Battle For Bond

The Battle for Bond unravels the untold story behind the most controversial part of the James Bond legend using previously unpublished material including letters and private documents. It is a tale of bitter recriminations, betrayal, multi-million dollar lawsuits and even death.

It starts way back in 1959 when colourful Irish film producer Kevin McClory collaborated with Ian Fleming and Hollywood screenwriter Jack Whittingham on a screenplay for what was intended to be the first ever James Bond film, entitled Thunderball. When the project collapsed, Fleming instead used its plot as the basis for his next Bond novel, but without permission.

An incensed McClory and Whittingham sued. The resulting trial was one of the most high profile and complex of the 1960s. Essentially the creator of the 20th century's greatest fictional character was in the dock, accused of plagiarism.

Already gravely ill, many of Fleming's friends feared the pressure of the trial would have a detrimental effect on his health. Tragically they were proved right when only a few months later Fleming died of a massive heart attack aged only 56.

As for Kevin McClory, he became a millionaire over night, winning the film rights to Thunderball. He was now in the enviable position of being able to make his own 007 movie. But the already established Sean Connery series was a hard act to compete with and McClory instead decided to join forces with Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman in a one-off deal to co-produce Thunderball.

Released in time for Christmas 1965, Thunderball was the Star Wars of its day, becoming one of the most successful films in movie history. Part of McClory's court victory entitled him to remake Thunderball at a future date, resulting in 1983s Never Say Never Again, which saw Sean Connery returning to the Bond role after a 12 year absence and was the film that Broccoli tried desperately to ban.