180 replies to this topic

[MarcAngeDraco]

My copy arrived yesterday, and I spent a few minutes taking my first look through it last night.

I must admit (given the currently strained Draco finances) that I was somewhat hesitant to spend $50 or so on a book that I hadn't even had the chance to leaf through. However, based on the positive reviews from trusted CBn members and the fact that doublenoughtspy is THE expert on OHMSS, I decided to go for it.

The box from Amazon was somewhat heavier than I had expected, and opening quickly revealed why. For some reason I had expected the book to be a little on the thin side, but no, this is a substantial volume.

And it had to be to squeeze all of these pictures in and have any room left for the text. And not just the same pictures I've seen a hundred times previously either. When most books promise "never before seen" pics you know to expect a few new pics scattered amongst all of the overused ones. But this is different. Hey, I've never seen that one, or that one, or this one... Seriously, it's going to take me days just to enjoy all of the pictures.

Bravo Charles! I haven't even started to read the book yet, and I already feel that I have gotten my money's worth. The amount of work that must have gone into this is mind boggling.

It's really this simple: Every James Bond fan needs to own this book!

[Bryce (003)]

Amazing Charles!

Mine arrived on Tuesday. I finished last night.

I'm ordering a second one for a friend who I'm certain will enjoy it as much as I did.

Simply excellent good sir and I'm also TRULY flattered to be mentioned in the acknowledgements.

You've really done something remarkable for the world of 007.

[Gobi-1]

Got my copy yesterday and just to repeat what everyone else is saying this book is absolutely worth every penny. I read the first chapter last night then flipped through the rest of it and I can easily say it is one of the best Bond books I've seen.

I can't wait to get back home to continue reading.

[zencat]

"I proclaim it to be the Best Bond Book Yet Written!"

[DAN LIGHTER]

Amazing Charles!

Mine arrived on Tuesday. I finished last night.

I'm ordering a second one for a friend who I'm certain will enjoy it as much as I did.

Simply excellent good sir and I'm also TRULY flattered to be mentioned in the acknowledgements.

You've really done something remarkable for the world of 007.

Lucky friend Bryce, lucky friend.

[doublenoughtspy]

Thank you Charlie (hmm, something about being named Charles with Bond – Axworthy, Helfenstein, Higson, etc.)

I think you of all people, as an editor, would especially appreciate the next to the last image of the book, with Peter Hunt in front of the moviola, and Michael Reed’s quote.

My CBn friends played such a big part in making this project a reality – though I thank them in the book as you said, a few deserve extra special mention:

Delmo has been my sounding board – there for the highs and lows, setbacks and triumphs, and did the wonderful clock illustrations that denote the number of each chapter on the splash pages. He also provided a number of photos – including the rare shots of actors and actresses that Maibaum originally suggested for certain roles. He also did research for me at the NY Public Library including their specialty Performing Arts Branch. And though he deserved contributor copies, Delmo instead chose to support me by being the first person to buy a copy of the book.

Heiko has been a tireless champion of the project, and our research trip to Switzerland was a highlight. Before we left Germany, Heiko took me to the ancestral home of the Helfenstein’s (“they’ve been coming from there for ages.”) – the ruins of Helfenstein Castle. One funny tidbit – the ruined castle is not far from Augsburg. One of the unused OHMSS script drafts has Blofeld discussing retirement, and fixing up the ruined castle at Augsburg. The Switzerland chapter of the book is chock full of information that came from Heiko’s translations from German and Swiss magazines, newspapers and documents that came from location manager Hubert Frohlich and also from Peter Hunt’s scrapbook that he kept during the filming of OHMSS.

Zencat has provided help in various ways along the way, a fact check here, a scanned article there, and put me in touch with his buddy that works at The Academy Awards library, so there would be a friendly face to go to when I was navigating their stacks and clipping files during my trip to California. Zencat has also led the charge in marketing the book.

And though we’ve not met in real life, David Schofield is my new best friend, for his review on Amazon, which I will excerpt here:

“This is the perfect guide to the ultimate Bond film: imagine a literary version of Peter Hunt's labour of love and here it is. Full of indepth insight from the genesis of Fleming's novel, through production and, of course, the movie's notorious aftermath. Lovingly written and imaginatively illustrated, I doubt there is an image left that has not been reproduced here, showing the progress from Fleming's creation to today, the "feel" of OHMSS wonderfully recreated.”

In a nutshell, that is exactly what I was trying to accomplish.

Thank you everyone on CBn who has spent their hard earned money on my tribute, and peek behind the scenes, of the artistic pinnacle of the James Bond series and Peter Hunt’s masterpiece, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

[trs007]

Charles:

I have been a Bond fan since I was nine and am currently 46. I earn my seat at the Master Geek Table when it comes to trivia, overall Bond knowledge and "making of" facts and fun.

I learned more about OHMSS in the first 27 pages than I did through my entire fandom. This book was a treasure trove of knowledge for, IMHO, the best film of the series. Well done!!! A great read and a welcome addition to the Bond shelves in my home.

So, now stop resting on all this praise, there are 21 other films to research and write about.......

[Bryce (003)]

So, now stop resting on all this praise, there are 21 other films to research and write about.......

Screw the other films. Write a "tell all" book about CBn.

On second thought...Maybe not a good idea.

[Lachesis]

Book arrived Friday... you really depressed me with how much I didn't know about my favourite Bond film ...... though at least your work has seen the veils begin to lift

To cut to the chase, awesome work Mr Helfenstein, phenomenal even, the tome has become the ultimate star of my geekily oversized movie book collection!

[blueman]

Just ordered it, excited as all get out about it!

Got it, wow! Very exhaustive and nicely put together. Thank you for doing this.

[doublenoughtspy]

Based on my interest in The Prisoner, Amazon UK this morning recommended "The Making of On Her Majesty's Secret Service" by Charles Helfenstein.

It's always nice to have one's book recommended to oneself.

Or in the words of Austin Powers, "Allow myself to introduce...myself."

[Trident]

So, finally am back home and able to get my hands on the parcel I ordered several weeks back... and after leafing through this fine book I am truly astonished.

Doublenoughtspy, what a marvellous volume!

This is absolutely packed cover-to-cover with the most splendid and seldom-seen photographs, with such a treasure of information, trivia and in-depth background that I feel it's safe to say you cannot learn more about OHMSS and EON unless you were actually part of the production in '68/'69. Practically every conceivable detail from the roots of the book/script, to pre-production, to casting, photography and countless more topics, over to critical reaction and legacy is covered closely and exhaustively (particularly liked Films in Review's two reactions ).

Wonderful, doublenoughtspy! You've really given us fans a treat, a true jewel amongst the books on Bond. Many thanks for sharing your love, enthusiasm and devotion for OHMSS with us!

I cannot stress enough how strongly I recommend this book to all fans of James Bond.


EDIT
One thing I forgot: Doublenoughtspy you must, absolutely must go on with your work. I expect another fine book by Charles Helfenstein within the near future. And I will of course buy every book by you, so get behind that keyboard and start the work on your second-to-favourite Bond film, whatever that is, I'll get it even if it's 1967's Casino Royale.

[Dekard77]

Here's my full Amazon review, which says it all.

The most comprehensive look behind the scenes of a James Bond movie EVER, March 28, 2010
By John Cox (Studio City, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

There have only been a handful of "Making of" James Bond books, and being official publications, they have not always provided a very satisfying look behind the scenes. Eon Productions do not open their doors very wide, something that Bond fans know all too well. In fact, the last two "making of" books have just been a collection of set photographs. That is why Charles Helfenstein's The Making of On Her Majesty's Secret Service is true manna from heaven for the James Bond fan. This is the most comprehensive look behind the scenes of a James Bond movie EVER.

Here is the complete story of the making of this particularly fascinating and unique James Bond film (now generally regarded as one of the best of the series). The author starts with the writing of the original 1963 novel, uncovering much never-before-revealed information from various Fleming archives and dispelling a few long-held myths (Bond's Scottish heritage was not a nod to Sean Connery). He also tracks the lengthy script development, which spanned many years as OHMSS was twice considered for production and then postponed. There's even a gatefold breakdown of all the scripts and their changing elements -- something you certainly will never find in any official "making of" book.

Casting of one-time Bond George Lazenby is covered in great detail, as is all aspects of the production. There is just too much here to go into, but know that there is, literally, a major revelation on every page. There is more information contained in the photo captions than you'll find in the entire text of most "making of" books. Even if you're not a James Bond buff, seeing the day to day production of a movie made in the swinging '60s is a real treat. The book is also jam-packed with never-before-published photographs, publicity material, and OHMSS collectibles. Visually, it's a mind blower!

If the book has a fault, it could be that the author doesn't really examine all that closely the conflicts surrounding star Lazenby and his legendary "bad" behavior on and off set (Lazenby, inexplicably, announced mid-way through production that he would not make another Bond film). Not that the legendary incidents aren't covered, but they are presented without much added information or embellishment (but also without judgment). The author spends more time explaining the challenges the production faced in getting a generator to work at the Piz Gloria elevation, which, actually, I found fascinating! So maybe this isn't a fault after all. All the "drama" of making OHMSS is presented in proper measure. Frankly, the generator might have been a bigger headache to the production crew than the antics of a wild star, which, the author speculates, may have been exaggerated by the press once Lazenby forsook the series.

The author completes with a chapter on the legacy of OHMSS, and just when you thought you heard it all, here comes another wave of tantalizing bonus info. Diamonds Are Forever pre-titles sequence with Irma Bunt. Photos of Pierce Brosnan's 1986 screen test using OHMSS scenes. And how about the original plot of Octopussy, using elements from a rejected OHMSS script, which has never been revealed...until now.

Expensive? Not when you understand and appreciate what this is. This is a life's work by THE leading expert on OHMSS -- a meticulously researched, rare gift to Bond fans and movie buffs that doesn't come along all that often. And because it is a small publisher (self-published?), it might not be around for all that long. It will, unquestionably, become one of the most hotly collectible James Bond books ever produced (I'm thinking of grabbing another copy as an investment). In fact, if you are reading this review and this book still shows as being available, consider yourself lucky. For all these reasons and many more you will discover on your own, The Making of On Her Majesty's Secret Service is an essential buy.

Amazon

Lovely review. I will order it soon. The price is worth it.

[coco1997]

What's all this about an Octopussy script using elements from an unused treatment of OHMSS??

[dodge]

Well, Amazon's offering used copies for 'only' $82.93. Looks like I'll need to wait till I sell my next book before I acquire this treasure.

[zencat]

Well, Amazon's offering used copies for 'only' $82.93. Looks like I'll need to wait till I sell my next book before I acquire this treasure.

Look at some of my earlier posts. I've been telling/warning fans this is book that will only get more expensive. Buy it for original price while you can!

And you can still buy it for original price on Amazon. In fact, it's 10% off right now.

[DAN LIGHTER]

Well if Zencat said it's collectable, then it is. So thats it on my Birthday list.

Does it feature any information about Avon Tyres?

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

Been waiting to read this for ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned more about the film (which I didn't think was possible). Thanks for writing it doublenoughtspy.

[DLibrasnow]

"I proclaim it to be the Best Bond Book Yet Written!"

Not just the best Bond book written, but certainly the best "Making of..." book yet. It even eclipses my previous favorite (Arnold's making od THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK).

I considered myself pretty knowledgeable when it came to behind the scenes material on the classic Bond movies but was quickly humbled to realize that my knowledge of ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE merely scratched the surface.

My hope is that when EON gets around to releasing OHMSS on Blu-ray that they will come knocking on Charles' door for an audio commentary

[Mr. Blofeld]

Not just the best Bond book written, but certainly the best "Making of..." book yet. It even eclipses my previous favorite (Arnold's making od THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK).

That "making-of" book has a lot of duplicitous statements from George Lucas, as revealed in this book, The Secret History of Star Wars; also by a fan, and probably just as good as Helfenstein's work: http://www.amazon.co...-...6444&sr=1-1

As for me, I'm currently banging my head over how to tell my parents I'd like to buy a $60 book...

[zencat]

Hey, think I'll get that Star Wars books. Thanks for that.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Hey, think I'll get that Star Wars books. Thanks for that.

Welcome, zen; at least it's less expensive than the OHMSS book...

[coco1997]

Not just the best Bond book written, but certainly the best "Making of..." book yet. It even eclipses my previous favorite (Arnold's making od THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK).

That "making-of" book has a lot of duplicitous statements from George Lucas, as revealed in this book, The Secret History of Star Wars; also by a fan, and probably just as good as Helfenstein's work: http://www.amazon.co...-...6444&sr=1-1

As for me, I'm currently banging my head over how to tell my parents I'd like to buy a $60 book...

Seems like the logical thing to do would be to get a job, m'booey.

[Mr. Blofeld]

Not just the best Bond book written, but certainly the best "Making of..." book yet. It even eclipses my previous favorite (Arnold's making od THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK).

That "making-of" book has a lot of duplicitous statements from George Lucas, as revealed in this book, The Secret History of Star Wars; also by a fan, and probably just as good as Helfenstein's work: http://www.amazon.co...-...6444&sr=1-1

As for me, I'm currently banging my head over how to tell my parents I'd like to buy a $60 book...

Seems like the logical thing to do would be to get a job, m'booey.

Can't really, in my condition...

[coco1997]

That sucks.

[Mr. Blofeld]

That sucks.

Indeed, it do-eth, especially since I can only get a limited amount of money from Social Security...

[Major Tallon]

That's what libraries are for. If your local library doesn't have it, I can tell you that the West Suburban Library System has an excellent system of interlibrary loans, and if no library in the system has it, they can cast their net nationwide.

The book's worth pulling out all the stops for.

[dodge]

Hey, think I'll get that Star Wars books. Thanks for that.

Welcome, zen; at least it's less expensive than the OHMSS book...

Whatever the market will bear, I suppose. And I salute doublenaught for the time, love and care he put into the book. But to a good many people on site--even those who adore OHMSS--$50-$80 is a whole lot of money. Somehow or other, cheaper copies will turn up. And I'm sure doublenaught will forgive us if we wait for what we can afford.

[TheSaint]

I'm getting tired of all the whining regarding the price of Charles' book. I've been unemployed for 2 years, 3 months and counting and I was able to scrounge up $69 for a copy! If I could afford it at that price, then the rest of you with jobs can afford it in the $54 range.

IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY! YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

[Byron]

I just received my copy of this wonderful book. Can't wait to read it.

Charles - several questions for you if you see this message:

How many copies were printed? I am thinking about buying a second copy for a friend. Worried that it will sell out quickly due to speculators buying up lots of copies. It's happened before i believe.

Secondly, will you consider writing another book on Bond?

This and "The battle for Bond" are the kind of excellently researched books that we should be getting more often.