2008 NEWS ARCHIVE
December 30
Sir Roger Moore joins campaign to save Northcott theatre. ThisIsExceter.co.uk reports that the campaign to save the Exeter Northcott theatre from closure dominated the pages of the Echo during the first few weeks of this year. Weeks of extensive campaigning paid off when the Arts Council decided not to withdraw essential funding - but only if urgent improvements were made to the theatre's programme and community work. The Arts Council's South West boss Nick Capaldi admitted he had been surprised by the strong reaction to his December 2007 announcement of a possible funding cut, just after the Northcott reopened following a £2.1m refit. Almost 30,000 people signed petitions condemning the decision and it was criticised by a host of the country's best actors including Sir Roger Moore and Sir Ian McKellen. Read entire article.
December 20
Special Christmas appearances. During his visit in Oslo, Sir Roger Moore took part in an event held in local church, in which he read the Christmas gospel. The event was sold out with 800 people in attendance. Watch the recording. In addition on 21 December Sir Roger Moore was the 'guest editor' on BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House programme.December 17
Roger Moore - A Matter of Class on DVD. Janson Media has announced the DVD release of of the most popular documentary about Sir Roger Moore called A Matter of Class. It was produced and directed by Suzette Winter and Gene Feldman and originally premiered in Nov 1995 on A&E. The show features extra nearly 40 minutes of footage and includes the recollections of colleagues and friends like Gregory Peck, Michael Caine, Tony Curtis, Carroll Baker, Maud Adams, director Lewis Gilbert, and producers Michael G. Wilson, David Niven, Jr., and Roger's son, Geoffrey. The DVD will be available from January 2, 2009 and can now be pre-ordered from Janson Media. There have been several TV specials documenting the life and career of Sir Roger Moore. CLICK HERE to read about the shows.
December 3
Hollywood bosses plan film of Moore's life. IMDb reports that Sir Roger Moore's memoirs are set to be turned into a Hollywood biopic - with Johnny Depp slated to play the part of the James Bond actor. Two top U.S. production companies are rumoured to be battling for the screen rights to the book - My Word is My Bond - which was released in October. The autobiography details Moore's exploits with legendary Tinseltown co-stars including Elizabeth Taylor, Lana Turner, and David Niven in the 1950s and 60s. The thrilling tales have caught the imagination of movie bosses - with two leading Hollywood studios said to be in talks with Moore's literary agents to secure the rights to the book. And a source close to Moore has confirmed that producers are keen to sign up an A-list star to play Moore - with Johnny Depp hotly tipped to take the role. The source tells WENN, "The two production companies' interest in Sir Roger was heightened after they read the tales of his Hollywood exploits. They are keen to centre on that era ahead of his 007 days. They believe filmgoers will lap this one up and it could be a huge hit. The whole project is shrouded in secrecy but Sir Roger has been telling friends, with a knowingly raised eyebrow, that he's a great admirer of Johnny Depp."
November 29
Interview in Empire magazine. The December issue of the Empire magazine features a 6-page interview with Sir Roger Moore (although it's not announced on the cover). To purchase the magazine visit the official Empire magazine website.November 22
The Spy Who Loved Me reunion. The event, organised by Bondstars, took place on 19th October at Pinewood Studios and featured a host special guests - cast and crew involved in the making of the classic 1977 James Bond picture starring Sir Roger Moore as 007. Those who attended and shared their memories about the film included Richard Kiel, Caroline Munro, Valerie Leon, Shane Rimmer, Edward De Souza, Albert Moses, Paul Weston, Martin Grace, Alan Hume, Alec Mills, John Glen, Peter Lamont, Christopher Wood, Sir and Lady Kenneth Adams, June Randall, as well as Sir Roger Moore, who also took part in a special Q&A. The event also featured the creening of the remastered version of the film and ended with presenting Sir Roger with the Retro Award. To read full report and watch the photos visit Roger-Moore.com.Thanks to Marie-France Vienne
November 21
Bullseye! on DVD. One of the first appearances by Roger Moore after his retirement from the Bond franchise, Bullseye! (1990), a comedy co-starring Michael Caine and Sally Kirkland, and directed by Michael Winner, is now available on DVD for the first time. It was released in the UK in September by Optimum Home Entertainment. Sadly, the DVD doesn't include any bonus features, although it seems like an official release for the moment. Strangely enough, the film owes its existence to "Gunga Din", Rudyard Kipling's adventure of British soldiers and their dashing deeds during the native uprisings in 19th-century India, and it took quite a long to end up as Bullseye!. To find out more about the film CLICK HERE.
November 14
The Saint Steps In... To Television. Previously only available with the best-selling "Saint" and "Return of the Saint" DVD box sets, this series of highly acclaimed documentaries has now been revised and expanded with new interviews to form one feature-length documentary. "The Saint Steps In... To Television" is the definitive look at the series' production for Lew Grade's ITC company, as told by those involved in its creation. It covers the full story of how Simon Templar came to the small screen in the early 1960s, the series? evolution into colour and its revamping and reformatting to fit the shifting trends of a late 1970s audience. Featuring extensive contributions from Roger Moore, Ian Ogilvy, Robert S. Baker, Johnny Goodman, Patricia Charteris and many more, this two-hour documentary is the final word on Simon Templar's time at ITC. The DVD can be pre-ordered at Networkdvd.net.
November 13
James Bond too violent. "I am happy to have done it, but I'm sad that it has turned so violent," Moore said while commenting on the premiere of the latest 007 picture, "Quantum of Solace". "That's keeping up with the times, it's what cinema-goers seem to want and it's proved by the box office figures." Moore starred in seven Bond movies. But by the time of his seventh and last outing as 007, "A View To A Kill", the franchise had already become too violent for him. "That wasn't Bond," he said. Asked about his legacy - he starred in television series "The Saint" and "The Persuaders" in addition to Bond - Moore said: "I would love to be remembered as one of the greatest Lears or Hamlets. But, as that's not going to happen, I'm quite happy I did Bond." In addition there's a short interview with Sir Roger about the cars of James Bond. Read more.November 4
Two versions of Il ratto delle Sabine. C. Demetrius Morgan posted an interesting article at Mise-en-scene Crypt in which he traces various releases of the film on DVD and the two slightly different versions of it. Apparently, the film was simultaneously shot in two versions, one for the Italians, and one for the French. The Italian version is the one that was dubbed into English for international release in 1964 (as "Romulus and the Sabines"). The French version was presumably only seen by the French. The Italian version, the one that is widely known, is available on German DVD as "Der Raub der Sabinerinnen". It is 1.85:1 widescreen (cropped from 2.35:1) and German Language only, DVD running time 86 minutes. The French version is available as a "Kiosk" DVD (it was released as part of a Peplum collection that could only be bought in French newspaper kiosks). It is called "L' Enlevement des Sabines" and is 2.35:1 letterbox, French language only, DVD running time 90 minutes. Both films differ in the used takes as well as some of the supporting cast. Fortunately Roger Moore is in both of them and playing the same part. Read more about the strange case of "Il ratto delle Sabine" at Mise-en-scene Crypt.
October 30
Sir Roger Moore honoured in France. On Tuesday, 28th October, Sir Roger Moore was awarded the Order of Arts and Letters, one of France's highest honours, at a ceremony held at the French Cultural ministry in Paris. French Culture Minister Christine Albanel hailed the 81-year-old former star of the James Bond films as a "legend of the big and small screen". "France is happy and proud to honour a legendary actor with an immense heart," said Albanel. With his wife, Christina, at his side, Moore said at the Paris award ceremony that the Arts and Letters award to him was worth "more than an Oscar". The 81-year-old actor was in Paris to promote his memoirs, which have just been published. As well as his acting career, Moore has worked as a goodwill ambassador for the UN children's organisation UNICEF and received awards for his many years of charity work. In England, he received a CBE from the Queen in 1999 and he was knighted in 2003. Source: Mi6.co.uk
October 25
Gnomes and Trolls II. Sir Roger Moore has joined Peter Stormare on the voice cast of the international version of animated Swedish children movie "Gnomes and Trolls: The Forest Trial." Sir Roger Moore's voice will be recorded in London next week. The film is the sequel to "Gnomes and Trolls: The Secret Chamber," which opened this fall and has sold to 74 countries. The sequel, which is in post-production, has pre-sold to 65 countries. Both films are helmed by Robert Rhodin, who also produced with Carl Johan Merner for Stockholm-based production company White Shark. Watch this space for more details soon.Thanks to Marie-France Vienne
October 22
BBC taxi ride. BBC London has taken a taxi ride with Sir Roger Moore and asked him about growing up in London. Watch the film.October 17
Bed & Breakfast on DVD. Bridge Entertainment has released on DVD one of the rare post-Bond era Roger Moore films Bed & Breakfast, also starring Colleen Dewhurst (in her final role), Talia Shire and Nina Siemaszko. The film was shot in 1989 in Maine by Robert Ellis Miller and is considered as one of the best in Sir Roger's career. Although set for TV release only, it was found interesting enough to be screened in a limited number of theatres in the USA in 1992 and it's still one of the favourites of TV stations worldwide. The Bridge Entertainment DVD was released in the Netherlands (Region 2) in widescreen and features few extras - biographies, filmographies, photo gallery and original trailer.
October 14
Happy Birthday! Sir Roger Moore celebrates his 81st birthday in great style touring in support of the newly published autobiography, My Word is My Bond, an impressive and entertaining account of his career starting with the earliest memories from Stockwell, through his prime time as Simon Templar and James Bond, up until his tireless work for the UNICEF and the world's children. We wish you all the best, Sir Roger, for at least the next 81 years!
October 10
Story of James Bond - A Tribute to Ian Fleming. Sir Roger Moore joined Daniel Craig at the tribute gala at the London Palladium which marked the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth. The evening was hosted by Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry and included a sneak preview of the latest movie, plus a 60-piece orchestra performing Bond theme tunes.
October 8
PETA competition. As we have already informed in May, Sir Roger Moore has teamed up with PETA by narrating a video in which he points out that foie gras is a disease, not a delicacy. To watch the video and join Sir Roger Moore in this issue vistit the official PETA website. In addition PETA has a new competition in which you can win Sir Roger's autobiography My Word is My Bond. To find out more click here. Sir Roger Moore joined the PETA campaign few years ago. In June 2006 he was among a string of high-profile animal campaigners awarded for their active participation in the project. For more information view previous news.
October 4
Sir Roger Moore writes for "The Times". Bye bye to Ian Fleming's James Bond? - Sir Roger Moore shares his opinion on whether Bond should be written off or not in a very entertaining article for The Times.September 24
New interview for "The Telegraph". Sir Roger Moore has given his first major interview regarding the upcoming memoir in todays "Daily Telegraph". The interview is already available online and launches a whole raft of media and appearances planned in the forthcoming weeks in the UK. After finishing the UK tour, Sir Roger then departs for Paris, New York, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Norway and Denmark. In January 2009 he travels to Ireland followed in February by Israel and in May to Sweden and Finland with more TBC. Thanks to Gareth Owen
September 15
The Best of "The Saint" released in November. There are two new Saint publications coming up in November (new release date: 11 December), both released by Hodder, over 500 pages each. Volume 2 features an introduction by Sir Roger Moore. In addition watch out for two more Saintly releases: CD with the soundtrack from the 60s TV series and a special DVD about the television adaptations of the Leslie Charteris stories. Don't forget to visit: www.lesliecharteris.com for more details.
The Best of "The Saint", vol. 1
"I am the Saint - you may have heard of me. Just a twentieth-century privateer. In my small way I try to put right a few of the things that are wrong with this cock-eyed world" Simon Templar, aka the Saint. On the side of the law and yet outside it, the Saint, exciting, debonair and very slightly disreputable, lives for adventure. Here he is at his ebullient best, spreading terror among London's drug dealers, rescuing a lady crook from distress and much, much more. Introduced by Ken Follett, this sparkling collection of the very best of the earlier stories includes The Lawless Lady and The Elusive Ellshaw. Available thru Amazon.
The Best of "The Saint", vol. 2"Simon had about him that indefinable atmosphere of romance and adventurousness which is given to some favoured men in every age, and it attracted adventure as inevitably as a magnet attracts iron filings", Leslie Charteris. Exciting, debonair and ever so slightly disreputable, the Saint is ready to mete out justice in a way that only he can. These adventures take him all over the world, where, with that ever present twinkle in his eye, he flushes out swindlers, murderers and jewel thieves. He helps to solve an unusual murder in Paris, confounds a cunning crook in Bermuda and in Rome he is grabbed by the long arm of the Mafia at their peril! Sir Roger Moore, star of the Sixties TV series, introduces this collection of post-war stories, which include The Patient Playboy and The Sporting Chance. Available thru Amazon.
August 18 & 24
Sir Roger Moore filming in Nairobi. Sir Roger Moore is in Nairobi to shoot a primetime network television special documentary titled "Eye On Kenya" in association with Feed the Children that will look at the wonders of Kenya through the eyes of celebrities as they visit the country. Read more and see the pictures on Sir Roger's Official Website and watch CNN report.
In addition ITV has put up series one of "The Saint" on the web for all who live in the UK.
July 28
Classic Bond on Australia's Fox Classics. Australia's Fox Classics will air the first 16 James Bond films on basic cable for the first time anywhere in the world, after securing the TV rights in what it is billing as "a landmark deal." Fox Classics will launch its "Bond. Classic Bond" season on August 31, screening two Bond movies each Sunday night for eight weeks, running chronologically through the titles, from 1962's "Dr No" to 1989's "Licence To Kill". The channel will also air "Roger Moore: Classic Bond", an exclusive, one-off interview with the third actor to play the character, on September 28, to tie in with the season. Penny Win, group channel manager for W. and Fox Classics, said: "For Fox Classics to be the first basic cable channel in the world to air these 16 iconic Bond movies is a fabulous opportunity to fly the flag high. "We'll be rolling out the full campaign over the next six months, and for the first time Fox Classics is really embracing on-air interactive with these movies." Thanks to Marie-France Vienne
July 19
007 Stamps - First Edition Covers. Royal Mail is marking the centenary of the birth of Bond creator Ian Fleming with six stamps issued on 8 January and featuring different editions of six of his most famous novels. Buckingham Covers have released special limited edition first day covers featuring the stamps - and autographs by famous James Bond cast members. This action packed, underwater adventure cover is officially licensed by Fleming Publications. It is postmarked at St Margaret's-at-Cliff, Kent, where James Bond's creator, Ian Fleming lived. As well as the standard edition, a limited number of these first day covers have been signed by Richard Kiel (Jaws, "The Spy Who Loved Me", "Moonraker"), Patrick Macnee (Sir Godfrey Tibbett, "A View To A Kill") and James Bond himself, Sir Roger Moore. Read more at MI6.co.uk.
June 17 & July 15
The Saint update. The new Saint series TV pilot, currently filming in Detroit (NOTE! The filming has been dalayed until August), was represented at Cannes recently by Arsenal Pictures - who had a teaser artwork and the following synopsis to promote the upcoming TV show starring James Purefoy: "Simon Templar is part of a secret organization known as 'Knights of the Templar'. He's responsible for enforcing the group's code of ethics against the criminal underground of the world. Those familiar with 'Knights' know Simon Templar by one name: The Saint. His current assignment has him in Montenegro, rescuing captive children from being sold on the black market. When the operation is finished, Templar discovers that one of the children is missing. An orphan once himself, he vows to rescue the lost boy, no matter what the cost. Waiting for him in Paris is Patricia Holm, an intelligence specialist and Templar's lover. She has information that a crooked businessman named Carger is responsible for the children's abductions; however, the Knights learn that Carger is now into much bigger things. The Saint is ordered to find Carger and steal a treasured relic that, if made public, could ignite a spectacular holy war. When he discovers Carger has also been keeping the missing orphan as his own son, Templar must decide between his own personal convictions and his duties as The Saint." www.saint.org
June 10
James Bond on Blue-Ray. News that the James Bond library of movies is to be released on Blu-Ray should be of no surprise to fans or industry watchers alike. With Sony's grip on the two Daniel Craig films through their part-ownership of MGM, and the high-definition disc war well and truly over, it was only a matter of time before 007 popped up on Blu-Ray. A French movie site first landed a leak that a small selection of 007 outings would be making their way to Blu-Ray later this year to coincide with the theatrical debut of the new film "Quantum of Solace". Fox France confirmed the lineup for release on November 5th 2008: "Dr No" (1962), "From Russia With Love" (1963), "Thunderball" (1965), "Live And Let Die" (1973), "For Your Eyes Only" (1981) and "Die Another Day" (2002). Although the news via Fox France is only relevant to that country, it is expected that these Blu-Ray releases will cover the USA and Europe in or around the same time frame. Source: MI6.co.uk
June 6
Giving is Good. Sir Roger Moore hosts a new 2-part TV special "Giving is Good". The programme tells stories of individuals and corporations that have benefited from doing good. It was produced by the Associated Television International, who had previously worked with Sir Roger Moore on a number of occasions, most notably on "The Secret KGB Files". The 2-hr show was originally aired in the US in March and April. The film also launches a new charity mission "Giving is Good - Changing You, Changing the World", an initiative of Feed The Children. Click here to read more about the film and here to find out more about the charity mission.
May 27
At Danish Prince Joachim's wedding. Denmark's Prince Joachim married French-born Marie Cavallier on May 24 in a tradition-steeped ceremony in an ancient church. The second marriage for the second son of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark took place in the tiny village of Moegeltoender in southern Jutland, an enclave of just 895 people with one of Denmark's prettiest high streets. Several Scandinavian royals, along with Sir Roger Moore and Lady Moore, close friends of the Danish royal family, were among the 300 guests. Thanks to Marie-France Vienne
PHOTOS from Sir Roger's visit to Denmark can be viewed at GettyImages.com
May 18
Sir Roger Moore wages foie gras battle against Galen Weston for PETA. A former James Bond is taking aim at one of Canada's wealthiest entrepreneurs over a French delicacy largely enjoyed by well-heeled gourmands. Sir Roger Moore has fired off a letter and a video on behalf of PETA to Galen Weston, demanding he remove foie gras from the shelves of Selfridges, Weston's chain of London-based stores - reports the Canadian Press. "(Foie gras) is arguably one of the most cruelly produced food products in the world," Moore writes in his letter. "Until I hear from you, I will have no choice but to boycott Selfridges and shop elsewhere during my frequent trips to London." Weston's estimated worth is around $10 billion. The foie gras war has been heating up overseas. Its production is forbidden in the U.K., where Prince Charles banned it from royal menus last month. A number of British grocery chains have stopped selling the expensive treat. PETA contends that the production of foie gras involves cruelty towards geese and ducks. To make foie gras, the birds are force-fed a mixture of grain, maize and fat. The animal rights organization alleges their livers often become diseased and swell up to about 10 times their normal size and that the birds often cannot walk. PETA also says the pipes can sometimes puncture the birds' throats. But foie gras producers say the ducks and geese do not suffer during the feeding procedure. MI6
May 14
The Saint update. The new "Saint" TV series pilot, directed by Barry Levinson and produced by NEHST Studios, will start shooting in Detroit from May through June, with international scenes shot in Budapest. The Saint will be played by James Purefoy, recently starring in HBO's "Rome". The producers are looking for local talent for a variety of speaking roles. The casting process is happening right now. The shooting schedule is tight, so do not delay and visit: www.screentest.biz For additional information visit: Saint.org
May 11
The Spy Who Loved Me reunion in October. After the huge success of their "Goldfinger" event in April, BondStars have decided to celebrate another Bond classic and Sir Roger Moore's personal favourite - "The Spy Who Loved Me". The event will take place at Pinewood Studios, London, England on Sunday 19th October 2008. The event will include: members of the cast and crew in attendance, memorabilia stalls, the Pinewood Studios tour, buffet lunch, d digital screening of the film in Pinewood's state of the art screening theatre and a Q & A with the cast and crew. In the evening, BondStars are holding a special gala dinner in honour of their very special guest - Sir Roger Moore. The event is to tie in with the launch of his autobiography and also in support of UNICEF. This will be followed by an on stage interview where Sir Roger will recall stories and anecdotes from his incredible career. This will be BondStar's biggest event yet and they expect a high demand for tickets so they will be allocating tickets using a lottery system. If you would like to attend this event you must apply for tickets by 5:00pm GMT on the 7th June 2008. If you are successful with your ticket application you will be notified by email on the 15th June 2008. The ticket price will include both the daytime and evening event. The event is still in the early planning stages and at present they do not have a comfirmed ticket price. For more details and ticket application CLICK HERE. BondStars.com
May 7
The Art and Effects of Derek Meddings. "Special Effects Superman" is a tribute to Derek Meddings and his amazing career. The book will include over 400 "on set" photographs from the Meddings family collection and contributions from those who worked with Derek throughout his career, including a foreword by Sir Roger Moore. After his career in the film industry took flight with Gerry Anderson in 1957, Derek Meddings proceeded to head the effects team and design every major vehicle for the hit British television series, "Thunderbirds", "Captain Scarlet" and "UFO". When the Anderson studio closed in 1970, Derek moved into movies and headed the effects on over 20 motion pictures. His effects accolades include; six James Bond films from Roger Moore's "Live and Let Die" to Pierce Brosnan's "Goldeneye", "Batman", "Supergirl", "Santa Claus: The Movie" and "The Neverending Story". Derek Meddings also headed the miniature effects on the first two "Superman" films and won an Oscar for his achievements on "Superman: The Movie". The book will be out on the 1st October 2008. Pre-order the book.
April 15 & 28
Sir Roger's My Word is My Bond: A Memoir update. Release dates have been set for Sir Roger's memoirs in the UK and US. Due for release on 9 October in the UK (and 4 November in the US), the hardback book can currently be pre-ordered online at amazon.co.uk and amazon.com. CommanderBond.net
6-17 Jan: When Moore was starting out playwright Noël Coward offered the following, "Learn the lines and don't bump into the furniture." Moore took the advice and went on to have a highly successful career on both sides of the Atlantic, including seven James Bond movies. For the first time he will share his recollections of playing some of the world's most famous roles, his fears of serious illness, including his own bout with prostate cancer (which he beat), and how his neighbor Audrey Hepburn got him involved in UNICEF, a charity he is still involved with today.
His personal anecdotes about legendary stars like Elizabeth Burton, Richard Burton, Angie Dickinson, Gary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, and Gregory Peck on top of working inside both Warner and MGM Studios during their hey-day, will help preserve the folklore of old Hollywood. He also counts kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers as friends.
"The time is right," says Moore, "to tell my story." In a recent Q&A for Roger-Moore.com earlier this month, he has already updated us on the progress: "The book is coming along. I think we're up to around 30,000 words or thereabouts... about a quarter of the way. I've just finished rambling on about my years in Hollywood at MGM and Warners, and some on my 1970s and 80s films. Next I need to go back to the very beginning and start writing in order! I write about things as I think about them (and I usually think about them at 3am in the morning)... it'll all come out in the end. We have to finish by the beginning of July as the publishers want the book out in October."
Rights have been already sold to HarperCollins (USA), Michael O'Mara Books (UK & Commonwealth, incl. Canada), Aschehoug & Co. (Norway), Uitgeverij (Holland), and Norstedts (Sweden).
This is the first ever autobiography of this truly international legend, written with all the trademark style, candour, charm and wit he has brought to stage and screen over his long and illustrious career. Michael O'Mara, UK & Commonwealth publisher, says: "I am really thrilled to be publishing Sir Roger's memoir. The chapters I have read to date remind me of David Niven's The Moon's a Balloon, so packed are they with amusing stories of Roger's time in Hollywood." Sam Harrison, Waterstone's buyer says: "Roger Moore is among the most famous British stars of all time. His autobiography promises a unique insight into a golden age of film and television, and the life and career of a true icon. One of the most exciting publishing events of the year." Continuing in the grand tradition of Hollywood memoirs, "My Word is My Bond" is as attractive and diverting as the man himself.
April 25
Sir Roger Moore remembers Frank Sinatra. "As well as captivating audiences with his singing, Frank had a great screen presence. His ability to glide across it with seeming ease was one I envied greatly; I could never dance, though I loved watching musicals. Frank's acting came naturally to him. He was an all-round natural performer, but he only ever did one take." - Sir Roger Moore remembers Sinatra on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the artist's death in May 1998. The article published in The Times and available online precedes the Frank Sinatra retrospective at BFI Southbank which will run throughout May. "Some Came Running" opens at BFI Southbank and the Barbican (020-7928 3232; www.bfi.org.uk/sinatra) on May 16. "A Strictly Sinatra" season begins on TCM on May 3.
April 22
"Escape to Athena" on Blue-ray disc. On 16 June the classic 1979 war epic directed by George Pan Cosmatos and starring Roger Moore, David Niven and Telly Savalas will be released by ITI DVD in Blue-ray format. The 2008 version is a mirror edition of the highly acclaimed 2004 Special Edition featuring a batch of bonus features narrated by Sir Michael Caine. The movie was filmed in 1978 on the island of Rhodes. It was produced by Sir Lew Grade, whose previous engagements included "The Persuaders!". "Escape to Athena" remains one of the most popular films within Roger Moore fans and can be very often found on various networks around the world.
April 4
Restored 007 at the Empire Leicester Square. "The Spy Who Loved Me" is to be presented, back on the big screen, in a glorious digital restoration at a special event in one of London's biggest cinema venues. The special screening will be held at the Empire Leicester Square, Screen 1, on Sunday 20 April at 1.30pm for 2pm. In attendance at the event will be several people involved in the making of the film, including director Lewis Gilbert and actress Caroline Munro. "The Spy Who Loved Me" is being presented by Park Circus, the UK's leading distributor of classic and back catalogue films for theatrical exhibition. The company successfully re-issued the earlier Bond "Goldfinger" back into cinemas last year. Tickets for the screening are on sale now from Empire Cinemas, via www.empirecinemas.co.uk. The digitally restored version of the film was previously screened at the Bradford International Film Festival last month. CommanderBond.net
March 25
Happy Birthday Brucie! Recently Sir Roger Moore guested in a TV special made on the occasion of Bruce Forsyth's 80th birthday. The 85-minute programme, aired on 24th Feb in the UK, celebrated one of Britain's longest-serving all-round television entertainer, regarded as one of the last great variety entertainers all (as he could act, sing, play piano, ukulele and accordion, dance and tell jokes). The show is hosted by Tess Daly and apart from the interviews with the likes of Liza Minnelli, Paul O'Grady and Jonathan Ross it features excerpts from Forsyth's decades in showbusiness, as well as a tap dance duet with one of the young stars of West End musical "Billy Elliot".
March 10
"The Saint" update. The Hollywood Report gives more details about the upcoming production of the new "Saint" series. James Purefoy is in talks to topline as the debonair international thief Simon Templar. Producers Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana, writer Jorge Zamacona, feature producer Bill Macdonald, Roger Moore and his son Geoffrey are all involved in the project. Levinson is set to direct the 2-hr TV movie/backdoor pilot which will be produced independently and then shopped to the networks. Read entire article from The Hollywood Reporter.
March 1
"The Spy Who Loved Me" digitally restored. The film is screened today at 15:00 at the National Media Museum in Bradford as part of the 2008 Bradford International Film Festival. The screening features for the first time the brand new digital restoration of the classic movie. For more details visit the official BIFF website.
February 27
"MI6 Declassified", issue#2. The second issue of the highly recommended James Bond magazine is out now. The theme of the issue is very much "the Moore the merrier", as it features an exclusive interview with the longest-running James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore and a 30th anniversary celebration of his favourite 007 outing. It also features the first look at "Quantum of Solace", the upcoming James Bond picture starring Daniel Craig. Issue #2 is now shipping around the world. To order it go to: www.mi6magazine.com.
February 25
James Bond marathon on Biography channel. The Biography Channel in the UK hsted a James Bond marathon on Sunday night, with documentaries covering 007's creator Ian Fleming, coverage of four actors who took on the famous role, and an interview with Sir Roger Moore. The programme was a s featured: 18:00 - "Gloria?s Greats ? Sir Roger Moore", 19:00 - Ian Fleming, 20:00 - Roger Moore, 21:00 - Daniel Craig, 22:00 - Sean Connery, 22:30 - "Pierce Brosnan: Beyond Bond". MI6.co.uk
January 22 & 30
007 double bill in Australia on 27 Jan and 3 Feb. James Bond fans down under can treat themselves to a double-bill of classic Roger Moore this weekend as the Astor Theatre in Melbourne is showing "Live And Let Die" (1973) and "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) back-to-back on the big screen. The screening will take place on 27 January at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the double feature are: $13 (Adults), $12 (Concession), $11 (Children/Pensioners). The Astor Theatre is at the intersection of Chapel Street and Dandenong Road, St. Kilda. More details at Astor-Theatre.com.
In addition the latest screening of "Live and Let Die" and "The Spy Who Loved Me", the Astor Theatre in Melbourne in showing "A View to a Kill" (1985) starring Roger Moore as James Bond and "The Living Daylights" (1987) starring Timothy Dalton as James Bond on double bill on 3 Feb at 7:30 pm. Tickets as above.
January 18
Bond backs battle to save city theatre. He was once the nation's most famous secret agent and now he's the latest celebrity to join a growing protest against plans which could close the Northcott theatre. Former James Bond Sir Roger Moore, along with stars of stage and screen Richard Briers, Celia Imrie and Floella Benjamin, have called for the Arts Council to rethink its decision to cuts its £547,000 a year funding to the Exeter Northcott. Without the cash the theatre looks set to close, leaving the city and much of Devon without a professional theatre - and 58 people out of work. The funding cut was announced the week the theatre reopened after a £2.1m refit, partly funded by the Arts Council. Its boss Nick Capaldi does not think it is innovative enough. But Sir Roger said he fully supports the Northcott. He told the Echo: "As an actor I hate the thought of any theatre being forced to close for financial reasons. We need theatres to hone our craft."
Entire article from This Is Exeter and the Exeter Northcott website.
January 15
"Honour the Brave". Sir Roger Moore has joined Honour the Brave campaign, which calls for honouring the fallen or wounded British soldiers. The 80-year-old legendary actor insists that there should be Honour the Brave medals to acknowledge British soldiers, just like America's Purple Hear award. "If they've been killed or injured in the line of duty, in the service of their country - our country - they should be honoured with a medal," the Mirror quoted him, as saying. "We have to look after our troops and also make sure they and their dependants should be adequately compensated financially. We must honour the brave," he added. Sir Roger has joined the growing list of politicians, veterans, other celebrities and grieving military families to call for the honour.
January 6-17
Sir Roger's memoirs, My Word is My Bond, due in October 2008.
When Moore was starting out playwright Noel Coward offered the following, "Learn the lines and don't bump into the furniture." Moore took the advice and went on to have a highly successful career on both sides of the Atlantic, including seven James Bond movies. For the first time he will share his recollections of playing some of the world's most famous roles, his fears of serious illness, including his own bout with prostate cancer (which he beat), and how his neighbor Audrey Hepburn got him involved in UNICEF, a charity he is still involved with today.
His personal anecdotes about legendary stars like Elizabeth Burton, Richard Burton, Angie Dickinson, Gary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, and Gregory Peck on top of working inside both Warner and MGM Studios during their hey-day, will help preserve the folklore of old Hollywood. He also counts kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers as friends.
"The time is right," says Moore, "to tell my story." In a recent Q&A for Roger-Moore.com earlier this month, he has already updated us on the progress: "The book is coming along. I think we're up to around 30,000 words or thereabouts... about a quarter of the way. I've just finished rambling on about my years in Hollywood at MGM and Warners, and some on my 1970s and 80s films. Next I need to go back to the very beginning and start writing in order! I write about things as I think about them (and I usually think about them at 3am in the morning)... it'll all come out in the end. We have to finish by the beginning of July as the publishers want the book out in October."
Rights have been already sold to HarperCollins (USA), Michael O'Mara Books (UK & Commonwealth, incl. Canada), Aschehoug & Co. (Norway), Uitgeverij (Holland), and Norstedts (Sweden).
This is the first ever autobiography of this truly international legend, written with all the trademark style, candour, charm and wit he has brought to stage and screen over his long and illustrious career. Michael O'Mara, UK & Commonwealth publisher, says: "I am really thrilled to be publishing Sir Roger's memoir. The chapters I have read to date remind me of David Niven's The Moon's a Balloon, so packed are they with amusing stories of Roger's time in Hollywood." Sam Harrison, Waterstone's buyer says: "Roger Moore is among the most famous British stars of all time. His autobiography promises a unique insight into a golden age of film and television, and the life and career of a true icon. One of the most exciting publishing events of the year." Continuing in the grand tradition of Hollywood memoirs, "My Word is My Bond" is as attractive and diverting as the man himself.
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