The biggest news this week in film is the return of James Bond. Starting in 1962 with ‘Dr No‘ to this year’s ‘Skyfall‘, the Bond franchise celebrates 50 years. There’s been plenty of discussion of who is the greatest of all the film Bonds. Most lists seem to be forgetting one. Woody Allen.
Yes, Woody Allen played James Bond, in a roundabout sort of way. He played Jimmy Bond, James Bond’s hero worshipping newphew in the comedy Casino Royale, a 1967 US satirical film. Amongst the other stars were David Niven and Peter Sellers.
Turns out though that Allen’s Jimmy Bond was also Dr. No as well.
Woody Allen, who also contributed to parts of the script, was playing around with James Bond in 1967. 45 years later he did it again. To Rome With Love is most likely a play on the Bond film ‘From Russia With Love‘ (1963).
Here’s the trailer for ‘Casino Royale‘, the 1967 version.
