007`s potential for success rather understated by box office survey exactly 40 years ago today

Exactly forty years ago today, the magazine "Films and Filming" published a story about the success of "From Russia With Love" - released that year in 1963.

The article announced Bond`s second cinematic outing was the most successful film ever released in Britain in any year, according to a box office survey.

Before "Bond Fever" gripped the UK and the rest of the world in the mid-60s, 007`s potential at the box-office was rather understated. The piece estimated that "the film, starring Sean Connery is expected to gross £700,000, the same it cost to make."

"From Russia With Love" went on to make $78.9m at box offices around the world. Over the next 40 years Bond went on to become the most successful movie franchise in history.

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