the USA and UK.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Adam Carter-Jones is the founder of bondposters.com

Mike Bloomfield is the James Bond poster consultant for propstore.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

We asked 100 James Bond fans...

Taking a break from our usual discussion format, we play Family Feud (or Family Fortunes, depending on where you're from) with Universal Experts and Team Oddjob to see who can best guess the results of the top 100 answers from an MI6 survey of James Bond fans. Play along at home and see how many of the top answers you can guess. Who will walk off with the star prize?

The recording took place on October 18th in the USA and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com 

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Lisa Funnell (@CinemaOnFire) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How do the films most faithful to Fleming stack up against the best original adventures? 

The panel selects their favourite film from the franchise that is closest to the Ian Fleming source material and - conversely - picks out their best wholly original adventure and we see how the two shortlists compare against each other in a theoretical boxset battle. Along the way, we credit Connery for his commitment, deep dive into a wasted title, discover a bargain book shop, and relive a white knuckle drive that only a true Bond fan would endure. 

The recording took place on October 11th in the USA, UK, and Spain. 

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential 

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com 

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Does the scale of the villain's plot affect the quality of the adventure? 

We explore a hypothesis that the effectiveness of a James Bond film is related to the scale and stakes of the villain's plot. Along the way we discover a SPECTRE call centre, a firmware update to ATAC, MI6's station in Singapore doing overtime, Judi Dench's air miles, Bolivian oil changes, and why not just leave Scaramanga alone. 

The recording took place on September 27th in the USA, UK, and Spain. 

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential 

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com 

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Which two pictures make the best double feature?

We explore the history of Bond double bills before pitching our ultimate double features to screen in our imaginary picture house. Our selections are designed to showcase some interesting tone, thematic or other connection amongst the 24 official films to date. Along the way we discover Frankenstein Moore, the odd pairing of non-Bond and Bond films, Pussy Galore's missing bikini, UA's selective amnesia, the dearth of faithful Fleming adaptations in the Moore era, retro Daniel Craig, hidden Fleming material in Licence to Kill, Della's consolation prize, reboots, murky chronology, and a series within series.

The recording took place on September 22nd in the USA, UK, and New Zealand.

Paul Atkinson is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Edward Biddulph is the author of 'Licence to Cook: Recipes Inspired by Ian Fleming's James Bond', and writes James Bond Memes

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How is America treated in the James Bond series?

We kick off this week talking about the use of American locations in the James Bond novels and films, and quickly get detoured in to a deeper discussion about how the lense of Bond bends the relationship between the UK and the US through distortions and battles of power, culture, and sex. Along the way, we stumble upon rogue palm trees, 2 am commutes to Fort Knox, Welsh paddy fields, and banishing 007 from LA.

The recording took place on August 29th, 2019 in the USA.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Lisa Funnell (@CinemaOnFire) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Who should cover a Bond song?

We draft in new artists to perform cues for an imaginary 'Shaken And Stirred' album for the 2010s. With only our regular panelists' suspect musical taste and Q The Music's Warren Ringham to guide us, we make the case for some of our favourite performers to have a crack at a Bond song. Along the way Ben and David snipe each others' picks, and we stumble on Burt Bacharach's suspect vocal stylings, Sam Smith's falsetto, title songs as marketing, Dennis Waterman and his theme tune complex, creepy Goldfinger, Ringo's lost Bond theme, getting music recommendations from a computer, a musical theatre dark past, Queen's stealth hits, live podcast research, Wolverine on vocals, and the YouTube cover artist market.

The recording took place on August 16th, 2019 in the UK, USA and Spain.

Paul Atkinson is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Warren Ringham is the founder and manager of Q The Music

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.co

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Why do the origins of characters have to be explained?

In part two of our recording with Joseph Darlington, Head of Section at Being James Bond, we cover some recent 007 news not related to Bond 25 and answer questions from listeners using the hashtag #askbond. Along the way, we stumble across the return of a non-biodegradable nemesis, strange audiences, speedy run-times, rogue audio effects, fake-out flops, clipboard wielding girls, life's loose threads, and bouncing pearls. Thanks to @SeekOutWisdom, @MediumAtomic, and @Stingray_travel for the questions.

The recording took place on August 23rd, 2019 in the USA and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

A couple of weeks ago, we were kindly invited by Ian Fleming Publications and Harper Collins to interview author Kim Sherwood on stage at the London book launch of 'Double Or Nothing.' Shortly before we went in front of the specially invited audience, we recorded this exclusive interview with Kim about her life with James Bond, how she landed the gig, what her approach to penning an expansion to the Double-O section was, and much, much more!

James Bond is missing…007 has been captured, perhaps even killed, by a sinister private military company. His whereabouts unknown. Meet the new generation of spies…Johanna Harwood, 003. Joseph Dryden, 004. Sid Bashir, 009. They represent the very best and brightest of MI6. Supremely skilled, ruthless, with a license to kill, they will do anything to protect their country. The fate of the world rests in their hands…Tech billionaire Sir Bertram Paradise claims he can reverse the climate crisis and save the planet. But can he really? The new spies must uncover the truth, because the future of humanity hangs in the balance. Time is running out.

Event report: https://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/event-literary-double-or-nothing-launch

The recording took place on August 31st, 2022 in the UK.

Kim Sherwood is a novelist and a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh. Her award-winning debut novel Testament was released in 2018, and in 2019, Kim was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award. Double or Nothing is the first in a trilogy of Double O novels expanding the James Bond universe.

Vipul Patel is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2022

What's in a name? 

We welcome Joseph Darlington, Head of Section at Being James Bond, to the panel as we discuss the Bond 25 title drop 'No Time To Die.' Announced without much fanfare on an otherwise quiet Tuesday, we discuss how the new title fits in with the series. We also reveal the first news about the teaser trailer and what we can expect to see soon! Along the way we stumble across old fonts, Spectre's tiramisu, uncanny valley DB5s, dodgy timelines, and Mr White's diet.

The recording took place on August 23rd, 2019 in the USA and Spain.

James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Joseph Darlington is Head of Section at beingjamesbond.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How much money does a Bond film really cost to make?

With the news that one of Bond 25's distribution partners Annapurna is having some money troubles, we dive deep into the murky waters of the business of the movies, how much films really cost, and who pays for them. Ajay shares his professional expertise on film financing and Bill recounts the history of United Artists at the start of the Bond series. Along the way we stumble on Telly Savalas' hair, Cleopatra's expense account, Q-Branch pet food, Hai Fat's inspiration, Ian Fleming's animal rights, the James Bond goat, and the faded glory of a Wimpy hamburger.

The recording took place on August 9th, 2019 in the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Spain.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Ajay Chowdhury (co-author with Matthew Field) of Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How have Bond’s key allies translated from page to screen?

Observing the passing of David Hedison - two time Felix Leiter - we note how he became the first man to return to the role some 10 years later with the long-serving ally’s pivotal role in ‘Licence to Kill’. We continue by discussing Leiter and Bond’s relationship and how the re-casting has lead to some inconsistent characterisation. Along the way, we stumble on Leiter’s drinking habits, Felix’s faux pas, his Kennedy impersonation, Jack Lord’s moisturiser, Felicia Leiter, big livers, the martini olive scam, an ill-fated fishing trip, Le Chiffre’s undead exit, rewrites whilst boozing, and the Leiterverse.

The recording took place on July 26th, 2019 in the USA, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal.

Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential

Marcos Kontze is creator and editor of jamesbondbrasil.com

David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com

Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com

Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential

This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019

Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man