Lots Of Ian Fleming In James Bond

Exhibit Makes Clear Creator Of Famous Spy "007" Had Exciting Life Himself

(CBS/AP) 

Fleming put a lot of himself into Bond, but several others have been cited as role models for the suave super-spy. The exhibition includes information on several of them, including Fleming's travel-writer brother, Peter, and commando Patrick Dalzel-Job, whom Macintyre calls "an extraordinary man of quite lunatic bravery."

"He could ski backwards, run a mini-sub, and he personally took the surrender of the city of Bremen during the war," Macintyre said. "He is a large part of the Bond story."

The exhibition also includes evidence of Fleming's high-flying tastes, including items from his elegant London apartment and a recreation of Goldeneye, the Jamaican hideaway where he wrote the Bond books.

Fleming passed his taste for luxury on to 007. Bond is a man of exacting standards. His watch is a Rolex, his shampoo is Pinaud Elixir, his martinis are shaken, not stirred. His villains have champagne tastes, too - the exhibition includes a grateful letter from perfumer Floris thanking Fleming for putting Floris bath essence in Dr. No's evil lair.

The first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," was published in 1953. Its blend of sex, Cold War adventure and exotic luxury was an instant hit with readers in war-battered Britain.

"In a world of austerity and rationing, here was a man on a seemingly unlimited budget, drinking as much champagne and eating as much caviar as he liked," Macintyre said.

Bond brought Fleming fame and wealth. By the time of his death from a heart attack at 56 in 1964, the books had sold more than 40 million copies and spawned a film franchise. But Fleming also felt frustration at becoming famous for books he regarded as potboilers rather than serious literature.

More than 50 years after Fleming's death, 007 is more famous than ever, with the 22nd Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," due out later this year. Fleming's centenary is being marked by a host of events, including the publication of a new Bond book, "Devil May Care," written by novelist Sebastian Faulks. The Royal Mail has even issued a series of James Bond postage stamps for the anniversary.

"You have to hand it to him," said Smith, Fleming's former colleague. "He said, `I'm going to write a spy thriller to end them all.' And he did."

[akakjb]

Hmmm... no mention of the influence of WWI British super-spy Sydney Reilly, the man generally credited for creating what we now perceive as general spycraft (before then, it was more of a ''gentleman''s game'' with all the spies on various sides actually knowing each other). There is even a great quote I''m about to butcher from Fleming claiming that Bond couldn''t do everything - he''s not Sydney Reilly, you know.

[erasmus6]

The only James Bond movies that I have seen are the ones with Pierce Brosnan. And let me tell you, he was HOT!

[jankebenz]

I enjoyed every bond film exept the last one, casino royale, with Craig Daniel,it was horrible.Small wonder though,Barbara Broccoli, a producer, put the effeminate part in , and ruined the masculine soul of the super spy adventures. Ian Flemming would not have condoned the stipping of 007''s image.I read that Craig Daniel wants to have Bond become more modern, and play a "queer" spy, that would totally ruin it for me. And while were on the subject, please! put a man back in to head the agency, Judi dench sucks at playing "M".

[jjarden]

Roger Moore was the BEST Bond...PERIOD.

[voidmaster-2009]

A few years ago I saw a movie about Ian Fleming. It was pretty clear from events depicted in the movie that Fleming%u2019s own life was his inspiration for Bond. I wish I could remember the name of the flick, but I can%u2019t.

One bit of irony that I%u2019m sure was no coincidence: Sean Connery%u2019s son played Fleming in the movie.

[ramos937]

For me Sean Connery is James Bond. All others are poor imitators.