A dense fog still shrouds the Pinewood Studios when,
in the car par park, some of those taking part in this special
day are already stamping their feet on the paving stones in front
of the famous studio “Mansion”. This event, organised
by Bondstars, has a distinctive aroma since it delivers a tribute
to one of the most popular works in the whole saga,
“The
Spy Who Loved Me” with, as a high point a dinner in the
company of James Bond himself, Sir Roger Moore. An encounter whose
announcement electrified the community of wholehearted partisans
of the franchise, to such an extent that tickets had to be allocated
via a lottery process.
The doors were not yet open that cameras start flashing.. Three
stars of film are in fact enthroned on the car park : the veritable
Bond Lotus Esprit and replicas of the Wetbike and the Stromberg
helicopter flown by Naomi.
Tea or coffee. There’s jostling at the massive studios
bar. There are those who flop into the bulbous studio couches
or who hurry already to meet the characters who are part of the
legend. A long queue forms in front of Richard Kiel and his smiling
wife. The good-natured giant bows in amusement for the game of
photos, autographs his work, photos or a very beautiful litho
based on the film’s train scene featuring Roger Moore and
himself. Further on, we greet Caroline Munro, Valerie Leon, Shane
Rimmer, Edward De Souza, Albert Moses, Paul Weston, Martin Grace,
Alan Hume, Alec Mills, John Glen, Peter Lamon, Christopher Wood.
Later arrivals included Sir and Lady Kenneth Adams as well as
June Randall.
It’s time for the visit to the studios with their magic
places : the magnificent gardens, the famous bridge which brings
back good memories to fans of "The Persuaders", also
used in “From Russia With Love”, the grotto, Renard's
Lair in “The World Is Not Enough”, the “ Goldfinger
Avenue”, The Underwater Stage and the imposing “Albert
R. Broccoli 007 Stage ” where the submarine scenes were
filmed.
After the lunch, we made our way on to “Theatre 7”
to watch the remastered film of “The Spy Who Loved Me”.
The film is introduced by Martin Grace, the most celebrated
stunt-double of Roger Moore in the Bond films but also in “The
Wild Geese”, The Naked Face”, “Escape To Athena”
just to mention a few ...
Following the showing, the actors and actresses
come down from the stage to a traditional exchange led by Lee
Peiffer. Darkness had thrown its wide cloak over the studios
when we made our way again to the Mansion to make the most of
the stars present. Then it’s time to get changed for what
is to be the pinnacle of the day : dinner in the presence of
Sir Roger.
Hubbub in front of the ballroom which is still closed.
Each one is locating their place on a table plan when the room
panels open. Round tables, beautifully prepared, champagne glasses
and Sir Roger who, accompanied by his wife, welcomes each guest
with a handshake and a kind word for everyone. The moment is immortalized
by a professional photographer and the glass of Bollinger is ever
more bubbly. Everyone also receives, amongst other items, a signed
and numbered copy of Roger Moore’s autobiography, “My
Word Is My Bond”.
The evening ends with a question-and-answer session
between Roger Moore, Gareth Owen and the public. Before leaving
the room to a standing ovation, Sir Roger is presented, by Dave
Worrall and Lee Peiffer, with a new honour : the “Retro
Award”. The class, the elegance, the humour and charm are
all, intact.
Report
: Marie-France
Vienne (Sir Roger Moore Official Website) with the kind help
of Barrie Wilson
Photos
: Philippe Heidet & Marie-France
Vienne (Sir Roger Moore Official Website)
Thank
you to Bondstars and all
the people who made this day a wonderful one
