NFT to host `James Bond at 50` talk, rare clips, and a special screening of `Dr. No` in July

The National Film Theatre in London, UK, will be hosting a special event to celebrate Bond`s 50th anniversary year (Ian Fleming`s first Bond novel `Casino Royale` was published in 1953).

Date: Saturday 12 July
Time: 5.50pm
Location: NFT1, London, UK.

Archive Special: Bond at 50
In 1953 Ian Fleming’s first novel, `Casino Royale`, introduced the world to James Bond, 007. This urbane, charismatic killer evolved into an enduring icon and Bond at 50 celebrates half a century of 007, featuring rare footage, much of it unseen for decades, behind-the-scenes material and an opportunity to hear the stories of the creators of the world of James Bond.

Presented by Gavin Collinson with special guests.

Tickets are priced at £6.50 and available from the NFT website or be calling the box office on 020 7928 3232.

To be followed by a special screening of Dr No.

NFT Briefing:
Ian Fleming chose escape in a world he was to share with millions, a world of killers, cocktails and casinos; femme fatales, fantastic villains and an even more fantastic hero for a daring new age: James Bond, 007. Licensed to kill. Licensed to enthrall. Licensed to evolve and emerge as the most successful fictional character of the twentieth century.

In 1953 the suave secret agent was introduced to the public in the fast-moving thriller, Casino Royale, and Bond at 50 celebrates and explores his universe, cultural impact and development throughout his first half-century.

The sensationally popular movie series which began with Dr No will be covered, of course, but the feast of clips being screened comprises mainly rare footage: Behind-the-scenes material unscreened for decades, interviews with Fleming and the men who made Bond, clips from the first ever 007 adaptation starring Barry Nelson as `Jimmy Bond`, and part of a talk given by Geoffrey Boothroyd – the `real life` Q - will all feature.

To help celebrate this one-off event, there will be special guests and everyone attending the evening will have a chance to win a complete set of Fleming`s Bond novels - the entire recent Penguin range, each with a striking new cover, will be given out during the proceedings and for those who need a bigger fix of Fleming, Dr No will be screening in its entirety shortly after this event.

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