I know it’s been a while, but some of you may recall my heart being broken not long after seeing Roxy Music play. In a subsequent post, I explained that a friend, Zim, was very supportive at the time, leading to us going to a gig which strengthened my enthusiasm for live music. After writing about that experience, though, I realised there was another worth telling that isn’t music related.
It was the summer of 1981, which was significant for a couple of reasons, the first being the release of the latest Bond movie. By this time, having been brought up on a diet of The Saint and The Persuaders, and subsequently introduced to Bond when Roger Moore took over the reins in Live and Let Die, I was a committed fan of the series. The previous film, Moonraker, had raised the bar in terms of spectacle, particularly with its pre-title sequence involving skydiving without a parachute. There had also been the improbable (what do you mean, “they’re all improbable”?) outcome of 007 in space. So there was a sense of anticipation about For Your Eyes Only: what were they going to do to top Moonraker?
As it turned out, they went back to basics and produced a movie about drug smuggling and the Cold War instead of plots to destroy the Earth. And they did it well, even if Rog was beginning to look his age. For the first time, he looked more like my dad than a world-saving hero. Sadly, I’m now older than he was at the time, so I’m guessing I look more like my dad now as well!
What, though, has all this to do with my heartbreak? More importantly, what has it got to do with Zim?
Well, the movie had opened the previous week in London, and there had been something of a stir caused when it did. It was a royal premiere with funds raised for charity, the charities being the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR), both worthy causes by anyone’s estimation. The inclusion of the latter charity seemed to have added weight as (and this is the second significant thing about the year) 1981 was declared the International Year of Disabled Persons by the UN. Hold that thought…
Aware of my enthusiasm for Bond, and the fact the film was now on general release, Zim suggested we go to watch it to help me take my mind off things. So we caught the bus into town and headed for the cinema.
The significance of the charity premiere and why there had been something of a stir became apparent within the first few minutes of the film starting. In case you can’t remember, I’ll give you a few minutes to refresh your memory.
It’s fair to say my mind was well and truly taken off my troubles. For me, it was probably inevitable that the rest of the film would be just as entertaining, and I felt better by the time we came out of the cinema.
We all go through difficult times, and they can weigh heavily on us, draining our energy and diluting our focus. Sometimes, they overwhelm us, stopping us from functioning effectively. We make bad decisions, and we don’t look after ourselves properly. In those times, it’s good to have a friend. And it’s also good to escape, whether by watching a fun movie or a rock concert or whatever other entertainment distracts you. That distraction won’t cure your ills, but it will help you start to feel human again. It reminds you life can still be fun and there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
A few months ago, I accidentally amended that phrase to: “Life at the end of the tunnel”. Perhaps there’s some truth in that too.
PS In spite of the alleged stir caused by the appropriateness of the sequence, reports from the premiere suggest RADAR’s disabled patrons were among those who laughed the loudest as Blofeld made his exit.
I was never a great Roger Moore fan – and I can never think of the OTT silliness of Moonraker without rolling my eyes at the very un-subtle final line – I think he’s attempting re-entry sir! Sean Connery will always be my favourite Bond, with Daniel Craig a pretty close second 🙂
It’s fair to say that Moonraker was of its time, Ruth, but when you realise that Christopher Wood wrote the screenplay that can give you pause for thought. He also wrote the “Confessions” series of books and films.
I’m afraid I will always treasure Moore as Bond, even in his latter films, though I completely understand your preference for Connery. To be honest, with the exception of Timothy Dalton, I’ve enjoyed all of them.
Ah, I didn’t know the link with the ‘Confessions’ series – that explains a lot! 🙂
Welcome back to the blogosphere! I always enjoy your posts. I am a huge Bond fan and still have a pic somewhere of me with the Lotus from The Spy who Loved Me. Although you may not agree with my favourite Bond! I’m a HUGE fan of George Lazenby in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service! I once won £300 in a pub quiz all about Bond and especially Bond Theme Tunes!! My friends and I blew it all on a Christmas night out!
You talk a lot of sense here btw. I think it’s an age thing ?
Glad to be back. Obviously the last few months have left me shaken and stirred (sorry, couldn’t resist it!).
I have just the game for you and me to play. My daughter bought me a Trivial Pursuit set of Bond questions for Christmas – and no one seems to want to play with me! Incidentally, George Lazenby is severely under-rated, especially when you consider he wasn’t really an actor when they gave him the part. And I always cry at the end of OHMSS.
As for me talking sense, I thought it was obvious – it’s all I ever do. Ask my psychiatrist!
I will warn you now that I’m very competitive when it comes to board games and quizzes! Which is why no one will play them with me ??? And you’re the first person not to be shocked when I don’t name Sean Connery as my favourite Bond-everyone assumes I go for the Scotsman ?
Seriously it is great to have you back-I always enjoy your posts as they seem to stir up forgotten memories for me. Love a bit of nostalgia!
I’ll look forward to the competitive experience!
On paper, Lazenby doesn’t stack up – never acted before, Australian – but I’d have happily watched him do the job again. I don’t think this quite counts, though…
Glad you’re enjoying the nostalgia
Lovely story. 🙂 I grew up watching Bond, then hated it at university, then went back to sort of kind of liking it.
The last part of your post is so moving. Maybe it’s just where I am right now (drained, overwhelmed, unable to focus) but there is truth to it, regardless. Glad you had both friend and distraction when you needed it.
The life at the end of the tunnel phrase was accidental, but used with someone I’m close to who was going through a tough time. It seemed appropriate when I thought about it afterwards. The experience we were discussing wasn’t the same as the one I’d had in 1981, but there were strong emotional reactions and I couldn’t help but reflect on them as I wrote this post. We never reach an age when bad times stop altogether, but we can learn strategies to handle them better.
For now, I can only offer you a virtual hug, Sarah. Geography prevents me doing any more – but it is sent with just as much meaning as any real one.
Just got a good laugh from your comments below with Geoff so that was some “medicine”.
We don’t ever reach an age where we outgrow tough times. Wouldn’t that be something? Anyway, trying to use the strategies I’m reading about. Old habits and all that. But working on it. Mostly, I need to say no to requests/demands on my time/energy way more often and focus on self-care. Two things that, growing up, weren’t really what one did. (And, to be completely sexist, by “one”, I do mean “girls”.) I will take that virtual hug any day of the week. Much appreciated, my friend. And, hopefully, will get one in real life one of these days. 🙂
I’m banking on the real life thing happening some time!
Funnily enough, I seem to be encountering a disproportionate number of women recently who have similar backgrounds to the one you describe. I guess I’m lucky in that I was brought up in a largely female environment – my dad left my mum when I was 10, which left me with her and three sisters. Even though I recognise that I was in some respects spoiled, I have a strong sense that men and women are equal and should share in responsibilities and in taking care of each other and themselves. So your experience s completely alien to me and actually offends me. But, as I said, I’m coming across it a lot lately, so I’m beginning to wonder if I’m in the minority. Let’s hope not!
Keep up the good work. Changing those habits will really be worth it – and remember (without intending to sound corny) that you are too!
I don’t know. My first instinct is to say you are in the minority. Perhaps I know too many women like this. It definitely depends on culture, generation… It offends me, too. And I’m not convinced it’s changed since I was a kid. I mean, we talk about equality. We talk about “self-care”. We talk about mums and roles in family life. In reality, it all seems pretty similar to when I was little. Guess we just keep reading books like The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck and carry on.
Aw. Thanks, lovely. I’ll take the corny sentiment. ❤
If I am in the minority, it’s a very sad state of affairs. But I guess it’s up to us to change things. Because the people who are benefiting from the status quo won’t bother!
Ah Bond; I have to disagree with you and Jo about Lazenby – he was shite. Connery was Connery as he was in all films. In truth no Bond has been right yet but I enjoy the series so live in hope that one day they will nail it. And I enjoyed the humorous Bonds but am glad they’re over with and have taken a more realistic turn. As you say of their time. And the philosophical tone of your post is compelling, too – life at the and of the tunnel: almost elegiac.
So, you’re sitting on the fence about Lazenby, then, Geoff…
As for nailing it, I suppose it depends what ‘it’ is. If it’s to capture the essence of the novels, then it might be possible if they tried a series based on the original books and set in the ’50s and ’60s. The time would have helped to mould the character.
Thanks, as ever, for your kind words
“I don’t know what ‘it’ is…but he’s got it.”
Yes he has, and I think you’ve just come up with the makings of a competition to be held at the next Bloggers Bash. Obviously, count me in!
Proper LOL!