Review: 007: The Reunion: James Bond

Radio 4, September 7, 2014

Sue MacGregor talks to Sir Roger Moore and others from his 007 era…

Some well-worn stories get an airing in this enjoyable 40 minute nostalgia-fest on the Roger Moore years, but there are more than a few anecdotes which will be new to all but the most avid Bond fan – including details of the accommodation that was used in The Man with the Golden Gun, the injuries suffered on set in that movie and The Spy Who Loved Me… and a rather astonishing claim as to Moonraker’s place in the pantheon of Bond films.

The participants all come across as having enjoyed their time on the films: Britt Ekland and Richard Kiel as actors, John Glen as director, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli working their way up to producers. The history of the franchise prior to Moore is explained with some well-chosen archive clips, including the infamous attack on Dr. No, and Sean Connery’s declarations on the set of Diamonds are Forever about his future (although Simon Templar isn’t a spy, contrary to the assertions made here!). The films are gone through roughly in chronological order, allowing Ekland and Kiel to talk about the three they were involved with, although there’s not as much from Glen about directing the films themselves as there could have been.

Verdict: A treat for fans of the Moore era. 8/10

Paul Simpson

The Reunion is repeated on Friday 12th September and available via iPlayer until September 18. Click here for further details