THOMAS CROWN BLU

New release: Kino Lorber has just released a new 50th anniversary edition of the heist classic, The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), starring Steve McQueen (Great Escape, Magnificent Seven, Bullitt) and Faye Dunaway (Chinatown, Bonnie and Clyde, Three Days of the Condor). For Spy Vibers interested in the style of the era, you can't get much better than this film's cool cocktail of fashion, Ferraris, and score by Michel Legrand (Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?, Ice Station Zebra, Le Mans). From the press release: "Brand New 4K Restoration! "Every crime has a personality, something like the mind that planned it," says Vicki Anderson (Faye Dunaway, Network, Chinatown), the sleek insurance investigator trying to figure out the intellect behind a bank robbery so stunning, it has Boston's finest completely baffled. Sophisticated, handsome Thomas Crown (Steve McQueen, The Getaway, Bullitt) has only one worry--what persona he will take on tomorrow. But when the genius rogue pulls off a crime-of-the-century bank heist and finds himself pitted against a nemesis as powerful as he is, his devil-may-care attitude hurls him into an edge-of-your-seat game of intrigue and suspense. The Thomas Crown Affair has all the dazzling personality of the intriguing crime it portrays. The great Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night, Rollerball) directed this classic sexy thriller featuring top-notch cinematography by Haskell Wexler (The Conversation) and score by Michel Legrand (Summer of ‘42)." Blu-ray extras: interview with director, interview with title designer, on-set featurette, trailer, and two commentary tracks. Check it out- you'll never look at a chess board the same way again (no spoilers)! More info at Amazon. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Cold War Comic Strips, Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

COLD WAR COMIC STRIPS

Classic newspaper comic strips are one of my earliest passions. Like many kids, I eagerly awaited the Sunday funnies each week, clipped out my favorite strips, and went to school each morning with a Snoopy lunch box. Everything about the world of comics was fascinating to me; I loved the experience of reading over the gags, getting to know the characters as friends, and then studying the artwork closely. I'll never forget the day my pal Chance Browne (Hi and Lois) brought me the first Hagar paperback. The strip became a life-long favorite. But what really blew me away was the realization that people drew comics for living! I was, and remain, hooked. I did publish cartoons in national magazines earlier in my career, but I've devoted even more time to teaching comic art to kids. I also got to collaborate with Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey) on a biographical project, which became Mort Walker Conversations in 2005. I have a new Mort Walker eBook coming out soon, so please stay tuned! Putting on my Spy Vibe glasses (sunglasses, I think...like Marcello Mastroianni wore in The 10th Victim), it's also interesting to see how comics through the ages have reflected the culture and times. By examining themes that appear, we can really get a sense of what both interested and concerned people. Here are a few examples of hot topics from the Cold War that found their way into the words and pictures of Johnny Hart (B.C.) and Charles Schulz (Peanuts). Johnny Hart created his prehistoric strip in 1958, and one of his main characters was the thinking-caveman's man; he had a knack for thinking up advanced plans for unknown technology. In the first strip below, from a 1968 compilation, he imagines a rocket... maybe a missile, which leads him to the dark conclusion of a nuclear explosion and mushroom cloud. "The heck with ideas!" he says, storming away. Also from the 1968 book, the second strip uses the traditional Dick and Jane storybook pattern to comment on the Berlin Wall. Charles Schulz created Peanuts in 1950 (same year as Walker's Beetle Bailey debut), and he famously channeled his own insecurities, imagination, and observations through Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their friends. In the strip below from 1954, Schulz demonstrates how kids can normalize even the worst nightmares through play, as his characters act out an H-Bomb test- within one year of Russia's first hydrogen-bomb test. Their naïveté also reflects the innocence of the "duck and cover" attitude of the era. I have separated the four panels for easy viewing, but do check out his original flow of line in the original art (below). For related Spy Vibe posts, check out: Mort Walker Celebration, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Beetle Bailey in Berlin, Mort Walker's James Bomb, Comics Week: Archie, Cold War Archie, Archie: Man From Riverdale, Cold War Materials, Atomic Art, Spyman, Jimmy Olson: Agent Double 5, 1966 PEP Spies. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

007 MUSIC EVENT

Event alert: The London Film Museum will be hosting a special event on March 20th featuring BOND composers in conversation. From the press release: Bond in Motion Presents: James Bond Lyricist Don Black & Composer David Arnold in Conversation with Edith Bowman. Tickets are now on sale for the first in a series of events celebrating the talented specialists behind the James Bond films. Lyricist Don Black and composer David Arnold will be in conversation with broadcaster and writer Edith Bowman on Tuesday 20 March 2018 at the London Film Museum, home to the Bond in Motion exhibition. Bowman will be talking to Black and Arnold about the songwriting process and the inspiration for their songs. Award-winning lyricist, Black has written over a hundred songs for motion pictures including a quintet of James Bond theme songs - Thunderball, Diamonds Are Forever, The Man With The Golden Gun, ‘Surrender’ from Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is Not Enough. A fan of the James Bond film series and its music from an early age, Arnold is best known for scoring Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. A huge movie fan and respected film presenter, broadcaster Edith Bowman has hosted TV and radio shows across all the major networks. She has her own successful podcast, Soundtracking, which explores the relationship between film and music. The evening will commence at 6:30 pm with a Champagne Bollinger reception during which guests may enjoy the Bond in Motion exhibition which features over 100 original items from the long-running film franchise including cars, boats, motorbikes, concept drawings, storyboards, costumes, and model miniatures. The event will finish at 8 pm." More info here. Enjoy!

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Thunderball Event, Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

THUNDERBALL EVENT

Event alert: The Cinema Museum in London will host a spacial screening of Thunderball on May 5th with a live Q&A. From the press release: "Starring Sir Sean Connery, Thunderball (1965) is one of the most acclaimed James Bond films, but it’s also the most controversial – thanks to the legal disputes that surrounded its release. Writer Luis Abbou Planisi has published two books on James Bond that include interviews with Dame Judi Dench, Caroline Munro, Martine Beswick, John Glen and Valerie Leon among others. Luis will introduce Thunderball and talk about his latest book, published last December. After the screening, Sylvan Mason – daughter of screenwriter of the film, Jack Whittingham – will join Luis for a Q&A about the film, her father and Bond. Sylvan not only knows behind-the-scenes details about the film and the subsequent court trial, but she also keeps, as Moneypenny would do, all the documents, unpublished photos and letters between her father, producer Kevin McClory and author Ian Fleming. For your ears and eyes only! Doors open at 18.30, for a 19.00 start." The Cinema Museum is just a short walk from the Elephant & Castle tube station. More info about the event here.

Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Mission to India, Mort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde Celebration, Batman 66 Exhibit, Prisoner Fifty Event, Ian Fleming Publications 2017-2018, Interview: Ed Hulse Pulp, Avengers Audio Drama, Interview: Callan At 50, Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private Eyes, TWA Returns, Spy Vibe Radio 8, Interview: Ryan Heshka, Mid-Century Modern Schulz, Agent Werewolf, Mata Hair Exhibit, Johnny Sokko 50th, Interview: Trina Robbins, Eddie Izzard, The Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50th, Hugh Hefner R.I.P., Jack Good R.I.P., Interview: Shaken Not Stirred, Callan 50th, Spy Vibe Radio 7, The Prisoner 50th Event, Spy-Fi Event, Kaho Aso 007, Two Million, Bo Diddley, Carnaby Pop, Le Carre Events, Billy Bragg Skiffle, Elvis 68, Jack Kirby The Prisoner, Casino Royale Concert, Review: The Prisoner Vol 2, Interview: The Prisoner Essential Guide, Maud Russell Mottisfont, Spy Vibe Radio 4, Batman Gallants, Adam West R.I.P., Village Triangle, Roger Moore R.I.P., Spy Vibe Radio 3, Sgt Pepper 50th, Satanik Kriminal OST, 60s Overdrive, Make Love in London, Spy Vibe Radio 2, Spy Vibe Radio 1, James Bond Strips, Propaganda Mabuse, Interview: Police Surgeon, XTC Avengers, 1966 Pep Spies, Batman Book Interview, Exclusive Fleming Interview, Avengers Comic Strips, Robert Vaughn RIP, UNCLE Fashions, Thunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film Guide, Lost Avengers Found, The Callan File, Mission Impossible 50th, Green Hornet 50th, Star Trek 50th, Portmeirion Photography 1, Filming the Prisoner, Gaiman McGinnins Project, Ian Fleming Grave, Revolver at 50, Karen Romanko Interview, Mod Tales 2, Umbrella Man: Patrick Macnee, New Beatles Film, The Curious Camera, Esterel Fashion 1966, Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview, 007 Tribute Covers, The Phantom Avon novels return, Ian Fleming Festival, Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review.