The Lost Treasuers
The unfinished and rumoured projects

Sir Roger Moore has made quite a lot of films and TV series over the last fifty years. Starting as an extra in 1945 he became a world famous actor twenty years later. He had also played in a few theatre plays in his early days and in 2002 he succesfully returned to theatres in London and New York in about thirty appearances in The Play What I Wrote. But despite all this, Roger was close to doing a few more films and stage productions. Here's the list of films and theatre projects which Roger has almost done or at least was rumoured to be taking part in. Note that the list is not complete! We don't know what further research will bring.

Genevieve (2005)
In Feb 2005 The Times Online announced breaking news: "Sir Roger Moore is to return to the big screen with his first leading role in a feature film for 13 years. The master of eyebrow semaphore has agreed in principle to star in a sequel to Genevieve, the classic 1953 comedy starring Kenneth More and Kay Kendall. Sir Roger, 77, will play Lord Broadhurst, who takes part in the London to Brighton vintage car run. Susan Hampshire, of Monarch of the Glen, has been tentatively lined up as his wife." The news also included a short comment from Beau Dare, the film's screenwriter - "Funding is in its final stages". However, although the information sounded very reliable at the time, it was the last time we heard about this project.

The Magic Snowman II (2005-2006)
In Jan 2005 it was announced that a sequel to the 1987's "The Magic Snowman" will be filmed next year in Vermont by High Angle Media, a subsidiary of Prime Rate Investors. The news was confirmed by the film's producer, Pavlina Proevska, and also an information about the film at IMDb.com was posted soon after. The character of the Magic Snowman was again to be voiced by Sir Roger Moore, with principal production taking place in Vermont and Slovenia in the winter of 2005-06. The production budget for the US portion of the sequel's production was set fot $1.6 million. The film was to be shot in high definition video format and would also benefit UNICEF. Apart from Moore the confirmed cast included Vanessa Redgrave as Guella, the Wind. A year later, in Jan 2006 it was announced that the filming had been postponed and the principal photography will start no sooner than in Winter 2006/2007. That's the last we heard of it. Nevertheless, it seems that there's still hope for the project to be realised.

The Sangraal (2005-2006)
In mid 2005 Gulfnews.com reported that Roger Moore, Robert Downey Jr and John Rhys Davies were to star in a $50 million adventure movie to be filmed in Abu Dhabi and Budapest. The film, an archaeological thriller, was to be the first film from Nickelson Entertainment Group (NEG), which had major plans to create a film studio in the UAE. The producers also hoped to recruit an actress from this region to play a major role. Downey Jr was to play the film's lead character Stone, an Abu Dhabi-based archaeologist who "unwittingly ends up solving one of the world's greatest mysteries", while Roger Moore was to play Murdoch Macarthur, the head of an ancient organisation. "The Sangraal" was set to be filmed from Dec 2005 to Feb 2006 with a premiere in the Summer of 2006. Since the beginning there were many hesitations and doubts about whether the information is true or false. In 2007 Roger Moore denied he has ever been connected with the project. As the film hasn't been made it seems it must have been just a hoax to boost interest in the UAE.

Victor (2003-2004)
In August 2003 breaking news appeared on the internet saying that Roger Moore was joining cast of the upcoming movie "Victor" (in the role of Captain Walton), based on a play written by Alistair Faulkner. The plot of the (yet to be made) film evolves around the least featured part of Mary Shelley's book - Dr. Frankenstein's stay at the Norsay island. The premiere of the movie, directed by Scott Mabutt, was originally set for October 31, 2003 but due to temporary problems with the finances the production had to be postponed (in Dec 2003) and the release date was changed for October 31, 2005. In the meantime we were informed that Sir Roger might also co-produce the movie, which now seems to have been not true. The final of the story came in Jan 2005 when Moore himself announced that he won't be appearing in "Victor".

Semper Occultus (2003-2004)
In June 2003 Z Review informed that there have been movements on the development of "Semper Occultus" - the film based around the workings of British intelligence agency MI6. At that time Roger Moore was said to have been under consideration for the role of "C" - the head of MI6. The next information arrived on 4th October 2003 via MI6 - The Head Of James Bond site and it said: Sir Roger Moore will be receiving the screenplay next week. Writer/Producer Ben Trebilcook and Director Michael Hurst told MI6 they sought the Bond legend as the perfect fit for the "C" role - the MI6 Director General - "once an agent, now he controls them". Finally, in July 2004, the mysterious case of "Semper Occultus" was solved. It was now confirmed that Sir Roger has definitely turned the part down. Ben Trebilcook said: "[We] had previously been in talks with Roger Moore's representatives to portray the character "C". [However] Representatives stated the role wasn't to Roger's liking".

Absolutely Fabulous & Pie In The Sky (2003)
Soon after Sir Roger had received knighthood, it was announced that he would appear in one of the episodes of the then filmed, fifth series of "Absolutely Fabulous", popular BBC sitcom starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. However, it seems that the collaboration didn't come to fruition due to unknown reasons as he's not featured in any list of the guest performers of the series in that season.
Around the same time, an information surfaced that Sir Roger will be guesting in an episode of "Pie In The Sky" (entitled "Knicker, Knicker, Knicker"), another BBC comedy series starring Richard Griffith. The strange thing is that 1) the series was being aired between 1994 and 1997 only and 2) the source (now simply impossible to find) comprised detailed information about the episode. The impressive guest list included: Terry Wogan (TV Presenter), Rowan Atkinson (Burglar 1), Jennifer Ellison (Burglar 2), Sean Connery (Elderly Man Simon Jones), Roger Moore (Double-Glazing Salesman), Anastacia (Thief's Assistant), Sandra Bernhard (Shop Owner) and Hugh Laurie (Knicker Thief). The information also included air date: 31 October 2003.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
In May 2002 a suggested cast for the upcoming Sean Connery picture was announced. Many sources said that Roger Moore was a very serious candidate to the role of Campion Bond, an ancestor of a famous agent 007. Unfortunately it all seemed to be only a big marketing hype and chances of seeing Sir Roger and Sir Sean in one picture fell very fast. Plus, the Campion Bond character eventually didn't appear in the movie.

Skinning The Cat (2001)
In mid 2001 John Glen, director of three 007 pictures starring Moore, stated that Roger is in a good enough shape to handle a starring role in a comedy which he would like to direct. Skinning The Cat, a story about an eldery burglar, was to be filmed in Canada. It's said that there is still a chance that the movie could be made in future. It's all a matter of securing the finances.

The Parole Officer (2001)
Hollywood.com once reported that Roger Moore was to appear in a cameo role in this classic British comedy starring Steve Coogan (also born on Oct 14, and obviously a Roger Moore fanatic!) and directed by John Duigan. Although we haven't seen the film we contacted a few people who have, and they all agree that Roger isn't in the movie. However, if you spot Roger in that film, please let us know!

The Red Phone (2001)
A German action TV movie about AT 2000 team fighting against world's terrorism. Directed by Jerry Jameson and starring Michael Wincott, Arnold Vosloo, Ben Cross, Michael Ironside and Joe Penny. Roger Moore had been credited at IMDb.com for some time before the production started. His name was eventually deleted some time later. He could have been approached by the producers but probably refused to play in the picture for some reasons. He had been originally set to star in The Red Phone back in 1996 (see below).

The Chemical Wedding (1999-2002)
This project hasn't yet taken off but might do in the future. It was conceived as a brainchild of an Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, who also wrote a few sc-fi novels. Few years ago he co-wrote a screenplay for a movie called "The Chemical Wedding", which was to be Terry Jones' (of Monty Python) new company Messiah Pictures' first production. As a matter of fact Dickinson recorded a solo album in 1998 with the same title, which is a kind of a music adaptation of the story the film is supposed to be about. It is to be directed by Julien Doyle, who also co-wrote the script and had already worked with Dickinson as a director of some of his music videos in late 90s. The planned budget of the movie is Ł3.5 million. Roger Daltrey and Malcolm McDowell were said to be heading the cast. Roger Moore was also rumoured to appear in the film, playing some kind of a dark character. However, we suspect that he has actually never been asked to appear in the film.

The Red Phone (1996)
In August 1996 The Globe reported that Roger Moore was set to sign a $6 million deal to do 4 TV movies. The deal called for Moore to star as the head of a Mission: Impossible-type team that battles terrorists around the world in 4 two-hour movies called The Red Phone. The films were to to gived Moore $1 million up front and another $5 million from the revenues. The project must have been somehow abandoned because of unknown reasons. Here are some more bits from The Globe article: "Industry experts predict the flicks will be a big hit in the light of the deadly TWA Flight 800 tragedy and the terrorist bombing at the Atlanta Olympics. These films will air as television movies in the US, but will be released as feature films in Europe, a source explains. In addition to his hefty salary, Roger will share a percentage of earnings from the theater releases and video sales."

Love Letters (1996)
While guesting on the "Clive Anderson Talk" in 1996 Roger Moore mentioned that he was to return to theatre with the new rendition of A.R. Gurney's "Love Letters" co-starring old friend of his, Joan Collins. Due to unknown reasons the project never came to fruition.

Vendetta (c. 1993)
In 1993 a TV movie called "Barbarians at the Gate" was made. It starred James Garner and was based on a book by Bryan Burrough. The film turned out a critical and artistic success. James Garner won Golden Globe for his performance and the the film received Emmy award. Burrough also wrote a book called "Vendetta" about American Express, and apparently there was some consideration making a movie of this book with Roger Moore playing a lead role - the chairman of American Express. However, the project never materialized.

The Saint (c. 1991)
The BFI website recalls the unrealised US version of "The Saint" that was to be directed by Renny Harlin. The film was to be produced by Paramount Pictures so it seems that the 1997 version starring Val Kilmer and directed by Philip Noyce is the eventual version of it. It's a pity the film didn't come to fruition as Roger Moore's co-star was to be Kenneth Branagh and the screenplay was to be penned by David Mamet.

Aspects Of Love (1989, theatre)
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn cast Roger Moore in their new West End musical after they saw him singing in The Dame Edna Christmas Experience in Dec 1987. He was to play a man who goes from sixty years of age to over eighty. "I know they [Webber and Nunn] went off and saw other sixty-year-old actors, but Sean didn't want to do it, and there I was", Moore joked. However, having completed rehearsals, only four weeks before the premiere, Roger bowed out despite a massive regret from both, Webber and the audiences.

The Equalizer (1987, TV)
In 1987, when The Equalizer star Edward Woodward wasn't able to appear in the next two episodes of the series due to health problems. Roger Moore was one of the choices (or maybe even the first and only choice) to stand in for the two episodes as McCall's old friend Richard Dyson who came to look for his lost buddy. Again because of unknown reasons Roger Moore didn't appear in the episodes. Robert Mitchum eventually took the part. Mission: McCall (Parts 1 and 2) were originally aired on Oct 28, 1987 and Nov 4, 1987 on CBS. If Roger Moore played in the episodes, the producers could use scenes from The Saint segment The Persistent Patriots (1967), in which Edward Woodward appeared as a gust star. That would work perfectly with the plot making it more believeable.

Gunga Din (1986/1987)
In the July 1985 issue of the Starlog magazine Roger Moore mentioned a few upcoming projects: "I'm talking about doing two pictures next, one this spring and one in the fall, but I can't talk about them yet. There is a script in the works for Sean [Connery], Michael Caine and me, and someone else has another one for Sean and me. There's even another for Michael and myself." The latter had to be Gunga Din, based on Rudyard Kipling's adventure of British soldiers and their dashing deeds during the native uprisings in 19th-century India. Movie mogul Menahem Golan had planned an epic adaptation featuring Caine and Moore, in hopes of recapturing the magic that young Cary Grant and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. brought to the classic 1939 version. Not surprisingly, Golan's remake never took flight. Roger Moore himself explained why in typically self-deprecating fashion: "We're older than any dead field marshal, let alone a live one. How can we play corporals in the Indian Army?". Caine and Moore eventually made it in Bullseye! (1990).

The Rewrite Man (1985/1986)
In the July 1985 issue of the Starlog magazine Roger Moore was asked about his next film, which was going to be a movie version of a Bryan Forbes' novel The Rewrite Man. "I don't know what will happen with that. His book is about film business and they mentioned me playing the actor in it. The real lead is a Sammy Glick-like press agent." Nothing else is known about the film. As far as we're concerned the project had to be abandoned.

Cannonball Run II (1984)
After huge success of "The Cannonball Run" in 1981 the producers were quick to begin work on the sequel. Roger Moore was naturally asked to reprise the role of Seymour Goldfarb, Jr. which turned out to be one of the highlights of the original movie. However, the actor didn't feel it would make sense as the comic of the character was presented well enough. And thus he refused to appear in "Cannonball Run II". Well, they at least got Richard Kiel instead for the film.


Escape to Victory (1981)
In one of the recent [March 2005] interviews, when asked about the films he has turned down, Sir Roger mentioned the 1981 John Huston movie starring (eventually) Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone. Moore said: One film I thought about twice was "Escape to Victory". The thing is, I can't run and to be on a field of professional football players and look convincing was something I had terrible apprehensions about. I then thought: "Im an actor, I can do anything"... but then thought, "No Rog, steady on!". I almost believed myself for a moment.

Taipan (1970s/1980s)
According to George MacDonald Fraser's autobiography both Sean Connery and Roger Moore were in the running for the lead in an adaptation of "Taipan" that never happened. The script was to be written by Fraser. The later production was a different one.

Getting Rid Of Mr. Straker (1972/1973)
One of Roger Moore's most beloved projects. In the summer of 1971 Moore had been made a director of George Barrie's Fabergé csometic empire. He became European managing director of Brut Productions, a Fabergé offshoot, and his job was to overlord its schedule which entailed both distribution of series like The Protectors for the American market and production of feature films. Moore helped to nurse two movies into production: Night Watch with Elizabeth Taylor and A Touch of Class with George Segal and Glenda Jackson. The next project was to be Getting Rid Of Mr. Straker. Moore was looking forward to playing a foolish private detective who wanted to join MI5 but could not shoot straight, suffered from a fear of heights, etc. Moore felt it was an ideal material for him. Melvin Frank wrote the script and was ready to direct the film. A strong cast was also assembled: Lee Remick as co-star (one of Moore's fav actresses), Terry-Thomas, David Hedison and, last but definitely not least, Orson Welles! Nevertheless, when Moore agreed to become a new James Bond, further making of the film had to be stopped. Noted after Paul Donovan's biography of Roger Moore

Casino Royale (1964)
An interesting note appeared in the Daily Mirror issue from June 27, 1964. THE TV SAINT GETS BOND FILM OFFER. Roger Moore, 36-year-old star of The Saint television series, is to be asked to play James Bond. The film, based on Ian Fleming's book Casino Royale, would be a rival to the Harry Saltzman-Cubby Broccoli productions in which 007 is played by Sean Connery. It could be either, a nice press joke or it a true information. If it was true, it could concern the later Casino Royale Bond-spoof starring David Niven, Peter Sellers and Orson Welles. Wonder which of the Bonds in the film Roper Moore was to play then?

Percy Shelley (1961)
A cutting from the Evening Standard from July 24, 1961. (...) having given up TV and taken on the status of an independent actor, he [Roger Moore] is anxious to do more serious things. He is proposing to appear in a film of the life of the poet Shelley. And that's it. Nothing more is known except this highly controversial and interesting quote. Nevertheless, Sir Roger could do a great Shelley back then.

The Swan (1956)
"I'd known Louis [Jourdan] since my MGM days. We were old mates. In fact we were both up for a part in "The Swan", opposite Grace Kelly. Louis got that part."

They Were Not Divided (1951)
Roger Moore applied for a job in one of the early Terence Young films. Roy Moseley writes in his biography of the actor: "In 1951 Roger Moore heard that Terence Young is going to direct a film about Guards Armoured Division, which he had also written, to be called They Were Not Divided. Terence Young remebers, The part we wanted him for was that which was eventually played by Edward Underdown, who was nineteen years older than Roger. He was meant to be the father of two children of about twelve. Brian Desmond Hurst was still pushing Roger and advising him on which role to try for. But Terence Young, despite his friendship with Hurst, could not see Roger in the role, and said, No, he's too good-looking and much too young for the part.

The Blue Lagoon (1949)
A 21-year old Roger Moore did a screen test for this widely popular adaptation of a Henry De Vere Stacpoole novel directed by Frank Laudner. Here's an excerpt from the Roy Moseley biography of Roger Moore: "On leave again in England, five months before his demob [at the end of 1948], he heard of the much-publicised search for the male lead in the planned film version of The Blue Lagoon, about a young boy and girl shipwrecked on a desert island. Roger went to Pinewood Studios and was tested for the part of the young man, but his lack of experience let him down and the part, co-starring with a young Jean Simmons, went to Donald Houston, who was deemed to be more experienced for the role."

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