Hollywood embraced space movies post-Star Wars, leading to Moonraker's absurd space adventure starring James Bond. Silly moments on Earth in Moonraker include a pigeon doing a double take at Bond in a hovercraft gondola in Venice. Director Lewis Gilbert cleverly achieved the pigeon's double take without CGI by using a looping editing technique.
Moonraker is notorious for being the most far-fetched James Bond movie, because it sends 007 into space, but the movie’s most absurd moment happens long before it leaves Earth’s atmosphere. The end credits for The Spy Who Loved Me declared, “James Bond will return in For Your Eyes Only.” But after the unexpected blockbuster success of Star Wars, space movies were in fashion, so the Bond producers delayed For Your Eyes Only and followed up The Spy Who Loved Me with Moonraker instead.
After Star Wars became the biggest movie of all time, Hollywood started setting everything in space.
Moonraker is notorious for being the most far-fetched James Bond movie, because it sends 007 into space, but the movie’s most absurd moment happens long before it leaves Earth’s atmosphere. The end credits for The Spy Who Loved Me declared, “James Bond will return in For Your Eyes Only.” But after the unexpected blockbuster success of Star Wars, space movies were in fashion, so the Bond producers delayed For Your Eyes Only and followed up The Spy Who Loved Me with Moonraker instead.
After Star Wars became the biggest movie of all time, Hollywood started setting everything in space.
- 3/3/2024
- by Ben Sherlock
- ScreenRant.com
Alec Mills, who served as a camera operator on five James Bond films before graduating to cinematographer on the Timothy Dalton-starring The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, has died. He was 91.
Mills died Monday, his son, Simon Mills, announced. He battled dementia and was living in an assisted care home in Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, he said.
For 007 movies, Mills operated a camera on Peter Hunt’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Lewis Gilbert’s The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), and John Glen’s For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983).
Glen then made him his director of photography on the only two Bond films to star Dalton, The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), with the latter shooting mostly at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.
Mills also was a camera operator on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1969), Roman Polanski’s Tragedy of Macbeth (1971), Gulliver’s Travels (1973), John Guillermin’s...
Mills died Monday, his son, Simon Mills, announced. He battled dementia and was living in an assisted care home in Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, he said.
For 007 movies, Mills operated a camera on Peter Hunt’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), Lewis Gilbert’s The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), and John Glen’s For Your Eyes Only (1981) and Octopussy (1983).
Glen then made him his director of photography on the only two Bond films to star Dalton, The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), with the latter shooting mostly at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.
Mills also was a camera operator on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1969), Roman Polanski’s Tragedy of Macbeth (1971), Gulliver’s Travels (1973), John Guillermin’s...
- 2/16/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kenwright ran Bill Kenwright Films for over 30 years.
Bill Kenwright, the UK film producer who ran several popular stage shows, has died at the age of 78.
Kenwright had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver eight weeks ago. A statement from Everton Football Club, of which Kenwright was chairman from 2004 until his death, said Kenwright “passed away peacefully last night [Monday, October 23] surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
Kenwright founded Bill Kenwright Films in 1986, having already established a successful career as a theatre and musicals producer.
In the film sector, his credits as producer included Lewis Gilbert’s 1991 musical Stepping Out starring Liza Minnelli,...
Bill Kenwright, the UK film producer who ran several popular stage shows, has died at the age of 78.
Kenwright had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from his liver eight weeks ago. A statement from Everton Football Club, of which Kenwright was chairman from 2004 until his death, said Kenwright “passed away peacefully last night [Monday, October 23] surrounded by his family and loved ones.”
Kenwright founded Bill Kenwright Films in 1986, having already established a successful career as a theatre and musicals producer.
In the film sector, his credits as producer included Lewis Gilbert’s 1991 musical Stepping Out starring Liza Minnelli,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
For a long time, "Moonraker" was considered by many hardcore James Bond fans as the nadir of the franchise. Based on the third novel in Ian Fleming's 007 series, the film was rushed into production to take advantage of the blockbuster sci-fi craze kicked off by George Lucas' "Star Wars" and Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Like most adaptations of Fleming's work pre-2006's "Casino Royale," the film was a goofy, gadget-laden departure from Fleming's grittier, more grounded books. But for some, "Moonraker" went several steps too far.
From the cheeky references to the aforementioned '70s smashes (particularly punching in a door code with the five-note "Close Encounters" theme) to the laser-gun battle on Hugo Drax's space station, "Moonraker" played like self-parody. And to a degree, it is. But now that we've seen the series successfully course-correct several times over the next four decades,...
From the cheeky references to the aforementioned '70s smashes (particularly punching in a door code with the five-note "Close Encounters" theme) to the laser-gun battle on Hugo Drax's space station, "Moonraker" played like self-parody. And to a degree, it is. But now that we've seen the series successfully course-correct several times over the next four decades,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
For a long time, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, the James Bond film series was considered the crème de la crème of action and stunts. Back in the early years of Sean Connery and Roger Moore, there were very few competing franchises at all, let alone one that delivered the same kind of highly choreographed chases, jumps, fights, and explosive battles as the 007 movies.
What’s even more amazing is that there was no CG back then either, which meant that just about everything the Bond stunt and visual effects teams pulled off was practical—sure, there were things like rear projection and miniature work, but nothing was created out of bytes of data inside a computer. That’s all different today, of course. CG is the primary tool through which films now create and execute all kinds of action and visuals. Yet some filmmakers remain resolutely committed to practical effects,...
What’s even more amazing is that there was no CG back then either, which meant that just about everything the Bond stunt and visual effects teams pulled off was practical—sure, there were things like rear projection and miniature work, but nothing was created out of bytes of data inside a computer. That’s all different today, of course. CG is the primary tool through which films now create and execute all kinds of action and visuals. Yet some filmmakers remain resolutely committed to practical effects,...
- 7/16/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Picture if you will, a world in which someone would say no to Steven Spielberg. After all, the guy changed cinema with 1975’s Jaws, creating the summer blockbuster, earning tons of money, and getting a Best Director nomination. But that’s exactly what happened, several times when Spielberg begged producer Cubby Broccoli to let him make a movie about his childhood hero, James Bond. But after numerous rejections, Spielberg’s best bud George Lucas came to him with another idea: a movie about an adventurer called Indiana Jones.
Spielberg’s James Bond Mission
It’s no surprise that Spielberg loves James Bond. As anyone who saw The Fabelmans can tell you, the director developed his remarkable cinematic sense not by going to film school but by replicating the images of movies he saw at the local suburban theaters. And few movies of that formative era were bigger in the minds...
Spielberg’s James Bond Mission
It’s no surprise that Spielberg loves James Bond. As anyone who saw The Fabelmans can tell you, the director developed his remarkable cinematic sense not by going to film school but by replicating the images of movies he saw at the local suburban theaters. And few movies of that formative era were bigger in the minds...
- 7/12/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The iconic ski-jump scene from The Spy Who Loved Me still ranks among the most impressive stunts in the James Bond movie series - here's how it was filmed. Before The Spy Who Loved Me became the highest-grossing Bond movie of the time and long before the iconic stunt was filmed for the movie, the James Bond movie series was on the verge of reaching its conclusion because of The Man With The Golden Gun's underwhelming box office performance. With the pressure of reviving the franchise and making it significant again, the movie's filmmakers could have settled for the conventions and previously laid out rules of filming the franchise.
However, instead of treading the same path as his predecessors who created the previous few James Bond movies, The Spy Whole Loved Me's producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli took massive risks, with one of them being the inclusion of the ski-jump scene.
However, instead of treading the same path as his predecessors who created the previous few James Bond movies, The Spy Whole Loved Me's producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli took massive risks, with one of them being the inclusion of the ski-jump scene.
- 7/10/2023
- by Dhruv Sharma
- ScreenRant.com
Burt Bacharach, who has passed away at 94, was one of the greatest pop songwriters of all time. Period. Point blank. Working with lyricist Hal David, they created some of the most indelible, hummable tunes of the 20th Century, songs you can't believe there was a time when they didn't exist. Some people are lucky to have one song hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bacharach had six, not to mention 22 more that reached the top 10. In particular, he owned the 1960s. At a time where the idea of popular music was being completely revolutionized, his brand of deceptively simple jazzy pop still shined incredibly bright.
One person who understood the importance of Burt Bacharach to the 1960s was Mike Myers. So, when it came time to make his ode to James Bond and the decade from which he was cinematically birthed, Myers wanted to shine a spotlight on a man responsible...
One person who understood the importance of Burt Bacharach to the 1960s was Mike Myers. So, when it came time to make his ode to James Bond and the decade from which he was cinematically birthed, Myers wanted to shine a spotlight on a man responsible...
- 2/9/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
Click here to read the full article.
Ian Whittaker, the British actor turned Oscar-winning set decorator known for his work on such films as Alien, Howards End, Tommy and Anna and the King, died Oct. 16 of prostate cancer, The Guardian reported. He was 94.
Whittaker also served as set dresser on Charlie Chaplin’s A Countess From Hong Kong (1967), James Clavell’s To Sir, With Love (1967), Tony Richardson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and as art director on Michael Ritchie’s Downhill Racer (1969) and Derek Jarman’s The Tempest (1979).
He collaborated with director Ken Russell on nine features, from the 1971 releases The Music Lovers, The Boy Friend and The Devils to Tommy (1975), Lisztomania (1975) — both featuring The Who’s Roger Daltrey — and the Rudolf Nureyev-starring Valentino (1977).
Whittaker received his Oscar — shared with his production designer Luciana Arrighi, with whom he...
Ian Whittaker, the British actor turned Oscar-winning set decorator known for his work on such films as Alien, Howards End, Tommy and Anna and the King, died Oct. 16 of prostate cancer, The Guardian reported. He was 94.
Whittaker also served as set dresser on Charlie Chaplin’s A Countess From Hong Kong (1967), James Clavell’s To Sir, With Love (1967), Tony Richardson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and as art director on Michael Ritchie’s Downhill Racer (1969) and Derek Jarman’s The Tempest (1979).
He collaborated with director Ken Russell on nine features, from the 1971 releases The Music Lovers, The Boy Friend and The Devils to Tommy (1975), Lisztomania (1975) — both featuring The Who’s Roger Daltrey — and the Rudolf Nureyev-starring Valentino (1977).
Whittaker received his Oscar — shared with his production designer Luciana Arrighi, with whom he...
- 10/27/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There is not a greater celebrity raconteur than Michael Caine. The 89-year-old movie star has lived the fullest of lives, appeared in a number of great films, and snatched up two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor -- and he loves to talk about it. The son of blue-collar parents seems perpetually tickled by his success. Ask him about a critically acclaimed classic like "The Man Who Would Be King" or a universally reviled bomb like "Jaws: The Revenge" and you'll get a good-humored story out of it. He is the platonic ideal of "affable."
If you were to pick an actor who resided on the opposite end of the "affable" scale, you couldn't find a more ornery cuss than John Wayne. Wayne was aloof. It took a cagey journalist like Joan Didion to humanize him, and, in retrospect, she seemed a little starstruck. Wayne seemed to have made all...
If you were to pick an actor who resided on the opposite end of the "affable" scale, you couldn't find a more ornery cuss than John Wayne. Wayne was aloof. It took a cagey journalist like Joan Didion to humanize him, and, in retrospect, she seemed a little starstruck. Wayne seemed to have made all...
- 8/16/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Haven’t yet seen all the best old-school vintage naval combat epics? This color & ‘scope thriller has a terrific cast of Brit stars and up-n-comers, can boast excellent visuals and is historically accurate. Alec Guinness captains a ship during the Napoleonic Wars, and finds his duty complicated by a psychopathic top officer (Dirk Bogarde) who usurps authority and sees the crew as fresh meat for his sadistic ideas about discipline. All the tech and art credits are top-tier, plus we get nice supporting perfs from the likes of Anthony Quayle, Nigel Stock, Maurice Denham, Victor Maddern, Tom Bell, and Murray Melvin.
Damn the Defiant!
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 136
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 101 min. / Street Date June 29, 2022 / H.M.S. Defiant / Available from Viavision / Australian 34.95 / and Amazon US / 34.95
Starring: Alec Guinness, Dirk Bogarde, Maurice Denham, Nigel Stock, Richard Carpenter, Peter Gill, David Robinson, Robin Stewart, Ray Brooks, Peter Greenspan, Anthony Quayle, Tom Bell,...
Damn the Defiant!
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 136
1962 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 101 min. / Street Date June 29, 2022 / H.M.S. Defiant / Available from Viavision / Australian 34.95 / and Amazon US / 34.95
Starring: Alec Guinness, Dirk Bogarde, Maurice Denham, Nigel Stock, Richard Carpenter, Peter Gill, David Robinson, Robin Stewart, Ray Brooks, Peter Greenspan, Anthony Quayle, Tom Bell,...
- 7/26/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
John Barry’s elegiac score and Freddie Young’s improbably beautiful photography combine to make Lewis Gilbert’s 1967 film the most glamorous of Sean Connery’s Bond outings. An action-packed travelogue set within neon-soaked Tokyo and the storybook environs of the Japanese countryside, 007 plays cat and mouse with Donald Pleasance’s Blofeld in a volcano that doubles as a launching pad. Godzilla fans will recognize Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama while Krimi aficianados are treated to Karin Dor as a duplicitous femme fatale.
The post You Only Live Twice appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post You Only Live Twice appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 5/23/2022
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Production Designer Ken Adam, Producer Albert R. Broccoli and Director Lewis Gilbert on the original "007 Stage" at Pinewood Studios.
It was the biggest James Bond film to date. Released in 1977, Roger Moore's third 007 film, "The Spy Who Loved Me", restored the series to its former grandeur, following the anemic reaction to the previous film "The Man with the Golden Gun". Producer Albert R. Broccoli was making his first Bond movie without his former partner, Harry Saltzman, who ended their partnership after "Golden Gun". Broccoli was determined to go all-out and backed his plans by getting United Artists to provide the biggest budget the franchise had ever enjoyed. Broccoli made sure every penny was on the screen and constructed the largest sound stage in the world at Pinewood Studios. American Cinematographer magazine has long provided detailed behind-the-scenes coverage of the making of the Bond films. They have reprinted their on-set visit...
It was the biggest James Bond film to date. Released in 1977, Roger Moore's third 007 film, "The Spy Who Loved Me", restored the series to its former grandeur, following the anemic reaction to the previous film "The Man with the Golden Gun". Producer Albert R. Broccoli was making his first Bond movie without his former partner, Harry Saltzman, who ended their partnership after "Golden Gun". Broccoli was determined to go all-out and backed his plans by getting United Artists to provide the biggest budget the franchise had ever enjoyed. Broccoli made sure every penny was on the screen and constructed the largest sound stage in the world at Pinewood Studios. American Cinematographer magazine has long provided detailed behind-the-scenes coverage of the making of the Bond films. They have reprinted their on-set visit...
- 2/24/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
It’s a Cold War thriller in the steamy tropics! The Reds are making their move in Malaya and four vibrant people are caught in the crosshairs: rich rubber planter William Holden, revolutionary strategist Tetsuro Tanba, peaceful teacher and activist Capucine, and adventurous Governor’s daughter Susannah York. Director Lewis Gilbert keeps a rickety script on its feet drama-wise and superb cinematography (Freddie Young) and impressive music (Riz Ortolani) do the rest. The show ended up being most noted for a nude swimming scene scooped in the pages of Playboy.
The 7th Dawn
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1964 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 123 min. / Street Date January 4, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: William Holden, Susannah York, Capucine, Tetsuro Tanba, Michael Goodliffe, Allan Cuthbertson, Sydney Tafler, Maurice Denham.
Cinematography: Frederick Young
Production Designer: John Stoll
Art Director: Herbert Smith
Film Editor: John Shirley
Original Music: Riz Ortolani
Associate Producer: John Dark
Written for the...
The 7th Dawn
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1964 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 123 min. / Street Date January 4, 2022 / available through Kino Lorber / 24.95
Starring: William Holden, Susannah York, Capucine, Tetsuro Tanba, Michael Goodliffe, Allan Cuthbertson, Sydney Tafler, Maurice Denham.
Cinematography: Frederick Young
Production Designer: John Stoll
Art Director: Herbert Smith
Film Editor: John Shirley
Original Music: Riz Ortolani
Associate Producer: John Dark
Written for the...
- 1/1/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The estate of the late director Lewis Gilbert has arranged for the British firm Bellman's Auctioneers to auction key pieces from his personal archive on 18 November in London. Gilbert directed such high profile films as "Sink the Bismarck!", "Alfie", the James Bond blockbusters "You Only Live Twice", "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker", as well as the acclaimed comedy "Educating Rita". The collection will offer Gilbert's personal scripts, production photos, rare contact sheets and many other artifacts from his long career. For information about bidding, click here.
- 10/23/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Not only is the 25th James Bond film “No Time to Die” the last 007 adventure thriller starring Daniel Craig, it’s also the first one directed by an American: Cary Joji Fukunaga. The 44-year-old filmmaker won the Sundance dramatic directing award in 2009 for “Sin Nombre,” was the first Asian-American director to win an Emmy for directing in 2014 for “True Detective” and earned a Peabody in 2015 for “Beasts of No Nation.”
He joins other cutting-edge filmmakers to direct Craig as Bond including Oscar-winning English director Sam Mendes (“American Beauty”) who helmed 2012’s “Skyfall” and 2015’s “Spectre” and indie German filmmaker Marc Forster (2008’s “Quantum of Solace”), who had directed Halle Berry to an Oscar for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and Johnny Depp to a nomination for 2004’s “Finding Neverland.”
These three are a far cry from the early Bond directors who were British and had worked their way up the ranks...
He joins other cutting-edge filmmakers to direct Craig as Bond including Oscar-winning English director Sam Mendes (“American Beauty”) who helmed 2012’s “Skyfall” and 2015’s “Spectre” and indie German filmmaker Marc Forster (2008’s “Quantum of Solace”), who had directed Halle Berry to an Oscar for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and Johnny Depp to a nomination for 2004’s “Finding Neverland.”
These three are a far cry from the early Bond directors who were British and had worked their way up the ranks...
- 10/8/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
British director Lewis Gilbert is largely forgotten today, but in his heyday he helmed a number of classic films ranging from comedy and war films (Sink the Bismarck!) to franchise action. Though his later career was devoted mostly to character-driven dramedies like Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, Gilbert’s penultimate effort Haunted (1995) is one of the smartest and eeriest horror flicks of its era. Executive produced by Francis Coppola and photographed by Merchant-Ivory stalwart Tony Pierce-Roberts, […]
The post Haunted, One Crazy Summer, Bugsy Malone and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Haunted, One Crazy Summer, Bugsy Malone and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/3/2021
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
British director Lewis Gilbert is largely forgotten today, but in his heyday he helmed a number of classic films ranging from comedy and war films (Sink the Bismarck!) to franchise action. Though his later career was devoted mostly to character-driven dramedies like Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, Gilbert’s penultimate effort Haunted (1995) is one of the smartest and eeriest horror flicks of its era. Executive produced by Francis Coppola and photographed by Merchant-Ivory stalwart Tony Pierce-Roberts, […]
The post Haunted, One Crazy Summer, Bugsy Malone and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Haunted, One Crazy Summer, Bugsy Malone and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid: Jim Hemphill’s Home Video Recommendations first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 9/3/2021
- by Jim Hemphill
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
By Lee Pfeiffer
Charles Cohen, the founder of the Cohen Film Collection, not only finances and distributes acclaimed independent films, but he also controls the rights to an impressive number of largely forgotten British films. Instead of letting them languish, Cohen has invested in bringing some of these titles to Blu-ray with stunning new transfers. The latest release is a Blu-ray double feature consisting of two modestly-budgeted murder-themed sagas. First- and most impressive- is "Cast a Dark Shadow", a 1955 noirish production with up-and-comer Dirk Bogarde in the lead role. He plays Edward Bare, a handsome and charismatic young man who, when we first meet him, is improbably newly wed to Monica (Mona Washbourne), an elderly woman with a sizable fortune who Edward dotes over and manipulates. Monica's lawyer Phillip Mortimer (Robert Flemyng) smells a rat but Monica is too delusional to believe Edward is manipulating her. When she turns up...
Charles Cohen, the founder of the Cohen Film Collection, not only finances and distributes acclaimed independent films, but he also controls the rights to an impressive number of largely forgotten British films. Instead of letting them languish, Cohen has invested in bringing some of these titles to Blu-ray with stunning new transfers. The latest release is a Blu-ray double feature consisting of two modestly-budgeted murder-themed sagas. First- and most impressive- is "Cast a Dark Shadow", a 1955 noirish production with up-and-comer Dirk Bogarde in the lead role. He plays Edward Bare, a handsome and charismatic young man who, when we first meet him, is improbably newly wed to Monica (Mona Washbourne), an elderly woman with a sizable fortune who Edward dotes over and manipulates. Monica's lawyer Phillip Mortimer (Robert Flemyng) smells a rat but Monica is too delusional to believe Edward is manipulating her. When she turns up...
- 5/11/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Original British quad poster
Retro-active: The Best From Cinema Retro's Archives
Singer Johnny Horton's Sink the Bismarck was a major hit when released in 1960. What many people don't realize is that the song was commissioned as the theme song for the film of the same name that was released the same year. It's pretty obvious why it wasn't used in the final cut of the movie: Horton specialized in catchy novelty songs with a country western theme. The film, directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More, was notable for its ultra-realistic take on the British pursuit of the infamous German battleship. As good as Horton's theme was, it would have been completely out of place in the film. Interestingly, if you have the DVD of the movie, check out the bonus trailer - it features snippets of Horton's song, indicating that the decision to cut it was made at the last minute.
Retro-active: The Best From Cinema Retro's Archives
Singer Johnny Horton's Sink the Bismarck was a major hit when released in 1960. What many people don't realize is that the song was commissioned as the theme song for the film of the same name that was released the same year. It's pretty obvious why it wasn't used in the final cut of the movie: Horton specialized in catchy novelty songs with a country western theme. The film, directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More, was notable for its ultra-realistic take on the British pursuit of the infamous German battleship. As good as Horton's theme was, it would have been completely out of place in the film. Interestingly, if you have the DVD of the movie, check out the bonus trailer - it features snippets of Horton's song, indicating that the decision to cut it was made at the last minute.
- 5/5/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
After six successful seasons, the producers of Tales from the Crypt decided to try something not many other shows would dare do—relocate to another country.
This was long before the big money, multi-location productions like Game of Thrones. The horror anthology series was looking to take the Crypt Keeper, and the tales he told, to England.
Up until this point Tales from the Crypt had been filmed predominantly in L.A. Filming there was also one of the draws for Hollywood stars—they didn’t need to travel far to be on set, and for a show that prized itself on having star power, this was a crucial advantage. However, this would no longer be the case when production relocated halfway around the world.
The final season of Tales of the Crypt was set and filmed entirely on the other side of the Atlantic. Now, 25 years after the English...
This was long before the big money, multi-location productions like Game of Thrones. The horror anthology series was looking to take the Crypt Keeper, and the tales he told, to England.
Up until this point Tales from the Crypt had been filmed predominantly in L.A. Filming there was also one of the draws for Hollywood stars—they didn’t need to travel far to be on set, and for a show that prized itself on having star power, this was a crucial advantage. However, this would no longer be the case when production relocated halfway around the world.
The final season of Tales of the Crypt was set and filmed entirely on the other side of the Atlantic. Now, 25 years after the English...
- 3/23/2021
- by James Doherty
- DailyDead
The Criterion Channel has unveiled their March 2021 lineup, which includes no shortage of remarkable programming. Highlights from the slate include eight gems from Preston Sturges, Elaine May’s brilliant A New Leaf, a series featuring Black Westerns, Ann Hui’s Boat People, the new restoration of Ousmane Sembène’s Mandabi.
They will also add films from their Essential Fellini boxset, series on Dirk Bogarde and Nelly Kaplan, and Luchino Visconti’s The Damned and Death in Venice, and more. In terms of recent releases, there’s also Matthew Rankin’s The Twentieth Century and Claire Denis’ Let the Sunshine In.
Check out the lineup below, along with the teaser for the Black Westerns series. For weekly streaming updates across all services, bookmark this page.
The Adventurer, Charles Chaplin, 1917
Bandini, Bimal Roy, 1963
Behind the Screen, Charles Chaplin, 1916
Black Jack, Ken Loach, 1979
Black Rodeo, Jeff Kanew, 1972
Blood Simple, Joel and Ethan Coen,...
They will also add films from their Essential Fellini boxset, series on Dirk Bogarde and Nelly Kaplan, and Luchino Visconti’s The Damned and Death in Venice, and more. In terms of recent releases, there’s also Matthew Rankin’s The Twentieth Century and Claire Denis’ Let the Sunshine In.
Check out the lineup below, along with the teaser for the Black Westerns series. For weekly streaming updates across all services, bookmark this page.
The Adventurer, Charles Chaplin, 1917
Bandini, Bimal Roy, 1963
Behind the Screen, Charles Chaplin, 1916
Black Jack, Ken Loach, 1979
Black Rodeo, Jeff Kanew, 1972
Blood Simple, Joel and Ethan Coen,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
During a three-hour discussion on a recent episode of “The Empire Film Podcast,” Edgar Wright and Quentin Tarantino revealed the existence of their makeshift quarantine movie club over the last 9 months. As Wright explained, “It’s nice. We’ve kept in touch in a sort of way that cinephiles do. It’s been one of the very few blessings of this [pandemic], the chance to disappear down a rabbit hole with the hours indoors that we have.” Tarantino added, “Edgar is more social than I am. It’s a big deal that I’ve been talking to him these past 9 months.”
A bulk of the film club was curated by none other than Martin Scorsese, who sent Wright a recommendation list of nearly 50 British films that Scorsese considers personal favorites. In the five months Wright spent in lockdown before resuming production on “Last Night in Soho” — and before he received the...
A bulk of the film club was curated by none other than Martin Scorsese, who sent Wright a recommendation list of nearly 50 British films that Scorsese considers personal favorites. In the five months Wright spent in lockdown before resuming production on “Last Night in Soho” — and before he received the...
- 2/8/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Photo: Sean Connery/United Artists The James Bond films are enjoyable for many reasons, some specific ones are their sex appeal and sense of fun, but in a larger part due to their First leading man, Sean Connery. The one consistent positive attribute to these films is that whenever Connery is on-screen, he is magnetic regardless of the overall quality of the film. He brought a charm, calm, and cheekiness to the role that was effortless, and the one-liners were always best delivered by him. Join me as I remember his work by ranking his outings as Bond from worst to best. Sean Connery 007 Movies Ranked: #6 You Only Live Twice (1967), Lewis Gilbert In You Only Live Twice James Bond works with the Japanese Secret Service to prevent a war between Russia and the United States. Many of the Bond films suffer from a repetitive formula, yet You Only Live Twice does so especially.
- 11/6/2020
- by Amhara Chamberlayne
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
With her latest film, The Secret Garden, arriving in August, here’s a look at Walters’ greatest big-screen roles – from Educating Rita to Paddington
Lewis Gilbert directed Walters in her seminal movie debut, Educating Rita, and although this stagey and subdued film (Gilbert’s last) doesn’t have anything like the fizz of that, Walters gives it her considerable best. She is the eldest of three sisters uneasily reunited for their mother’s funeral (the other two are Joanne Whalley and Victoria Hamilton). Walters is Teresa, a housewife devoted to her mother’s memory and very domineering when it comes to her husband, played by Tom Wilkinson. A strong character performance.
Lewis Gilbert directed Walters in her seminal movie debut, Educating Rita, and although this stagey and subdued film (Gilbert’s last) doesn’t have anything like the fizz of that, Walters gives it her considerable best. She is the eldest of three sisters uneasily reunited for their mother’s funeral (the other two are Joanne Whalley and Victoria Hamilton). Walters is Teresa, a housewife devoted to her mother’s memory and very domineering when it comes to her husband, played by Tom Wilkinson. A strong character performance.
- 6/25/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor and filmmaker to receive honour at the 2020 Baftas.
Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis is to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2020 Bafta film awards.
Serkis is best known for his pioneering performance capture work, portraying Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit films as well as the lead role of Caesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
But he has more recently moved into directing with Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and Breathe. He is currently directing Venom 2, starring Tom Hardy.
In 2011, Serkis founded performance capture company The Imaginarium, with producer Jonathan Cavendish,...
Actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis is to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2020 Bafta film awards.
Serkis is best known for his pioneering performance capture work, portraying Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings and Hobbit films as well as the lead role of Caesar in the Planet of the Apes franchise.
But he has more recently moved into directing with Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and Breathe. He is currently directing Venom 2, starring Tom Hardy.
In 2011, Serkis founded performance capture company The Imaginarium, with producer Jonathan Cavendish,...
- 1/23/2020
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
He’s mean, he’s nasty, he carries a razor and he’s dating your sister! Cosh Boy was front & center in 1953 debates about ‘what’s wrong with the British cinema.’ It holds up well, if not as PC social comment, then as solid exploitation fare, with our verminous hero putting the moves on tough-but-vulnerable local girl Joan Collins. The entire cast will want to stand in line to get revenge against Roy Walsh, the punk who steals from his own mum and lets his criminal gang do the dirty work. Take it from me, he’s a dirty rat.
The Slasher (Cosh Boy)
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1953 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 75 min. / Street Date January 7, 2019 / available through Kino Lorber / 19.95
Starring: James Kenney, Joan Collins, Betty Ann Davies, Robert Ayres, Hermione Baddeley, Hermione Gingold, Nancy Roberts, Laurence Naismith, Ian Whittaker, Stanley Escane, Michael McKeag, Sean Lynch, Johnny Briggs, Nosher Powell.
The Slasher (Cosh Boy)
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1953 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 75 min. / Street Date January 7, 2019 / available through Kino Lorber / 19.95
Starring: James Kenney, Joan Collins, Betty Ann Davies, Robert Ayres, Hermione Baddeley, Hermione Gingold, Nancy Roberts, Laurence Naismith, Ian Whittaker, Stanley Escane, Michael McKeag, Sean Lynch, Johnny Briggs, Nosher Powell.
- 1/4/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The Admirable Crichton
Blu ray
Twilight Time
1957 / 1:85:1 / 94 Min. / Street Date – February 12, 2019
Starring Kenneth More, Sally Ann Howes
Cinematography by Wilkie Cooper
Directed by Lewis Gilbert
True love and the British Empire collide in 1957’s The Admirable Crichton, the riches to rags story of one hard-to-get butler and a boatload of love struck aristocrats.
Loam Manor is run with steely officiousness by the valet known simply as Crichton, a kindly martinet who views the class system as the crowning achievement of British society – a notion which not coincidentally coincides with Crichton’s dominance over the servant’s quarters.
The Loams themselves, three spoon-fed sisters and their dithering father are naturally spoiled rotten, viewing their stable of servants as an exotic species to be kept on invisible leashes – in such a fraught situation the tables are just begging to be turned. And so they are when the Lord’s ship sinks,...
Blu ray
Twilight Time
1957 / 1:85:1 / 94 Min. / Street Date – February 12, 2019
Starring Kenneth More, Sally Ann Howes
Cinematography by Wilkie Cooper
Directed by Lewis Gilbert
True love and the British Empire collide in 1957’s The Admirable Crichton, the riches to rags story of one hard-to-get butler and a boatload of love struck aristocrats.
Loam Manor is run with steely officiousness by the valet known simply as Crichton, a kindly martinet who views the class system as the crowning achievement of British society – a notion which not coincidentally coincides with Crichton’s dominance over the servant’s quarters.
The Loams themselves, three spoon-fed sisters and their dithering father are naturally spoiled rotten, viewing their stable of servants as an exotic species to be kept on invisible leashes – in such a fraught situation the tables are just begging to be turned. And so they are when the Lord’s ship sinks,...
- 3/2/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
The movie world is abuzz now that Bond 25 reportedly has a working title: “Shatterhand.” The title was first spotted by The Guardian in the industry publication Production Weekly, which also reports the movie will begin production at Britain’s legendary Pinewood studios on April 6. While film journalists are already starting to drag how foolish “Shatterhand” sounds, the title is not as random as it appears.
In Ian Fleming’s 12th Bond novel “You Only Live Twice,” released in 1964, Dr. Guntram Shatterhand is the alias used by the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The novel culminates in a duel between Bond and Blofeld that ends with an enraged 007 strangling the villain to death with his bare hands. “You Only Live Twice” was already adapted into a James Bond movie, the 1967 Sean Connery entry directed by Lewis Gilbert, so it’s unlikely Bond 25 will use the source material — though Roald Dahl...
In Ian Fleming’s 12th Bond novel “You Only Live Twice,” released in 1964, Dr. Guntram Shatterhand is the alias used by the villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld. The novel culminates in a duel between Bond and Blofeld that ends with an enraged 007 strangling the villain to death with his bare hands. “You Only Live Twice” was already adapted into a James Bond movie, the 1967 Sean Connery entry directed by Lewis Gilbert, so it’s unlikely Bond 25 will use the source material — though Roald Dahl...
- 2/22/2019
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The producers of Carol and Colette will receive the honour at the 2019 Bafta film awards.
Producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, co-founders of Number 9 Films, will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2019 Bafta film awards (February 10).
The husband-and-wife producing duo founded independent powerhouse Number 9 in 2002. Known as makers of taste-driven, quality UK cinema, Karlsen and Woolley’s films include Todd Haynes’ Carol, which was nominated for six Oscars in 2016, On Chesil Beach, Their Finest, Made In Dagenham and Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth (as co-producers).
Upcoming Number 9 projects include So Much Love starring Gemma Arterton as Dusty Springfield,...
Producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, co-founders of Number 9 Films, will receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the 2019 Bafta film awards (February 10).
The husband-and-wife producing duo founded independent powerhouse Number 9 in 2002. Known as makers of taste-driven, quality UK cinema, Karlsen and Woolley’s films include Todd Haynes’ Carol, which was nominated for six Oscars in 2016, On Chesil Beach, Their Finest, Made In Dagenham and Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth (as co-producers).
Upcoming Number 9 projects include So Much Love starring Gemma Arterton as Dusty Springfield,...
- 12/17/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, the powerhouse production duo behind Number 9 Films, are set to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTA awards ceremony on 10 February.
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
- 12/16/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley, the powerhouse production duo behind Number 9 Films, are set to receive the outstanding British contribution to cinema award at the BAFTA awards ceremony on 10 February.
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
Previous recipients of the award – presented annual in honor of British producer Michael Balcon – include Mike Leigh, Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jarman, Mary Selway, Ridley and Tony Scott, Working Title Films, Lewis Gilbert, the Harry Potter series of films, John Hurt, Peter Greenaway, Tessa Ross, BBC Films, Angels Costumes and Curzon. The National Film and Television School was the recipient at 2018’s Film Awards.
Woolley began ...
- 12/16/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Lyon, France – Attending the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon for the first time this week, Charles S. Cohen, chairman and CEO of Cohen Media Group, praised the event and its International Classic Film Market (Mifc).
A producer and distributor of independent and arthouse films and the biggest distributor of French films in the U.S., Cohen Media Group also releases restored and re-mastered editions of classic films through its Cohen Film Collection, which includes the Merchant Ivory library and the Buster Keaton catalog.
In town for the Festival premiere of his documentary, “The Great Buster,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich, Cohen described the market as “specialized and highly focused, which is really appealing to me because it allows me to focus on what we take great pride in, acquiring and licensing these wonderful film assets that are really the DNA of Cohen Media.”
The company partnered with the Festival this year...
A producer and distributor of independent and arthouse films and the biggest distributor of French films in the U.S., Cohen Media Group also releases restored and re-mastered editions of classic films through its Cohen Film Collection, which includes the Merchant Ivory library and the Buster Keaton catalog.
In town for the Festival premiere of his documentary, “The Great Buster,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich, Cohen described the market as “specialized and highly focused, which is really appealing to me because it allows me to focus on what we take great pride in, acquiring and licensing these wonderful film assets that are really the DNA of Cohen Media.”
The company partnered with the Festival this year...
- 10/20/2018
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Bradshaw Sep 24, 2018
Now that a director has been confirmed for Bond 25, we take a look back at the men who made 007.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Directing a James Bond movie is pretty big deal. Bond 25 was thrown into chaos when Danny Boyle dropped out, and the news that Cary Fukunaga signed on to replace him has made headlines around the world. But it’s only recently that anyone actually cared who was behind the camera on a 007 film.
Partly because big name “auteurs” don’t often make franchise movies, partly because the Bond producers have always aimed for a kind of stylistic consistency to stop anyone putting a particularly big stamp on it, and mostly because 007 has always been more about a dozen other things that don’t have anything to do with the camerawork – most of the men (and they are all...
Now that a director has been confirmed for Bond 25, we take a look back at the men who made 007.
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Directing a James Bond movie is pretty big deal. Bond 25 was thrown into chaos when Danny Boyle dropped out, and the news that Cary Fukunaga signed on to replace him has made headlines around the world. But it’s only recently that anyone actually cared who was behind the camera on a 007 film.
Partly because big name “auteurs” don’t often make franchise movies, partly because the Bond producers have always aimed for a kind of stylistic consistency to stop anyone putting a particularly big stamp on it, and mostly because 007 has always been more about a dozen other things that don’t have anything to do with the camerawork – most of the men (and they are all...
- 9/23/2018
- Den of Geek
Paul Bradshaw Sep 23, 2018
Now a director has been confirmed for Bond 25, we take a look back at the men who made 007
Directing a James Bond movie is pretty big deal. Bond 25 was thrown into chaos when Danny Boyle dropped out, and the news that Cary Fukunaga signed-on to replace him has made headlines around the world. But it’s only recently that anyone actually cared who was behind the camera on a 007 film.
See related Our pick of the best Nintendo Switch deals Our pick of the best handheld consoles (from the current generation) Our pick of the best projector screens
Partly because big name “auteurs” don’t often make action movies, partly because the Bond producers have always aimed for a kind of stylistic consistency to stop anyone putting a particularly big stamp on it, and mostly because 007 has always been more about a dozen other things...
Now a director has been confirmed for Bond 25, we take a look back at the men who made 007
Directing a James Bond movie is pretty big deal. Bond 25 was thrown into chaos when Danny Boyle dropped out, and the news that Cary Fukunaga signed-on to replace him has made headlines around the world. But it’s only recently that anyone actually cared who was behind the camera on a 007 film.
See related Our pick of the best Nintendo Switch deals Our pick of the best handheld consoles (from the current generation) Our pick of the best projector screens
Partly because big name “auteurs” don’t often make action movies, partly because the Bond producers have always aimed for a kind of stylistic consistency to stop anyone putting a particularly big stamp on it, and mostly because 007 has always been more about a dozen other things...
- 9/20/2018
- Den of Geek
Lewis Gilbert’s 1956 film about a World War II flying ace is one of the great stiff-upper-lip docudramas. Kenneth More stars as real-life hero Douglas Bader who flew numerous missions during the Battle of Britain and survived years in a Pow camp. All of this on prosthetic legs. Gilbert’s crew is ace too, including Hammer Studio’s superb cinematographer, Jack Asher.
- 4/9/2018
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
With recent rumors swirling that Danny Boyle could be coming on board to direct the newest James Bond film, what better time is there to look at the directorial history of the franchise? The prospect of Boyle in the world of Bond is enticing, if slightly unexpected and not a match that makes sense on paper. Still, much of the 007 history in terms of directors has been avoiding the A-listers. Maybe in this new era, there’s a different sort of focus? If nothing else, it’s something very interesting to contemplate. The last choice was a big name, so perhaps this is the new normal for the world’s most popular secret agent. To catch you up, the 25th Bond outing has been looking for a new director after Sam Mendes helmed the last two. The initial final three shortlist was Yann Demange, David Mackenzie, and Denis Villeneuve. There...
- 3/12/2018
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Lewis Gilbert: master craftsman who went beyond Bond with a 'working class trilogy' | Peter Bradshaw
Gilbert, who has died aged 97, may have been best known for his three 007 films, but it’s the films he made about working class life that are his great achievement
Lewis Gilbert was the brilliant master-craftsman of the postwar cinema, whose staggeringly prolific career epitomised the technique, professionalism and dash that made British moviemaking tradecraft respected everywhere. He started in wartime film units and the British studio system, making war movies with tremendous elan and punch, like Reach for the Sky and Sink the Bismarck!, and also comedies and character dramas like The Admirable Crichton and The Greengage Summer, which were robustly confident and terrifically watchable. He also famously took the helm of three very successful Bond movies, one with Connery, two with Moore: You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, maintaining that uniquely British brand with wit and clout.
Related: Lewis Gilbert obituary
Continue reading.
Lewis Gilbert was the brilliant master-craftsman of the postwar cinema, whose staggeringly prolific career epitomised the technique, professionalism and dash that made British moviemaking tradecraft respected everywhere. He started in wartime film units and the British studio system, making war movies with tremendous elan and punch, like Reach for the Sky and Sink the Bismarck!, and also comedies and character dramas like The Admirable Crichton and The Greengage Summer, which were robustly confident and terrifically watchable. He also famously took the helm of three very successful Bond movies, one with Connery, two with Moore: You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, maintaining that uniquely British brand with wit and clout.
Related: Lewis Gilbert obituary
Continue reading.
- 2/28/2018
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Gilbert on the set of the 1977 James Bond blockbuster The Spy Who Loved Me with production designer Ken Adam and producer Albert R. Broccoli at Pinewood Studios, London.
By Lee Pfeiffer
Cinema Retro mourns the news of director/producer Lewis Gilbert's death in London at age 97. Gilbert was a good friend to our magazine and gave what is probably his last interview to our correspondent Matthew Field several years ago. It ran in three consecutive issues of Cinema Retro (#'s18, 19 and 20).
Gilbert had a remarkable career that began early in life as a music hall performer and an actor in small roles in British films. During WWII he served in the Raf, producing and directing documentaries for the military. His first feature film as director was "The Little Ballerina", released in 1947. Gilbert toiled through directing low-budget, often undistinguished films, honing his craft along the way. He earned praise for...
By Lee Pfeiffer
Cinema Retro mourns the news of director/producer Lewis Gilbert's death in London at age 97. Gilbert was a good friend to our magazine and gave what is probably his last interview to our correspondent Matthew Field several years ago. It ran in three consecutive issues of Cinema Retro (#'s18, 19 and 20).
Gilbert had a remarkable career that began early in life as a music hall performer and an actor in small roles in British films. During WWII he served in the Raf, producing and directing documentaries for the military. His first feature film as director was "The Little Ballerina", released in 1947. Gilbert toiled through directing low-budget, often undistinguished films, honing his craft along the way. He earned praise for...
- 2/28/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Lewis Gilbert, the British director of Alfie and multiple movies in the James Bond franchise, has passed away at the age of 97. Read about the Oscar-nominated director’s career, including his three Bond entries, below. Lewis Gilbert Dead at 97 The Hollywood Reporter brings news about Gilbert’s death. THR says Gilbert got his start as a […]
The post ‘Alfie’ and James Bond Director Lewis Gilbert Has Died at 97 appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Alfie’ and James Bond Director Lewis Gilbert Has Died at 97 appeared first on /Film.
- 2/28/2018
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
British director Lewis Gilbert, director of three classic James Bond movies, has died at the age of 97. Gilbert got his start as a child actor in 1933 in Dick Turpin and eventually made himself into an accomplished director. During the course of his long career, Gilbert amassed more than 40 credits. Gilbert was remembered by the official James Bond Twitter account following the news of his death.
"British director, producer and screenwriter Lewis Gilbert has passed away at the age of 97. Gilbert directed three Bond films; You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Lewis Gilbert had been working as a director for more than two decades before tackling his first movie in the James Bond franchise, which came in the form of 1967's You Only Live Twice. The movie is significant, as it was the last of Sean Connery...
"British director, producer and screenwriter Lewis Gilbert has passed away at the age of 97. Gilbert directed three Bond films; You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
Lewis Gilbert had been working as a director for more than two decades before tackling his first movie in the James Bond franchise, which came in the form of 1967's You Only Live Twice. The movie is significant, as it was the last of Sean Connery...
- 2/27/2018
- by MovieWeb
- MovieWeb
Film director whose long and varied career produced hits including Alfie and Educating Rita
The film director Lewis Gilbert, who has died aged 97, never sought the limelight: he always said he wanted his films to speak for him, and several of them, including Alfie (1966) and Educating Rita (1983), have become part of cinema history.
Alfie is the story of an amoral young man who philosophises to camera on sex, love and women as he pursues sexual encounters with one girl after another. Paramount wanted the setting moved to New York and Tony Curtis to play Alfie, but Gilbert held out for Michael Caine. Caine’s performance assured his career, and the film was nominated for five Oscars.
The film director Lewis Gilbert, who has died aged 97, never sought the limelight: he always said he wanted his films to speak for him, and several of them, including Alfie (1966) and Educating Rita (1983), have become part of cinema history.
Alfie is the story of an amoral young man who philosophises to camera on sex, love and women as he pursues sexual encounters with one girl after another. Paramount wanted the setting moved to New York and Tony Curtis to play Alfie, but Gilbert held out for Michael Caine. Caine’s performance assured his career, and the film was nominated for five Oscars.
- 2/27/2018
- by Sheila Whitaker
- The Guardian - Film News
Filmmaker whose career spanned eight decades was best known for directing three Bond films and making a star of Michael Caine in Alfie
Obituary: a true professional who shunned the limelight
Lewis Gilbert, the British director of a string of celebrated films including the 1966 Michael Caine hit Alfie and The Spy Who Loved Me, arguably the high point of the Roger Moore James Bond era, has died aged 97.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli confirmed Gilbert’s death in a statement. “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend Lewis Gilbert,” they said. “Lewis was a true gentleman. He made an enormous contribution to the British film industry as well as the Bond films, directing You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. His films are not only loved by us but are considered classics within the series.
Obituary: a true professional who shunned the limelight
Lewis Gilbert, the British director of a string of celebrated films including the 1966 Michael Caine hit Alfie and The Spy Who Loved Me, arguably the high point of the Roger Moore James Bond era, has died aged 97.
Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli confirmed Gilbert’s death in a statement. “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of our dear friend Lewis Gilbert,” they said. “Lewis was a true gentleman. He made an enormous contribution to the British film industry as well as the Bond films, directing You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. His films are not only loved by us but are considered classics within the series.
- 2/27/2018
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Lewis Gilbert, the Oscar-nominated British filmmaker whose credits include “Alfie” and three James Bond titles, died on Feb. 23, according to multiple media reports. He was 97. Gilbert’s Bond titles include “You Only Live Twice,” “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “Moonraker.” “Alfie” won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1966 and scored five Oscar nominations including Best Picture. His other films include “Sink the Bismark,” “Educating Rita” and “Shirley Valentine.” Born in London in 1920, Gilbert became a child actor in the 1920s and 1930s, landing a role in Victor Hanbury and John Stafford’s “Dick Turpin” in...
- 2/27/2018
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Author: Cai Ross
Bond fans are mourning the loss at the fine old age of 97, of director Lewis Gilbert. Gilbert was responsible for three of the biggest James Bond films of the 60s and 70s, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
His Bond movies took everything up to eleven. They all featured immense lairs for larger than life villains. In You Only Live Twice, Donald Pleasance’s HQ was housed inside a Japanese volcano. Moonraker’s climax was set on board a gargantuan space station, and The Spy Who Loved Me’s goliath supertanker set was so huge that thee producers had to build an entire sound stage at Pinewood to accommodate it.
The Spy Who Loved Me was an enormous gamble, an expensive doubling-down after the disappointing returns of The Man With The Golden Gun. The producers were rewarded with one of the biggest...
Bond fans are mourning the loss at the fine old age of 97, of director Lewis Gilbert. Gilbert was responsible for three of the biggest James Bond films of the 60s and 70s, You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
His Bond movies took everything up to eleven. They all featured immense lairs for larger than life villains. In You Only Live Twice, Donald Pleasance’s HQ was housed inside a Japanese volcano. Moonraker’s climax was set on board a gargantuan space station, and The Spy Who Loved Me’s goliath supertanker set was so huge that thee producers had to build an entire sound stage at Pinewood to accommodate it.
The Spy Who Loved Me was an enormous gamble, an expensive doubling-down after the disappointing returns of The Man With The Golden Gun. The producers were rewarded with one of the biggest...
- 2/27/2018
- by Cai Ross
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Lewis Gilbert, who directed three of the most successful James Bond movies and Best Picture Oscar nominee Alfie, has died. He was 97. Gilbert, who directed You Only Live Twice (1967), The Spy Who Loved Me (1978) and Moonraker (1979), was born in 1920 in Hackney in London and directed more than 40 films in his career. Starting out as a child actor, in 1933's Dick Turpin, he served as an assistant on Alfred Hitchcock's 1939 thriller Jamaica Inn. After directing a number of…...
- 2/27/2018
- Deadline
Gilbert was made a fellow of the British Film Institute in 2001.
Lewis Gilbert, best known for directing Alife and three James Bond films, has died aged 97.
According to reports he passed away on February 23. His funeral will be held in Monaco next week
Alfie, starring a young Michael Caine, won the jury prize at Cannes in 1966 and received five Oscar nominations including best picture.
Gilbert’s Bond entries were You Only Live Twice with Sean Connery and The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker starring Roger Moore.
His other films included Sink The Bismark, the Bafta-winning Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.
Gilbert was awarded a Cbe in 1997 and was made a fellow of the British Film Institute in 2001.
Heather Stewart, BFI Creative Director, said: “The BFI salutes the most prolific of British filmmakers. Awarded our highest accolade, a BFI Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to British film, everything from three Bond films – including the best, You Only Live Twice – and definitive...
Lewis Gilbert, best known for directing Alife and three James Bond films, has died aged 97.
According to reports he passed away on February 23. His funeral will be held in Monaco next week
Alfie, starring a young Michael Caine, won the jury prize at Cannes in 1966 and received five Oscar nominations including best picture.
Gilbert’s Bond entries were You Only Live Twice with Sean Connery and The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker starring Roger Moore.
His other films included Sink The Bismark, the Bafta-winning Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.
Gilbert was awarded a Cbe in 1997 and was made a fellow of the British Film Institute in 2001.
Heather Stewart, BFI Creative Director, said: “The BFI salutes the most prolific of British filmmakers. Awarded our highest accolade, a BFI Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to British film, everything from three Bond films – including the best, You Only Live Twice – and definitive...
- 2/27/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Lewis Gilbert, the Oscar-nominated British film director behind more than 40 films, including Alfie and three James Bond titles, has died. He was 97.
Born in London, Gilbert started out as a child actor in the 1920s and 1930s and had an uncredited role alongside Laurence Olivier in 1938's The Divorce of Lady X. But in his late teens he decided to move toward directing, assisting on Alfred Hitchcock's Jamaica Inn.
After WWII — during which he worked for the Royal Air Force's film unit on documentaries — he made a name for himself as a director on a number...
Born in London, Gilbert started out as a child actor in the 1920s and 1930s and had an uncredited role alongside Laurence Olivier in 1938's The Divorce of Lady X. But in his late teens he decided to move toward directing, assisting on Alfred Hitchcock's Jamaica Inn.
After WWII — during which he worked for the Royal Air Force's film unit on documentaries — he made a name for himself as a director on a number...
- 2/27/2018
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British director Lewis Gilbert, the man behind the camera on over 40 films, has passed away just a couple of weeks shy of his 98th birthday according to THR. Gilbert was born March 6, 1920 in Hackney London. His parents were both music hall performers and Gilbert spent his childhood on the road with them while they toured, being hidden in the luggage racks of trains to save his parents buying him a ticket.
- 2/27/2018
- ScreenRant.com
On Aug. 24, 1966, Paramount brought Michael Caine's Alfie to theaters. The film went on to be nominated for five Oscars at the 39th Academy Awards ceremony, including best picture and actor. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below.
Alfie is a contemporary Tom Jones, a young man pursuing what he calls the "birds" with relentless and apparently inexhaustible energy. His object is sex: cheery and irresponsible. He is caught up and changed when he finds responsibility is inescapable. Lewis Gilbert's production for Paramount is an amusing, moving and meaningful picture.
Although for much of the way it tinkles...
Alfie is a contemporary Tom Jones, a young man pursuing what he calls the "birds" with relentless and apparently inexhaustible energy. His object is sex: cheery and irresponsible. He is caught up and changed when he finds responsibility is inescapable. Lewis Gilbert's production for Paramount is an amusing, moving and meaningful picture.
Although for much of the way it tinkles...
- 8/24/2017
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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