2011 NEWS ARCHIVE
October 31
"Cinema Sex Sirens". "Cinema Sex Sirens" by Cinema Retro publishers Dave Worrall and Lee Pfeiffer and with a foreword by Sir Roger Moore, is now shipping in the UK and Europe. The book is an exuberant celebration of the female stars of the Sixties and Seventies. It was the last great era of the cinematic sex siren – a time when massive cultural changes produced an unprecedented relaxation of censorship and yet old-fashioned Hollywood glamour still held sway. The authors, Dave Worrall and Lee Pfeiffer, present a luminous collection of idealised women whilst at the same time offering a fascinating insight into the movies’ depiction of female sexuality. From international icons like Brigitte Bardot, Helen Mirren, Sophia Loren, Natalie Wood, Ann-Margret, Raquel Welch and Jane Fonda to less celebrated sirens of British and European cinema, such as Susan George, Ingrid Pitt, Sylva Koscina and Britt Ekland.
October 24
Sue Lloyd (1939-2011). Sue Lloyd, known to audiences mainly through her long-lasting association with television (especially as Barbara Brady in "Crossroads"), first came to prominence after playing opposite Michael Caine in "The Ipcress File" in 1965. Her best remembered roles were, however, on the small screen. In 1960s she appeared in a number of top TV series, such as "The Baron", "The Avengers", "Gideon's Way", and "The Saint", where she debuted in a title role in the episode "Luella" (1964), and returned three years later in a full colour story of an "Island of Chance". Her stunning beauty and strong-willed characters she had played made her one of the most memorable leading ladies in "The Saint" series. In 1971 Sue Lloyd renewed her working partnership with Moore by appearing in "The Persuaders!", in episode "Take Seven". In April 2010 she was among friends and colleagues paying tibute the late Robert S. Baker, producer of "The Saint" and "The Persuaders!" (click here to watch a brief interview with Sue Lloyd at the event). Her last film role was in a comedy "Beginner's Luck" (2001), where she played opposite Julie Delphy, Steven Berkoff and Christopher Cazenove. Sue Lloyd obituary at The Guardian.
George Baker (1931-2011). George Baker may have been familiar to moviegoers around the world for his supporting roles in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" (1969) and "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977), but his talents were worth much more than this. A splendid stage actor, very succesful in both classic and modern repertoire (he played at the Old Vic and with the RSC, he also ran the Regency Theatre for a number of years), he also enjoyed a very prolific career on television. In 1971 he worked with Sir Roger Moore for the first time in "The Persuaders!", in episode "Chain of Events". He then also played in "North Sea Hijack" (1979) alongside Moore, James Mason and Anthony Perkins. Baker's most important TV roles included that of Tiberius in "I, Claudius" (1976) and, more recently, the very famous with British audience inspector Wexford in "Ruth Rendell Mysteries" (1987-2000). George Baker obituary at The Guardian.
October 18
40 years of "The Persuaders!". On Sep 10, 2011 at Kent House, Knightsbridge, London, an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the hugely popular TV series "The Persuaders!". Just before the event, Sir Roger Moore attended press photo-call with the original restored Aston Martin DBS that he and co-star Tony Curtis had used throughout the TV series in 1970-71. The event was hosted by Barry Norman who interviewed Sir Roger and hosted a Q & A session with the 200+ paying guests. Two of the 24 episodes of the TV series were screened at the event, which was also the launch event for the new Blu-ray high definition DVD boxed set of "The Persuaders!".
The DVD/Blue-ray sets and a special anniversary brochure can be purchased at NetworkDVD.net.
October 14
Happy Birthday, Sir Roger! Sir Roger Moore turns 84 today. Congratulations on behalf of the whole website team. As usually, here's a summary of the recent year in the life and work of Sir Roger. On the charity side, Moore played active role in a campaign to help raise awareness and support for vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities. This issue took him to Kazakhstan where there's estimated 150,000 children with disabilities. In April a new book was announced, provisionally titled "Bond on Bond". The book's release, in September 2012, will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 007 film series. In the book, Sir Roger will share his thoughts about every aspect of the Bond phenomenon, including personal memories and his thoughts about Bond's gadgets, cars and villains. On the acting front, Sir Roger played the role of Duke of Castlebury in Michael Damian's "A Princess for Christmas", a romantic story filmed in Romania earlier this year and set to premiere on Hallmark at Christmas. The film marks Sir Roger's return to the non voice-only acting role, his first since "Boat Trip". The actor has, however, lent his voice-acting talents to the Clemens brothers for their latest short, "The Lighter", which is also due later this year.
October 10
"Own a Colour" campaign. Sir Roger Moore is helping UNICEF to promote its "Own a Colour" donation compaign through a partnership with Dulux paint. The paintbrand is offering people the opportunity to "own" a colour for L1 from a selection of 16.7 million colours – the number of colours the average computer, smartphone and tablet can display – in an effort to raise L16.7m. People who purchase a colour are able to rename it and have it displayed on a dedicated Dulux microsite. All money raised will go directly to UNICEF, the children's charity. Other celebrities who already 'Own a Colour' include Jemima Khan (CFC Blue), Duncan Bannatyne (Scottish Saltire Blue) and Sir Roger Moore (Swedish Blue). The launch is an extension of the 'Let's Colour' campaign, designed to realise a socially responsible and truly global vision for AkzoNobel Decorative Paints.Matt Pullen, UK marketing director for Dulux, said: "Dulux has a mission of 'Adding Colour to People's Lives' and is closely aligned to the vision of 'Own a Colour', which will harness the power of colour to have a positive impact on saving lives of children." More details can be found by clicking here. Source: Roger-Moore.com
Moore supports "Survive!" musical. Sir Roger Moore has recently also signed up to support a Birmingham-based musical aiming to raise money for four cancer charities. He has has autographed a portrait of himself by Sutton Coldfield artist Sue Verity which will be auctioned off next month. The auction is aiming to support the fund-raising musical "Survive!" which was staged at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre on September 30. Sir Roger is the latest celebrity to support the show, following Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, whose signed portrait is currently being auctioned on Sue's website. The show's producers Monica Price and Nigel Davey joined Sue in meeting the veteran actor in London where he gladly put his name to his portrait. "When I spoke to Sir Roger Moore's management about our stage show 'Survive!' and the fact that it will be highlighting these great charities they were very willing to help," said Nigel. "So having the artist Sue Verity paint his portrait and Sir Roger sign it was perfect. He was only in the UK for a couple of days so for him to take time out and meet us all was wonderful." Source: Roger-Moore.com
September 16
"The Persuaders!" finally on Blue-ray. September 19 sees the highly anticipated release of "The Persuaders!" on Blue-ray disc (courtesy of Network). This very popular action adventure series is presented here in stunning High Definition for the first time - reads the press kit. All 24 episodes are featured alongside a wealth of special features, including recently found production footage, previously unseen alternate title sequence, Moore and Curtis reunion on the Alan Titchmarsh Show, commentaries with Roger Moore, Tony Curtis and production staff, and much more. You can read more about the release and order it at NetworkDVD.net.
September 9
Cancelled appearance at Julian Rachlin & Friends. Sir Roger Moore has called off his traditional attendance of an arts programme in Croatia due to health problems. The famous Bond has informed the organisers of the Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival he would not be able to take part in the gathering scheduled for 8 September in the ancient town of Dubrovnik in the south of the country, daily newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija has reported. Source: Sir RM Facebook Page
September 8
Moore praises foie gras campaigner over name change. James Bond star Sir Roger Moore has praised an animal rights campaigner for legally changing her name in a fight against controversial foie gras pate. An employee at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Abi Izzard, has joined calls for bosses at London department store Fortnum & Mason to stop stocking the delicacy. She has now officially changed her name to StopFortnumAndMasonFoieGrasCruelty.com, because it "sparks a conversation about the cruelty of foie gras and Fortnum & Mason's complicity in the abuse" every time someone reads her name. And Sir Roger, who is an active campaigner against foie gras, has applauded the PETA worker for the move, saying, "Many people know me as James Bond or 007, but I never went so far as officially changing my name from Roger Moore! I hope the young lady now known as StopFortnumAndMasonFoieGrasCruelty.com royally shames this store." Read more at LookToTheStars.org.
August 20
New voice-role for Clemens Bros. Sir Roger Moore's voice-acting talents are used again in "The Lighter", a comedy written and directed by George and Samuel Clemens (sons of Brian Clemens, who - as RM fans will recall - wrote screenplays to three episodes of "The Persuaders!"). The film is a live acting short starring Stephen Wright, Youssef Kerkour and Sean Knopp. Sir Roger is voicing the character of George Boreman played by Wright. "The Lighter" is now completed but it has yet to be announced when and where will it premiere. You can read more about the film, as well as previous Clemens Bros. productions, at their official website.
August 4
UNICEF rumours denied. "There have been reports in some Irish newspapers this week that I, Vanessa Redgrave and Liam Neeson are withdrawing our support of UNICEF. This is completely untrue," says Moore. "Vanessa, Liam and I expressed our sadness and concern this week over the dismissal of UNICEF Ireland's Director Malanie Verwoerd. We have all worked closely with Melanie and seen just how persuasive and motivated she is first hand, and what a brilliant advocat for improving the lives of children throughout the world she has been. The news was very unexpected and sudden, and it did affect Liam going on a feld trip (as Melanie organised it and was due to accompany him) and plans for Vanessa to attend a UNICEF event in Dublin in September, which again was organised by Melanie. However, it does not mean any of us are withdrawing support to UNICEF. At this critical time in the horn of Africa, UNICEF is doing so much amazing work in saving lives. The organisation and its staff are truly brilliant. When we learned one of this brilliant staff members had been dismissed without, what we considered to be, proper grounds we felt we had to speak up. I would urge everyone - and in particular the good people of Ireland - to continue supporting UNICEF, as I will."
July 17
"The Persuaders!" 40th anniversary special event. To mark the 40th anniversary of cult series "The Persuaders!" a special event is to be hosted by Network DVD with Sir Roger Moore in attendance. There is also to be an HD restoration of all 24 episodes for a Blu-ray release. The event entitled "The Time and The Place" will be held on September 10, 2011 at Kent House in Knightsbridge. The evening will consist of a food and drinks reception, a screening of two episodes picked by Sir Roger Moore and and question and answer session. There is also a chance to see the original Aston Martin as seen in the series. The Blu-ray release, of eight discs, will also contain some new special features and is due on sale from September 19, RRP Ł79.99. All tickets for "The Time and The Place" event are available exclusively from www.networkdvd.co.uk.
July 12
Steven Berkoff Qs & As. Steven Berkoff, internationally-renowned playwright, director and actor, whom Bond fans remember well from the charismatic performance of General Orlov in "Octopussy" (1983), will be interviewed by London historian and author, Jerry White. The meeting, entitled "In conversation with Steven Berkoff" will be held at Museum of London Docklands on Wednesday August 24 at 9pm. More details can be found at the Museum's website. You may also remember that Steven Berkoff has recently joined Sir Roger Moore to battle a top British retailer's foie gras sales (see News from Feb 11).
July 2
Monaco Royal wedding. Prince Albert of Monaco married his fiancee Charlene Wittstock in a civil ceremony at the principality's royal palace on Friday July 1. Their wedding is the first for a reigning prince in Monaco since Albert's late parents, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, married in 1956. The couple wed in front of family, friends, and famous guests reportedly including supermodel Naomi Campbell, former James Bond star Sir Roger Moore, and designer Karl Lagerfeld. The civil ceremony was followed by a Catholic Church service on Saturday July 2, which Sir Roger and Lady Christina Moore also attended. The celebrations got underway on Thursday night June 30 when rockers the Eagles performed for the couple and guests.
View photos at GettyImages.com.
June 28
"The Spy Who Loved Me" at Film4 Summer Screen. Sir Roger Moore's third outing as James Bond 007 will be shown at London's most beautiful open-air cinema at Somerset House on July 28. Doors open 18.30, DJs from 19.30 and films start at 21.15. Rugs and cushions are available to buy or bring your own. Tickets: All screenings except Double Bills, Triple Bills and Opening Night: Ł14.50 + booking fee. Double Bills, Triple Bills and the Opening Night : Ł18.00 + booking fee. Read more.
May 25
"007 Magazine". Graham Rye's splendid "007 Magazine" can be without doubt called the world's foremost James Bond source. Apart from the latest deluxe publication of "007 Magazine Archive Files", there's a 50% off some of the back issues. Many of them include information in regards to Sir Roger Moore's Bond days but of special interest is the Roger Moore special (Iss. #46), published back in July 2005 and listed in the bibliography section of this very website. It's really worth purchasing as, apart from interesting articles and an interview with the actor himself, it's full of glossy and often very rare photographs from Sir Roger's Bond days. Highly recommended!
May 16
Moore on BBC Radio Wales. On Wednesday, May 18 at 7pm, on BBC Radio Wales' "Special: Our Man in Cannes", Gareth Owen will talk to Sir Roger Moore, Honor Blackman and Britt Ekland as he prepares to return to the Cannes Film Festival. He guides a tour of Pinewood Studios, where he works. The show will be repeated on Friday, May 20 at 5:30 and on Sunday, May 22 at 6:30. Source: MI6-hq.com
May 10
"Tony Curtis, Driven to Stardom". There is a new documentary film about Tony Curtis coming up later this year. It was written and directed by Ian Ayres who is no stranger to Curtis fans as back in 2008 he did "The Jill & Tony Curtis Story" about their fight to stop the slaughter of horses in America. "Tony Curtis, Driven to Stardom" will feature interviews with a host of celebrities, including Sir Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte, Sally Kellerman and Debbie Reynolds.
April 29
James Purefoy is the new Simon Templar. According to Saint.org, James Purefoy is finally at last all set to play the new Simon Templar in the forthcoming TV series of "The Saint". James Purefoy has written an introduction to Ian Dickerson's "The Saint on TV", in which he talks about his forthcoming role as Simon Templar. Shooting is reported to be slated to start in July 2011 in New Orleans. The newest version of "The Saint" is being produced William J. MacDonald, Geoffrey Moore, and Jorge Zamacona. Burl Barer, noted author of the continuing adventures of The Saint, has also been involved in the writing of the script, "The Saint in New Orleans". James Purefoy, who will play the new Saint, was screen tested for the role of James Bond in 1995 for "Goldeneye", and throughout 2004 and 2005 Purefoy's name was rumoured as a possible candidate to replace Brosnan as agent 007 in future James Bond films. These rumors surfaced again before the 2006 film, "Casino Royale". In December 2007, James Purefoy was first rumored to have been cast in the role of Simon Templar alias "The Saint", and that was put on-hold due to production issues and his role in "The Philanthropist". In 2011, it appears that Purefoy is coming back to the role of The Saint.
April 22
"The Spy Who Loved Me" screening in Omaha. On 6 May at Joslyn Art Museum, Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, USA, Sir Roger Moore's third outing as James Bond is to be screened along with a special appearance from Richard Kiel, who played the movie's villain, Jaws. Tickets go on sale today at Hy-Vee supermarkets for the 7 p.m. screening, which is Omaha film historian Bruce Crawford's 28th fundraiser featuring a classic movie. The screening will benefit the Nebraska Kidney Association and will feature a display of iconic Bond cars and gadgetry by the Fort Crook chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society. Kiel, 71, has appeared at screenings of the film all over the world. He will talk about the making of the film before the Omaha screening, then sign autographs and show memorabilia afterward.
April 15
"Bond on Bond", new book by Sir Roger Moore. According to CinemaRetro.com, it has officially been announced that Sir Roger Moore will write a book titled "Bond on Bond" to be published in September 2012 by Pollinger, the company that published his best-selling autobiography. The book's release will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 007 film series. In the book, Sir Roger will share his thoughts about every aspect of the Bond phenomenon, including personal memories and his thoughts about Bond's gadgets, cars and villains. More information at The Bookseller.com.
April 6
"The Wild Geese" soundtrack on CD. Silva Screen Records have released Roy Budd's score for "The Wild Geese". "The film, which starred Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris and Hardy Kruger, remains one of the great adventure movies of its era" - writes Lee Pfeiffer for Cinema Retro. "Budd's score is integral to the film, and he created the kind of stirring, old-fashioned march music one never gets to hear in major movies today." The release includes notes by Tony Earnshaw, rare photographs from the film and brand new comments from producer Euan Lloyd. The CD can be purchased at Silva Screen.
March 3/25
"Christmas at Castlebury Hall". It has just been confirmed that Sir Roger Moore had joined the cast of "Christmas at Castlebury Hall", an US family drama directed by Michael Damian. The film was written by Damian with his wife Janeen and will start shooting next week in Bucharest, Romania. It tells a story of a young woman who travels with her niece and nephew to a castle in Europe for Christmas where she unwittingly falls for a dashing Prince. Sir Roger Moore will play Edward, the Duke of Castlebury. The cast also features Katie McGrath, Sam Heughan, Miles Richardson and Travis Turner. The film will premiere in USA on Hallmark Channel in October 2011.
A promotional photo of Sir Roger Moore as Edward, Duke of Castlebury is shown on the left. Another shot from the photo session featuring the cast can be viewed at Roger-Moore.com.
March 20
A Julian Rachlin & Friends documentary. Sir Roger Moore has now been a regular guest performer at the Julian Rachlin & Friends music festival that takes place every year during Summer in Dubrovnik, Croatia. This year's festival, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the event, will see the screening of a brand new feature documentary about the festival. The film, entitled simply "The Festival", was written and directed by Aleksey Igudesman and features interviews with musicians as well as guest performers, including John Malkovich and Sir Roger Moore. You can watch a sneak preview of the film at the official website of the project. It is yet to be confirmed whether the film will be also available on DVD
February 12
Artwork charity campaign. 21st Century Leaders and celebrities including Sir Roger Moore, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Donna Karan and Charlize Theron have created items that can help spread Cupid's message while treating your loved ones to a special limited edition Valentine's gift that shows you really care. The items are available through Whatever It Takes, a unique artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation which has raised over $4 million dollars for over 50 charities. You can visit their shop at whateverittakes.org to view their range of ethically-produced celebrity-designed gifts. Source: LookToTheStars.org
February 11
Berkoff Joins Moore for Foie Gras Fight. Former Bond baddie Steven Berkoff has teamed up with his onscreen nemesis Sir Roger Moore to battle a top British retailer's foie gras sales. Acclaimed actor Berkoff played a Russian general opposite Moore in 1983 spy movie "Octopussy", but he and the former 007 are now on the same side in the fight against bosses at Fortnum & Mason. The London shop - Queen Elizabeth II's favourite store - continues to sell controversial pate foie gras, and Berkoff and Moore are working with officials at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to convince company bosses to remove the product from their shelves. Berkoff, who recently starred alongside Johnny Depp in "The Tourist", says, "The methods by which foie gras is produced are absolutely villainous, so it's little wonder the vast majority of the British public want foie gras sales banned. It's time Fortnum & Mason joined other upmarket retailers and stopped selling a product that causes birds agonising pain and death." Source: WENN.com
January 17
Susannah York (1939-2011). Susannah York, one of Britain's most prominent film and stage actresses and Roger Moore's co-star in "Gold" and "That Lucky Touch", died last Friday aged 72. York was one of the finest debutants of 1960s. After playing her first leading role in Lewis Gilbert's "The Greengage Summer" in 1960, she quickly shot to stardom appearing opposite Montgomery Clift in John Huston's "Freud" (1962), then opposite Albert Finney in Tony Richardson's "Tom Jones" (1963) and as Sir Thomas More's daughter in Fred Zinnemann's "A Man for All Seasons" (1966). However, her most important roles were in Robert Aldrich's "The Killing of Sister George" (1968), where she played a lesbian lover and in Sydney Pollack's "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (1969), which earned her nomination to Oscar and BAFTA Film Award. Prior to working with Roger Moore in a 1974 adaptation of Wilbur Smith's "Gold", she received an acting prize at Cannes for her role in Robert Altman's "Images" (1972), as a children's author struggling to deal with a mental breakdown. In later years, although she has appeared frequently on television and in films playing mainly small parts, including the one of Superman's mother in the Richard Donner film in 1978, York concentranted on working in London theatres. She played in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Tennessee Williams's "Camino Real" and George Bernard Shaw's "The Apple Cart" among other. When Sophia Loren, who was originally set to co-star in "That Lucky Touch" pulled out of the project, Roger Moore quickly suggested York as a replacement as he had enjoyed working with her a lot in "Gold".
January 5, 2011
Moore supports local animal welfare law campaign. On December 11, Sir Roger Moore was in Budapest at the invitation of Hungary's "Gentleman Magazine". Sir Roger and his wife attended a private gala dinner of the magazine and gave an exclusive interview to the commercial TV2 channel. The magazine said it chose the actor as its star guest because Sir Roger has set an example with his successful career and prominent goodwill activity for Hungarian gentlemen.
Recently Moore has also joined Joanna Lumley and John Nettles to pledge their support to the campaign to improve Guernsey's animal welfare legislation. Animal lover Hayley James hoped to give the Promoting Animal Welfare campaign a boost by enlisting the support of the rich and famous. Miss James spent the last few months contacting the agents of celebrities either with links to the island or who have campaigned for animal rights. She has received not only letters of support, but items that could be auctioned to raise funds for Paw. Source: Roger-Moore.com
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