55th Anniversary screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) in London
By: Anders Frejdh
Published:
2024-12-24
Exclusive report from the 55th anniversary screening in London of On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) starring George Lazenby with cast and crew members in attendance as honored guests.
On Wednesday 18th December 2024, exactly 55 years after the world premiere,
Kidston Motorcars hosted a private screening of
On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The premiere venue of The Odeon, Leicester Square cinema, was supplanted by the
Electric Cinema in Notting Hill.
George Lazenby's only appearance as
Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 was celebrated by his colleagues, their relatives and Bond alumni. Assembled by George's team at
Anders Frejdh Talent Management, the celebrants included
John Glen (editor and 2nd Unit director),
Vic Armstrong (Stuntman),
Sylvana Henriques (the Jamaican Girl),
Wendy Leech (daughter of stuntman
George Leech who doubled for Lazenby),
Jo Telford (daughter of Director of Photography
Michael Reed),
Simon Mills (son of camera operator
Alec Mills), and
Rina Norman (widow of
Monty Norman who composed the world-famous “James Bond Theme”).
Jenny Hanley (the Irish girl) was also confirmed to attend but sadly had to cancel last minute due to an injury. She graciously sent her regards to everyone. Ian Fleming biographer
Andrew Lycett also attended.
Also invited by Anders were
Dame Joanna Lumley (the English girl),
Catherine Schell (Nancy, the Hungarian girl),
Helena Ronee (the Israeli girl),
Terry Mountain (Raphael) and
Terry Ackland-Snow (Art Director). Due to other committments, they were unable to come.
Alan Church (title designer
Maurice Binder's assistant in the 1980s), and special effects maestro
Simon Giles also sent apologies for a last minute cancellation due to an illness.
A late 1980s Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante model parked outside the Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service is by many people considered to be the best film in the entire James Bond series with many people wondering why George Lazenby only did one film as 007...
Or, as
Simon Kidston noted when he introduced the film, who needs to do more than one when it is considered the best?
Simon Kidston and Anders Frejdh introduces On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
Anders Frejdh read out the following message from
George Lazenby:
“I’m sorry I can’t be with you this evening but getting old is no fun. Travelling these days is difficult - I never liked airports at the best of times.
Anders, my manager, brought me to see the Bond In Motion exhibit when it was in London. Seeing the red Mercury Cougar car that Diana drove in my Bond film brought back some memories. She really drove that thing like a professional.
To hear that Simon has bought the Aston Martin that I drove as Bond from Sigi, whom I met a few times in Australia, makes me happy. I guess it means my legacy will be around for a few more years.
Best wishes to all – especially John & Janine, Sylvana & Robert, Eddie & Linda, Vic & Wendy, Simon, Jo, Rina, and Andrew - and remember, we have all the time in the world.
Love George”
George Lazenby as James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service at the Electric Cinema screening in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
Actress Sylvana Henriques at the screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
In conjunction with the screening, drinks and canapes were served in the bar area by the friendly staff of Electric Cinema. Everyone agreed the film still stands out as one of the best Bond films.
Stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong and his wife Wendy Leech at the screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
Stuntman Eddie Stacey at the screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
The Aston Martin DBS car which George Lazenby drives as James Bond in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Photo by Ian Wells. All rights reserved.
In March 2023,
Simon Kidston acquired the Aston Martin DBS used in the film. The vehicle is undergoing an extensive restoration. Flying in from Australia was the DBS's previous owner,
Sigi Zidziunas eager to see "the old girl" again. He originally bought the car in 1978.
This story is captured in fascinating detail in what might be the Bond Book the Year:
Spy Octance: The Vehicles of James Bond Volume 1. From Fleming's love of speed to all vehicles used in the films from 1962's
Dr. No to 1971's
Diamonds Are Forever, its authors
Ajay Chowdhury and
Matthew Field were on hand to sign books.
Spy Octane authors Matthew Field and Ajay Chowdhury with Rina Norman, book publisher Philip Porter, Andrew Lycett and Vic Armstrong at the event.
After the screening, Simon Kidston interviewed 2nd Unit director John Glen who spoke fondly about his work on the film.
Simon Kidston and John Glen on stage after the screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
The Q&A with John Glen was followed by a 10-minute reel of private footage courtsey of Simon Mills which his father Alec took during the filming in Portugal and Switzerland.
Simon Mills commenting his father Alec's private footage from the production of On Her Majesty's Secret Service at Electric Cinema in London. Photo by James Brown. All rights reserved.
All in all, a fantastic and unforgettable evening celebrating one of the best James Bond films!
John Glen, Anders Frejdh and Eddie Stacey at Electric Cinema in London for the screening of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Photo by Matthew Field. All rights reserved.
(With special thanks to
Cynthia Birkmaier.)
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