It’s night time in Prague, Czech Republic. An unidentified black car pulls up to a nondescript building, and a man steps out. He checks his surroundings, and finding the coast clear, takes the elevator to the 5th floor. He briskly walks down the hall and steps into an office, clearly knowing where he wants to go. Suddenly, he stops short; he senses someone else in the room with him – someone dangerous. A voice speaks up. “M really doesn’t mind you earning a little money on the side, Dryden, but he’d just prefer it if it wasn’t selling secrets.” Dryden’s suspicions are proven true. Bond. James Bond.
Ian Fleming’s series about the British agent, 007, is a timeless classic that will never get old. Although many people believe the newer movies bring shame upon the legacy that is Bond, I myself continue to enjoy watching Bond, be it Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig, kick major ass.
The history of the Bond character is a long and winding one, but full of fascinating insights on the actors, the characters, the movie industry, and Ian Fleming himself. For example, while Sean Connery is famous for having played the first Bond, he was in fact the second Bond. The first James Bond was actually an Americanized version of the character, named Jimmy Bond, played by Barry Nelson on a television show based on Casino Royale, in the 1950’s.1 And while many consider Connery the best Bond, he was not Fleming’s choice. Fortunately for Connery, the Scottish born actor hit the part of the gentleman spy right on the target. After filming seven Bond movies, in which there were over 80 kills by Bond, 6 women seduced, and 5 martinis sipped upon, Connery stepped down and gave the role over to George Lazenby, who was successfully – yet with no specific notability – play Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The next Bond – rumored to have been Fleming’s favorite – was Roger Moore, who in this role for seven movies (he could not have done eight, for then he would have outdone The Sean Connery), made 77 kills. Notably, Roger Moore brought the character of Bond to its roots, smoking cigars instead of cigarettes, drinking Bourbon instead of Martinis, and being the first (and one of only two) British actors to play the British agent. Next up was Timothy Dalton, who, although he only stayed for two movies, made significant strides in enhancing the depth of Bond’s character. Focusing less on the macho of Bond, and more on his growth throughout each film, Dalton added layers of emotion to the British spy. The most recent two Bonds, of course, are Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. While Brosnan brought back Bond from his 6 year hiatus, many fans feel he was unable to fill the character’s huge shoes. These fans are also unsatisfied with Craig’s performances. Though Craig’s Bond is as masculine as the books portrayed, there is still something missing.
Perhaps the 007 Series has passed its heyday and is no longer relevant. Thus, public will never be satisfied with Bond again. Like I said though, I have no qualms with any Bond, as I enjoy the stories too much to allow bad acting or too many effects to ruin them for me.
After studying the Bond movies and books this past week – torrential downpours have kept me indoors – I was thrilled to find this special on 898 Short Royale, which includes an exact replica of the Bond attaché case. The cigar-carrier briefcase is truly the best re-make I’ve seen of the bond replica – and trust me, I’ve seen my share of misses – with all silver and chrome polishing, and a spring-loaded latch to boot.
And if this priceless piece of Bond memorabilia wasn’t enough – the inside contents of it are highly marketable products themselves. Packaged inside the briefcase in the grey soft inlay foam, are a double guillotine cigar cutter and a Hygrometer-Humidifier set, along with premium cigars. To think this all comes free with a box of 898 Short Royale; Needless to say, I spared not one minute to add this to my collection of Bond fanaticism.
The 898 Short Royale, of course, is a pies de resistance all on its own. The latest from the Matasa, Dominican Republic factory, this artfully delicious smoke is full of mouth-watering tastes; with smooth and creamy notes of chocolate and almonds, the mild- to medium bodied smoke is a relaxing companion to Bond’s action-packed stunts. Creatively packaged in a small, husky 4”X55, the cigar is truly a work of craftsmanship.
* Casino Royale was later spoofed, with David Niven – one of the first actors that auditioned for Bond – playing Jimmy
October 21st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
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