Wednesday, March 13, 2013

The President Kennedy, James Bond & St. Patrick's Day Connection

Most of us know that some of President Kennedy's greatest contributions include the successful handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, creating the Peace Corps, and originating the American space program. However, I was surprised to learn that he inadvertently played a primary role in launching the career of entertainment superstar, Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond Series.

In 1953, Fleming published his first novel, Casino Royale, through Johnathan Cape Publishing House and it was moderately successful in England. More novels were published, but soon Fleming faced harsh reviews including this one from Paul Johnson of the New Statesmen about Dr. No: "Mr. Fleming has no literary skill, the construction of the book is chaotic, and entire incidents and situations are inserted, and then forgotten, in a haphazard manner." Fleming was also frequently criticized for his use of  sex, snobbery, and sadism in his stories. According to Fleming's biographer, the spy novelist "went into personal and creative decline after marital problems and attacks on his work."

Despite self-doubt, Fleming persisted and wrote: For Your Eyes Only, Thunderball, and Goldfinger. Then came his big break. On March 17, 1961, an article in Life Magazine listed From Russia, with Love as one of President John F. Kennedy's ten favorite books. In one moment Ian Fleming's life changed. According to Wikipedia, "This accolade and the associated publicity led to a surge in sales that made Fleming the biggest-selling crime writer in the United States.

We all know what happened from there. At least one hundred million James Bond books have been sold since that article appeared and the films have grossed $4,910,000,000 (over $12,360,000,000 when adjusted for inflation). It's the second highest grossing film series behind Harry Potter.

So when you're celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland with shamrock balloons, parades and green beer this St. Patrick's Day, also pay tribute to our first Irish President, John F. Kennedy who gave Ian Fleming the boost he needed on March 17 fifty-two years ago.

Lesson to be learned: If you wrote a book and want some publicity, forget about mailing a copy to Oprah. The President of the U.S. might be a better choice. Hmm...I wonder what Barack Obama likes to read.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA:

During Casino Royale's final draft stages, Fleming allowed his friend William Plomer to see a copy. Plomer remarked, "So far as I can see the element of suspense is completely absent."

In honor of James Bond, we need a video. Let's go with Goldeneye starring an Irish Bond, Pierce Brosnan, with Tina Turner singing the theme song:




  

What's your favorite Bond movie? Better yet, who's your favorite Bond?  Mine:  Pierce Brosnan!

20 comments:

  1. What a great post!
    As for James Bond: Pierce Brosnan, yes, I agree. He's very charming - and besides: quite a good actor. :-)

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    1. And we can't forget soooo handsome, Raani...Just saying.

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    2. Of course, Peggy! Charismatic... and GREAT looking. *sigh* :-)

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    3. That's why we have movies--such a nice escape.

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  2. Some fascinating tidbits in that post, Peggy. And the best Bond for me? Still Sean Connery, although I'd put Brosnan a close second.

    Thanks for another great post!

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  3. Ahh, there will nevr be a James Bond as sexy as Sean Connery--he's still sexy in his golden years. Brosnan is a close second--I may be prejudiced since my one son looks like him. Peggy, it was so nice to visit your blog--seems like ages. I'm still trying to get time to work goodreads but there's just never a free moment.

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    1. Free moments are hard to come by when trying to keep up with the social media generation. So your son looks like Pierce Brosnan--bet the girls chased him around a bit!

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  4. Today's post reminded me of all those Ian Fleming novels I read years ago. What a surprise that JFK liked FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE too!
    My favorite Bond is the original--Sean Connery--but Pierce Brosnan is a close second.

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    1. The choice of a favorite Bond is truly a challenge. I'm sure men would find it just as difficult to select their favorite "love" interest of Bond's.

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  5. Thanks for the interesting history.
    I am one of those rare people who isn't a Bond fan. Saw Goldfinger when I was a teen and never felt inspired to to see another. I'm frequently told I'm missing out on an important aspect of our culture:)

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  6. Hi Peggy! Very interesting article. I was never a Bond fan, but do so like to look at Sean Connery. As Micki said, even now he is handsome. Great post!

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  7. Hi Peggy, great article. And the most important thing for me is that he never gave up but kept on writing. As for me, I have to agree with you, my favorite Bond would be Pierce Brosnan. So sexy. :-) I hope you have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

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    1. I find these writing stories so inspiring, Ramona. You never know!

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  8. No one for Daniel Craig? Poor Daniel!
    Fabulous post! And happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone.

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    1. Daniel Craig is probably third on my list behind Brosnan and Connery.

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  9. I have to say that not a single James Bond movie is on my list of top ten favorite movies, but I do enjoy them. They're the ultimate fantasy, sort of like a good dream. Death defying feats, gorgeous people, the hero always prevailing after much tribulation--all the makings of a thrilling story.

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  10. Check this out: http://awakenings2012.blogspot.com/2013/03/kick-back-moments-president-kennedy.html

    GREAT post with so much information I did not know!

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    1. Thanks Sharla!

      Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

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  11. @ Peggy - I very much enjoy the James Bond franchise. I was not aware of the history and success route of Ian Fleming. This article was a nice break to examine an aspect of pop-culture.

    Thank you.

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  12. Hi,

    This is very encouraging for me. If Ian Fleming went through hard times and was suddenly discovered over an interview done with President John F. Kennedy, then that means I or no one else should give up but keep our eyes on our goals.

    Great article, Peggy. Thanks.

    Ciao,
    Patricia

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