It was July 2016 when our Associate Editor-Jeff found himself in Toronto for a real estate event, dining with his fiancée and friends at The Albany Club. James Bond Magasinet (Norway) had sent him a message inviting James Bond Canada to Oslo to watch On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with 007 George Lazenby. He looked at his friends… “How about taking my bachelor party a 007 event in Oslo?” As they clinked martini’s the idea was born and the adventure began!
Fast forward to Oslo September 31st!! Bond Fans from all around the world came to Norway for the action. Joining JBC was Marcos Kontze (James Bond Brazil) , Remmert Van Bramm (James Bond Lifestyle) , Ben Williams (MI6) , Matt Spaiser (The Suits of James Bond), & Stephan Backman (James Bond The Secret Agent Blog).
The first evening had us dinning at the glamorous Thief Hotel. In attendance were, Caroline Munro (The Spy Who Loved Me), Martine Beswick (From Russia With Love and Thunderball), Maryam D’Abo (The Living Daylights) Serena Scott Thomas (The World Is Not Enough) and the man himself George Lazenby (OHMSS).
At the Press Conference The 007 Alumni arrived by boat to the Thief Hotel. The Aston Martin DBS and the Bond Stars posed for photos.
James Bond Canada had the chance to speak with the stars. George Lazenby spoke of how, with confidence, he tricked his way into the Bond role by running past the casting secretary and right into the role of 007. He had this hair cut like Sean, wore a Rolex and an Anthony Sinclair suit saying, “I heard you’re looking for James Bond.”
Martine Beswick spoke about the class and charm of Terence Young, the director of both her Bond movies. Serena Scott Thomas made comments that while she’s wrapped up in her daily life as a realtor and movie star she isn’t daily remembering that she was a Bond Girl. “I forget. Truly yes I have to come to these events to be reminded. That’s why it always delights me when I see you guys.” Serena starred most recently in the movie was Inherent Vice.
Maryam D’Abo spoke about her book Bond Girls Are Forever to me and the strategic girls she chose to show how they shaped the 007 world, “I was going to concentrate on the role of women who marked their time.” Recently, Maryam has produced her own documentary called Rupture where she talked about her own survival of a brain hemorrhage and visiting others in the hospital. After chatting with her she was off to the spa to prepare for the up coming screening.
Caroline Munro spoke of her endearment for Roger Moore and how he leads to his jokes. “He has such a clever quick way of setting it up.” She spoke well of Gareth Owen who has been recently been helping Sir Roger with his book and his speaking engagements.
Kino Vika Theatre. 4K Presentation of OHMSS.
The stars arrived on the Red Carpet and were greeted with a photo shoot with the Event Organizers. After introductions, Maryam D’Abo interviewed George Lazenby, going over how he won the Bond role.
Interesting tidbit, Maryam tells a story of how her and Timothy Dalton almost missed the Royal Premiere of The Living Daylights as the police officer wouldn’t let the car come close to the Odeon. “Timothy was arguing with the bobby, “Look I am the leading man I’m playing James Bond.” And the bobby said, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard that before and you’re going to tell me now that you’re George Lazenby!”
Transitioning George spoke of meeting Timothy in the Santa Monica Airport later where Timothy was excited to meet him after hearing so much about him from the 007 crew. Maryam went on to say that being Bond or a Bond Girl puts you in a very short Exclusive Club. After the screening of OHMSS guests grabbed champagne while listening to the 007 tunes of Scandinavian DJ Marianne.
Special thanks to Morten Steingrimsen, Odd Kalsnes and Oyvind Asbjornsen for putting on such a fantastic event.
Sponsers included Schilthorn Piz Gloira, Sony, Anthony Sinclair, Riva, Nordisk Film Kino, Main Island, Elkjop, Aotoxo & PrivatMegleren.
Another exciting 007 Event is fast approaching and James Bond Canada will be there to report on all the festivities. Our partners at James Bond Magasinet are hosting the one and only George Lazenby and a Special Screening of On Her Majestys Secret Service in Oslo, Norway on September 1st. JBC will have some great interviews & photos to share with our Bond Fans following the Event, and maybe even a few prizes to giveaway. More details coming soon!!
