Sunday, November 09, 2008

My Town Monday - Elstree Studios.


This week I have been made aware of a theft, not just any old theft, this is the theft of THE 'golden gun' As in Man with the Golden Gun of James Bond fame.

Hertfordshire has long been the home to Elstree Studios where lots of famous films are produced. I suppose the most world famous are the Bond films.
Here is the report from the local paper:-
Police were called to the Hertfordshire studios at Friday lunchtime to investigate the theft of the prop, believed to be worth £80,000.
The Man With The Golden Gun, which also starred Swedish star Britt Ekland as Bond's lover Mary Goodnight, was Moore's second outing as 007.
Christopher Lee played his enemy, Scaramanga, a three-nippled assassin who only ever needed one golden bullet fired from his golden gun to kill his target.
In the film Scaramanga played a game of cat-and-mouse with Bond, whom he had been contracted to kill for $1 million.
The impeccably mannered Scaramanga would carefully assemble the weapon in the film from a pen, a cigarette case and a lighter before dispatching his foes.
The gun was being cared for by Elstree Props, a tenant based at the studios.
Its website states that it offers storage of film props, as well as a service to "police the internet, dealer network and auction sites to counter theft and piracy".
Stephen Wickenden, its managing director, said: "I'm hoping the gun will be offered to one of the memorabilia dealers and from them we can trace it back to the thief.
"We have no idea who stole it or when it was stolen but things do not usually go missing."
It was being housed in a cabin at the studios.
Nicolas Cage's latest film Kick-Ass is being filmed there. It is thought a crew member was being shown around by Mr Wickenden when the weapon's absence was noticed, although he would not confirm this.
A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said: "We were called to Elstree Studios in Borehamwood at 1.25pm after a report of a theft of a prop, which was the golden gun. Inquiries are ongoing."
Asked about the theft, a spokesman for Sir Roger joked: "You'd better ask Christopher Lee about this. Search his house."
So there you are, I nearly live in the Hollywood of England!!


11 comments:

David Cranmer said...

Sir Roger has a great sense of humor... What would someone do with the gun? Who would they sell it to?

Kim Marie said...

Oh my...you really do live in the center of it all! Excitement all the time :)
Kim Marie

Katie said...

Fab story Lizzy.

Katie
x

Travis Erwin said...

My wife is a diehard Bond fan. She'll enjoy this post.

Anonymous said...

Be sure and let us know if it turns up!

Barbara Martin said...

Now that's an interesting post! A little trip into nostalgia of James Bond. It will be interesting to learn how this theft unfolds.

One thing about the police in England is they keep their investigative information close.

Gina said...

Hi Lyzzy, you asked about the scallop and circle sentiment on my card, the sentiments are diecuts from craftwork cards and they fit nicely in the scallop punch from stampin up, I got the punch from Jules at juliesjapes.blogspot.com, she is a stampin up demonstrater, you can buy direct from her, she is very helpful
hope this helps, if not just let me know, oh and its not a sappy question at all :) xx
Gina xxx

Manna said...

What a fun story to read!

Lou Sims said...

Love this story . . had to call my son over to read it as well !

Barrie said...

Wow. The Case of the Missing Golden Gun. For sure, let us know what happens next in the saga.

Jenn Jilks said...

Great story! Thanks for the comment on my blog.

We have a VERY rainy day, with single-digit Celsius temperatures. Typical November weather that lends itself to staying indoors, reading and writing!