4 replies to this topic

[Terry]

One of the more intriguing stories I've come across over the years was the possible filming of two Bond movies, back to back in the early '80s. One can read about it in the late actor David Warbeck's soft cover book/mag, DAVID WARBECK: THE MAN AND HIS MOVIES, edited and researched by Jason Slater and Harvey Fenton. In the course of the interview, Warbeck is asked about the time when he was being considered for the Bond role (1973 to 1983). He tells us that there had been extensive screen testing, a three day shoot, and that contracts and monies were arranged. The plan was for Roger Moore to do a John Glen directed Bond while Warbeck would do one with John Hough (Hammer's TWINS OF EVIL)as the director. Warbeck tells how Vic Armstrong was lined up to do his stunt work and goes into some detail how you need a director that makes you look right in such a large production. Warbeck suggests a world economic crisis caused the studio to pull the budget on the whole idea.

There is evidence that lends credence to Warbeck's story. Director John Hough talks about the possibility of his directing a Bond with Warbeck in his commentary for the DVD release of THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS. Also, it seems when EON was serious about an actor, they went to some expense and shot a three day test for them. Pierce Brosnan, Michael Billington and James Brolin all were given three day tests. A normal screen test can last for only 20 minutes. Warbeck mentioned he could not work with John Glen and John Hough tells us that he and Roger Moore had some problems while working on the SAINT so there was a need for two directors.

Was it a real possibilty or was Cubby just playing the chess game with Roger Moore to keep his fee in check? It would be fascinating to hear the inside story from those in the know.

[ACE]

One of the more intriguing stories I've come across over the years was the possible filming of two Bond movies, back to back in the early '80s. One can read about it in the late actor David Warbeck's soft cover book/mag, DAVID WARBECK: THE MAN AND HIS MOVIES, edited and researched by Jason Slater and Harvey Fenton. In the course of the interview, Warbeck is asked about the time when he was being considered for the Bond role (1973 to 1983). He tells us that there had been extensive screen testing, a three day shoot, and that contracts and monies were arranged. The plan was for Roger Moore to do a John Glen directed Bond while Warbeck would do one with John Hough (Hammer's TWINS OF EVIL)as the director. Warbeck tells how Vic Armstrong was lined up to do his stunt work and goes into some detail how you need a director that makes you look right in such a large production. Warbeck suggests a world economic crisis caused the studio to pull the budget on the whole idea.

There is evidence that lends credence to Warbeck's story. Director John Hough talks about the possibility of his directing a Bond with Warbeck in his commentary for the DVD release of THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS. Also, it seems when EON was serious about an actor, they went to some expense and shot a three day test for them. Pierce Brosnan, Michael Billington and James Brolin all were given three day tests. A normal screen test can last for only 20 minutes. Warbeck mentioned he could not work with John Glen and John Hough tells us that he and Roger Moore had some problems while working on the SAINT so there was a need for two directors.

Was it a real possibilty or was Cubby just playing the chess game with Roger Moore to keep his fee in check? It would be fascinating to hear the inside story from those in the know.

Interesting post, Terry. Thanks
The late Michael Billington also reported he was in a similar situation.

[doublenoughtspy]

While anything is possible with Bond, I find this story has a few problems.

I'm not doubting that Warbeck wasn't a back up Bond ala Michael Billington and John Gavin.

If Glen was in the mix for directing then we are talking post 1980. And not to put him down by any stretch of the imagination but remember that Glen was at least 3rd choice for FYEO since Cubby approached Terence Young and Peter Hunt to direct it - I would assume Hamilton was asked as well though I can't confirm that.

So, you've got a novice director for 1 Bond movie, and you want to follow that/film concurrently with another director you've never worked with? I know Peter Hunt couldn't do FYEO because of a scheduling conflict - why not use him or any of the other Bond alumni for the follow up film? John Hough wasn't exactly setting the world on fire - Brass Target & Watcher in the Woods each only grossed $5 million...

The real kicker is that 1980 was the Heaven's Gate fiasco which almost brought down United Artists. The studio would have been gun-shy, and too cash poor to bankroll two Bond films at once - unless they were at greatly reduced budgets.

One of the reasons Bond films have been successful is that they gauge audience reaction to the previous film (usually) and make adjustments on the next one. Making films back to back wouldn't give them that opportunity.

Does Hough give a timeframe for his possible Bond film in the commentary - i.e. around 1980 or post 1980 or ?

Warbeck's reference to a "world economic crisis" may mean Heaven's Gate or it might have just been an excuse they used.

Eon could have dozens of Bond actors and directing candidates lined up - its important to remember that the studio was the one that had to approve of the candidates and also set the budget and the release date. Maybe UA needed quick cash because of Heaven's Gate and wanted two Bond films on the books as fast as possible to help balance things.

But as Cubby explains in his biography - the studio was very pro-Roger in the 80s when Cubby kept testing candidates. And if I was a studio exec back then and compared what something like Moonraker was bringing in to the bottom line versus clunkers like Heaven's Gate - I think I would have looked at technology to clone Roger before I'd take a gamble on someone like Warbeck who had only done TV, a few Italian films, and 2 soft core pørn films...

[zencat]

Very interesting. Thank you, Terry.

[Terry]

There's not a lot of evidence to help determine a correct date for when this might have occured.
John Hough mentions in his commentary that Roger Moore was seeking a pay hike, all documented in Variety, and it was decided to go with a new actor and director. David Warbeck had done a "highly regarded little film called WOLFSHEAD (aka WOLFSHEAD: THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD)" which had been directed by Hough. According to Hough, Cubby Broccoli had seen this movie and decided to go with Warbeck and, also, to use Hough as his director. John Hough indicates that Roger Moore agreed to a salary figure and then Hough was no longer involved.
In an article titled, WOULD YOU LICENSE THIS MAN TO THRILL YOU? (Woman's Own July 16, 1983) David Warbeck tells us that he was "...tested secretly for the role three years ago and had to spend three days on a closed set with security men guarding the place! But the audition wasn't terribly wonderful. It was done in a great rush and, anyway Roger Moore carried on in the part."
Based on what I have found, I would place these events sometime in 1980. In his great book, John Glen has told about testing actors for the Bond role to star in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. It's obvious that Glen wanted Moore to return as Bond and both Michael Billington and David Warbeck tell how they did not get on with Glen that well.
After viewing some of his work, I can't say that I'm a fan of the idea of Warbeck doing Bond (always liked the idea of giving the role to Lewis Collins) but who can say if there isn't some truth to this story. By the way, Martin Campbell directed one of the soft pørn movies Warbeck acted in, SEX THIEF I believe.
David Warbeck told how he wanted "his own team" and would need a differant director as he couldn't work with Glen. This doesn't ring true as Cubby Broccoli would not have any actor tell him who would direct his movie.
When his book, THE BATTLE FOR BOND, was released I believe I read that author Robert Sellers was working on a bio with Vic Armstrong. Perhaps he could shed some light on this story.