Celebrating SPECTRE at 10 - part 1 | The 007 Files S3 E009
In this Licence to Legacy episode co-hosts Javi Trujillo, Bill Koenig, and David Leigh revisit SPECTRE on its 10th anniversary of its release.We start with our first viewings back in 2015 and how our opinions have shifted after a decade of rewatching, reflection, and franchise changes. The conversation explores how SPECTRE performed at the box office compared to Skyfall and how Mexico’s tax credits influenced the film’s colourful opening sequence. We dive into the return of the gunbarrel to the beginning of the movie, why it mattered to fans, and whether or not Amazon should consider experimenting with gunbarrel placement. Thomas Newman’s score gets a close look as we compare its reuse of Skyfall motifs and, if Sam Smith's theme is from the point of view of James Bond, come up with the answer to just why his voice is so high pitched.Where to find us:Bill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.comJavi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.comRecorded in the USA and Spain on 3rd December 2025
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Exploring 007's Britain with writer Edward Biddulph | The 007 Files S3 E008
In this episode we’re joined by Edward Biddulph to explore the real-world Britain behind James Bond. His new book, The James Bond Lover’s Guide to Britain, brings together locations from Fleming’s novels, the films, and Fleming’s own life — all chosen with one thing in mind: places anyone can actually visit.We dive into the adventure of visiting these sites as Edward talks about the thrill of standing at a location from his favourite Bond film, and the memories of growing up in Kent where he first realised that Bond’s world overlapped with his own.Listen in, enjoy the stories, and if you want to dig deeper into 007’s Britain, pick up the book.Where to find us:Edward Biddulphhttps://www.jamesbondfood.com🛒 https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-James-Bond-Lovers-Guide-to-Britain-Paperback/p/56633Bill Koenighttps://hmssweblog.wordpress.comJavi Trujillohttps://bsky.app/profile/javitru.bsky.social or https://www.instagram.com/thebondisnotenough/David Leighhttps://www.thejamesbonddossier.comRecorded in the UK, USA and Spain on 17th November 2025
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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/
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!
Ireland