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Well, like many of you I'm living in lockdown.

For the last three and a half weeks we have been unable to leave home at all without good reason.  Here in Spain that means not even being able to go out and exercise.

To offer Bond fans (and ourselves) some relief from the lockdown some regulars on the James Bond & Friends podcast recorded our own Dr No commentary.

Listen as you watch the film if you want to hear our irreverent take on the very first James Bond film! You can find the link later in the newsletter.
 

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Watch the Bond movies on Amazon Prime Video

If you're in the US and stuck at home then you can watch most of the Bond movies if you have an Amazon Prime account. If not you can order a Fire TV Stick from our US Amazon Store and sign up for Prime.

Anyone in the UK can also check out our UK Amazon Store. While the Bond films aren't currently offered we do have Bond related ideas for you.

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RIP Honor Blackman

On Monday we learnt the sad news that Honor Blackman died at the age of 94. Playing Pussy Galore in Goldfinger she was perhaps the best known Bond girl of all and certainly one of the most iconic. 
 

No Time to Die

By now many of us were expecting to have seen No Time to Die, but reality got in the way. The Bond producers were ahead of the game when they postponed the premiere and release of the 25th Bond movie, although many people thought it was an overreaction at the time.

However, Covid-19 has caused many countries to declare a state of emergency as healthcare systems are swamped by people suffering from the virus.

There were unfounded rumours that the delay was to allow some scenes to be reshot after a test screening. But the film has been locked away to avoid it being leaked online ahead of new release date in November.

We all need to do our best to stay safe, encourage others to do the same and we'll get the chance to see the film later in the year.
 

Q The Music Show appeal

Many people's livelihoods are being affected by the current situation, but musicians who rely on tour income have been hit early and hard. I already sent out a call for the Q The Music fundraiser but here it is again. If you appreciate what they do and can spare something then please consider donating. 
 

Reviews

This latest edition of Bond vs Bond is reviewed by Eoghan Lyng, who complains that after fifty years in which no one has proven bigger or stronger than Bond the coronavirus comes along and "buggered up the workplace, the shopping trips, even the Bond series".

In the last of this three part series Kathryn Smith shares her thoughts and impressions of Ian Fleming’s final 007 books. 
 

James Bond & Friends podcast

The latest episodes of James Bond & Friends are now available on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere. These are fun to record and the response has been hugely positive. You can listen to the most recent episodes below:

• Episode 0043: Social Distancing
• Episode 0044: Tobacco Plants
• Episode 0045: Watchalong with Dr No

So that's April's newsletter. Not what I'd have predicted a few months ago and not much to report on No Time to Die. 

However, watch this space. As the marketing restarts later in the year we will bring you everything that is happening regarding the film.

If you have any comments then get in touch, otherwise see you next month!

David Leigh
The James Bond Dossier

PS Don't miss the special offer pricing on MI6 Confidential magazine. You can sign up for the complete 2020 season of five issues and pay for just four plus delivery.

 

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The James Bond Dossier