Showing posts with label code. Show all posts
Showing posts with label code. Show all posts

August 20, 2018

JAMES POND 0017'

Having fun this week looking at some of the topical satire from the Benny Hill. In this 1965 segment, From Moscow With Love, Hill stars as James Pond/Agent 0017' in a parody of From Russia With Love. As Spy Vibers will recognize, Hill was essentially quoting the memorable scenes from the original Bond film re: secret code phrases and dining car patter- but with some hilarious turns. Although some of the humor is physical, I do believe the sketch originated during his Benny Hill Time BBC radio series in 1964 and was later available on his LPs as "Film Director-Producer: J. Arthur Scuttle... From Moscow With Love". Perhaps a Spy Viber with The World of Benny Hill or Benny at the BBC recordings can verify? Check our posts this week for more Spy Vibe satire from Benny Hill. Enjoy!


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Satire StonesAnnette Andre BookCat DaySpy Vibe Radio: Get SmartCaine: My GenerationInterview: Ian Ogilvy, ITC Elstree EventHorror of Party BeachSylvie Vartan RenownRingo At 78Dark Shadows StripsSpy Vibe Radio: FlintArchie Batman 66Paul at 76Beatles Pac-ManSpy Vibe Radio: Jerry CottonThe Invaders007 Horowitz Book TourMcGoohan/Prisoner Event at ElstreeThe Prisoner Interviews Vol 1British Underground PressInterview: Fab4 ManiaBond Cocktail BookBond at BletchleySpy SmasherSpy Vibe Radio: Peter GunnAgent Zero MNew Prisoner ComicDr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger DiabolikDr. No 60thOy-Oy-SevenSpy Vibe Radio (UFO)Cold War Comic StripsThunderball EventMission to IndiaMort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde CelebrationBatman 66 ExhibitPrisoner Fifty EventIan Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

September 24, 2017

WORLD OF SPIES

New release: LIFE Inside the World of Spies: The Lives They Lead. The Secrets They Keep. Published in August by Time/Life, this deluxe magazine-format book is now on the shelves at local pharmacies, grocers, and bookshops in the States. From the press release: "The truth about espionage goes much deeper than the Bond types that fill our big screen. Mary Queen of Scots, the Man in the Iron Mask, Mata Hari, the Enigma machine, the CIA, Watergate, and WikiLeaks: Spies and spying have rewritten human history and now affect how we all live. With sections on codes and cryptography, moles and double agents, wiretapping, detectives, and even the age-old art of seduction, this fascinating book reveals the true stories of the bold spies who- whether motivated by patriotism, greed, or a love of adventure- risked everything. Rare and remarkable photos from the archives of LIFE magazine, plus illuminating text, make this a compelling read for anyone with an interest in the practiced- and powerful- art of deception." Spy Vibe has always been more about the world of fictional/fantasy spies rather than the real thing. Somehow the image of romancing foreign agents on international trips in an Aston Martin seems more accessible than the true world of deception and betrayal. But it has been interesting to look at true cases and perhaps see where some of the great writers got their ideas. And what gadget lover doesn't enjoy seeing just how ingenious those espionage boffins were during the Cold War. I suppose with our current chapter of the Cold War now emerging around us, it will interesting, and perhaps prudent, to have a stronger context in history- lest we be doomed to repeat it. LIFE Inside the World of Spies: The Lives They Lead. The Secrets They Keep. is also available on AmazonFor Spy Vibe radio action, check out my episodes of Cocktail Nation: Episode #1 (Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint), and Episode #5 (The Avengers), and Episode #6 (The Prisoner), Episode #7 (The Ipcress File). Enjoy!


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsTrina Robbins InterviewThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

July 5, 2017

TURING EVENT

Event Alert: Learn more about Britain's famous codebreaker, Alan Turing. The British Library in London is hosting an event, Alan Turing: Life, Work, Legacy, on July 24th. From the press release: "Jim Al-Khalili hosts an evening exploring the life, work and legacy of one of the greatest scientific minds. Alan Turing (23 June 1912 – 7 June 1954) is now celebrated for his crucial contribution to the Allied victory in WW2 and for being the genius mathematician who set the foundations of modern computing. However during his lifetime he was a relatively obscure figure. A victim of the prevalent attitudes toward homosexuality, he was chemically castrated before dying at the age of 41. Jim Al-Khalili is joined by scientists and experts in an evening dedicated to Turing." About the guests: "Jim Al-Khalili OBE is a British scientist, author and broadcaster. He is a professor of Physics, University of Surrey where he also holds a chair in the Public Engagement in Science. He has written many popular science books, between them translated into 26 languages and is a regular presenter of TV science documentaries. He is probably best known as presenter of the weekly BBC Radio 4 programme The Life Scientific. Professor Andrew Hodges is Tutor in Mathematics, Wadham College, Oxford University. His book, Alan Turing: The Enigma (1983), since translated into several languages, created a new kind of biography, with mathematics, science, computing, war history, philosophy and gay liberation woven into a single personal narrative. He is an active contributor to the mathematics of fundamental physics. Sir John Dermot Turing is the nephew of Alan Turing. His biography of his uncle, Prof: Alan Turing Decoded, was published in 2015. He is a Trustee of the Turing Trust and takes an active role in several Bletchley Park Trust Board committees." More info here. In other news, my episodes of the Cocktail Nation radio show are now live: Episode #1(Danger Man) and Episode #2 (The 10th Victim), Epsiode #3 (On Her Majesty's Secret Service) Episode #4 (Roger Moore/The Saint). And tune in to Cocktail Nation -the number on lounge music radio show- every week for cool soundtracks, swingin' jazz, news and more. Enjoy!


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Spy Vibe Radio 41960s Pop ModelsBatman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseFahrenheit 451 50thInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview:Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsTrina Robbins InterviewThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama ReviewDavid McCallum novelAndre Courreges R.I.P.Who's Talking on Spy VibeUFO Blu-rayAvengers Pop Art.

December 30, 2014

IMITATION GAME

If you see one film during the holiday season, Spy Vibe recommends The Imitation Game. The backstory of Alan Turing's time at Bletchley Park during WWII included regular strained meetings with James Bond author Ian Fleming. Fleming's talent was to dream up scenarios, including schemes to steal an Enigma machine and code intelligence during the Dieppe Raid and from a captured naval vessel (Operation Ruthless). Fleming's diary entries referred to Turing's disappointment over these failed missions and new articles in The Guardian and The New Yorker suggest that the two were working under extreme pressure to withhold secrets from their allies (often at heavy expense), and to spread misinformation to outwit their enemies. Turing's vision also played a part in the development of the computer. As interesting as these connections may be to us spy fans, The Imitation Game thankfully does not explore the scope of Turing's history in a broad way. Ian Fleming does not appear. Instead, the heart of this largely intimate film is revealed by the poster tagline- "Behind every code is an enigma"- and that puzzle is Alan Turing's own struggle (outwardly) to crack the Enigma and (inwardly) to reconcile his experience as "other" in society and in social interactions. There are many layers to this, which I don't want to spoil. Although the war provides important context in the movie, the story is ultimately a beautiful character study, masterfully performed by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Alex Lawther, as the young Turing. I went into the film completely unaware of Turing's experiences and accomplishments, and I found it quite moving. Enjoy! Spy Vibe trivia: Benedict Cumberbatch's mom is Wanda Ventham (Virginia Lake in Gerry Anderson's UFO)! Turing Illustration below by Conceptcion Studios. Learn More: Alan Turning: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, Enigma: The Battle For the Code, Alan Turing: Centenary Edition, The Secret Lives of Codebreakers, the film Enigma, and new articles in New Yorker, The Guardian



Selected Spy Vibe posts: New Avengers BooksRoad to Hong KongInside Gerry AndersonRingo Does GoldfingerSixties Beat WearSPECTRE AnnouncedPopular SkulltureNew Gerry Anderson SetsNew SECRET AGENT setArt of ModestyAvengers Blu-ray updateTokyo Beat 1964Polaroid SpyModesty MondayFeraud Mod FashionFlint Scores!Bond DanishHome MoviesNew Richard Sala BookNew 007 ComicsDesigning Bond BooksGreen Hornet MangaMargaret Nolan ArtNo 6 FestivalBarbarella Returns007 Audio Books ReturnDesigner: Gene WinfieldAvengers Interview: Michael RichardsonIan Fleming: Wicked GrinJane Bond Hong Kong RecordsRyan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E.Comics Week: ArchieComics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMANComics Week: Jimmy OlsenRare Avengers ScriptsMan From Uncle UK ComicsMattel X-15Thunderbirds ComicsShakespeare Spies: Diana RiggShakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers InterviewAvengers Book: Bowler Hats & Kinky BootsGeorge Lois Design & Mad MenRichard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Danger Diabolik Soundtrack, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny InterviewThe 10th Victim Japanese and KindleU.N.C.L.E. Japanese BooksThe 10th Victim German EditionThe Saint books returnTrina Robbins InterviewCatsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.