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Who was the first actor to play James Bond? If you answered Sean Connery, you would be wrong. In 1954, Barry Nelson played Bond in 007's screen debut: a 1954 live t.v version of the first James Bond novel "Casino Royale". Spy Guise Video now makes this amazing and historic program available - complete with the restored ending missing from previous video versions. This deluxe collector's edition also features many extras: an exclusive overview of the life of Ian Fleming and the "Casino Royale" legacy hosted by Lee Pfeiffer, co-author of the best-selling book "The Essential Bond: An Authorized Celebration of 007". Additionally, this version contains rare promotional advertisements, photographs, and information about James Bond clubs, magazines and officially licensed collectibles. No James Bond fan will want to be without this definitive collector's edition of 007's screen debut. Recorded in the SP mode for superior quality.
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Reviews:
The First Bond Movie, Ever
Many think that Sean Connery was the first actor to impersonate the role of the sophisticated British agent; when in fact he wasn't. Sean was the first actor to play bond in a "theatrical" movie. But in 1954, 8 years before Dr. No hit the screens, 007 was introduced for the first time on Television broadcast.
The movie was called Casino Royale, based on the first novel by Ian Fleming. The movie was adapted from this novel for a CBS broadcast, with the hopes of adapting more of Ian Fleming's novels on TV...but the broadcast was pretty much bashed by critics and ignored by viewers. The movie was broadcasted only once and lost. It was later found and re-broadcasted in the 1990's for TBS, part of a James Bond movie marathon. Thought the problem with that version that was re-aired was that it was missing the final confrontation between Bond And The villainous LE Chifre. This broadcast was available before the broadcast on video in the late 80's. But like the broadcast it was missing the last 5 min.
But the wait is long over because Spy Guise has released a special collector's edition that re-stores the missing footage, and re-mastered it to the best possible quality. The only bad quality I would say is the final missing footage, this is due to long years of storage and moist. But other than that this is the complete version of the first broadcast.
Another great thing about this VHS is that it has a wonderful intro by Lee Phiffer, who gives an overview of bond's persona and history. And stay tuned after the credits for more info on bond.
Anyhow, the movie is quite simple, Barry Nelson plays an American 007 (yep American, who would have thought) he is known as card sense Jimmy Bond. he has a friend in the M:I 6 known as Leiter (yep Leiter is British in this one, who would have thought) both are trying to stop a mad man named Le Chifre ( Peter Lorre) he is planning to re obtain 80 million in a card game (baccarat) Bond is set to play and beat Le Chifre in the game, so he can loose and hand him over to authorities. It doesn't get more complex than that. Not to mention that the first bond leading lady appears in this movie (Linda Christian)
The action is a bit dated and cheesy, due to limited budget and time restraints. But the flick is interesting to see the first portrayal of Ian Flemings' literary spy. Oh and a word of advice, do not purchase the DVD version. there are various editions, some ranging up to 40 bucks, others for a mere dollar; it doest matter how much they cost, neither represents the complete version, and none of those have the special features this one has.
Here is an overview of what you will find in this VHS tape
> THE COMPLETE 70 MIN VERSION OF THE FILM
> AN EXCLUSIVE INTRO BY LEE PHIFFER, EXPALINING THE STORY OF THE NOVEL AND THE 1967 SPOOF VERSION.
> ORIGINAL T.V. ADDS FOR THE SPOOF VERSION OF 1967
> RARE PHOTOS AND COLLECTIBLES PAERTAINING TO THE "CASINO ROYALE" LEGEND
> INFORMATION ABOUT SPY RELATED FAN CLUBS, CATALOGS AND MAGAZINES
This Special Collectors edition is definitely the way to go, it should be owned by any bond enthusiast. So sit back and get a Vodka martini, if you're of legal drinking age that is, and remember Shaken not stirred
MY PERSONAL RATING: 3 OUT OF 5
CasinoRoyal
I didn't realize this wasn't a full length movie, the title was miss leading (Collector's Edition - not "TV Version") This was the orginal one hour televised play version of the book. The quality of the footage was poor due to the technology of it's day. It was insightful how "Bond" has evolved over the years. I found it interesting but disappointed it wasn't an orginal full length movie of the book.
Royale
Great find. Good to see how the 007 series started. Hard to find video.
The Original Bond was CIA not MI6
This rare collector's edition is one to watch before the 2006 release of new James Bond Daniel Craig. Originally he was an American named Jimmy and its just not the same. Bond is blue blood British just as Ian Fleming imagined. Nonetheless, it's a cool rendition from the cold war era of 1954. Must see for true blue Bond fans. So NO ... Dr. No was no the first 007 movie to be made from the series.
007 Casino Royal - TV Version
Good show but an American Bond is just not the same.
