BUKU ROKET 007

Spy Vibe's search for rare Ian Fleming books travels to Southeast Asia with a series of books by Buku Roket. Collectors will recognize the familiar designs from the Signet, Great Pan, and Raymond Hawkey Pan years. Although most directly use covers from the west, the two Great Pan designs are clearly custom paintings based on the originals. I've included a sample of unique cover designs, as well. Note the publisher's cool Space-Age logo! I've seen these listed as being of Indonesian and Malaysian origin and look forward to hunting down more details. Books below from Tokohitam Black Chamber include: Dr. No, Casino Royale, For Your Eyes Only, Thrilling Cities, You Only Live Twice, Moonraker, Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Goldfinger. 

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Ipcress File Blu-ray, Honor Blackman Tour, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

IPCRESS FILE BLU-RAY

A new Blu-ray edition of Michael Caine's classic spy film, The Ipcress File (1965), will be released this summer from Network. Often hailed as the "Criterion Collection" for cult TV and movies, Network has been working on a Hi-def upgrade to their DVD. Highlights porting over to Blu-ray include interviews with Michael Caine and designer Ken Adam. From the press release: "Featuring a quintessential performance from multiple Oscar-winner Sir Michael Caine and an iconic score from the legendary John Barry, this stylised and compelling Cold War spy movie won multiple awards on its theatrical release - including three BAFTAs. The Ipcress File is featured here in a High Definition transfer made from original film elements in its as-exhibited theatrical aspect ratio. Harry Palmer, a stubbornly insolent sergeant working for the Ministry of Defence, is less than thrilled to be transferred to an elite counter-intelligence unit under threat of blackmail. Palmer and the rest of his unit follow the trail of a missing scientist, but when he finds a piece of tape marked "IPCRESS" in an abandoned warehouse he suddenly becomes a marked man…" The Ipcress File is often out-of-print in the States. And with Anchor Bay's Harry Palmer box set also available, it may be time to add a multi-region player to your Spy Vibe lair! Street date is July 28th. Marketed as "the thinking man's Goldfinger," Len Deighton's seminal story was brought to the screen by talent from the James Bond circle, including John Barry, Harry Saltzman, Ken Adam, and Peter Hunt. Learn more at the Deighton Dossier. Spy Vibe's post about the creative cinematography and depth-staging in The Ipcress File here.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Michael Caine is Harry Palmer - exclusive interview with Sir Michael Caine

Exclusive interview with production designer Sir Ken Adam

Commentary with director Sidney Furie and film editor Peter Hunt

Michael Caine Goes Stella comedy short

1969 documentary: Candid Caine

Original theatrical trailer and US radio commercials

Stills gallery

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Honor Blackman Tour, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

SEAN CONNERY AD

Start your weekend with a rejuvenating drive with actor Sean Connery! In this German ad for Citroen C6, the 007 star is so thrilled by the ride that he sheds away the years with each passing mile. The commercial concludes with a surprised valet exclaiming, "Mr. Connery, you have changed!" Connery, now in early Bond-era youthful form, replies, "It's the car." Even if you don't have major horsepower under the hood, Spy Vibe suggests loading up the playlist with classic spy soundtracks from the 1960s. The dose of intrigue and cool will make even the most curmudgeonly agent feel ten years younger. Enjoy!

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Honor Blackman Tour, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

HONOR BLACKMAN TOUR

Avenger and Bond Girl, Honor Blackman, is currently on a short tour of speaking engagements. Taking the stage in Honor Blackman As Herself, she discusses stories from her career, including the Swinging London years portraying Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, as well as playing the original leather Avenger Cathy Gale in The Avengers. From her website: "Whilst Honor's career stretches over sixty glorious years, she has rarely appeared simply as herself. Here, in conversation with her colleague and friend Richard Digby Day she will look back over this astonishing life, her beginnings, her family, her rise to stardom with her usual sense of humour and perspective. She will also be singing a few of her favourite songs." Hopefully she will include the Avengers tune Kinky Boots! Upcoming UK dates are May 8th, 12th, and 25th. Story continues below.

Speaking to the Coventry Telegraph, the actress spoke about how The Avengers launched her as "a pin-up as the smart, sexy, gun-wielding, judo throwing anthropologist Cathy Gale. 'I really did go to judo classes,' she says. At the age of 37 she was cast as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger." And if you ever wondered if she really was a natural action star: “When I was in the Civil Service I became a dispatch rider. Because all the men were at war they asked girls to volunteer to learn how to ride a motorbike and go from hospital to hospital in an emergency carrying blood. Sadly I never got to because no-one ran out. But we used to ride across London- it frightened my mother to death. I was known as Top Gear Tessie. I remember riding on the A4 from London to Oxford with my feet on the petrol tank singing at the top of my voice.” Spy Vibe wishes Honor Blackman all the best for her upcoming shows and hope she will make it to some dates in the States. Below with Sean Connery in Goldfinger. 

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

NEW ROGER MOORE BOOK

A new book by Sir Roger Moore will be published in September. Last Man Standing is a collection of the 007 actor's greatest tales from his many years in entertainment. From the press release: "In a career that spans over seven decades, Roger Moore has been at the very heart of the show business scene. Of course, he's an actor and has starred in films that have made him famous the world over; but he's also a tremendous prankster, joker and raconteur - in fact, he's well known as one of the nicest guys in the business, and someone who has always been up for some fun. In this fabulous collection of true stories from his stellar career, Roger lifts the lid on the movie business, from Hollywood to Pinewood. It features outrageous tales from his own life and career as well as those told to him by a host of stars and filmmakers, including Tony Curtis, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, David Niven, Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck, John Mills, Peter Sellers, Michael Winner, Cubby Broccoli and many more. Wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny, this selection of tales from the world of the movies is vintage Moore at his very best." 272 pages. AmazonUK link here. 

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

BUNNY INTERVIEW

Spy Vibe presents an Easter interview with a very special Bunny. Soon after donning her cotton tail at the London Playboy Club in 1969, Bunny Deana was crowned Bunny of the Year by 007 actor George Lazenby (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). We sat down for a virtual chat a couple of years ago to talk about Swinging London, her training as a Bunny, and life at the Playboy Club.

Excerpt: "We were not allowed to sit with guests or pour drinks for them, and most definitely not accept drinks from them. On my website you will see a number of photographs of me sitting with guests. However, these were always taken by our official Photographer Bunny, (a really beautiful girl named Rema) whose job it was to encourage guests to pay for a souvenir Polaroid. I’m so pleased that many of the guests handed me the photographs to keep. They are a unique and irreplaceable record of a little piece of history. Actually, some of the photos have names and phone numbers written on the back, but remember the rule about over-familiarity!" Read our full interview here. If you have been away on missions this week, Spy Vibers may want to catch up with recent news: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, new Fleming Jamaica book, Japanese editions of Bond and UNCLE, Japanese, German, and Kindle editions of The 10th Victim.   

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Cumberbatch as Ian Fleming, Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

CUMBERBATCH AS IAN FLEMING

It is rumored that Sherlock star, Benedict Cumberbatch, has been offered the role of Ian Fleming in a new biopic. The project, which is based on Andrew Lycett's biography of the James Bond author, is said to focus on Fleming's experiences with Naval Intelligence during World War II. Duncan Jones (Moon) was originally set to direct, but unfortunately dropped out to make Warcraft. I'm curious to see how this unfolds. Cumberbatch would certainly bring his own gravitas and touch of rogue energy to the role. I was rather disappointed in the recent Fleming mini-series, which seemed mannered and self-conscious. I expect, with Cumberbatch on board, we could finally see a Fleming film with substance. Spy Vibe will post updates on the new movie as development continues. Image from BBC.

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Fleming Jamaica Book, Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.

IAN FLEMING JAMAICA

A new book that celebrates Ian Fleming's life in Jamaica will be published on the 50th anniversary of the author's death in August. There has been a pre-order page on Amazon UK for many weeks, but Ian Fleming Publications has just posted an official announcement. The creator of James Bond famously negotiated for an annual three-month vacation in his contract so he could spend as much time as possible at his Goldeneye home, where he enjoyed a routine of snorkeling and writing 007 adventures. Fleming passed away on August 12th, 1964. Spy Vibers with deep pockets can rent Goldeneye, which is now a luxury retreat.

From the press release: "During the war, Ian Fleming fell in love with Jamaica. For two months of every year, from 1946 to his death eighteen years later, Fleming lived at Goldeneye, the house he built on the island’s north coast. It was here that he wrote all of his Bond stories. Now, writer and historian Matthew Parker has written GOLDENEYE, a detailed look at Fleming’s life in Jamaica and the creation of James Bond. Granted exclusive access to the Goldeneye archive, and featuring new interviews with local residents who knew Fleming, this book promises a fascinating look at Ian Fleming’s Jamaica." The author at Goldeneye below from Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming Image Archive on Pinterest.

Recent Ian Fleming posts on Spy Vibe: Bond Japanese Editions, Fleming Chinese Edition, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50th, Ian Fleming: Mt. Demon Hell Japan, Collecting Fleming, Live and Let Die 60th, new poster announced, 007 Audio Books Update, Appropriating Bond Exhibit, Fleming Letters Mystery, The Goldfinger Variations, Double 007 Book Designs,  Double 007 designs II, rare Ian Fleming edition, Book Design Dopplegangers, Turkish Bond design, Ian Fleming Letters, Erno Goldfinger, Noel Coward, Whispering Jack Smith, Hawaiian Guitar, Joe Fingers Carr, new Ian Fleming Catalog, Jon Gilbert interview, Double 007 Designs, Bond audio book reissues, discovery of one of Ian Fleming's WWII Commandos, James Bond book covers, Ian Fleming's Playboy interview for Kindle, Spy Vibe's discovery of a rare Ian Fleming serialization, rare View to a Kill, Fleming's Royal gold typewriter, Ian Fleming's memorial address, Spy Vibe's Ian Fleming image archive.

Recent Spy Vibe posts: The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, The 10th Victim German Edition, UNCLE Gun, The Saint books return, Spy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center, Trina Robbins Interview, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton, DC Fontana Prisoner Video, Edward Gorey's 1960s, Ipcress File cinematography, 007 SOLO cover designs, Gloria Steinem and Denny O'Neil on MOD Wonder Woman, Win Scott Eckert interview, Siegel and Shuster's SPY, David McCallum: Son of Batman, Wonderwall comes to Blu-ray, Kevin Dart talks Ringo & Powerpuff Girls, Fu Manchu history panel, Mod Tales Interview, Atomic Art, Shane Glines Batman.