The Secret Life of Ian Fleming (1990) (TV)

User Rating:

6.0/10   

Director:

Ferdinand Fairfax

Writer (WGA):

Robert J. Avrech (written by)

Release Date:

5 March 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Biography

Tagline:

Bond is back . . . in the untold story of the original agent 007.

Plot:

The Secret Life of Ian Fleming follows the exciting life of a dashing young Ian Fleming, the mastermind...

Plot Keywords:

Intelligence | British | Books | James Bond | English

Cast

Jason Connery	...	Ian Fleming
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Leda St Gabriel
Joss Ackland	...	Gen. Gerhard Hellstein
Patricia Hodge	...	Lady Evelyn
David Warner	...	Adm. Godfrey
Colin Welland	...	Reuters editor
Fiona Fullerton	...	Lady Caroline
Richard Johnson	...	Gen. Halmsden
Julian Firth	...	Quincy
Marsha Fitzalan	...	Miss Delaney
Arkie Whiteley	...	Gallina
Tara MacGowran	...	Daphne
Ingrid Held	...	Countess De Turbinville
Geoffrey Chater	...	Lawyer
Edita Brychta	...	Maya

Also Known As:

007 Spymaker: The Secret of Ian Flemings (Philippines: English title) (theatrical title)
Spymaker (International: English title) (informal short title)
Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming

Runtime:

100 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Finland:K-12 | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

Turner Pictures (I)

Trivia:

Jason Connery plays Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. Sean Connery, Jason's father, famously played James Bond.

Quotes:

Ian Fleming: Didn't you get my memo?
Admiral Godfrey: You send me a hundred memos a week!

Movie Connections:

Followed by The James Bond Story (1999) (TV)

More entertaining than a Bond film.

I found The Secret Life of Ian Fleming more entertaining than any James Bond film that I have ever seen, though I will readily admit that I am not a fan of the series or the genre. The obviously low-budget nature of the film contributed towards an emphasis on story (though obviously a somewhat exaggerated one), rather than on gimmickry and gadgetry. You felt that even though the story undoubtedly didn't happen as it appeared on screen, that it COULD have happened like that - the bounds of credibility weren't stretched too far. Jason Connery showed that although he doubtless got the part because of his name, he was quite capable of playing it well. Kristin Scott Thomas, in an early role, is as usual outstanding (not to mention breathtakingly lovely) - there is ample evidence of the skill that has made her the pre-eminent actress of her generation. Throw in a good supporting cast with the likes of Patricia Hodge, Joss Ackland (one again doing malevolence to a tee), David Warner and Colin Welland, and you have an entertaining hour and a half to pass the time with.