If you are old enough to remember, on this date fifty years ago, the motion picture, "Dr. No," premi�red at your local bijou. For those that don't remember, "Dr. No" was the first James Bond movie.
There has been twenty-two authorized and two un-authorized films to date. One film, Skyfall, is set to be released this Christmas.
In Dr. No, Sean Connery was Bond and Joseph Wiseman was the title character villain.
In all, six actors have portrayed James Bond. Connery played the role from 1962 to 1967, in five films. He also returned in 1967 in "Diamonds Are Forever." George Lazenby starred in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Roger Moore was next and he played in seven movies from 1973 to 1985. Next, Timothy Dalton played in two from 1987-1989. Followed by Pierce Brosnan from 1995-2002 in three. Finally, Daniel Craig since 2006 and three films.
When talking about James Bond, conversation eventually turns to the "Bond girls." In the twenty-two authorized versions, there have been eighty-five of these beauties who have succumbed to 007's advances.
One, Maud A****s, has appeared in two movies, "Octopussy," and "The Man With The Golden Gun."
As for the recurring characters, eight actors have played Felix Leiter.
Three actors have played "M." Bernard Lee in the first fourteen films ending because of his death after "Moonraker." Robert Brown in four films and ****e Julia Dench in the last seven.
The character of "Q" was played by Peter Burton in the first movie. Then for the next seventeen movies, with the exception of "Liver And Let Die," he was played by Desmond Llewelyn. John Gleese in one and Ben Whishaw in the one due this Christmas.
Miss Moneypenny has been played by three. Lois Maxwell in fourteen, Caroline Bliss in three, and Samantha Bond in four. There has not been a Moneypenny in the last three movies.
So, tonight, sit back, pop in your favorite 007 in the DVD, pop some corn and fix yourself a Martini and enjoy!! And remember, shaken, not stirred.
