tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117416349695015821.post5353157211760504355..comments2023-09-28T10:47:50.691+01:00Comments on JAMES BOND MEMES: The journalist, the model, and the search for James BondComtessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15045274806223412751noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117416349695015821.post-9490899799528002272011-06-08T21:07:26.186+01:002011-06-08T21:07:26.186+01:00Edward,
How can I email you direct? If you go to ...Edward,<br />How can I email you direct? If you go to the URL I left as my profile you should be able to send me an email via the feedback button on the site. <br />The DAF test included visiting Brocolli's home with no Express involvement. But Peter hasn't a clue as to the date, it is only the photocopied (more likely roneoed - if that's how you spell it) two pages of the script. I believe it is the actual scene that was eventually used when Bond, as Peter Franks, is in Tiffany's room and lays out the thug who knocks on the door. <br /><br />Andy<br /><br />ps Earlier I managed to find the 21 Sep 1961 article naming Peter as winner of the competition and shall be showing it to him tomorrow night when we see him again- we are staying in the town where he now lives. Thanks for the other dates.Andyhttp://tvftdo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117416349695015821.post-50833574977334327042011-06-08T20:29:53.137+01:002011-06-08T20:29:53.137+01:00Dear Andy
Thank you for your comment. It's rea...Dear Andy<br />Thank you for your comment. It's really made my day. I never quite know who's reading my blog, or whether I'm just posting random thoughts into empty cyberspace, but it's reasuring that it does reach people, and, even more amazing, the people I've written about.<br />I was particularly pleased with my piece on Peter, as it originated in some research for a book that I was doing some years ago on the actors who were considered for the role of Bond, but the never got the part. Peter's story was especially fascinating. I knew of the competition from various histories of the Bond series, but thought I'd better chase up the original Express articles for more detail. I went to the newspaper library at Colindale and went through quite a number of editions (look for 23rd June, 20th July, and 21st September 1961). This was followed up by some reading at the Bodleian about Peter's modelling career. In the end the book was never written (although I did manage to interview another 'Man Who Would Be Bond' - Mark Greenstreet), but so as not to waste all that research, I have been posting some of the information on my blog.<br />You've added some interesting details to Peter's story. I didn't know what scene he was required to test, and I had no idea that he was considered again for Diamonds Are Forever (in fact, I don't think that information has entered Bondian lore at all).<br />I'm glad Peter's doing well (and I'll have to tell my wife that he looks like Howard Keel (one of her favourite actors)).<br />With best wishes,Edward (sorry to reply via the blog - I got your comment as an email, but I can't seem to reply to you direct)Edward Biddulphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958778222555710461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-117416349695015821.post-82649907812809093112011-06-08T17:26:18.797+01:002011-06-08T17:26:18.797+01:00Edward,
A lovely piece with much more detail than ...Edward,<br />A lovely piece with much more detail than I have ever seen before, particularly about the involvement of Patricia Lewis. Thank you. <br />I found your 'meme' because I have been with Peter for much of this week and although this is the first time we have met I had heard the story about the screen test competition from his family members - my wife's mother is his cousin. His recollection certainly matches your story, although he couldn't remember the journalist's name. He still has the letter from Eon arranging the test and also the script he had to learn (it's a meeting with M telling him that his gun has to go). <br />Peter never met Fleming, but was taken seriously enough by Brocolli to get considered again when Diamonds Are Forever was being cast and was asked to test again. He has the script from this too plus a picture of all of the finalists together from the 1961 competition.<br />He is a fascinating man who has led a fascinating life and whilst being in his late seventies, is still extremely good looking. He was of course a successful model and is now pretty much a dead ringer for Howard Keel.<br />Both he and his wife were enthralled by your piece.<br />One other thing - I have access to the Daily Express archive and have thus far totally failed to find anything published in 1961. Can I ask where you have seen the cuttings.Andyhttp://tvftdo.comnoreply@blogger.com