James Bond 007 News January 2006

007 News January 2006

Jan 29 - Bahamas hotel to transform into Liberian Embassy in Madagascar for Casino Royale shooting

A popular hotel in the Bahamas is about to be transformed into the Liberian Embassy in Madagascar — a perplexing development considering Madagascar's location off the coast of Africa - for the forthcoming James Bond film.

The Palm Beach Post reports that the Buena Vista, a 200-year-old mansion with a legendary restaurant where waiters in burgundy jackets serve charcoal-broiled lobster and curried grouper to such illustrious patrons as Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine and Julio Iglesias, will double for a location in Casino Royale.

Stan Bocus, the dapper Italian who has owned the Buena Vista for 31 years, said the old colonial building will be painted to make it look even older when it is transformed into the embassy, where the new James Bond will take on bad guys in the upcoming Casino Royale. Filming starts there on February 23rd — and the paper's report will go back to catch a glimpse of Daniel Craig as the new 007.

Jan 21 - Bond`s Aston Martin DB5 auctioned for over $2m USD

An Aston Martin car driven by James Bond in Goldfinger and Thunderball has been sold in auction for more than £1m. The legendary 1965 DB5 model, complete with a host of high-tech gadgets, went under the hammer in Phoenix, Arizona - reports the BBC. Driven by Sean Connery, the car boasts built-in Browning machine guns, tyre slashers, an oil slick ejector and a retractable rear bullet-proof screen. It was bought for $2,090,000 by a European collector. When last sold in 1970, it fetched £5,000.

Before the sale began, lights in the auction house were turned off and RM Auctions spokesman Terrance Lobzun - dressed in 007-style tuxedo - drove the car on to the stage. He demonstrated all the features - including the guns - in return for a standing ovation from the audience.

"It was just amazing. The atmosphere was electric, it was so exciting," he said. "Every seat of the 1,500 in the house was sold - it was standing room only. It was the biggest crowd we've ever had.

"If there had been real bullets in the guns I would have taken out the whole front row of these people who have more money that most countries do."

Mr Lobzun added: "Needless to say the previous owner is quite happy with his investment."

The car had been bought from Sir Anthony Bamford in 1970 by a Tennessee museum owner.

Other gadgets include three revolving number plates including the registrations 007JB and JB007. But a passenger ejector seat with removable roof panel has been replaced with a standard seat.

The Aston Martin was one of only four cars originally constructed and used for 1964's Goldfinger and 1965's Thunderball, as well on promotional tours. The price included the buyer's premium.

Jan 12 - Two French actors screen-tested for Le Chiffre role - Casino Royale villain

Two French actors have screentested for the role of Le Chiffre - the chief villain in the forthcoming James Bond film Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig as 007.

Dark Horizons reports that Michael Youn and Romain Duris have both screentested for the part.

Michael Youn (32) appears predominently in French language films, but had a small role in Hollywood blockbuster "Around the World in 80 Days" in 2004.

Romain Duris (31) has so far appeared exclusively in French language films, but has signed up to international film "Black Box" in 2006. He was discovered when French director Cédric Klaspish spotted him in the street.

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