Sean Connery`s ghost writer Hunter Davies faces 65 film marathon

Cumbrian author Hunter Davies will be glued to the small screen over the festive period. Hunter, who is ghost-writing the autobiography of great Scot’s actor Sean Connery, needs to watch all 65 of his films as part of his research into, arguably, the greatest James Bond - reports News & Star (UK).



So, forget repeats of Only Fools and Horses or the big Christmas Day movie, top of Hunter’s wish-list from Santa this Christmas is a DVD player.

Despite his loathing for gadgets and technology, in a light-hearted run-down of ideas in the Sunday Times magazine, he said: “I am working on Sean Connery’s autobiography and have 65 of his films to watch.

“Just read that video is about to be obsolete. I’ll have to watch them on DVD.

“Well, at least I’ll find out what it is.”

He would also like a technology whizz on call to help him master instructions.

He says he has only mastered his video just as it’s on its way out.

Hunter, who lives with his family in the Loweswater valley, must watch all the films Sean Connery has made in his 50-year career.

They cover from 1954 Lilacs in the Spring, all of his Bond films to his Hollywood hits such as his last film in 2003 – The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.

Sean Connery, the most popular Bond starting with the Dr No film, has signed a £2 million deal for his autobiography after pledging never to write one.

Half of that comes from the British and Commonwealth rights to his story, while American and European rights will boost that sum to more than £2m.

Hunter Davies is one of Britain’s most prolific authors, having written more than 30 books on subjects as diverse as the Beatles and Hadrian’s Wall.

His best-selling books have included acclaimed works on Wordsworth and Wainwright.

But his last role, ghost-writing for Paul Gascoigne in Gazza - My Story kept Bill Clinton’s memoirs off the top of the best-seller list.

Hunter’s wife is novelist Margaret Forster. Both were raised in Carlisle.

Hunter compiled a list of his most-wanted presents for this weekend’s Sunday Times magazine after overhearing his wife and their two daughters chattering in the kitchen.

Football fan Hunter also wants a 1923 Cup Final programme.

He said: “It was the first at Wembley.

“They should really know I haven’t got it. There’s a bit hole in my collection.

“If womenfolk really cared, took an interest in our interests, they would know what is lacking in our lives to make us happy,” he said.

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.

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