40 years of A View to a Kill: a look back at Roger Moore’s final mission | The 007 Files S3 E07
Licence to Legacy: It’s been 40 years since A View to a Kill was released — Roger Moore’s final outing as James Bond — and this week we look back at one of the most divisive entries in the series.After a brief detour to the Mexico Grand Prix, we dive into the film’s release and reception, sharing personal memories of seeing A View to a Kill for the first time and how opinions have changed - if they have - over the decades. We explore John Barry’s score and Duran Duran’s title song, the film’s unique tone, and how it captured the glossy excess of the 1980s.The conversation turns to the Bond women — from Tanya Roberts to Grace Jones’ performance as May Day — and the sometimes volatile chemistry on set. We also discuss Christopher Walken’s chilling turn as Max Zorin.Looking beyond the film, we reflect on Roger Moore’s final mission as 007, how he proved the series could thrive after Sean Connery, and what his long tenure says about age, legacy, and the evolution of Bond. There’s even time to touch on Lois Maxwell’s final appearance as Moneypenny, Patrick Macnee's portrayal of Sir Godfrey Tibbett, and the in-jokes, excess, and self-parody that make A View to a Kill such curious entry in the Bond franchise.From its polarising reception to its lasting place in Bond history, we ask: four decades on, is A View to a Kill any better than we remember - or not?Where to find us:Bill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/Javi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/Recorded in the USA and Spain on 27th October 2025
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How Richard Maibaum helped define James Bond — but never got the credit he deserves ft. writer & producer Lee Goldberg | The 007 Files S3 E06
Richard Maibaum helped define James Bond — but did he ever get the credit he truly deserved?In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig talks to writer, producer and New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg, whose 2022 book The James Bond Films 1962–1989: Interviews with the Actors, Writers and Producers collects his remarkable 1980s interviews with the people who built 007’s world — from screenwriters and directors to the actors themselves.Goldberg shares how his first major interview, a candid conversation with Richard Maibaum, opened the door to years of insider access to Bond. He recalls meeting Roger Moore on set in San Francisco, where the encounter took an unexpected turn with an unforgettable perspective of 007 himself.We explore Maibaum’s immense but under-recognised influence on the Bond films that continues to this day. Along the way, we look at the 1988 writers’ guild strike, the curious world of product placement, and the ever-changing style and tone of the Bond films.It’s a revealing, sometimes hilarious conversation about the people who shaped 007 from behind the scenes — and a reminder that even the world’s best-known secret agent depends on those who put the words in his mouth.Where to find us:Lee Goldberghttps://leegoldberg.com/about-lee/Bill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/Recorded in the USA on 28th October 2025
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Restoring Thunderball: Neil S. Bulk on the 60th anniversary expanded soundtrack
S03E005: In this episode of The 007 Files, Bill Koenig is joined by Javi Trujillo and David Leigh for a wide-ranging conversation with soundtrack producer Neil S. Bulk about La-La Land Records’ expanded 60th anniversary edition of Thunderball. Neil shares his passion for the project - and for the film! - as we explore the challenges of restoring classic Bond soundtracks, the discovery of new material, and the collaboration with MGM that made this release possible. Along the way we discuss the historical context of Thunderball’s score, John Barry’s versatility, alternate versions and mixes, the fate of the Thunderball suite, and the many faces of Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. We also weigh up the film’s legacy, its place in the Bond music hierarchy, and even touch on the end of Danjaq.Thunderball: 60th Anniversary Remastered and Expanded Limited Edition (2-CD Set) is available from La-La Land Records.Where to find us:Neil S. Bulkhttps://bsky.app/profile/nsbulk.bsky.socialBill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/Javi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/
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007: Road to a Million S2 - Hit or Miss?
S03E004 In this episode we discuss season 2 of 007: Road to a Million. Was it really better than the first? We weigh up the contestants, the challenges, the Controller, and how effectively the Bond IP and music were used this time around. And as always, we look ahead: will there be a season 3, and if so, would we watch it?But before we get into that we look at the 60th anniversaries of three TV shows from the 1960s spy craze which sprang directly from Bond’s success. And from there, we move to the digital age with 007: First Light, discussing what the recently released 30 minutes of gameplay reveal about the first Bond game in over a decade — and whether it lives up to expectations. Where to find usBill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/Javi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/Recorded in the USA and Spain on 17th September 2025
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Licence to Legacy: Thunderball at 60 - part 2
S03E003: In the second half of our Thunderball discussion, Bill Koenig, Javi Trujillo and David Leigh turn to the film’s legacy and cultural impact. We look at how Thunderball shaped popular culture — from underwater spectacle to the parody of Austin Powers. Along the way we consider whether the film influenced our own styles, explore the ground-breaking underwater photography and the challenges of shooting beneath the waves, and share some favourite collectibles. We also reflect on Thunderball’s music, its modern reception, and what lessons it may hold for Bond 26.Where to find usBill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.com/Javi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/Recorded in the USA and Spain on 2nd September 2025
The 007 Files podcast dives deep into the world of James Bond, blending expert analysis with casual conversation. Co-hosted by David Leigh, author of The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond and founder of The James Bond Dossier, Bill Koenig of The Spy Command and Javi Trujillo, the podcast explores Bond's films, books, and cultural impact. Stay tuned for everything from in-depth reviews to Bond 26 updates and discussions of all things 007. Perfect for lifelong fans and new recruits alike!
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