Review of the James Bond poster exhibit in New York City

30-May-2006 • Event

The only thing cooler than a James Bond movie is a poster for a Bond movie - especially if it's advertising one of the earliest (and best) entries from the 1960s and '70s, when the spy series' posters were colorful, mostly hand-drawn pieces of art in their own right - reports the New York Daily News.

Many of these are currently on view in a show titled "Bond, James Bond," an exhibit of vintage 007 posters from around the world, at the downtown gallery Posteritati (239 Centre St.) through July 12.

This fall, Daniel Craig becomes the latest actor to play the spy in "Casino Royale," a serious take on Ian Fleming's first 007 novel (a spoof was made in 1967). Until then, fans can relive fond Bond memories through artwork like this.

* "DR. NO" (U.S. poster, 1962)

The one-sheet (above right) for the first Bond flick introduces a sexy, smirking Sean Connery as the "gentleman spy." It also includes what would become the franchise's trademarks - the 007/gun logo and a bevy of babes, including a rendering of a bikini-clad Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder, the original Bond girl.

"GOLDFINGER" (Japanese poster, 1964)

Vintage one-sheets from other countries are often more expensive, and more desired by collectors, than U.S. posters because of their quirky, intricate artwork. This version of "Goldfinger" is a prime example, depicting several scenes - including the famous gold-painted lady - from what is considered the best Bond flick ever. But hey, where's Pussy Galore?

* "THUNDERBALL" (japanese poster, 1965)

Another gorgeous Japanese sample (pictured above) shows Bond in scenes from the film, known for its underwater action and opening sequence, in which 007 uses a jet pack. Like the "Goldfinger" poster, it also has some not-so-subtle symbolism (look at the size of that gun barrel!).

* "CASINO ROYALE" (Belgian poster, 1967)

The film, an "unofficial" Bond movie made by a rival producer, was a surreal spoof of 007 movies that starred David Niven as "Sir James Bond" and a young Woody Allen as "Jimmy Bond." But the title "painted" on the nude woman (top left) lounging seductively on the floor still manages to evoke the actual series' famous opening-credit sequences. Along with the score, the poster's the best thing about this first, cheesy "Royale."