BOND BABES’ NAMES

The first “Bond girl” was Ursula Andress, who played Honey Rider in “Dr. No.” Dr. Goodhead, Moneypenny, Miss Mary Goodnight were others. In the “Goldfinger” novel, the character of Pussy Galore is a lesbian.

BOND THEME SONG

The most successful songs from Bond movies were also hits on the pop charts. The most popular have been “Goldfinger” (sung by Shirley Bassey), “Live and Let Die” (Paul McCartney & Wings), “Nobody Does it Better” (Carly Simon), “Thunderball” (Tom Jones) and “For Your Eyes Only” (Sheena Easton). “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran in 1985 was the only Bond theme to top the Billboard 100. Tom Jones recorded the “Thunderball” theme, and fainted after singing the sustained high note at the song’s climax.

EVIL GENIU S

Orson Welles (“Citizen Kane,” “Touch of Evil”) was considered for the title role of “Goldfinger,” but he reportedly wanted too much gold for his performance.

BOWIE AS VILLAIN

David Bowie was originally cast as the villain, Max Zorin, in “A View to a Kill,” instead of Christopher Walken.

BIG BAD BLOFELD

The character of SPECTRE overlord Blofeld was first played by Donald Pleasance, who would later be identified with another successful film franchise, as the psychiatrist in the “Halloween” series of slasher movies. In “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” Blofeld was played by Telly Savalas, better known as TV’s favorite bald detective, “Kojak.”

WHO’S Q

Absent in “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall” (2012) will see the return of the beloved character Q (played by Ben Whishaw). What does Q stand for? Quartermaster. Desmond Llewellyn, who played gadget-master Q, appeared in 17 Bond films.

BONDING WITH COMRADES

“The Man With The Golden Gun” was the first Bond film to be shown at the Kremlin.

MADE IN HAVANA

Moore’s contract demanded that he be provided an unlimited supply of hand-rolled Monte Cristo cigars.

ALMOST A SPIELBERG

Steven Spielberg was in discussions to direct “For Your Eyes Only” when George Lucas offered him the opportunity to direct “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

KARATE KID

Steven Seagal was the martial arts instructor for the unofficial Bond film, “Never Say Never Again.”

NO ANIMALS HURT

The practice of using a disclaimer in movies stating “no animals were mistreated during production” got its start in “Never Say Never Again.” It was the result of controversy over a horse jumping off a cliff.

WARDROBE FUNCTION

Pierce Brosnan’s contract for “Goldeneye” specified that he could not appear in any other film wearing a tuxedo.

LITTLE ORPHAN JIMMY

According to “Goldeneye,” Bond’s parents were killed in a climbing accident.

NEAR DEATH

Connery narrowly avoided disaster during “Thunderball” when he agreed to enter a pool filled with Golden Grotto sharks.