One of the more interesting lots in the RM Auctions sale in London this week – the highly customized Lotus Esprit that was converted into a submarine in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – hammered for £550,000, which translates to about $968,000 with fees. While it did not meet pre-sale estimate expectations that were set at £650,000-£950,000, it is a significant sale none the less, and certainly improves upon the price paid by the buyer who purchased the contents of a New York storage container for a mere $100 about 24 years ago. [Read more…]
James Bond Original Movie Prop & Costume Exhibition in Shanghai China’s Minsheng Art Museum from March 28th to May 31st
An impressive exhibition of original movie props, costumes, vehicles, and other James Bond artifacts is being held at the Minsheng Art Museum in Shanghai, China from March 28th through May 31st. CCTV News has produced a video showing some of the highlights, which can be viewed at their official site or via the embedded player below. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of 007, the exhibit boasts about 550 items spanning all of the films starring Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. [Read more…]
40-Year Old James Bond Crocodile Movie Prop Terrorizes London… (“Live and Let Die”)
Well, not really, but according to multiple mainstream media reports, a crocodile spotted in River Thames is suspected to be a prop crocodile used in Live and Let Die (1973), the James Bond film starring Roger Moore. Per a story from The Telegraph, sources believe the crocodile was used in the scene where Moore runs across the backs of alligators. [Read more…]
Christie’s “50 Years of James Bond” Auction Results; Upcoming Segment About Archives on 60 Minutes 10/14/12
Christie’s historic “50 Years of James Bond” auction pulled in a reported $2.6 million dollars for charity with their recent online/live hybrid auction announced last month. Now, James Bond fans are in for a special treat with a 60 Minutes segment scheduled to air on CBS this weekend, which features a rare inside look at the Archives that holds much of the rare James Bond original props, costumes, and other assets made for and used in the films. [Read more…]
Update: Christie’s & EON Productions “50 Years of James Bond – The Auction” – eCatalogue and PDF Catalog Online
As a brief update to the Christie’s sale and EON Productions charity event, “50 Years of James Bond – The Auction“, though the catalog is not officially online, 50 lots are currently viewable on www.christies.com via their search feature. The online-only auction running September 28-October 5 will benefit a variety of charities, including UNICEF, ORBIS., Women for Women, The Science Museum, ChildLine, Barnardo’s, Tickets for Troops, and Parkinson’s UK. [Read more…]
Announcement: Christie’s & EON Productions “50 Years of James Bond – The Auction”
I had heard about this auction from multiple sources going back to earlier this year, so I’m glad to see that it’s finally been officially announced. The Christie’s sale, in conjunction with EON Productions, has been titled “50 Years of James Bond – The Auction”. Given that choice Bond pieces have realized extraordinarily high prices in recent years, particularly those sales held in England, I expect that this will be a fascinating auction to watch. Auction proceeds are to benefit UNICEF. [Read more…]
Photos: “Bond in Motion – 50 Vehicles – 50 Years” at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum
Friend of the Original Prop Blog – David Oliver of Propmasters – has provided some photos to share with readers of his recent visit to The National Motor Museum in the United Kingdom. The museum is currently featuring a year long exhibition of the world’s largest collection of vehicles used in James Bond films, as reported last month.
Exhibition: “Bond in Motion – 50 Vehicles – 50 Years” at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum
The National Motor Museum in the United Kingdom will be featuring a year long exhibition of the world’s largest collection of vehicles used in James Bond films, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise, 40th anniversary of the National Motor Museum, and 60th anniversary of Beaulieu. On display will be 50 vehicles used by Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig in their respective James Bond films. [Read more…]