38 replies to this topic

[Piz Gloria 1969]

Here's a story of a man who recently met Connery and tried to get autographs :

Were Do I start ? , Went to Scotland to get Sean Connery since he has not ben seen In public since LXG nearly 5 years ago and got the shock of my life.

Well I got there on the 18th and the good news was I tracked him down and more important no one else was out for him, Maybe they knew more than I did ?.

Me and my mate that travelled up for 50 hours decided to spend almost every minute trying to get him as We know he is extremely hard work especially In England since the Steroid Bandit who is his guard In London is a tosser.

Sean Connery is hard enough never mind having to deal with Steroid Jerry.

Anyway we knew he was suppose to have a photo call at 1pm so we thought he will be out some time soon. Then we Hear the Photo call is now moved to 3.30 and then we got told he will not be going to it.

We spend hours before we managed to get a glimpse of him, at first when we saw him we were shocked at how bad he looked almost a shadow of himself.

His arm was tied up in a sling and his foot was in a bad shape. We waited for him to come to the door and then we asked if he could sign a photo for us, he really thought hard before he reached for the pen and even then he was very upset that I asked him.

What I found was he could not hold the marker to well and he was shaking as he was signing and when it came to sign my friends photo his signature was very ropey not what it used to be, It seems he could not sign as well anymore.

We saw him another 5 times that day and got refused every time except before he came out to go to the Premiere of Siena Miller & Kiera Knightly premiere.

In the evening when he came back we got told by a family member and 1 of his close friends that knew him for 45 years since the days when he used to be a milkman in Dundee street, That he has been advised by his doctors not to go to any public functions and to try and avoid travelling as much as he could. We spend 30 minutes hearing stories about connery things we never knew and was shown a book of photos about Sean's life in Edinburgh

The next day turned out to be an Unforgettable experience, Sean went to watch a war film at the FILMFACTORY which was the venue for the film festival he watched a film called Eve.

We waited for him to come out and 2 hours later came out before the 500 people he was seating with in the venue realise who was one of the people seating amongst them.

When he saw us he went red and we thought he was gonna explode, He refused so I tried asking him again when he went on the street, Then he turned around and screamed at me off GO GO GO and raised his good hand to smack me, Every one that by that time have walked out around 50 people turned around and looked at him and were shocked to see how he had reacted inc his PR who she run to cover the scene.

We later found out that the minute he went to the hotel he asked them if a car ever comes for him to be send at the back were the kitchen of the hotel was and so they did from that moment onwards.

We saw him the following day just coming from the lift and walking towards the back and we saw him in his car every time going shopping to House of Fraser etc.

In the evening around 7pm we saw him at the lobby so we thought we would try one last time and so we did and we got told to Fck off again, Outside the hotel there was a coach with about 40 russian woman going out and the last 4 saw us and heard the incident so they decided to try their luck well even though they only had the backs of their airplane tickets they were told were to put them, One of them decided to take a photo and when she came out I asked her to look at it and she run like mad on to the coach I think they were still in shock.

Anyway too many more stories but I think you all Know what I am trying to get too.

I managed to get 1 more at 10.45 pm that night when he went out for a walk but it was because I told him I was going in an hour and he would never ever see me again (Which I really believe).

For the collectors that read this maybe now you can understand why he is the only bond that is expensive to buy , He is very hard to get and also very old almost never ever does any public functions were we can get to him and try and get some autographs.

I have too say that I also now know why a lot of my fellow collectors and dealers are scared of him he comes across as crazy and he at times is capable of striking you as he has a bad temper.

You can all see the 3 autographs I got from him and you can see that he has changed a lot since he signed 5 years ago and also a photo I took of him at the premiere.

http://i299.photobuc...hs/DSC06203.jpg

http://i299.photobuc...plicated-01.jpg

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

Its a tragedy to see one of the greatest screen actors of the sixties and seventies reduced to a grumpy and haggered old man. I can see why he hides in the shadow so much these days.

[dinovelvet]

Well I don't have any sympathy for this bloke. He stalks Connery until he gets an autograph out of him, and then continues stalking him again and again. I would have told him to off too. How much do these freaks want out of him? Meeting him and getting his autograph isn't enough anymore?

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

True true, I spose one autograph's enough - it would be for me! Fair point d-velvet!

[ACE]

Well I don't have any sympathy for this bloke. He stalks Connery until he gets an autograph out of him, and then continues stalking him again and again. I would have told him to off too. How much do these freaks want out of him? Meeting him and getting his autograph isn't enough anymore?

Totally agree, dinovelvet.
If this story is true, it beggars belief that the poster has the cheek to post the story here.
By the poster's own admission, they obtain an autograph from Connery.
They note how allegedly infirm he is.
They then stalk him on numerous occasions, knowingly provoking him and chasing him for more autographs (no doubt to sell - why else do you need more than one autograph?).
If true, there is no sense of boundaries, no dignity in their conduct.
They then limbo-dance under their sewer-low standards by publishing spurious facts as "a warning" on the Net.
Have they no shame? Gives fans everywhere a bad name.
I have the utmost sympathy for Connery having to deal with Ebay jackals like these.

[ImTheMoneypenny]

I don't know, I'm sort of stunned by this post. You got an autograph, wasn't one enough? Not to rain on your parade but I can understand why Sir Sean got so upset.

Perhaps it's me, but when I'm in an area (convention or concert or such) where there are famous people, actors, writers the like, people I look up to, the last thing I do is pop up every time they turn around with my pen and photo out. I wait for formal introductions or a casual meeting. Actually I don't really care if I never get an autograph, sometimes I get a good conversation, a hug and a kiss, or a handshake. I stopped caring about autographs a long time ago. Sure they are fun, I have many of the Doctors, villains, and companions(Doctor Who)but I got those at appropriate times. And when it was not an appropriate time, I talked to them like they were human beings, perhaps that's why I was was able to move in circles other fans didn't.

You saw he was having difficulties writing, why persist? Where is your respect for another human being? Scribbles on paper, not worth it.

[Mister E]

Well I don't have any sympathy for this bloke. He stalks Connery until he gets an autograph out of him, and then continues stalking him again and again. I would have told him to off too. How much do these freaks want out of him? Meeting him and getting his autograph isn't enough anymore?

I agree dino. These guys were pestering him and Connery had every right to spout four letter words. Also the poor man is almost 80 frickin' years old. How did they expect him to look like ?

[Odd Job]

Whilst I don't like tarring all autograph hunters with the same brush, this story is a great example of why these obsessive fans give me the creeps. Everyone is entitled to their privacy and I can hardly blame Sir Sean for being a little ticked off!

[Bryce (003)]

I don't know, I'm sort of stunned by this post. You got an autograph, wasn't one enough? Not to rain on your parade but I can understand why Sir Sean got so upset.

Perhaps it's me, but when I'm in an area (convention or concert or such) where there are famous people, actors, writers the like, people I look up to, the last thing I do is pop up every time they turn around with my pen and photo out. I wait for formal introductions or a casual meeting. Actually I don't really care if I never get an autograph, sometimes I get a good conversation, a hug and a kiss, or a handshake. I stopped caring about autographs a long time ago. Sure they are fun, I have many of the Doctors, villains, and companions(Doctor Who)but I got those at appropriate times. And when it was not an appropriate time, I talked to them like they were human beings, perhaps that's why I was was able to move in circles other fans didn't.

You saw he was having difficulties writing, why persist? Where is your respect for another human being? Scribbles on paper, not worth it.

Agreed ITM. I've had the great pleasure to just share some quality time with many Bond stars and a few Bond's over the years. Especially here in LA and at some of the annual collector's shows. That's when it's the time to ask for an autograph because that's what they are there to do.

The real point is that they are just people, but they choose to perform and make their living in the public eye. I've talked more about golf with George Lazenby than about Bond. I've had the delight of meeting many of the Bond girls and a lovely dinner with Richard Kiel and his wife Diane in San Francisco.

I'll take all of that over a scribled autograph any day.

An old adage from my grandfather: "Give respect. Get respect."

[hilly]

The news is seemingly full of stories of pensioners being stalked and harassed by hoodies and thugs..and here's another one.. This is stalking, basically. Yes he's a celeb and from that point of view I guess is fair game, but this is harassement in anybodys book and the guy is nearly 80 for s sake...

[Zorin Industries]

Well I don't have any sympathy for this bloke. He stalks Connery until he gets an autograph out of him, and then continues stalking him again and again. I would have told him to off too. How much do these freaks want out of him? Meeting him and getting his autograph isn't enough anymore?

Totally agree, dinovelvet.
If this story is true, it beggars belief that the poster has the cheek to post the story here.
By the poster's own admission, they obtain an autograph from Connery.
They note how allegedly infirm he is.
They then stalk him on numerous occasions, knowingly provoking him and chasing him for more autographs (no doubt to sell - why else do you need more than one autograph?).
If true, there is no sense of boundaries, no dignity in their conduct.
They then limbo-dance under their sewer-low standards by publishing spurious facts as "a warning" on the Net.
Have they no shame? Gives fans everywhere a bad name.
I have the utmost sympathy for Connery having to deal with Ebay jackals like these.

I concur Ace. I am not Sean Connery's biggest fan by a long stretch but I wouldn't wish anyone to have that pestering when out and about in the streets far away from the Bond circus and world.

Yes, why would you need more than autograph?

One of the worst things about this is that these band of highwaymen in geek's clothing are doing a hugh disservice to Bond fans the world over.

And "no pun" was intended or delivered with the thread title folks. It would only be a pun had the mucky tale been about Donald Pleasance himself.

[MarkA]

I think this person's behavior is disgraceful. Now I know Connery can be a prickly person but to stalk him like that do you have no shame? I too have Connery’s autograph from when he was promoting NSNA. He was perfectly charming and even signed a second pic to James Bond fans, which was printed in 007 magazine that I used to help artwork. A couple of days later he waved to us group as we watched him being interviewed by Gloria Hunniford on British TV. Moral, if you show some decorum and are respectful of the mans space he can be perfectly polite. The trouble is ebay and its ilk has given autograph collectors a bad name.

[Scottlee]

An utterly ridiculous ramble.

The man is 80, not in the best condition obviously, and gave out an autograph when he probably didn't feel like it. Leave it at that and be goddamn grateful. Not all of us get the chance to even meet iconic actors, let alone waste a whole weekend shadowing their every move. I'd say to the chap who wrote that piece - get a bloody life.

[DR76]

Well I don't have any sympathy for this bloke. He stalks Connery until he gets an autograph out of him, and then continues stalking him again and again. I would have told him to off too. How much do these freaks want out of him? Meeting him and getting his autograph isn't enough anymore?

I have to agree. This guy could tell that Connery was not in good health at the time. But to continue stalking him in that manner? Talk about rude!

Edited by DR76, 23 June 2008 - 04:07 PM.

[Bryce (003)]

Way to go everyone.

CBn - Bond at it's best.

Ten years ago, we all know that Sir Sean would have kicked this bloke's bum "Twice the length of the bar and halfway up the street."

and rightfully so.

[Brian Flagg]

I've never been one to go "Gah-Gah" over any celebrity and there's nothing I could say to any movie actor that they haven't already heard ("I loved you as James Bond!") a billion times. I'm content to watch their movies and see them "at work." They're just people and they have zero privacy; just leave 'em alone and enjoy them as performers. If I happened by a celebrity I liked, I'd rather have a handshake and a pleasant word than an autograph anyway. IMO some autograph hounds are thisclose to being as bad as paparazzi.

Edited by Brian Flagg, 23 June 2008 - 05:37 PM.

[sark]

Ten years ago, we all know that Sir Sean would have kicked this bloke's bum "Twice the length of the bar and halfway up the street."

Maybe since Sir Sean is getting infirm, CBn ought to do him this small favor ourselves.

[Bryce (003)]

Well, I'd hate to deprive him of the personal satisfaction. We know he can still swing his golf clubs. Maybe just a simple "snatch & grab" op. Deliver said parcel to the Bahamas - yeah, that would be hell for all of us - and then do a delivery. Leave the rest to Sir Sean.

My advice: #3 Wood. Swing easy. Par for the course.

[Blofeld's Cat]

My advice: #3 Wood. Swing easy. Par for the course.

And don't drink and drive. Don't even putt!

[mccartney007]

Who doesn't love to be stalked? I know if I was pushing 80 with my arm in a sling and visibly impaired in some way that I would want a couple of creeps following me around.

[Mark_Hazard]

I agree with everyone else, PG1969 went about things in the wrong way (and by posting his story I think he shot himself in the foot too).

PG1969, you should be VERY grateful that Big Tam actually signed 3 Bond pictures, as I hear that they are the ones that don't usually get a look in.

[Daddy Bond]

Autographs are okay, I guess, but not a big deal in my opinion, and certainly not worth harassing another human being over. OK, so you got some Connery autographs and now he also thinks you guys are real jerks! If you had an opportunity to meet Connery, why not just rather say, "We won't bother you for an autograph, we just wanted to let you know we enjoyed your work as Bond. Have a great day!" And walk away. You wouldn't get an autograph, but atleast he'd probably think, "Well, those were some decent fellows."

Or if he agrees to an autograph, thank him for his time, say a nice goodbye and then walk away and leave him alone.

You know civility will get you much farther and often pays off better than some insignificant autograph.

Here's an example of a story I have. As a kid my favorite TV show was Emergency! Well, I was on vacation in California a few years ago, heard they had restored the old Squad from the show, so I called up the museum where it was stored and asked if we could see it. The guy who answered the phone appreciated my courtousy so much, he invited us to stop by the fire station (where they filmed the TV show) for a special dedication ceremony. My wife and kids and I ended up being the only members of the public there, along with actor Randolph Mantooth, his then fiance - now wife, producers from the show and a few guys from the L.A. County Fire Dept. I ended up talking with Mantooth and his fiancee and also spoke with one of the show's producers for about an hour. What a great time. I didn't ask for any autographs, but Mantooth so appreciated our courtesy, when he saw my wife carrying (and not using) a video camera, he suggested that she take some shots of us talking (it was his suggestion). He threw his arm around my shoulder and said thanks for being such a great guy and for coming out to see them.

The same kind of courtesy resulted in me getting to talk one on one with Raquel Welch for about half an hour, whom I literally met be accident. I saw her walking down the side walk of my old high school (La Jolla High in La Jolla, California). Now, I'm not a huge fan of her movies, but still an interesting opportunity.

Now, things like this don't happen every day, but the point is, courtesy and respect are far better than harrassing people, and results are usually better for everyone.

True, I don't have any autographs from those meetings, but I have better memories. The only autographs I have were acquired during autograph signings (where I met Charton Heston for example). Funny how movie stars AREN'T offending when you ask them for an autograph when they are there to sign autographs!

Not that it's automatically wrong to ask for an autograph, but my theory is to leave people alone unless invited and then treat them kindly like any other human being and not like some rabid fan who just wants a piece of memorobilia.

This is my way of saying that I think these guys treated Sir Sean very poorly indeed!

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

my old high school (La Jolla High in La Jolla, California)

La Jolla as in just outside of San Diego? I've been there! It's gorgeous!

But anyway, back to the subject in hand. You're right Daddy Bond that autographs are less meaningful than actual conversations. I've collected numerous autographs from footballers over the years but I value the memories more like when I shared a bit of banter with Dean Windass or when I met Teddy Sheringham in Spindles shopping centre and got a pat on the head, rather than an autograph But these mean more to me than autographs. Autographs are cool, but people skills when meeting celebrities are cooler! These t***s who met the legendary Connery obviously didn't have them!

Edited by Conlazmoodalbrocra, 23 June 2008 - 11:21 PM.

[Bryce (003)]

Big Daddy!

That's the way to roll.

I agree with everyone else, PG1969 went about things in the wrong way (and by posting his story I think he shot himself in the foot too).

Oh no. He reloaded and shot the other foot too.

[Conlazmoodalbrocra]

Big Daddy!

That's the way to roll.

I agree with everyone else, PG1969 went about things in the wrong way (and by posting his story I think he shot himself in the foot too).

Oh no. He reloaded and shot the other foot too.

LOL!

[Daddy Bond]

my old high school (La Jolla High in La Jolla, California)

La Jolla as in just outside of San Diego? I've been there! It's gorgeous!

But anyway, back to the subject in hand. You're right Daddy Bond that autographs are less meaningful than actual conversations. I've collected numerous autographs from footballers over the years but I value the memories more like when I shared a bit of banter with Dean Windass or when I met Teddy Sheringham in Spindles shopping centre and got a pat on the head, rather than an autograph But these mean more to me than autographs. Autographs are cool, but people skills when meeting celebrities are cooler! These t***s who met the legendary Connery obviously didn't have them!

Yes, I was in California last week on vacation. A great evening is to walk with your lady down to La Jolla Cove when the tide is coming in around 6 - 8 pm at night! However, when it comes to the beach, I like hanging out at the del Coronado on Coronado Island across from San Diego. Another nice piece of beach is right beside the old Baywatch headquarters (which they've recently renovated). For some odd reason, fewer people seem to go there, they tend to gravitate south toward Malibu Pier. My family and I were there two weeks ago, the sky was blue (which was nice because there was some fog that week), the weather was perfect AND AT 2 PM WE WERE LITERALLY THE ONLY PEOPLE FOR ABOUT HALF A MILE!!! It was awesome. I grew up in S. California and I try to get back there once a year. A couple of my other favorites spots are Farmer's Market in L.A., Griffith Observatory (great view of L.A. and the area), wathcing the sunset on the beach at Palos Verdes, attending a performance at the Hollywood Bowl, staying at the del and a few favorite restaurants in the L.A. and San Diego area. Oh, and we have no Del Taco in Texas, so I stocked up on about 500 packets of Del Taco red sauce for my Taco Bell burritos that I purchase here in Texas. Well, people who aren't familiar with California may not relate, but those who do, well they'll get what I'm saying.

Well, sorry, I digress from the conversation at hand...

[Daddy Bond]

Great schtories Daddy Bond ... till we got to

"500 packets of Del Taco"

Hey, what can I say, had to throw in a bit of down home fast food with all of the other fun things I enjoy in California.

[mccartney007]

I should point out that Piz Gloria 1969 said he found that story somewhere else and that it wasn't he who stalked Connery. Of course he could have done it and just said he found the story somewhere.

[Daddy Bond]

I should point out that Piz Gloria 1969 said he found that story somewhere else and that it wasn't he who stalked Connery. Of course he could have done it and just said he found the story somewhere.

Yes, I caught that. I don't know about anyone else, but that's why I didn't mention Piz Gloria in my response. The words are directed toward the blokes who basically hounded Mr. Connery - whoever they are.

[Piz Gloria 1969]

"Here's a story of a man who recently met Connery and tried to get autographs :"

Re-read this , it is NOT me who met Connery , I merely wanted to share this tale.

I agree that respect is important but if a celeb goes to such an event he should prepare for that he might meet autograph seekers...if a celeb can't handle this then perhaps they should find another job as it is part of the whole PR machinery....can't stand heat get out of kitchen imo.

They earn millions of dollars and can't even sign a few autographs for the fans , w/o the fans they'd NEVER be able or in a position to demand those outrageous salaries in the first place !

Edited by Piz Gloria 1969, 25 June 2008 - 01:18 PM.