In Memoriam of Eon Financial Controller Douglas Noakes

By: Anders Frejdh

Published:
2015-09-06

Douglas Noakes James Bond Eon Productions

FSWL is very saddened to report the passing of Douglas Noakes (born in London 1935), a long-time member of the 'James Bond family', in September 2015 at age 79. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

"As James Bond fan and fellow financial controller I was very happy to meet Doglas a few times over the years. Always gracious and a real gentleman. Very sad to hear about his passing and my thoughts goes to his charming wife Nina and son Andrew." – Anders Frejdh, Founding editor of FSWL

Douglas Noakes obituary

Douglas Noakes entered the film business in the 1960's. His first screen credits was as production accountant for the 1971 film Friends, directed by three-time James Bond director Lewis Gilbert, which was followed by production accountant for the 1974 film The Marseille Contract (starring Michel Caine), and in the same capacity for The Bawdy Adventures of Tom Jones (1976) starring Joan Collins. He then worked on Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) after which he was recruited by Albert R. Broccoli to work on the James Bond franchise.

For Licence to Kill (1989), Doglas went out to China to make an extensive financial survey of the facilities. In the end, it was the cost factor that was decisive and the production went for Mexico where he found a lot of stage space, a well-serviced studio and cheaper labour than elsewhere.

On GoldenEye, Noakes was promoted to financial controller and was later succeeded by his son, Andrew, after working together since 1983 film Octopussy. (Andrew's first experience in the film industry was working during the summer holidays for Douglas. From humble beginnings as a tea boy and filing clerk on Octopussy, Andrew now has 28 films to his credit.)

Douglas retired from the film industry at the age of 70 and is survived by wife Nina and son Andrew.

Douglas Noakes' James Bond films:
1981: For Your Eyes Only (Production accountant)
1983: Octopussy (1983) (Production accountant)
1985: A View To A Kill (Production accountant)
1987: The Living Daylights (Production accountant)
1989: Licence To Kill (Production accountant)
1995: GoldenEye (1995) (Financial controller)
1997: Tomorrow Never Dies (Location accountant)
1999: The World Is Not Enough (Location accountant)

Colleagues and friends have kindly shared their thoughts with us about working with Douglas:

"I first met Dougie in 1987 at the premiere of The Living Daylights. We hit if off from the start and were great friends for years to come. Our paths reconnected with License To Kill. I was quite fortunate to be asked to come to Key West for a week and participate as a background player. I last saw Dougie in 2009. He was wonderfully outgoing and always asked about my family. He was a dedicated member of the Bond family and will be missed not only by me, but many, many others whose lives he touched. God speed, Dougie!" – Doug Redenius, Co-founder, The Ian Fleming Foundation

“Douglas was very good at what he did and was a valued part of the team. I was glad that his son came in (to Eon) and he’s done quite well.” – Jerry Juroe, former SVP Publicity, Eon Productions

"Doug joined the Bond team at about the same time that I re-joined it on The Spy Who Loved Me. He went on to control the finances on many other Bonds long after I had left. He was always highly professional and supportive. Of course, his family travelled the world with Doug and eventually Andrew joined him in the accounts department and has now taken over the reins from his father. I have fond memories of working with Doug, Nina and Andrew in Mexico during the making of Licence to Kill" - my last Bond film. He will be sadly missed." – John Glen, Director (eight James Bond films)

"I first worked with Dougie back in the late 1960’s on a film called The Adventurers filmed in Italy and Colombia. Over the years I was fortunate enough to cross paths with him again on many films including, Hennessy (1975), Superman I & II and many of the James Bond films. I knew him and his family very well and I have many fond memories of him over those 40 years or more.
To me he was always very helpful, very understanding and always a complete gentleman. The industry will be sad for his loss and I will always miss that cheerful disposition. Sadly there are few people of Dougie’s character and ability to fill the void but fortunately his son Andrew is one who will. I know that Dougie was always very proud of Andrew and the name Noakes will live on!
God bless you old friend." – John Richardson, Special effects supervisor (nine James Bond films)

"I first worked with Douglas on Superman I, II, and III in 1978 and on all the Bond films I have worked on. He was excellent at his job, always calm and efficient whatever the pressure or whatever the location. He held a position of great responsibility and helped producers stay within budget and was a mentor a new generation of outstanding accountants. He was a legend behind the scene."
– Paul Weston, Stuntman and Stunt coordinator (10 James Bond films)

"Dougie and Nina were always so kind and supportive. Dougie was always ready to pass on tips about the office and accounts paperwork. When my wife was ill Dougie and Nina's kindness will stay with me forever. It was a horrible shock when Susie and I heard he had passed away. If Bond is 007 then Dougie was the man to make sure the figures always added up." – Terry Bamber, Production manager (six James Bond films)

"I have known Dougie most of my Bond life and most vividly remember Dougie and Nina in Thailand on Tomorrow Never Dies handing out our per diems in scorchingly hot and humid weather both immaculately dressed and looking as cool as cucumbers as true British people should, it was quite a comparison to the motley sweaty crew. Dougie always had great style." – Vic Armstrong, Director, Stunt Coordinator, Stuntman (seven James Bond films)

Photo above:
Douglas Noakes (middle) at the Royal world premiere of Octopussy in London 1983. Pictured with (from left to right) Albert R. Broccoli, Prince Charles, Lady Diana and John Richardson.

For more information about Douglas Noakes career in the film industry, check out his IMDB profile.

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In Memoriam of Eon Financial Controller Douglas Noakes

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