A series of events are to be held today to mark the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films, the iconic spy saga that helped define half-a-century of cultural, political and technological upheaval. The suave British agent, code name 007, appeared on the silver screen for the first time in the 1962 classic “Dr. No”, introducing himself with the immortal line “Bond… James Bond” over a high-stakes game of baccarat. Bond has been played by six different actors over the 22-series adventure, but has always maintained his obsession with fast cars, beautiful women, high-tech gadgets and vodka Martinis — shaken, not stirred. Worldwide events to celebrate Global Bond Day include an online charity auction, a survey to discover the favourite Bond film by country, a film retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and a Music of Bond night in Los Angeles. The 23rd and latest film, “Skyfall”, has its worldwide premiere in London on October 23 with Daniel Craig playing Bond for the third time. The “Skyfall” theme tune, sung by British diva Adele, will be released at 00:07 British time on Friday, although the track was leaked online on Tuesday.
