Above: Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli
Five classic 007 films will be screened in early May at BFI IMAX in Britain. A Bond All-Nighter will take place April, featuring four back to back Bond film screenings, including Goldfinger and first James Bond film Dr. No
Press Release
The BFI and EON Productions are excited to announce a very special season of films and events to mark the centenary of Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – the man who brought Bond to the big screen.
Albert R. Broccoli (1909-1996) also known as ‘Cubby’ was the driving force behind bringing James Bondto the big screen. Born into an Italian-American family, Broccoli’s early career in Hollywood started as anassistant director on a Howard Hughes picture, The Outlaw, directed by Howard Hawkes. In 1952 Broccolistarted his producing career when he came to England and launched Warwick Films with Irving Allen.Broccoli’s interest in Ian Fleming’s “Bond” stories, led him to Canadian producer, Harry Saltzman.Together they formed EON Productions and in 1962 produced the first James Bond film, DR NO (1962).When Harry Saltzman sold his share to United Artists in 1977, Broccoli continued as the “man behind Bond” producing a further seven films before passing the torch on to his stepson Michael G. Wilson anddaughter, Barbara Broccoli.
To celebrate this legacy, and the impact of the franchise on film culture, BFI Southbank will present adazzling retrospective of Broccoli’s work in April and May 2009. Bond films must be seen as they wereoriginally intended, on the big screen, and all James Bonds will be represented.
Highlights of the season will include the re-release of From Russia With Love (1963) and masterclasses in Bond led by key film talent. Exclusive exhibitions from EON and BFI archives will present the look of Bond, and with ‘Bond School’ in the Easter holidays, we will revisit the style, music and history of the world’s favorite secret agent. In addition, there will be a BFI Weekender including events, Q&A’s and games to entice anyone along for a shaken not stirred weekend of merriment. There will also be exciting events for younger Bond fans and a special Family Funday (did you know that Broccoli also brought us that childhood classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?).
Bond All-Nighter
Saturday, April 25th
Dr. No
After a pending legal case scuppered plans to make Thunderball the first Bond film, Broccoli and Saltzman decided on Dr No. Sean Connery was cast in the lead role and the film featured the usual Broccoli touch of exotic locations: this time Jamaica and surrounding waters, from which a bikini-clad Andress memorably emerged. A fast-paced, colourful romp, the film became an enormous hit worldwide.
Goldfinger
To many, the quintessential Bond film and a brilliant third entry in the series following the terrific From Russia With Love. Here Bond gets his Aston Martin, spars with two statuesque British beauties (Honor Blackman and Shirley Eaton) and pits his wits against a memorable villain, Auric Goldfinger. Add the first Shirley Bassey theme song and some exciting action sequences and the result is a near-perfect cocktail.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
Connery’s decision to quit as Bond left Broccoli and Saltzman with a headache. The press went into overdrive speculating on Connery’s successor; while the producers chose good-looking Australian actor George Lazenby after successful screen tests. Avengers superstar Diana Rigg was brought in as an added lure and the resulting action-packed film ensured that the franchise would continue.
The Spy Who Loved Me
Broccoli had been having problems with his business partner and, after Golden Gun, UA bought out Saltzman’s share: this is the first Bond film where Broccoli has sole producer credit. The pre-credit sequence features arguably the most daring stunt in all Bondage, when ski-jumper Rick Sylvester (doubling for Moore) skis off the edge of a cliff and seems to fall endlessly before triggering a Union Jack parachute. On initial release the stunt drew spontaneous rounds of applause from disbelieving audiences.
Viewing Dates
Goldfinger – Friday, May 1st
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – Monday, May 4th
The Spy Who Loved Me – Tuesday, May 5th
Thunderball – Saturday, May 2nd
You Only Live Twice – Sunday, May 3rd
The Cubby Broccoli season continues in May with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Diamonds are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, A View to Kill, The Living Daylights, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and many more
Booking Information
The BFI Southbank is open to all. BFI members are entitled to a discount on all tickets. Unless otherwise stated tickets are £8.60, members pay £1 less on any ticket. Tickets can be booked online at the BFI.org.uk website.
