12 replies to this topic

[PPK_19]

I have just finished reading 'Roger Moore as James Bond 007', a book that the man himself wrote from the diary he kept during shooting his inaugural Bond film. I got it for 1 penny on Amazon (£2 p+p though).

Tearing open the package i was happy to see it arrived in the condition it was described as by the seller: dog-eared. The pages are a yellow/rusty colour but it was all in one piece, the original version published in 1973. And it was a fantastic read, funny, insightful and self-deprecating, as is Roger Moore himself.

Live and Let Die was the first Bond film i ever owned, i purchased it on VHS when i was 11 years old or so, and I didn't buy another Bond film for ages so it is safe to say it is the Bond film i have seen the most. Which makes reading Roger Moore's book even more enjoyable because i can picture the scene he describes shooting from the film so well in my minds eye.

Here are some bits i found particularly funny:

Shortly after arriving in Jamaica to shoot scenes with Gloria Hendry: "The Daily Gleaner reported our arrival in Jamaica this morning with a few glaring inaccuracies; the best being a reference to our 'tour director' Mr Henry Saltzman."

Shooting the scene where Bond meets 'Mrs Bond' in the bungalow: "Ad libbing without a flicker of a leer on my face, i looked her straight in the eye and said 'Don't worry darling. We'll soon lick you into shape' .To my horror Tom Mankiewicz walked on set just as i was re-writing his scene. I felt as though i had changed Hamlet in front of William Shakespeare. Tom felt the line was too crude but i cracked we should put a footnote on the credits: Screenplay. Tom Mankiewicz. One line of additional dialogue by Roger Moore"

A conversation Roger Moore had with his son Geoffrey:

" 'Can you beat anybody, including a robber?'
'Oh yes' i replied confidently.
'Supposing James Bond came in', Geoffrey persisted.
'Daddy is playing James Bond,' i explained.
'I know that,' he sighed impatiently. 'I mean the real James Bond, Sean Connery' "

There are so many other great gems scattered throughout the book. Obsessive fans, stupid interview questions ("How is your James Bond going to be different to Sean's?" was a question he was asked a million times, something that irked him quite a lot), shooting troubles, bad weather, the horror of shooting on the alligator farm owned by Ross Kananga, learning to drive the double decker bus on roads covered with pot-holes.

I had a superficial knowledge of these things but Moore really does go into detail. I for example did not know that because they started shooting the Bayou speed-boat chase first, Moore did not get to speak his first lines as James Bond for two weeks! "Hello Felix, what are you doing here?" were his first lines apparently.

On a couple of occasions he was so hungover he could barely function- the scene he and Solitaire are on the platform about to board the train. On numerous occasions Harry Saltzman lost his temper in restaurants for any number of reasons.

Anyway, if you haven't read it it's pretty much essential reading for any Bond fan! I've just ordered My Word is My Bond, i just can't get enough...

Edited by PPK_19, 08 September 2012 - 08:15 PM.

[AMC Hornet]

I have two copies - this one and the one with B&W pictures.
I agree, it's a fun read; I'm only sorry that Sir Roger didn't keep up his diary entries while filming TMWTGG onward.
As enjoyable as My Word is My Bond is, don't expect the same in-depth coverage of each film - Sir Roger has the rest of his life before and after 007 to cover in that one. Hopefully Bond on Bond will be what we fans of the former Lord Brett Sinclair have been waiting for.

[PPK_19]

Yes, i was hoping he would continue but alas, can't have too much of a good thing!

I've resigned myself to the fact that My Word is My Bond won't be as subjective, but i'm fascinated to hear more about his experiences. I'm shocked it's taken me this long to read 'Roger Moore as James Bond 007', AMC, what must you think of me...

[scaramunga]

Thanks for the post. I read the book years ago, but I'm sure it would be interesting to read through again.

I am very interested in Roger's new book as well. I am hoping for some decent stories about the films in his book.

[jaguar007]

I read this book a little over 20 years ago. Reading your review makes me want to re-read it

[thecasinoroyale]

Thanks for this heads-up PPK - looks a good read, I'm tempted for a couple of pounds to buy it.

[PPK_19]

Yep definitely TCR, it's well worth your time!

[Guy Haines]

I bought a copy when it was first published in 1973, I think, and I still have it. And it is good and very amusing read.

[hilly]

I read this years ago and it is interesting to watch the film knowing which scenes featured Roger's hangover, his kidney stone trouble, Guy Hamilton's irritation with Yaphet Kotto, Gloria Hendry not being able to remember her lines etc..

It is a great read. Roger is a good raconteur and, whilst he is careful not to bite the hand that feeds ( presumably having had an earful of the Connery and Lazenby battles with the producers), the odd tilt at Saltzman is slipped in and makes it's point effectively.

[Dustin]

Ok, you've got me hooked now. I just ordered a copy.

[PPK_19]

Ok, you've got me hooked now. I just ordered a copy.

You won't regret it Dustin! Smashing read.

[Roebuck]

Thanks for this heads-up PPK - looks a good read, I'm tempted for a couple of pounds to buy it.

If anyone fancies a taster, the online version of The Times-Picayune reprints an interview with Moore where he reminisces about filming in New Orleans. Many of the anecdotes are expanded upon in this book.

http://blog.nola.com...oger_moore.html

There’s also a quiz that’s worth a go.

http://www.nola.com/...nd_day_6_h.html

[Turn]

In retrospect, I find it amazing that Broccoli and Saltzman allowed a first-time Bond actor to do this, given their control over the accounts of their extreme control over the franchise. Also amazing James Bond in the Cinema ever got released given that it dared to criticize the films.