A worthwhile look inside Fleming's last published novel (in his lifetime), with some well-observed points to make.
Interesting to ponder whether or not Dahl had read "Thrilling Cities", but as you say we'll never know now. What would also be interesting is to know exactly how much Bloom had written before Dahl took over- stories differ!
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
A worthwhile look inside Fleming's last published novel (in his lifetime), with some well-observed points to make.
Interesting to ponder whether or not Dahl had read "Thrilling Cities", but as you say we'll never know now. What would also be interesting is to know exactly how much Bloom had written before Dahl took over- stories differ!
Thank you, Barbel. That's much appreciated! -{
I agree it would be great to know exactly what was Harold Jack Bloom's contribution to YOLT as opposed to Roald Dahl's contribution. As you say - there is debate out there but perhaps I could write a future blog article on that and try to collate all of the information together in one place as it were. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
I think that would be a worthwhile project, SM. The film of YOLT, whether individuals like it or not, is essential to the Bond ethos: TSWLM and MR would not exist without it, for example, at least not in their existing form and Mike Myers would have been at a loss!
As I see it, the film version of YOLT has several authors (or perhaps auteurs might be the word):
(1) As it should be: Ian Fleming. All the principal characters are his, as is the choice of setting the story in Japan, Tiger Tanaka being the head of their Secret Service and forming a friendship with Bond, his underground train setting, the Ninja school, Kissy Suzuki (yes, I know she isn't named) being an Ama girl, Bond "going Japanese", Henderson, Blofeld, piranha fish etc etc.
(2) Roald Dahl. Working within the restrictions of using the Fleming material above, the Bloom material below, and Broccoli/Saltzman's orders (Dahl's contemporary Playboy interview mentions among other things the "three girl formula", for example) Dahl still manages to create the blueprint for future Bond productions.
(3) Harold Jack Bloom. Mystery surrounds Bloom's work on the film. He was included in Broccoli & co's initial visits to Japan and his credit "Additional Story Material" is really vague.
(4) Cubby Broccoli. He is generally credited with being behind the move from Fleming's Castle of Death (since they couldn't find a corresponding castle, because they aren't built on coasts in Japan due to weather conditions) to a volcano.
All in all, there's a story here worth telling.
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
I think that would be a worthwhile project, SM. The film of YOLT, whether individuals like it or not, is essential to the Bond ethos: TSWLM and MR would not exist without it, for example, at least not in their existing form and Mike Myers would have been at a loss!
As I see it, the film version of YOLT has several authors (or perhaps auteurs might be the word):
(1) As it should be: Ian Fleming. All the principal characters are his, as is the choice of setting the story in Japan, Tiger Tanaka being the head of their Secret Service and forming a friendship with Bond, his underground train setting, the Ninja school, Kissy Suzuki (yes, I know she isn't named) being an Ama girl, Bond "going Japanese", Henderson, Blofeld, piranha fish etc etc.
(2) Roald Dahl. Working within the restrictions of using the Fleming material above, the Bloom material below, and Broccoli/Saltzman's orders (Dahl's contemporary Playboy interview mentions among other things the "three girl formula", for example) Dahl still manages to create the blueprint for future Bond productions.
(3) Harold Jack Bloom. Mystery surrounds Bloom's work on the film. He was included in Broccoli & co's initial visits to Japan and his credit "Additional Story Material" is really vague.
(4) Cubby Broccoli. He is generally credited with being behind the move from Fleming's Castle of Death (since they couldn't find a corresponding castle, because they aren't built on coasts in Japan due to weather conditions) to a volcano.
All in all, there's a story here worth telling.
An excellent post there, Barbel. Very well put.
You've essentially crystallised what needs to be covered in such an article as I suggested two posts above.
Much food for thought there.
As you may know, I have a special interest in YOLT and have written on it on the blog several times now so this could be a welcome addition to those articles. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
I think that would be a worthwhile project, SM. The film of YOLT, whether individuals like it or not, is essential to the Bond ethos: TSWLM and MR would not exist without it, for example, at least not in their existing form and Mike Myers would have been at a loss!
As I see it, the film version of YOLT has several authors (or perhaps auteurs might be the word):
(1) As it should be: Ian Fleming. All the principal characters are his, as is the choice of setting the story in Japan, Tiger Tanaka being the head of their Secret Service and forming a friendship with Bond, his underground train setting, the Ninja school, Kissy Suzuki (yes, I know she isn't named) being an Ama girl, Bond "going Japanese", Henderson, Blofeld, piranha fish etc etc.
(2) Roald Dahl. Working within the restrictions of using the Fleming material above, the Bloom material below, and Broccoli/Saltzman's orders (Dahl's contemporary Playboy interview mentions among other things the "three girl formula", for example) Dahl still manages to create the blueprint for future Bond productions.
(3) Harold Jack Bloom. Mystery surrounds Bloom's work on the film. He was included in Broccoli & co's initial visits to Japan and his credit "Additional Story Material" is really vague.
(4) Cubby Broccoli. He is generally credited with being behind the move from Fleming's Castle of Death (since they couldn't find a corresponding castle, because they aren't built on coasts in Japan due to weather conditions) to a volcano.
All in all, there's a story here worth telling.
Add in Saltzman's relationship with Geoffrey Jenkins and the staged burial of Commander Geoffrey Peace at sea at the start of 1966's novel HUNTER KILLER?
Which might be considered the basis for an early sequence of the film of YOLT...
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
Although I haven't had the opportunity to read the latest post I'm an avid fan of this blog (indeed it's the only blog I follow). It is packed to the rafters with brilliantly written articles & I recommend it to anyone who hasn't yet seen it.
Thank you, stag. I really appreciate that. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
You're welcome. I just wish that all things on the internet were as well constructed as the Bondologist Blog - actually I don't as I'd never be off the computer!
I visited only last evening. It's fantastic stuff & I hope it can gather as wide an audience as possible.
Thanks again for the kind words. I really appreciate it and it keeps my heart up to keep writing these articles - they're hard work at times and I know all too well my limitations as a writer.
I'd be particularly interested to know what you thought of the newest TBB article "The Madness of 'King Ernst I' in Ian Fleming's You Only Live Twice (1964)"? -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
edited November 2015
A quick update to let my blog readers know that a new Guest Article by my new contributor Pete Swan has been uploaded today at The Bondologist Blog to accompany the release of Spectre in cinemas. The article focuses on 10 quotes from the original Ian Fleming James Bond novels that we're not likely to see on the cinema screen any time soon:
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
edited November 2015
I'd love to hear your thoughts on my new Guest Article by Pete Swan called '10 Offensive Quotes from Ian Fleming's James Bond Novels' either in this thread or over at the blog comments section. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
Today I've uploaded a new Guest Article by Colonel Sun expert and author Hank Reineke:
Hope you get a lot of followers SM, but sadly I'm not on any social media but good luck with it. {[]
Is this not social media? Like you I'm on here, one other place and Google plus, that is as social media as I get.
Not really, no. It's a forum/message board. Social media is a more recent Internet phenomenon. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr etc. I'm on the first three on those, but not any of the others. Bebo was the future once, but I was too old for that one! )
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Hope you get a lot of followers SM, but sadly I'm not on any social media but good luck with it. {[]
Is this not social media? Like you I'm on here, one other place and Google plus, that is as social media as I get.
Not really, no. It's a forum/message board. Social media is a more recent Internet phenomenon. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr etc. I'm on the first three on those, but not any of the others. Bebo was the future once, but I was too old for that one! )
Is that Justin bebo? I could smack that little ++++ all day long. I follow your blog on Google plus..... At least I think I do???
It was either that.....or the priesthood
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
Is this not social media? Like you I'm on here, one other place and Google plus, that is as social media as I get.
Not really, no. It's a forum/message board. Social media is a more recent Internet phenomenon. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr etc. I'm on the first three on those, but not any of the others. Bebo was the future once, but I was too old for that one! )
Is that Justin bebo? I could smack that little ++++ all day long. I follow your blog on Google plus..... At least I think I do???
Yes, I'm sure that you do follow me on Google + and thanks for that. A new article is on the way soon. Still writing it in fact. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
edited January 2017
I and the blog get a mention in this James Bond Radio link (at around 1 hr 20 mins). Thanks to my friend Andrew McNess!
I had to read the novel again just recently for an upcoming article and found your post very interesting. You turned up some historical/cultural references that might not have occurred to me.
Btw, I hadn't read YOLT in at least 15 years and didn't remember it being quite so loony!
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
My 7000th post! -{
Well thanks to my wonderful readers my blog has finally passed the 100,000 views mark! It's currently on 100,271 views. It's taken over five years but I'm very happy to have reached this milestone. I hope to have a new blog article out very soon.
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Congrats, Dragonpol. I've got some of your articles on paper... Old school here... I wish you could write more! Thanks for your work and keep going on -{
Congrats, Dragonpol. I've got some of your articles on paper... Old school here... I wish you could write more! Thanks for your work and keep going on -{
Sorry, ggl007, only seeing this post now.
Thank you for your continued support. It's much appreciated. I'm old school too!
I wish that I could write more articles (and more quickly) too. I have plenty of article ideas left (well over 100) but I just seem to find the remaining ones increasingly difficult to write now. Luckily, I am at work on the PC again doing just that and hope to publish a new article soon. -{
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
edited June 2019
...
"The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
Silhouette ManThe last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,865MI6 Agent
I've just updated The Bondologist Blog with my first post there in over three years:
Comments
Interesting to ponder whether or not Dahl had read "Thrilling Cities", but as you say we'll never know now. What would also be interesting is to know exactly how much Bloom had written before Dahl took over- stories differ!
Thank you, Barbel. That's much appreciated!
I agree it would be great to know exactly what was Harold Jack Bloom's contribution to YOLT as opposed to Roald Dahl's contribution. As you say - there is debate out there but perhaps I could write a future blog article on that and try to collate all of the information together in one place as it were.
As I see it, the film version of YOLT has several authors (or perhaps auteurs might be the word):
(1) As it should be: Ian Fleming. All the principal characters are his, as is the choice of setting the story in Japan, Tiger Tanaka being the head of their Secret Service and forming a friendship with Bond, his underground train setting, the Ninja school, Kissy Suzuki (yes, I know she isn't named) being an Ama girl, Bond "going Japanese", Henderson, Blofeld, piranha fish etc etc.
(2) Roald Dahl. Working within the restrictions of using the Fleming material above, the Bloom material below, and Broccoli/Saltzman's orders (Dahl's contemporary Playboy interview mentions among other things the "three girl formula", for example) Dahl still manages to create the blueprint for future Bond productions.
(3) Harold Jack Bloom. Mystery surrounds Bloom's work on the film. He was included in Broccoli & co's initial visits to Japan and his credit "Additional Story Material" is really vague.
(4) Cubby Broccoli. He is generally credited with being behind the move from Fleming's Castle of Death (since they couldn't find a corresponding castle, because they aren't built on coasts in Japan due to weather conditions) to a volcano.
All in all, there's a story here worth telling.
An excellent post there, Barbel. Very well put.
You've essentially crystallised what needs to be covered in such an article as I suggested two posts above.
Much food for thought there.
As you may know, I have a special interest in YOLT and have written on it on the blog several times now so this could be a welcome addition to those articles.
Add in Saltzman's relationship with Geoffrey Jenkins and the staged burial of Commander Geoffrey Peace at sea at the start of 1966's novel HUNTER KILLER?
Which might be considered the basis for an early sequence of the film of YOLT...
Thank you, stag. I really appreciate that.
Thanks again for the kind words. I really appreciate it and it keeps my heart up to keep writing these articles - they're hard work at times and I know all too well my limitations as a writer.
I'd be particularly interested to know what you thought of the newest TBB article "The Madness of 'King Ernst I' in Ian Fleming's You Only Live Twice (1964)"?
http://thebondologistblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/10-offensive-quotes-from-ian-flemings.html
http://thebondologistblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/eleven-years-later-addendum-to-dossier.html
I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Thank you, TP. I quite understand.
Not really, no. It's a forum/message board. Social media is a more recent Internet phenomenon. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr etc. I'm on the first three on those, but not any of the others. Bebo was the future once, but I was too old for that one!
Yes, I'm sure that you do follow me on Google + and thanks for that. A new article is on the way soon. Still writing it in fact.
http://jamesbondradio.com/closer-look-view-kill-podcast-113/?utm_content=bufferee0c6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
You can find the TBB article Andrew refers to here:
http://thebondologistblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/the-madness-of-king-ernst-i-in-ian.html
I had to read the novel again just recently for an upcoming article and found your post very interesting. You turned up some historical/cultural references that might not have occurred to me.
Btw, I hadn't read YOLT in at least 15 years and didn't remember it being quite so loony!
Well thanks to my wonderful readers my blog has finally passed the 100,000 views mark! It's currently on 100,271 views. It's taken over five years but I'm very happy to have reached this milestone. I hope to have a new blog article out very soon.
Sorry, ggl007, only seeing this post now.
Thank you for your continued support. It's much appreciated. I'm old school too!
I wish that I could write more articles (and more quickly) too. I have plenty of article ideas left (well over 100) but I just seem to find the remaining ones increasingly difficult to write now. Luckily, I am at work on the PC again doing just that and hope to publish a new article soon. -{
http://thebondologistblog.blogspot.com/2019/06/john-gardner-james-bond-continuation.html
Really enjoyed the discussion, Brian. It's a shame Alice didn't share the same enthusiasm for Gardner, but it sounds like she was eventually won over.
I'm re-reading all the Gardner's in the run-up to Bond 25 and most certainly enjoying them more than when I did in college.