This was an anthology series that presented a different story and different set of characters on each episode. It ran from 1954 to 1958 and featured Casino Royale of James Bond fame, which led to two theatrical movies of the same name.
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Title: Climax! (1954–1958)
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Cast
| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| William Lundigan | ... | Self - Host / ... 122 episodes, 1954-1958 | |
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This was an anthology series that presented a different story and different set of characters on each episode. It ran from 1954 to 1958 and featured Casino Royale of James Bond fame, which led to two theatrical movies of the same name.
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Trivia
This adaptation of the Ian Fleming James Bond novel "Casino Royale" was a pilot for a James Bond television series that never materialized. See more »Alternate Versions
This show's most famous episode, an adaptation of the James Bond novel Casino Royale, has been released separately on video and DVD. Recent prints of this episode have the MGM roaring lion logo added to reflect the fact that MGM, studio owners of the James Bond films, now own the rights to this version of Casino Royale. See more »Connections
Referenced in American Masters: Rod Serling: Submitted for Your Approval (1995) See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 October 1954 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Climax Mystery Theater See more »Filming Locations:
CBS Television City - 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USACompany Credits
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Being a Bond fan, procuring the video of this original broadcast was neither an easy feat nor overlooked in its importance. The October 21, 1954 episode of "Climax!" was the first time James Bond appeared on-screen, and nearly half a century later Bond is still making movies.
The "live" quality of the show makes it all that much more enjoyable; the spontaneity of the lines spoken and the fact that the actors are working with an actual time limit makes for a show in which the flow is constant and consistent, the interest is kept to an expected level, and the characters are more realistic. These are qualities which cannot be replicated in some 20 overly planned and rehearsed later Bond films - but this only makes Casino Royale different - not better.
It is certainly entertaining, to say the least, to watch the original characterization of "Jimmy" Bond - a fast-talking American agent - and compare it to the amazingly developed cool-headedness of today's 007. What a difference 45 years can make!