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Discover something NEW in every episode! Decoding spy movies from classics like The 39 Steps through James Bond, Mission: Impossible and current spy movie releases - means diving deeply into scenes, pre-title sequences and gadgets - to always uncover something new - examining how other movies influence the movie being examined and how real-world things influence spy movies too. Interviews with directors, actors, authors and more! Challenge us and see - you will discover something NEW in every episode!!
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Long before Sean Connery ordered his first martini, spy movies already had rules. This episode uncovers the Hitchcock blueprint James Bond secretly followed for decades. Hosts Dan and Tom trace espionage cinema back to the 1930s, when Alfred Hitchcock quietly invented the modern spy movie. Movies like The 39 Steps and Foreign Correspondent introduced ideas Ian Fleming would later borrow.
Suspense built from uncertainty. Ordinary people caught in extraordinary plots. Villains who looked nothing like villains. Fleming studied these movie techniques closely. He even admired Hitchcock enough to suggest him as director for Thunderball.
This episode connects the dots between Hitchcock's early spy movies and the world of 007. You will hear how Notorious shaped Bond's approach to romance and danger. You will learn how Sabotage taught filmmakers to build suspense from what audiences already know. And you will discover why Fleming's Bond became something Hitchcock's heroes never could.
This is not just movie trivia. It is the hidden history behind one of cinema's most iconic characters.
Ready to see Bond differently? Press play and find out how much of 007 started decades before Fleming ever picked up a pen.
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website , or our YouTube channel .
LA FEMME NIKITA turned a strung-out teenage criminal into cinema's first great female assassin, and this episode decodes exactly how director Luc Besson pulled it off. Hosts Dan and Tom break down the 1990 French movie that quietly launched an entire genre: The Female Assassin. This movie launched spin-off movies and TV shows.
The guys walk through her transformation from a violent addict to a trained government killer, and the strange double life she builds with a boyfriend who has no idea who she really is.
Dan and Tom also trace the movie's massive ripple effect. Plus, they cover how critics reacted back in 1990, why the French title translates in a funny way, and where the name Nikita actually came from.
They will not spoil the ending. You will have to press play for that one. Grab your headphones, and get ready to decode one of the most influential action movies ever made.
Did America ever manage to create its own James Bond? This episode traces Hollywood's long hunt for an American James Bond, with historian Alan J. Porter. Long before Sean Connery picked up a Walther PPK, an American actor played Bond first. His name was Barry Nelson, and he showed up on live TV, not the movie screen. We explore how that happened, and why almost nobody remembers it today.
Alan Porter wrote James Bond: The History of the Illustrated 007. He also hosts On Her Majesty's Secret Service Podcast. He joins us to unpack the strange story behind Casino Royale '54. We also dig into Hollywood's decades-long attempt to build its own 007. From Derek Flint to Jason Bourne to Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible, American studios keep trying to build a rival for Bond. Does any character actually come close? We compare their style, charisma, and mythology to the real thing.
Alan shares two surprising figures nicknamed the American James Bond. One was a real Cold War-era CIA agent. The other is a modern TV action hero. Plus, we preview Alan's upcoming book, Too Many Bonds: The Making of Casino Royale '67. We also talk about his work with the Ian Fleming Foundation.
So did America ever truly crack the code on its own 007? Press play and find out.
In "THE SILENCERS - Decoded!" Dan and Tom break down Dean Martin's swinging 1966 spy spoof, comparing Matt Helm to James Bond. They cover the gadgets, music, villains, and the women of THE SILENCERS, plus fun trivia about Dean Martin, Cyd Charisse, and George Barris' custom Mercury wagon. Listen now on SpyMovieNavigator.com!
Like, subscribe, and join us for more spy movie deep dives every week!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-silencers-decoded
What made Sir Ken Adam a movie design genius? We sit down with Sir Christopher Frayling, the world's leading Ken Adam expert. Frayling knew Adam for over 30 years to decode this question. Frayling has written three books about Ken Adam, including the massive Taschen archive. He also curated the first British art gallery show ever given to a production designer. Together, they decode the mind behind some of cinema's most iconic sets.
We dig into Adam's incredible life story. Adam fled Nazi Germany as a Jewish teenager in 1934. He later flew fighter planes for the Royal Air Force during World War II. That daring past shaped the bold, oversized worlds he built for the screen. We decode his complex, secretive bond with director Stanley Kubrick. We also unpack how his childhood in Berlin echoes through his most famous sets.
This episode reveals the man behind Dr. No, Goldfinger, and Barry Lyndon. Christopher tells us stories that never made it into any book. He shares memories from decades of friendship with Adam. He explains how real wartime secrets inspired fictional villain lairs. He also reveals small details that grew into iconic movie moments. Whether you love Bond movies, classic design, or wartime history, this conversation decodes something new for every listener.
Ken Adam did not just build sets. He built the visual language of modern spy movies. His influence still shapes architecture and design today. Real architects credit him with inspiring famous modern buildings. Discover how one designer shaped decades of pop culture, one unforgettable set at a time. Press play and decode the genius behind cinema's most unforgettable rooms.
Some of the things you'll learn in this episode:
· How a wartime fighter pilot became movie design's greatest legend
· The real secret behind Ken Adam's tense friendship with Stanley Kubrick
· Why one famous villain set almost broke his sense of humor
· How his childhood home shaped decades of iconic movie design
· The surprising true story behind a legendary underground missile lair
· Winston Churchill's favorite movie
· How the War Room in Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
· What music was played during Ken Adam's memorial service
Tell us what you think about this interview decoding Ken Adam We know there were things you didn't know before listening to this interview. What were some of the things you learned? Have you read any of Christopher Frayling's books about Ken?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-genius-of-ken-adam
Derek Flint returns in IN LIKE FLINT for another wild mission, and Dan and Tom are cracking it wide open. This episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies dives deep into the 1967 sequel to the cult classic, OUR MAN FLINT, starring James Coburn as the unstoppable secret agent Derek Flint. Was the magic still there the second time around, or did this spy spoof lose its spark? Like its predecessor, this is a very campy spy movie. But is IN LIKE FLINT better than OUR MAN FLINT?
Dan and Tom break down the plot, the cast, and the behind-the-scenes drama that shaped this Cold War spy movie. They talk about James Coburn's effortless cool, Lee J. Cobb's return as the exasperated Lloyd Cramden, women villains, and the colorful supporting cast that rounds out this campy adventure. They also cover the critical reception, the box office numbers, and why this sequel never quite matched its predecessor.
But that's not all. It isn't all about the Swinging Sixties. Since this is a Decoded episode, we trace the movie's roots back through decades of spy cinema, and forward into the franchises it helped shape. From classic Bond films to a beloved modern spy-comedy series, the influences run deep in both directions. We also include some IN LIKE FLINT trivia.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Derek Flint or discovering this spy spoof for the first time, this episode has something for you. Listen and discover why this sequel still has a loyal following, decades after its release.
Episode highlights include: * A surprising real-world echo of the movie's fake-President twist * The gadget-filled James Bond movie that inspired Flint's own tricks * A future spy-comedy icon who calls this movie his favorite film * The behind-the-scenes drama that changed the director's role * A supporting actor's remarkable, decades-spanning career story
Tell us what you think about our decoding of IN LIKE FLINT Have you seen it IN LIKE FLINT? If so, are we on track here? If not, why not?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/in-like-flint-decoded
In August 1940, Alfred Hitchcock released FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT, a spy thriller that looked like simple entertainment but carried a hidden message for American audiences. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom dig into how Hitchcock, working in Hollywood while Europe burned, smuggled a warning into one of his lesser-known masterpieces.
Hitchcock is the master of suspense, so listen now to this espionage spy thriller that oozes with Hitchcockian brilliance.
Join us as we trace the story of Johnny Jones, a green American reporter sent to Europe under a fake name, who stumbles into a web of assassins, double agents, and a missing diplomat holding a secret that could decide the fate of a continent. Along the way, we explore the real history behind the film, including the journalists who inspired it, the genuine spycraft Hitchcock borrowed from British intelligence, and the wartime tension that shaped nearly every scene.
We also break down the film's most famous sequences, talk about the standout cast performances, including an Oscar-nominated actor who did not know how to speak a word of English.
Here are some things you'll learn:
· Hitchcock's spy thriller had a hidden political message — and the U.S. government noticed it before America even joined the war.
· One real Hollywood reporter inspired the story, but several characters were modeled after actual Nazi agents operating in Europe.
· A famous rain-soaked assassination scene hides a clever visual trick that still feels shockingly modern.
· An Oscar-nominated actor delivered every line of dialogue without understanding a single word he was saying.
· The film's final scene wasn't part of the original script — real-world events changed the ending just before release.
By the end, you will never watch FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT the same way again. Stick around to the finish, where we reveal exactly where to spot Hitchcock's tricky cameo appearance.
Tell us what you think of our discussion FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT Have you seen this movie? If so, what did we miss? If you haven't seen it, does this episode put it on your watch list?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/foreign-correspondent-decoded
Why Modern Audiences Need a "Broken" James Bond
The Broken James Bond might just be the version we've needed all along — and Ian Fleming saw it coming decades ago. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom ask a question that might surprise even die-hard Bond fans: Is the James Bond from the movies actually the least interesting version of the character?
Most people grew up with Movie Bond — the tuxedo, the gadgets, the unshakeable cool. But Fleming wrote someone very different. And when you put those two versions side by side, something unexpected happens.
It turns out the gap between Movie Bond and Book Bond is much wider than most fans realize. And that gap says a lot about us — about the world we're living in right now, and what we actually need from our heroes.
Dan and Tom dig into what Fleming's novels reveal that the movies never showed you. We look at why certain Bond actors got closer to the original than others. And we ask the big question: in a world that feels increasingly complicated and exhausting, which Bond actually speaks to where we are, today?
The answer might change how you watch every Bond movie from here on out.
· Five fast facts about this episode:
· Fleming himself said Bond was not written to be a hero — or even likeable
· The movie franchise deliberately moved away from Fleming's version — and for good reason
· One Bond actor came closer to Fleming's original than any other — but still didn't quite get there
· A single scene in one of the novels predicted exactly what modern audiences would eventually want
· Amazon is rebooting Bond — and this episode explains exactly what's at stake creatively
If you've ever felt like something was missing from the Bond movies, this episode is going to hit differently.
Tell us what you think of our discussion of Ian Fleming's broken James Bond Have you read the novels? If so, are we on track here? If not, why not?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/why-modern-audiences-need-a-broken-james-bond
Summer Camp(y) is officially in session — and this time, the gear list is all spy movies. Hosts Dan and Tom from Cracking the Code of Spy Movies break down six of the best campy spy movies worth watching in 2026. Not every spy movie plays it straight. Some lean into the silliness with reckless abandon. And when done right, the results are pure gold.
The episode covers classics and modern hits alike. From the 1966 Dean Martin romp The Silencers to the razor-sharp Kingsman: The Secret Service, there's something here for every fan. We break down why they are campy and how their campiness differs. Whether you're a lifelong spy movie lover or just discovering the genre, this list has you covered.
Here are the first three we cover. You'll have to listen to get the whole list.
· Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery set the gold standard for spy parody and still holds up today. It should not be a shock to see this one on the list.
· The Silencers lets Dean Martin be Dean Martin — smooth, funny, and effortlessly cool.
· Kingsman: The Secret Service adds real class-warfare depth to its wild, campy action.
The episode also includes two honorable mentions. The first one has an interesting reason it didn't make the list. So, tune in, grab your popcorn, and enjoy Summer Camp 2026.
Tell us what you think of our list of the Summer Camp(y) spy movies? Have you seen all of these campy spy movies? We know we didn't get them all, so let us know which campy spy movies you like. Maybe they'll make the list for Summer Camp(y) 2027.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/summer-campy-for-spy-movies-the-6-best-to-watch-2026
Decoding Episodes mentioned in this episode:
· https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/our-man-flint-decoded/
· https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/spy-the-movie/
· https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/rick-english-kingsman-stunts/
· https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/79-influences-on-kingsman-the-secret-service/
OUR MAN FLINT, the 1966 spy spoof that shook Hollywood, is back under the microscope. Dan and Tom from Cracking the Code of Spy Movies decode this James Coburn classic in their signature style. Released just weeks after THUNDERBALL, this movie punched well above its weight. It spoofed James Bond, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.", and even drew from vaudeville comedy traditions.
The movie's story follows Flint, a brilliant ex-agent pulled back to stop mad scientists bent on world domination through weather control.
Highlighted themes in this episode:
· James Coburn's portrayal of Derek Flint
· Jerry Goldsmith's iconic score, which blends jazz, electronics, and exotica. He's ahead of his time. Some critics called this score better than anything from the Bond series.
· ZOWIE, GALAXY, and SPECTRE: the movie directly mocks Bond's spy-agency formula with wit and precision.
· Austin Powers' DNA traces directly back here — from the harem of women to the multifunction lighter.
· Vaudeville roots: We uncover surprising comedy traditions hidden in the movie's structure
Dan and Tom explore the movie's influences — from Fritz Lang's 1929 Spies to Sherlock Holmes — and trace its legacy through DIE HARD, KINGSMAN, AUSTIN POWERS, and beyond. Whether you're a die-hard spy movie fan or new to the genre, this episode will make you see Flint in a whole new way.
This movie was the predecessor to IN LIKE FLINT.
Tell us what you think of our decoding of OUR MAN FLINT Have you seen OUR MAN FLINT? If so, what are your thoughts? What spoofs did we miss? If you haven't seen it, does our decoding session make you want to watch it? Would you like us to decode the other "Flint" movie, IN LIKE FLINT?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/our-man-flint-decoded
The Invisible Scene is the quiet moment most viewers watch and don't notice. And it changes everything. It is not the car chase, the villain reveal, or the final showdown. It is a throwaway line, a loaded pause, a scene hiding in plain sight. Miss it, and you miss the movie.
Hosts Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies break down exactly what makes the invisible scene so easy to overlook — and yet, so essential, especially to spy movies.
They walk through landmark spy movies in close detail. For instance, in CASINO ROYALE, a train conversation between James Bond and Vesper Lynd sets up the movie's entire emotional arc in just a few minutes.
Similarly, in Alfred Hitchcock's NORTH BY NORTHWEST, a dinner on a train between Roger Thornhill and Eve Kendall quietly reveals who is actually in control.
Then, in SKYFALL, a cluster of evaluation scenes tells you James Bond is broken long before the plot confirms it.
Each example shows how great spy movies hide their true meaning in plain dialogue, subtle behavior, and understated moments — and how to spot them yourself. Once you start seeing these scenes, you can't unsee them. Every rewatch becomes a fresh discovery.
We cover more spy movies than these three in this episode. Listen to find out what those movies are.
The mission of this episode is to: * Define "invisible scenes" — undramatic moments that secretly carry the movie's entire meaning * Dive deeply into the invisible scenes in CASINO ROYALE, NORTH BY NORTHWEST, and SKYFALL with specific scene breakdowns. * Explain why spy movies deliberately bury their biggest clues in quiet dialogue * Teach a practical method for spotting invisible scenes on your next rewatch * Explore how both Hitchcock and modern Bond films use the same invisible-scene technique * Let you in on a post-filming edit that Hitchcock had to make in NORTH BY NORTHWEST
Tell us what you think of our decoding of the invisible scene Is this something you've noticed before? Can you find the hidden scene in your favorite spy movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-invisible-scene-that-explains-the-whole-spy-movie
James Bond Posters of the 1980s are far more than vintage movie marketing — they're visual blueprints packed with hidden storytelling, coded symbols, and surprising power dynamics. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, hosts Dan and Tom are joined by Mike Reyes, Senior Entertainment Correspondent at That Hollywood Show, to decode every major Bond movie poster from the decade.
From FOR YOUR EYES ONLY to LICENCE TO KILL, the 1980s Bond movie era brought major tonal shifts — and the posters reflected every one of them. This episode digs deep into the artwork, the artists, and the visual language behind each poster. You'll never look at a Bond movie poster the same way again.
Power dynamics flipped: The FOR YOUR EYES ONLY posters put Melina Havelock in visual control — not Bond.
OCTOPUSSY's chaos coded in: Busy, colorful compositions mirror the movie's circus-like spectacle.
Dalton's dark turn signaled early: THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and LICENCE TO KILL posters use darker palettes and zero smiles to announce a harder Bond.
Weapons carry hidden meaning: A crossbow hints at realism; a raised gun signals emotional intensity.
The villain takes over: One LICENCE TO KILL poster places Sanchez as the dominant figure — a rare and deliberate choice.
Whether you're a lifelong Bond fan or a movie poster enthusiast, this episode delivers a fresh perspective on five iconic Bond movies and the remarkable art that sold them.
Tell us what you think of our decoding the James Bond Posters of the 1980s
Do you collect James Bond posters? What is your favorite from the movies of the 1980s?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/james-bond-posters-of-the-1980s
James Bond's Real Superpower isn't what most people think. Everyone remembers the gadgets — the Aston Martin, the exploding pen, the watch. But Bond's true edge is something far more powerful.
In this episode, Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies break down James Bond's situational intelligence — and why it matters more than any gadget Q ever built. Bond reads rooms, people, and danger faster than anyone else. That's his superpower.
We explore key moments across the Bond movie franchise. From Dr. No to Casino Royale, Bond wins by reading human behavior. Not by hacking. Not by technology. By understanding the situation. And we find James Bond's real superpower.
Gadgets age. Situational intelligence never does. That's why Bond has captivated movie audiences for over 60 years. Tune in and discover what really makes 007 the world's greatest spy.
Tell us what you think. Do you agree that situational intelligence is James Bond's Superpower? If situational intelligence isn't James Bond's superpower, what do you think it is? What are some of the contributing powers that James Bond has?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage:
https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/james-bonds-real-superpower-situational-intelligence
Links from today's episode: Episodes from the Shout Outs: · 20 Things You Missed in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
· 20 Things you missed in Dr. NO
· Has James Bond Lost His Identity
· Casino Royale (1954) - Decoded
· Why James Bond Could Fail!
Episodes from our Gadget Decoded series: · Gadgets in Spy Movies – DR. NO and SKYFALL – Can You Believe It?
· Gadgets - ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE and LIVE AND LET DIE - Can you Believe It?
· Gadgets FRWL & Goldfinger - Can You Believe it?
· BONDage in Space - Tying Up the Gadgets in Moonraker!
· Gadgets in James Bond's Diamonds are Forever - Can You Believe it?
· Gadgets in James Bond's THUNDERBALL Decoded!
· Gadgets in James Bond's YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE Decoded!
· Gadgets in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (TMWTGG) and THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (TSWLM)
· Gadgets in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (FYEO), OCTOPUSSY, and A VIEW TO A KILL (AVTAK)
· Gadgets in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and LICENCE TO KILL
· Gadgets in GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES
· Gadgets in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY
The Montrose Mouse cartoon. This link will take you to an article on the "Last Great Act of Defiance," aka the Montrose Mouse cartoon. Note, the mouse is performing an inappropriate gesture as we mentioned in this episode. Please be patient with this page. It takes a while to load.
The Montrose Mouse | | montrosepress.com
IN THE GREY, Guy Ritchie's brand-new spy-action movie, just dropped—and Dan and Tom from SpyMovieNavigator are breaking it all down with zero spoilers. A covert team of elite extraction specialists is sent on a high-stakes mission to recover a stolen billion-dollar fortune from a ruthless tyrant. The question the hosts tackle first: is this actually a spy movie? And then they get to: Is it any good?
The cast is stacked. Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill headline as operatives Bronco and Sid, joined by Eiza González, Rosamund Pike, Carlos Bardem, Fisher Stevens, and Jason Wong. Ed Wild handled cinematography, reuniting much of the team behind The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Dan and Tom walk through storytelling, pacing, action choreography, casting performances, and set design. They weigh the strengths against the weak spots—and there are a few of both. Ritchie claims the movie is based on a true story, which adds an intriguing layer to the mission's premise.
If you love spy cinema—from Bond to Mission: Impossible—this no-spoilers first look gives you everything you need before you hit the theater.
FIVE THINGS TO KNOW · Directed by Guy Ritchie — the creative force behind Operation Fortune, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
· Claimed to be based on a true story — Ritchie says the extraction mission depicted in the movie is rooted in real events.
· A tight 97-minute runtime — the movie moves fast, using narration and on-screen graphics to pack the story into under two hours.
· Carlos Bardem steals scenes as villain Manny Salazar — brother of Javier Bardem (Skyfall's Silva), he delivers a standout performance.
· Not connected to The Gray Man series — despite the similar title, IN THE GREY (with an "E") is a completely separate movie and franchise.
Tell us what you think: Is IN THE GREY a movie you'll go see? What do you think of our No Spoiler First Look. If you've seen the movie, did we get it right?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/in-the-grey-no-spoilers-first-look
In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom confront why James Bond could fail — not at the box office, but in something far more dangerous: relevance. For over 60 years, Bond has outlasted every threat thrown at him. Now, his biggest enemy may be a streaming algorithm.
BOND 26 and Beyond Amazon MGM has taken full creative control of the franchise. No actor has been cast for BOND 26. The script isn't ready. Production hasn't started. The next Bond film may not arrive until 2028 — or later.
But delay isn't the real danger. Identity is.
Dan and Tom break down six specific failure points threatening 007's future. They examine how "content thinking" could strip Bond of what makes him iconic. They explore what Amazon must protect — and what it must never sacrifice.
Bond has survived reinvention before. He can again. But only if the people in charge remember what Bond actually is. Yes, it is the secret agent. But it is more than that.
This episode is essential listening for every spy movie fan who refuses to let 007 become ordinary.
Key Takeaways: · Amazon's takeover marks the biggest structural shift in Bond history
· Six concrete reasons why the franchise could lose its identity
· Why a Bond film releasing every few years is a feature, not a bug
· How great villains define Bond's strength — and weak ones collapse it
· Five solutions that could save 007 from creative irrelevance
Tell us what you think: What are your thoughts on why James Bond could fail? We know there are differing opinions as to what should happen with James Bond going forward. Do you agree with us? If not, what do you think?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/how-james-bond-could-fail
Before Sean Connery. Before the gun barrel. Before Bond was Bond — there was a live TV broadcast called CASINO ROYALE (1954), and it changed everything. Ian Fleming's James Bond appeared on a screen.
Dan and Tom of CrackingTheCodeOfSpyMovies crack open this forgotten first-ever screen appearance of James Bond.
It aired on CBS as part of the Climax! anthology series. And, it was broadcast live, with no second takes, no retakes, no safety net.
Barry Nelson played "Jimmy Bond" — yes, an American Bond. Peter Lorre played Le Chiffre with quiet, chilling menace.
The baccarat table was treated like a battlefield. The tension was real — partly because the espionage was gripping, partly because the cameras could fail at any second.
This wasn't the glamorous Bond we know. This Bond was harder, colder, and surprisingly faithful to Ian Fleming's original novel. Was it a prototype or a glorious mess? Honestly, it was both.
Don't miss this deep dive into the spy episode that started it all.
5 Fast Facts: * 📺 Barry Nelson became the first actor ever to play James Bond on screen * 🃏 The high-stakes baccarat game is the episode's centerpiece action sequence * 😈 Peter Lorre's Le Chiffre is widely considered the episode's standout performance * 🎥 Surviving copies exist only as kinescope recordings * 🌍 Bond was American, Leiter was British — the nationalities were deliberately swapped
Tell us what you think of our decoding of CASINO ROYALE (1954) Have you seen this TV show? If not, does this episode encourage you to watch it? What did you think of this version of James Bond?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/casino-royale-1954-decoded
Classic non-James Bond spy movies shaped the genre long before 007 ever existed. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom are back with 10 more essential pre-Bond films. These are the movies that built the blueprint for everything that followed. Each pick is packed with moral complexity, grounded tradecraft, and real espionage tension. No gadgets, no tuxedos — just paranoia, deception, and atmosphere.
We span two decades of spy cinema history, from 1939 all the way to 1959. Every film on this list has influenced the spy movies you already love. Some of these titles are buried gems that most fans have never seen. Others are legendary films finally examined through a spy movie lens.
Here's a taste of what we cover: · The Spy in Black (1939) — the film where serious British spy cinema truly begins
· Night Train to Munich (1940) — features the very first aerial tramway chase in spy movie history
· Decision Before Dawn (1951) — the first spy movie ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture
· Cloak and Dagger (1946) — Gary Cooper goes undercover to stop the Nazi atomic bomb program
· North by Northwest (1959) — Hitchcock's masterpiece, widely called the first James Bond movie before Bond existed
If you loved our first list, this episode delivers ten more must-watch classics. Remember: Trust no one — except us.
New details. Every rewatch. That's the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies promise.
Tell us what you think about these classic non-James Bond spy movies? What movies did we miss? Are any of these new to you? Don't forget that we have espisoded that dive deeper into each of these movies. Find them on http://spymovienavigator.com/episode
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/10-more-classic-spy-movies-from-before-james-bond-that-you-need-to-watch
In this episode, we reveal 20 Things You Missed in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE. It's the most emotional Bond film ever made — and the most overlooked. Hosts Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies dig deep into this 1969 classic. Hidden details. Production secrets. Continuity blunders. All exposed.
George Lazenby's only Bond film deserves a second — and third — look. This episode uncovers what most fans never notice. From Ian Fleming Easter eggs to real-world historical headlines, the layers run deep. Short, sharp analysis. Big revelations.
Five of the 20 things you missed in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE that you'll discover in this episode: · 🎬 George Lazenby's change to the iconic gun-barrel sequence
· 🍾 Bond orders a Dom Pérignon 1957 — why that is interesting
· 📰 A newspaper prop references a real 1968 UK football coaching change
· 🎿 How the Swiss Army helped with part of the movie that almost hurt some of the crew
· 💍 Something we see here that we won't see again for 30 years in a Pierce Brosnan James Bond movie.
New details. Every rewatch. That's the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies promise.
Tell us what you think about these 20 things you missed in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE? So, we have over 20 things we call out that you missed. Are there more that we didn't cover? Had you heard of any of these before?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/20-things-you-missed-in-on-her-majestys-secret-service
Cloak and Dagger (1946) is one of the most overlooked spy films ever made — and this episode proves it deserves a second look. Dan and Tom decode this gritty WWII thriller starring Gary Cooper and directed by Fritz Lang. It's raw, tense, and surprisingly realistic. Before James Bond made espionage glamorous, this film showed what it really looked like. No gadgets. No tuxedos. Just survival.
A physics professor is yanked from the Manhattan Project and sent to Europe — with no training and no safety net. His mission: find out how close Nazi Germany is to building an atomic bomb. That fear was real. The stakes were enormous.
We dig deep into what makes this film stand out: the brutal, visceral staircase fight scene, the film noir cinematography by Sol Polito, and Max Steiner's understated score. We also explore the Hitchcock parallels, the Bond connections, and the censored anti-nuclear ending Fritz Lang never got to film.
Episode highlights: · 🎬 Gary Cooper plays an untrained scientist turned reluctant spy
· 💥 The staircase fight scene rivals the best combat in any Bond film
· 🔦 Film noir lighting creates constant psychological tension
· 🎵 Max Steiner's score mirrors the hero's fear, not just the action
· 🕵️ Real WWII espionage — including the OSS and the Manhattan Project — shapes the story
· 🤼♀️ Why Dan and Tom disagree with one of the casting decisions
Whether you're a classic film buff or a spy movie fanatic, this episode will change how you see the genre.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of the 1946 movie CLOAK AND DAGGER Have you seen this movie yet? If not, did listening to this episode make you want to watch it? If you have seen it, where do Dan and Tom get it right, and where do they get it wrong?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/cloak-and-dagger-decoded
Goldfinger's Biggest Mistake: Why He Didn't Kill James Bond Why didn't Goldfinger kill James Bond when he clearly had the chance? In this video from Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we break down the decision that defines Goldfinger.
The iconic laser scene reveals more than tension. It exposes the villain's ego, Cold War logic, and cinematic psychology.
Goldfinger believed his plan was unstoppable. And, he wanted Bond to watch it succeed.
That confidence became his undoing.
We explore how this moment shaped future Bond villains. It became a formula repeated across spy cinema.
Arrogance replaced efficiency.
If you love James Bond, spy films, or smart movie analysis, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Join Dan and Tom for this episode, SABOTEUR - Decoded - Hitchcock's 1942 Spy Thriller. This deep dive into SABOTEUR, Alfred Hitchcock's wartime suspense classic, explores how this 1942 thriller still feels urgent and relevant. We examine its story, theme, and cinematic technique. And we look at its importance in the Hitchcock catalog.
SABOTEUR - Synopsis
Released during World War II, the movie reflects national anxiety and hidden threats. Hitchcock transforms ordinary American spaces into zones of fear and mistrust. Factories, highways, and landmarks become settings for danger and deception.
The story follows an innocent man accused of sabotage. Once again, Hitchcock throws a regular person into a spy story. He is forced into a race against time. Every encounter raises questions about loyalty and identity. This is a recurring theme for Hitchcock. Each of these movies builds on the last: where trust becomes dangerous, and appearances cannot be believed.
Episode Goals To enhance your viewing experience: We break down Hitchcock's use of visual suspense. How shadow, scale, and movement drive the tension. The camera often places the viewer in uncomfortable proximity to danger.
One of Hitchcock's most famous scenes, the Statue of Liberty sequence, receives special attention. The statue stands as a powerful symbol of freedom under threat. Hear how Hitchcock used it.
This episode also explores the birth of spy-thriller conventions. SABOTEUR predates James Bond yet anticipates many genre elements.
· False identities shape the narrative.
· Conspiracies hide behind respectable faces.
· The lone hero is isolated and hunted.
Historical context adds another layer of meaning. For the first time in a Hitchcock movie, American audiences begin to fear sabotage on home soil. Hitchcock embraced those fears rather than softening them. The result is patriotic but unsettling cinema.
We also discuss why SABOTEUR still resonates today.
· Themes of misinformation feel strikingly modern.
· The audience is warned how easily truth can be manipulated.
· Its message remains relevant in a surveillance-heavy world.
This episode is ideal for classic film fans and spy-thriller lovers. It offers insight, history, and sharp analysis.
It proves Hitchcock's suspense endures.
Episode Highlights * Hitchcock's wartime suspense techniques * Early foundations of the spy-thriller genre * Symbolic use of American landmarks * Themes of identity and false accusation * Why SABOTEUR still matters today
Tell us what you think about our episode SABOTEUR - Decoded - Hitchcock's 1942 Spy Thriller Have you seen this movie yet? If not, did listening to this episode make you want to watch it? If you have seen it, where do Dan and Tom get it right, and where do they get it wrong?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/saboteur-decoded-hitchcocks-1942-spy-thriller/
Did James Bond Predict the Future? This episode explores a bold idea: Did James Bond predict the future, or expose hidden truths? Over 60 years, the Bond films track global change with eerie accuracy.
James Bond is more than entertainment. He is a reflection of shifting power. Sometimes, he even feels like a warning system. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we break down how Bond villains evolved along with the real world.
How the Focus of Power Shifted Over 60 Years
We start in the 1960s. Cold War tensions dominate the screen. Yet even early films hint at deeper forces. Non-state actors manipulate global conflict. Power begins to drift away from governments.
We then look at how the series shifts the focus of power through each decade. James Bond movies adapt to the changing times. It appears the James Bond movies give us a blueprint for what we eventually see happen.
So, we will see that for the James Bond movies, the focus changes:
The 1970s turned to the economy
The 1980s continue this focus
Things changed in the 1990s with cyberwarfare.
The 2000s take this further with networks replacing nations
Finally, the 2000s explore data itself as the threat.
The Hidden Signs of Change
This episode asks a powerful question. Was Bond ahead of reality? Or reflecting classified fears?
How Bond villains mirror real-world power shifts
Why cyber warfare appeared before headlines
The rise of corporate and networked threats
How media manipulation became a weapon
Why biotech and data define the future
Step inside six decades of espionage storytelling. Discover how fiction and reality blur. The answers may surprise you.
Tell us what you think, did James Bond predict the future?
So, let us know: was Bond predicting the future? Or was he exposing what governments were already worried about?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/did-james-bond-predict-the-future-the-hidden-signs-inside-60-years-of-bond-movies
"I mean it." Three simple words. Yet they may be the most important line ever spoken in a James Bond film.
In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we explore the moment when James Bond stops being a legend and becomes something far more human. The words "I mean it" appear during the proposal scene in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE. Bond, played by George Lazenby, asks Tracy di Vincenzo to marry him. She asks if he truly means it. Bond answers quietly: "I mean it."
Those three words changed the Bond franchise forever.
Before this moment, Bond had already appeared in five films starring Sean Connery, beginning with Dr. No. These movies defined Bond as cool, detached, and emotionally unavailable. Romance existed, but commitment never did.
Then Tracy enters the story.
Played by Diana Rigg, Tracy is unlike any Bond woman before her. She challenges Bond. She understands him. She sees through the charm and armor.
And Bond does something unprecedented.
He proposes.
In this episode, we break down the barn proposal scene and its deeper meaning. The storm outside mirrors the danger surrounding them. Inside the barn, Bond reveals something rare: sincerity. The line "I mean it" signals vulnerability. Bond isn't delivering a clever quip. He's making a promise.
That promise changes the emotional stakes of the story. It also sets up one of the most tragic endings in the Bond series. Moments after their wedding, Tracy is murdered by Ernst Stavro Blofeld and Irma Bunt.
Bond's quiet line from earlier suddenly becomes heartbreaking.
We also explore how this moment echoes through later Bond films. References appear in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, and LICENCE TO KILL.
All of it begins with three words: "I mean it."
This episode reveals why that line reshaped the character of James Bond and the emotional core of the franchise.
Episode Highlights * Why "I mean it" reveals the most vulnerable moment in Bond history
How Tracy di Vincenzo changed the emotional rules of Bond films
The symbolism hidden inside the famous barn proposal scene
Why Tracy's death reshaped Bond's future relationships
The surprising references to this moment across later Bond movies
Tell us what you think about the line "I mean it". Is it the line that changed James Bond Forever? We think this is an important line for the series. Do you? Let us know if you think we're right, or if you think we're nuts.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/i-mean-it-the-line-that-changed-james-bond-forever
The 20 James Bond quotes in this episode reveal far more than clever dialogue. They uncover the psychology behind cinema's most famous spy. In this special episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we break down 20 James Bond quotes and explain what they really mean for the character and the franchise.
For more than sixty years, James Bond has delivered unforgettable lines. Some are witty one-liners. Others are chilling threats. A few reveal surprising emotional depth. But behind many of these famous quotes lies something deeper.
In this episode, we analyze the hidden meaning behind the most memorable dialogue in the Bond films. From cool moments of psychological dominance to tragic lines about love and loss, Bond's words often define the scene.
We start where it all began. Bond's confrontation with Professor Dent in Dr. No reveals his calm authority. That single line shows how Bond wins mentally before he wins physically.
We also explore subtle espionage clues. The famous "red wine with fish" remark in From Russia With Love highlights how tiny cultural mistakes can expose a spy.
Of course, no Bond quote list would be complete without villains. Goldfinger's chilling laser scene reminds us that arrogance is often a villain's greatest weakness.
Some quotes define Bond's personality. "Shaken, not stirred" shows ritual and control. "I never joke about my work" reveals Q's seriousness about saving agents' lives.
Other lines reveal Bond's emotional side. "We have all the time in the world" may be the most tragic line in the entire series.
And then there is the line that built the legend: "Bond. James Bond."
In this episode, we break down how each line reflects Bond's psychology, his methods, and the evolving tone of the franchise. You'll hear the stories behind these iconic moments. You'll also discover why Bond's dialogue still resonates decades later.
In this episode, you'll discover:
· The hidden psychological meaning behind Bond's most famous one-liners
· How villains' quotes reveal their fatal flaws
· Why humor helps Bond distance himself from violence
· The deeper tragedy behind Bond's most emotional lines
· How a single introduction built one of cinema's greatest characters
Whether you are a lifelong fan or a new viewer, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the dialogue that defined the world's most famous spy.
Tell us what you think about our look at the meaning behind these 20 James Bond quotes There are many quotes we could have used. Which ones would you have replaced? And what would you have taken out to fit what you added?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage:
https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/top-20-james-bond-quotes-and-what-they-really-mean
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:ff5d3d1d-a89b-4bb0-8f0f-009dfd60d8ef-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> #JamesBondQuotes, #20JamesBondQuotes, #BondQuotes, #JamesBond, #SpyMovieQuotes, #MovieQuotes
THE SPY IN BLACK is one of the most important early British spy movies ever made. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we break down how this 1939 thriller quietly shaped the DNA of modern espionage cinema.
Directed by Michael Powell and starring Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson, this pre-World War II classic delivers psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and grounded tradecraft long before James Bond existed.
Set during World War I but released on the brink of World War II, THE SPY IN BLACK carries a prophetic edge. German U-boat commander Captain Hardt infiltrates Scotland to coordinate a devastating naval strike on Scapa Flow. What unfolds is a tense chess match of deception, divided loyalties, and emotional complication.
We explore how the movie humanizes enemy spies with its realistic depiction of espionage. We also analyze Powell's shadow-heavy visual style and break down the moral gray areas at the story's core.
This episode dives into character psychology, historical context, filmmaking techniques, and spy craft that still resonate today. You'll hear how the movie influenced later espionage classics like THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD and even early James Bond storytelling, such as FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE.
We also unpack:
The moral tension behind Captain Hardt's mission
Valerie Hobson's blueprint for conflicted spy characters
Submarine claustrophobia and psychological isolation
Realistic tradecraft versus cinematic shortcuts
Hidden genre elements that shaped British spy cinema
Unlike gadget-driven spectacles, THE SPY IN BLACK builds suspense through mood and character. It favors intelligence over explosions. It treats espionage as lonely, methodical, and morally complex.
If you love classic spy movies, Cold War thrillers, or the foundations of British espionage storytelling, this deep dive is essential listening.
This is where serious spy cinema began.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of the 1939 movie THE SPY IN BLACK Have you seen this movie yet? If not, did listening to this episode make you want to watch it? If you have seen it, where do Dan and Tom get it right, and where do they get it wrong?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-spy-in-black-decoded/
THE SPY IN WHITE takes listeners back to 1936 and into the shadowy streets of Istanbul. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we decode one of the genre's earliest foundations: THE SPY IN WHITE.
Long before gadgets and explosions defined espionage cinema, suspense came from conversation and suspicion. This classic thriller stars Valerie Hobson and James Mason in a tense story of loyalty, romance, and deception.
Their characters navigate political unrest, hidden allegiances, and emotional manipulation. Every meeting carries a risk. Every relationship hides a motive.
We explore how the film portrays espionage as a procedure rather than a spectacle. How messages matter more than gunfire. And how timing matters more than action. The result is a quiet tension that shapes future spy storytelling.
The episode also examines its surprising influence on later classics. You'll hear clear connections to FROM RUSSIA WITH Love and DR. NO. We even trace structural similarities to THE 39 STEPS and the grounded Cold War tone later seen in THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD.
This discussion breaks down why the movie still matters today.
It introduced emotional vulnerability as a spy weakness.
It framed romance as operational danger.
Normalized civilians are trapped inside intelligence conflicts.
And it proved that atmosphere can replace action.
If you enjoy classic cinema, James Bond history, or spy storytelling evolution, then this episode is for you. It reveals a missing chapter of the genre's DNA.
In this episode you'll learn:
How THE SPY IN WHITE helped define realistic espionage storytelling
Why romance became a liability in spy narratives
The early blueprint for morally ambiguous agents
Connections to Bond films and Hitchcock thrillers
The film's role in shaping wartime British spy cinema
Tell us what you think about our decoding of the 1936 movie THE SPY IN WHITE Have you seen this movie yet? If not, did listening to this episode make you want to watch it? If you have seen it, where do Dan and Tom get it right, and where do they get it wrong?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-spy-in-white-decoded/
In this episode, we ask: Has James Bond Lost His Identity?
But today, Bond bleeds. He Bond grieves. He changes.
So what happened? In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we decode Bond's identity crisis. We compare classic 007 with the modern era, examining tone, realism, and serialized storytelling. We ask whether evolution became erosion.
From the gadget-loaded spectacle of Goldfinger to the raw reinvention of Casino Royale, Bond has transformed.
The Daniel Craig era reshaped the franchise. Emotional arcs replaced standalone missions. Continuity replaced formula. And vulnerability replaced invincibility. Was this necessary growth or a loss of identity?
We explore:
Has realism made James Bond less fun?
Is modern Bond still truly 007?
Should Bond return to standalone missions?
Did serialized storytelling weaken replay value?
What must Amazon get right next?
With Amazon MGM Studios steering the future, the stakes are enormous. Bond stands at a crossroads between fantasy and grit. Between myth and modernity. And between timeless and timely.
As promised in NO TIME TO DIE, James Bond will return. But which version will we meet? What will his identity be?
This episode dives deep into the debate dividing generations of fans. Is Bond aspirational fantasy or grounded realism?
The martini is still shaken. The question is whether the identity still is.
Join the conversation. The future of 007 depends on it.
Tell us what you think: Has James Bond lost his identity? What identity would you like the new James Bond to have? Do you think he's lost his identity?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: Has James Bond Lost His Identity?
This episode, SECRET MISSION (1942) – Decoded explores one of the most unusual spy films ever made. We examine this wartime espionage movie created without hindsight or guaranteed victory
SECRET MISSION Background In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we return to Britain in 1942. World War II is still raging, Europe is occupied, and the outcome is terrifyingly uncertain. Out of that uncertainty comes SECRET MISSION (1942), a spy film that treats espionage as survival, not fantasy.
Unlike later spy movies, this film offers no gadgets, swagger, or invincible heroes. Instead, it presents secrecy, fear, restraint, and the danger of being noticed. Every choice matters, and every mistake risks lives.
What we decode for SECRET MISSION (1942) The episode breaks down how SECRET MISSION functions as both cinema and wartime instruction. It was propaganda, but also a sober reflection of real intelligence work. The discussion places the film within its historical context, explaining why 1942 truly matters
We analyze performances by James Mason, Hugh Williams, Carla Lehmann, and Michael Wilding. James Mason's quiet, observant presence stands in stark contrast to later Bond-style heroes. Here, being invisible is success.
The episode also explores civilian involvement and moral cost. Helping a spy could destroy an entire family. We must also remember that trust is fragile, alliances are uncertain, and no one is fully safe.
Spycraft takes precedence over action in this movie: Code phrases, compartmentalization, and limited knowledge drive the tension.
This approach connects SECRET MISSION to later realistic spy films like The Third Man and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Ultimately, this episode argues that SECRET MISSION reveals the foundation beneath modern espionage cinema.
Before Bond became myth, spying was quiet, dangerous, and rarely celebrated. That reality is what makes this forgotten film worth decoding today.
Episode Highlights * How this movie coming out DURING the war was impacted by the fact that outcome of World War II hadn't yet been decided. * Espionage is portrayed as restraint, not spectacle * James Mason in an early, anti-Bond role * Realistic spycraft over action and gadgets * Wartime cinema as psychological preparation * In addition, we talk about this poster that was used in the movie. Is it a real poster? What was its purpose?
Tell us what you think about our decoding of SECRET MISSION (1942) Have you seen this movie yet? If not, did listening to this episode make you want to watch it? On the other hand, if you have seen it, where do Dan and Tom get it right, and where do they get it wrong?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/secret-mission-1942-decoded/
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SPY vs SPY - How a MAD Magazine Comic Shaped Spy Cinema explores how a silent comic changed espionage storytelling forever.
In this episode, we reveal why Spy vs. Spy matters more to spy movies than most audiences realize.
This podcast episode from Cracking the Code of Spy Movies looks past punchlines.
It uncovers influence, tone, and lasting ideas: Two identical spies, endless conflict, there are no winners.
At first glance, Spy vs. Spy feels like pure comedy. But beneath the humor lies a brutal truth. There are explosions, traps, and sudden reversals. All done with a comedic twist.
Episode Focus This episode focuses on how Spy vs. Spy captured Cold War thinking.
· Paranoia ruled every decision.
· Escalation never stopped.
· Trust disappeared completely.
We highlight how wordless storytelling shaped modern spy cinema. If you didn't know, there is no dialogue in Spy vs. Spy. Also, there is no exposition: only action and consequence. This visual language now defines spy films.
We recently released an episode examining how James Bond and his villains are mirrors of each other. The episode also explores why mirrors matter in espionage stories. Listeners will hear how Spy vs. Spy predicted modern spy themes. How moral ambiguity replaced clear heroes. How technology became unreliable, and finally how victory became temporary.
We also connect how Spy vs. Spy created lasting ideas that found their way into major spy franchises: James Bond, Jasone Bourne, Mission: Impossible, and modern Cold War thrillers. Rather than parody, Spy vs. Spy became a blueprint filmmakers still follow, often without realizing it.
This episode is fast, focused, and insight‑driven. And it reveals how satire clarified espionage mechanics.
If you love spy films, this is essential listening. If you study film storytelling, it's revealing. And if you enjoy uncovering hidden influence, it delivers.
Episode Highlights · A comic strip predicted modern spy movie structure
· Mirror logic that shaped heroes and villains alike
· Silence reinforced visual spy storytelling
· Escalation replaced resolution
· Satire became the genre's blueprint
This episode proves one thing clearly: Spy vs. Spy understood espionage better than most movies ever did.
Tell us what you think about our look at Spy vs. Spy Were you familiar with this comic strip series? Had you seen the animated shorts? Do you agree with our analysis?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: SPY vs. SPY – How a MAD Magazine Comic Shaped Spy Cinema
Mirror, Mirror: The Villains Who Reflect James Bond explores one of the most revealing ideas in the entire Bond franchise. James Bond villains are not true opposites of Bond. They are reflections. They are versions of Bond where a single restraint disappears.
In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom examine some of Bond's greatest adversaries as mirrors rather than monsters. These villains share Bond's training, intelligence, and appetite for risk. What separates them is not skill. It is restraint. It is purpose. It is accountability.
Using a clear "mirror framework," the episode shows how nearly every major Bond villain follows the same pattern. They share Bond's competence. They understand power and leverage. But they cross a moral line Bond refuses to cross. When the moment comes to stop, the villain continues.
From Goldfinger, the Bond who breaks rules without limits, to Blofeld, the Bond who answers to no one, each antagonist reflects a path Bond could take. Largo reveals what Bond becomes without empathy. Scaramanga shows Bond without purpose, killing for identity instead of mission. Franz Sanchez exposes Bond's anger when loyalty and revenge replace duty. Silva mirrors Bond's trauma when emotional control collapses. Le Chiffre represents Bond before psychological armor hardens.
The episode also dives deep into the importance of M as Bond's moral anchor. M represents structure, oversight, and restraint. Without M, Bond risks becoming indistinguishable from the villains he hunts. The Bond–M relationship transforms action into moral drama. It gives meaning to Bond's violence. It defines the ethical limits behind the famous license to kill.
Drawing from Ian Fleming's own words, film dialogue, and character analysis across decades of Bond movies, this episode argues that Bond is not heroic because he is unstoppable. He is heroic because he stops.
Mirror, Mirror: The Villains Who Reflect James Bond reframes the franchise through psychology, ethics, and character design. It explains why Bond villains matter. They ask the same question every time. Why not take the power for yourself?
Bond's answer defines everything.
Perfect for fans of James Bond, spy movies, film analysis, and character studies, this episode reveals why the mirror is the most dangerous weapon in Bond's world.
Tell us what you think about this Mirror Mirror concept with Bond's villains Do you agree with us that James Bond is a mirror of his villains? Do you have other examples where we see this mirroring in the series?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/468TXkr
f you're a James Bond fan, you won't want to miss our latest episode: 20 Things You Missed in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. In this deep‑dive discussion, we uncover 20 Things You Missed in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE that even longtime Bond aficionados often overlook. From continuity errors to clever background details, cultural insights, filming quirks, and subtle storytelling decisions, this episode shines a spotlight on the hidden gems tucked inside the fifth Eon Productions Bond adventure.
Hosted by Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, this episode explores everything from mispronunciations in NASA communications to Bond's surprising use of nicknames, mysterious wardrobe changes, and the unexpectedly impressive continuity work involving Bond's shoes and those hard‑to‑miss spats. You'll hear about set design details at Henderson's apartment, incorrectly repaired desk statues, and the symbolic use of the color orange to hint at Helga Brandt's dangerous duality.
We also break down one of the most memorable sequences in the film: Little Nellie. From the autogyro's weapons to the number of helicopters chasing Bond, we uncover continuity oddities, filming inconsistencies, and blink‑and‑you‑miss‑them production shortcuts. The episode also dives into space capsule reflections, art replicas inside Blofeld's volcano lair, and the strange logic gaps surrounding Helga Brandt, Osato, and Bond's supposed "death."
Dan and Tom bring context, humor, and historical insights to each moment—from the real‑life sumo wrestler and Samoan grappler who appear on screen, to the realistic but deadly phosgene gas used near the Ama fishing village. And of course, we explore the infamous volcano base itself. From improbable gadgets Bond suddenly possesses, to the dramatic (and scientifically questionable) destruction of the SPECTRE spacecraft.
Plus, stay tuned for bonus observations on ninja entrances, frightened cats, references to Goldfinger, the Toyota 2000 GT convertibles made especially for the film, and clever audio design choices hidden throughout the final act.
Whether you've seen the movie once or a hundred times, you'll walk away with brand‑new insights and a deeper appreciation for this iconic Bond classic. Join us for a fun, fast‑paced, detail‑packed episode that proves you really do only live twice—but you might need far more viewings to catch everything in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE.
Tell us what you think about our look at 20 Things You Missed In YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE How many of these did you miss? What did we miss from the movie? And, importantly, how many guys do you see in the car at the beginning of the chase when Bond leaves Osato's office?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4qPaguI
License to Change – The Future of Spy Movies explores the spy genre and why it now faces its greatest challenge yet. In this in-depth episode from Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom examine whether traditional espionage storytelling can survive in a world defined by surveillance, data, and artificial intelligence.
For more than sixty years, spy movies have taught audiences what espionage is supposed to look like: tailored tuxedos, exotic locations, ingenious gadgets, and clear-cut heroes and villains. From Dr. No through decades of James Bond dominance, spy films reassured audiences that control was possible in an unstable world. But as License to Change – The Future of Spy Movies makes clear, that fantasy no longer reflects reality.
This episode traces the genre back to its Cold War roots, when fear, secrecy, and global tension shaped early spy cinema. It contrasts the glamorous escapism of Bond with darker, more realistic counterpoints like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, The Ipcress File, and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. The discussion then moves to the seismic shift caused by The Bourne Identity, which introduced vulnerability, moral ambiguity, and institutional distrust into mainstream spy films.
From there, the focus turns to modern espionage itself. Today's intelligence battles are fought with algorithms, metadata, drones, and predictive systems rather than pistols and car chases. The episode asks hard questions about how spy movies can dramatize invisible threats, system-based villains, and a world where privacy may no longer exist. It also explores how artificial intelligence, automated decision-making, and situational ethics are reshaping both real intelligence work and its cinematic portrayal.
Finally, Dan and Tom look ahead. Who gets to be a spy in the future? What happens when access matters more than authority? And can James Bond remain relevant in an era where secrecy is nearly impossible? They argue that the genre's future will be darker, smarter, and more emotionally complex—less about winning clean victories and more about living with the consequences.
This episode is essential listening for fans of James Bond, spy thrillers, modern cinema, and anyone curious about where espionage storytelling is headed next.
Tell us what you think about our look at The Future of Spy Movies Finally, do you agree with our assessment here? Where do you see spy movies going?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
THE MACKINTOSH MAN (1973) rarely gets top billing in Cold War spy cinema—but should it? In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom take a fresh, clear-eyed look at John Huston's subdued espionage thriller starring Paul Newman and James Mason. Overshadowed by flashier spy movies, THE MACKINTOSH MAN instead leans into bureaucracy, moral ambiguity, and procedural realism. The question is simple: does that restraint elevate the movie—or drain it of tension?
We break down the movie's place in the evolution of spy cinema, tracing its DNA back to genre heavyweights like THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, THE IPCRESS FILE, and FUNERAL IN BERLIN. Rather than gadgets and glamour, this movie focuses on tradecraft, false defections, institutional mistrust, and information as the true weapon. Loyalty is provisional, romance is transactional, and victory feels administrative rather than triumphant.
Dan and Tom explore the movie's acting performances in detail, from Paul Newman's restrained and often criticized lead turn to James Mason's quietly menacing antagonist, whose civilized threat anchors the movie. They also examine Dominique Sanda's enigmatic role, the strong supporting British character actors, and how John Huston's classical storytelling style "borrows and defangs" familiar spy tropes.
The episode contrasts THE MACKINTOSH MAN sharply with James Bond movies, highlighting fundamental differences in ideology, structure, and tone. Where Bond offers agency, clarity, and spectacle, Huston delivers opacity, manipulation, and unease. The discussion also covers reception, pacing issues, production trivia, and real-world influences behind the prison escape and defection plot.
Whether you love slow-burn espionage or find it frustratingly opaque, this episode digs deep into what THE MACKINTOSH MAN gets right—and where it loses its edge. A must-listen for fans of serious spy movies and Cold War cinema history.
Tell us what you think about our fresh look at THE MACKINTOSH MAN Finally, do you agree with our assessment here? Are you a fan of this movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4jrIWAl
Is James Bond a Code Name has fueled fan debates for decades, and this episode delivers the final, evidence-based answer. In The Final Word, we examine the theory head-on using Ian Fleming's novels, official EON films, and on-screen continuity.
This episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies goes directly to the source. We analyze how Ian Fleming created James Bond. And we discuss Fleming's interviews, drafts, and novels to see if there is a tell here.
We explore the crucial evidence from YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, including Bond's detailed obituary. What do we learn from SKYFALL? And what about the tie-ins between FOR YOUR EYES ONLY and ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE? Even LICENSE TO KILL gives us some clues.
We also address popular arguments supporting the code name theory. These include multiple actors, changing timelines, and the reuse of titles like M and Q. Each claim is examined and compared against canon evidence.
This episode explains the difference between code names, cover names, and agent numbers. What do they mean and how does NO TIME TO DIE help us tie all that together?
At one point, in early drafts of the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, Ian Fleming initially had a name, James Secretan. We discuss this and why it never made the final novel.
If you want the definitive answer, grounded in text and film, this is the episode. Subscribe to Cracking the Code of Spy Movies and join the conversation.
Tell us what you think – Is James Bond a Code Name? Finally, do you agree with our assessment here? Do you think James Bond is a code name, cover name, or the character's real name? Drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode webpage: https://bit.ly/4soDRgq
James Bond doesn't just have a License to Kill—he's got a License to Survive. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, hosts Dan and Tom take you on a thrilling journey through the 25 Eon Productions James Bond films to uncover the countless times 007 has stared death in the face and walked away unscathed. From the iconic laser scene in Goldfinger to the crocodile run in Live and Let Die, the ski jump in The Spy Who Loved Me, and even a space station shootout in Moonraker, Bond's death-defying escapes are legendary.
We'll explore the concept of plot armor, the gadgets from Q Branch that save Bond's life, and the sheer audacity of stunts that changed cinema forever. How does Bond survive avalanches, sharks, and explosions without a scratch? Is it skill, luck, or just great writing? And why did his streak finally end in No Time to Die?
Packed with humor, insider trivia, and a chronological countdown of Bond's greatest escapes, this episode is perfect for spy movie fans, action lovers, and anyone fascinated by the art of cinematic survival. Whether you're a lifelong Bond enthusiast or new to the franchise, you'll discover why James Bond remains the ultimate escapist hero.
Join us as we decode the thrills, the near misses, and the moments that made audiences gasp. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies.
Tell us what you think about how James Bond's Licence to Survive What's your favorite James Bond's cheating death scene? Drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4al2dRs
The 1960s were a defining era for James Bond, and much of that success came from its unforgettable villains. In this episode, we dive deep into How James Bond Villains of the 1960s shaped the 007 franchise, exploring the masterminds who turned spy thrillers into global phenomena. From the calculating genius of Ernst Stavro Blofeld to the gold-obsessed Auric Goldfinger, these characters didn't just challenge Bond—they set the standard for cinematic villains for decades to come.
We'll examine how these antagonists influenced the tone, style, and storytelling of the early Bond films. Why did Blofeld become the ultimate symbol of evil? How did Goldfinger's obsession with wealth redefine villainy? And what about Rosa Klebb? How did she add psychological depth to espionage drama? Each villain brought unique traits that shaped Bond's evolution as a character and cemented the franchise's identity.
This episode also looks at the cultural impact of these villains. Their extravagant lairs, iconic henchmen, and world-domination plots became templates for countless spy movies and even parodies. We'll uncover behind-the-scenes details, including casting choices, design decisions, and how Ian Fleming's novels influenced their on-screen portrayals.
Whether you're a lifelong Bond fan or new to the series, this discussion offers fresh insights into why the 1960s villains remain legendary. They weren't just bad guys—they were trendsetters who defined an era of cinematic sophistication and suspense.
Tune in to learn how these iconic adversaries shaped the legacy of 007 and why their influence still resonates in modern spy films. Subscribe now and join us as we revisit the decade that made James Bond—and his villains—immortal.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of how James Bond villains of the 1960s shaped the 007 franchise Finally, do you agree with our assessment here? Drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/bond-villains-of-the-1960s
In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom uncover the hidden history of pre-title sequences long before James Bond ever ordered a martini. We look at pre-title sequences – before James Bond and Beyond.
Although the 007 franchise made the pre-title or "cold open" world-famous, it certainly didn't invent the idea. Today, we take you on a deep, cinematic journey exploring when pre-title sequences really began, how filmmakers used them, and why they evolved into one of the most iconic elements of modern filmmaking.
What we examine: We break down pre-title sequences starting in the 1930s through more modern movies, including film noir innovations, experimental openings from classic Hollywood, and surprising influences that shaped the James Bond formula. You'll hear examples from Double Indemnity, The Killers, D.O.A., The Great Train Robbery, Citizen Kane, Casablanca, North by Northwest, Psycho, and more. We even examine the fascinating proto-Bond styles found in Viennese Nights (1930), The Public Enemy, King Kong, and other early films that used storytelling before the title card.
Then we explore how EON Productions transformed the cold open into a cinematic event. Starting with From Russia with Love (1963), the Bond franchise turned the pre-title sequence into a mini-story before the story, complete with action, intrigue, a fake-out death, and a seamless transition into the iconic Bond title design. Movies like Goldfinger perfected the formula, cementing the expectation that every Bond film begins with a thrilling pre-title mission.
We also identify earlier cinematic influences on the Bond gun-barrel sequence. This includes the 1934 film Crime Without Passion and the legendary ending of The Great Train Robbery.
Finally, we look at how James Bond's success inspired other genres such as action, horror, and thrillers. We even look at television shows like Mission: Impossible and The X-Files. This is to demonstrate how these shows and movies embrace the cold open as a storytelling weapon.
If you love movie history, spy films, James Bond, or filmmaking craft, this episode is packed with insights, references, and fun analysis.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of pre-title sequences – before James Bond and beyond? Did you already know this history? Did we miss anything?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/49PVHSE
In this episode, Dan and Tom show you 20 things you missed in DR. NO! You'll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Watch to find out! You'll certainly learn something new.
Every movie has questionable sequences and stuff that you miss, especially on your first time viewing the movie, and maybe your 5th time as well. Well, in this episode, we're going to the beautiful Jamaica (and a few other places) to find out what we've been missing.
Some of the questions we answer include: * Is that a pistol in your holster? * Wait, is that the same blood? * Who is that statue of? * How did those mice get there? * What is Honey Ryder wearing in the shower? * James Bond shoots how many different guns in that scene? * Does a megaphone really work like that? * Where did that record player come from? * Who was the first to say "Shaken, not stirred" in a James Bond movie? * Why do they lick flash bulbs? * Where have I seen that ship before? * Is there such a thing as consistent inconsistency? * And of course, there are more bonuses, including some.
We find that by looking for these types of things, you watch the movie more closely, especially when watching a movie for the second or third time. And some of these things you miss are continuity issues, so EON Productions missed them, too.
Tell us what you think about our list of 20 Things You Missed in DR. NO? Finally, this video covers our top 20 things you are likely to have missed. Did you know about any of these already? Are there some we missed? If so, drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3JKbZ4S
NO TIME TO DIE shocked audiences around the globe by doing what no Bond movie had ever dared to do — killing James Bond. After decades of near-death escapes, 007 finally met his end in Daniel Craig's last outing as the iconic British spy. But was it the bold, emotional conclusion the franchise needed, or an unforgivable betrayal of everything James Bond stands for?
Now that the shock value has worn off, it's time to reexamine this. Was it bold storytelling, betrayal, or a cop out?
In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies from SpyMovieNavigator.com, hosts Dan and Tom are joined by passionate Bond experts from across the globe: Morgan Lisney (Canada), Pietro Rossi (UK), Bill Kanas, and Stuart Bassinger (US). They debate one of the most controversial endings in movie history. Together, they dive deep into No Time to Die's themes, story arcs, plot holes, production decisions, and what Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson might have been thinking when they agreed to end Bond's story.
From discussions about Bond's legacy, Daniel Craig's arc, and Amazon's takeover of the franchise, to speculation about the future of 007, this episode explores every angle. Was Bond's death a creative risk that gave the series emotional weight, or did it destroy the fantasy that made audiences fall in love with the character for over 60 years?
We also examine how the Craig era compares to classic Bond films, from Casino Royale to Skyfall, and whether the next generation of filmmakers should reboot, revive, or completely reinvent 007.
🎙️ Subscribe now to Cracking the Code of Spy Movies for weekly insights, deep-dive film analysis, and the latest James Bond updates, news, and theories.
Tell us what you think about the killing of James Bond So, who do you agree with. Was killing James Bond the right move, betrayal, or bold storytelling. Jump in and let us know.
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4qOc3Bf
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Step into the shadows of cinematic history with this thrilling episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, where Dan and Tom uncover 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS (1935)
This 1935 Alfred Hitchock classic didn't just entertain—it laid the groundwork for the entire spy genre, influencing everything from James Bond to Mission: Impossible.
In this episode, we explore how Hitchcock transformed John Buchan's novel into a suspenseful masterpiece, inventing iconic tropes like the "innocent man on the run," the mysterious MacGuffin, and the romantic tension of handcuffed leads. You'll hear how Robert Donat's performance shaped the British spy hero archetype, and how Madeleine Carroll became Hitchcock's first "cool blonde"—a blueprint for future leading ladies.
From improvised speeches to hidden visual clues (like the villain's missing fingertip), Hitchcock's genius shines through. We reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, including how Hitchcock "accidentally" lost the handcuff key to spark real chemistry between his stars, and how the groundbreaking train sequence set a new standard for chase scenes.
You'll also learn about Hitchcock's early cameo tradition, the clever use of British vaudeville in the finale, and how THE 39 STEPS helped launch Hitchcock's Hollywood career. Whether you're a die-hard spy film fan or new to the genre, this episode is packed with wit, insight, and historical gems.
🎧 Subscribe now and join Dan and Tom as they decode the DNA of spy cinema—one thrilling bit at a time.
Tell us what you think about our look at 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS So, did you know any of these 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS? Let us know what was new to you.
Have you seen this movie yet? If not, consider it your next operation.
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/49BuGlv
James Bond Guns – What Is Real? Walther PPK, Colt, SIG 226? with Caleb Daniels, Author of Licensed Troubleshooter.
In this explosive episode, we're joined by firearms historian and author Caleb Daniels to dive deep into the iconic—and often misunderstood—guns of James Bond. Caleb's new book, Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond, is a meticulously researched, visually stunning tribute to 007's cinematic and literary arsenal. From the Walther PPK to the elusive WA2000 sniper rifle, we explore what Bond actually used on screen, what Fleming wrote in the novels, and where Hollywood took creative liberties.
🎙️ Hosts Dan and Tom of the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast bring their frame-by-frame analysis and passion for spy cinema to the table, uncovering surprising gun anomalies in DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, and more. Caleb shares behind-the-scenes insights from his years in the firearms industry, including how he tracked down screen-used weapons, why some guns were swapped mid-scene, and how real-world intelligence agencies influenced Bond's gear.
💥 Some of our topics to answer the question: James Bond's Guns - What's Real? include:
Whether you're a Bond aficionado, a firearms buff, or just love uncovering movie magic, this episode is packed with rare details, expert commentary, and a few surprises from Caleb's personal collection—including a WWII-era Colt 1911 issued to British forces.
📺 Watch the full episode to see the guns up close and subscribe for more deep dives into spy movie lore. Don't forget to like, comment, and tell us: which Bond weapon do you think is the most underrated?
Where you can find Caleb Daniels Preorder Caleb's book, Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond, find him on Instagram, or YouTube. Look for CommandoBond.
Tell us what you think about our discussion of James Bond's Guns – What's Real? So, what new facts did you learn about the guns of 007? Let us know what was new to you.
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3LaowyP
"Spy Bits: The James Bond Gun Barrel Sequence" is a sharp, focused deep dive into the James Bond gun barrel sequence. And it is brought to you by Cracking the Code of Spy Movies.
Dan and Tom trace the sequence's origin with Maurice Binder. They then look at its evolution from pinhole-camera shots and optical compositing to CGI, and how each Bond actor reshaped the pose, timing, and tone.
The episode explains the visual language—Bond as hunter, not hunted. Similarly, we dive into the technical design of rifled barrels and blood effects, and how the sequence functions as one of cinema's most enduring brand signatures.
What you'll find
Listen and subscribe Our SPY BITS are short, laser-focused Spy Bits episodes we drop irregularly to explore single iconic moments in spy cinema. Subscribe to the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast for concise, authoritative takes on film craft, lore, and the small details that make spy movies an important genre.
Tell us what you think about our list of our look at the James Bond gun barrel sequence. Finally, this episode covers the gun barrel sequence. Do you have any fun facts about the sequence we didn't mention? If so, drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4htJ3ub
Join Dan and Tom as they welcome Bill Koenig of The Spy Command to help decode the James Bond movie posters from the 1970s. These are the posters and lobby cards used to promote DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, LIVE AND LET DIE, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, and MOONRAKER.
We are very happy that Bill was able to join us. His decades of knowledge of spy movies, TV shows, and novels, and his helmsmanship of The Spy Command have brought great insight, without a lot of hype, to the industry of reporting and commenting on spy entertainment.
How much about these posters do you REALLY know? We predict with certainty that you will hear something you didn't know before.
So, what is behind the various posters for each of the 1970s James Bond movies? Each of them had had very distinctive posters, lobby cards, door panels, and more created to market each movie. But what's behind those posters? That's what we will break down in this episode.
Some of the things we look at include:
· Some items on the posters show things that never hit the screen
· Interesting credits on a pre-release poster
· How was sex used in the promotion of the James Bond movies
· Who are the talented artists behind these posters and how did each influence the message?
· And more
Overall, these James Bond movie posters from the 1970s have some interesting messages they are sending to entice us to view the movie.
You can get to Bill's excellent blog, The Spy Command, here: The Spy Command | A blog about James Bond-007 and The Other Spies. There is a massive amount of content here on spy entertainment. Check it out.
Tell us what you think about our discussion of James Bond movie posters from the 1970s
So, what new facts did you learn about the 1970s James Bond movie posters? Let us know what was new to you.
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/42CrK43
In this episode, Dan and Tom show you 20 things you missed in THUNDERBALL! You’ll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Watch to find out! You'll certainly learn something new.
Every movie has questionable sequences and stuff that you miss, especially on your first time viewing the movie, and maybe your 5th time as well. Well, in this episode, we’re going to the beautiful Bahamas (and a few other places) to find out what we’ve been missing.
Some of the things we cover include: · An interesting cameo appearance
· Does anyone know Latin?
· What’s up, or down, with that car window?
· What happened to the hat?
· How many Geiger counters are there?
· A drop in the ocean.
· Of course, dominoes often come in black and white
· Why is that thing spewing yellow stuff?
· Do you wear underwear in the bathtub?
· Oddity in the credits
· Also, some reused GOLDFINGER props
· And of course, there are more.
We find that by looking for these types of things, you watch the movie more closely, especially when watching a movie for the second or third time. And some of these things you miss are continuity issues, so EON Productions missed them, too.
Tell us what you think about our list of 20 Things You Missed in THUNDERBALL? Finally, this video covers our top 20 things you likely missed. Did you know about any of these already? Are there some we missed? If so, drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4nF85ZG
🎙️ Is The Falcon and the Snowman Any Good? In this episode, we dive deep into the 1985 espionage drama The Falcon and the Snowman, starring Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. Based on a true story, the film explores Cold War paranoia, youthful rebellion, and the slippery slope of betrayal. But does it hold up today?
🕵️♂️ We break down:
🎬 Whether you're a spy film aficionado or just curious about Cold War cinema, this episode unpacks the film’s legacy, its flaws, and its eerie relevance.
📌 Subscribe for more deep dives into spy thrillers, cinematic oddities, and genre gems.
#SpyMovies #ColdWarCinema #Podcast #TheFalconAndTheSnowman #SeanPenn #TimothyHutton #TrueStoryThrillers #FilmAnalysis #EspionageDrama
Dive into a curated list of 10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies. This list is handpicked by Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. We spotlight hidden gems, wartime operas, Hitchcock staples, and movies that directly influenced later Cold War movies.
Listen, Watch, Discover * Quick takes on ten movies you should add to your watchlist, including plot hooks, historical context, key performances, and why each movie matters to the spy movie lineage. * Notes on influences linking early spy movies to Bond, Thunderball, The IPCRESS FILE, and more. * Links to full episode discussions on each of these movies.
The Movies We Discuss These are the movies we discuss. Each one is linked to our full episode on the movie. So, if after listening to this episode, if you want to hear a deep-dive on the movie, just click the link.
Tell us what you think about our 10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies You MUST SEE! Did we miss your favorite? Tell us which one. Do you have any comments on any of these movies to share with the community?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/46wSUuh
Join Dan Tom as they decode SPY – the movie from 2015. Find out if this spy comedy movie holds up. It has a great cast. But does it work as a comedy?
This movie is written and directed by Paul Feig. It stars Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Allison Janney, Miranda Hart, and others. But it is a comedy spy movie and there is a hit-or-miss track record for these movies.
Can this writer, director, actors and crew pull this off? Listen to find out!
Some of the things we cover in our look at SPY include: · The cast – does it work?
· How much of this movie was improvisation?
· Jason Statham’s role was originally going to be different that it ended. How is it different?
· Melissa McCarthy has to carry much of this movie. Does she succeed?
· Did Aldo have a backstory we never saw?
· What are some of the common spy movie tropes that we see?
· Why do Elektra King and Madeleine Swann from the James Bond series get mentioned?
· Rats!
· Will there be a SPY 2?
· Do Dan and Tom think this spy movie is worth watching?
· And of course, there are more.
So, take a listen to hear what works and what doesn’t work in this movie.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of SPY – the movie from 2015? Had you seen this movie before listening to this episode? If not, will you now? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/3VlyK17
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1965 spy movie, OPERATION CROSSBOW. Find out if this spy movie, based on a real World War II operation, is worth watching.
This movie, which stars George Peppard, Sophia Loren, Trevor Howard, and more tells us the story of the real-life Operation Crossbow operation from World War II. This operation was created to try to stall or eliminate Germany’s efforts to create the V-1 and V-2 missiles.
So, this movie is part a war movie and part a spy movie. Does that work?
Some of the things we cover in our look at OPERATION CROSSBOW include: · The cast – does it work?
· A couple of nice cameo appearances
· What is the marketing gimmick that was used to promote this movie?
· What title did it get in the U.S.A and why?
· Is the cinematography picture perfect?
· And is the soundtrack music to your ears?
· Does Richard Johnson’s portral of Winston Churchill work?
· Also, what are some of the corellations between what we see in OPERATION CROSSBOW and what is happening in the world today?
· Did you know about the test pilots for the pilotless rockets?
· How was the balance of “spy movie” vs. “war movie”?
· Do Dan and Tom think this spy movie is worth watching?
· And of course, there are more.
So take a listen to hear what works and what doesn’t work in this movie.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of OPERATION CROSSBOW? Had you seen this movie before listening to this episode? If not, will you now? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4m7ZDAq
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1979 spy movie, AVALANCHE EXPRESS. This was Robert Shaw’s last movie. Is it worth watching? Listen to find out!
AVALANCHE EXPRESS is a Cold War spy thriller that was a recommendation from some of our listeners. Lee Marvin, Robert Shaw, Linda Evans, Maximilian Schell, Mike Connors, and Joe Namath lead the talented list of actors in this one.
This movie has a Soviet general defect, a NOC-list of sorts, and, of course, an avalanche. And since this is a spy movie, of course there is a train.
Some of the things we cover in our look at AVALANCE EXPRESS include: · Who are the actors who appeared in this movie who were also in James Bond movies?
· Consequently, does this cast work?
· And as a result, do the characters work?
· What were the very large production problems this movie encountered?
· What’s up with those gloves
· Joe Namath: Wasn’t he an American football player?
· One of the big-name actors dies early in the movie. When this has happened in other movies, what happens?
· Do the cinematography and miniatures work for the avalanche?
· Naked beer slides?
· What real-world spy techniques do we see used?
· What Opera House plays a prominent role?
· Do Dan and Tom think this spy movie is worth watching?
· And of course, there are more.
So take a listen to hear what works and what doesn’t work in this movie.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of AVALANCHE EXPRESS This movie had some huge production problems, not of anyone’s doing. Did they pull it together? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3I1wGbp
Join Dan and Tom as they decode 20 Things You Missed in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE! How many will you miss? Listen to find out!
Every movie has questionable sequences and stuff that you miss, especially on your first time viewing the movie. Well, in this episode, we’re going to Russia (and a few other places) to find out what we’ve been missing.
Some of the things we cover include: · A picture on the wall of an embassy
· A famous chess move
· It might be a Ford. However, it could be a Chevy. Or both?
· What did James Bond give Kerim Bey’s son?
· Things that strangely get clean
· An ominous yet hidden warning
· Similarly, we have a scar-y dilemma
· Of course, we must ask: Who is the ventriloquist?
· Better to see you, my dear
· Um, what model of train was the Orient Express?
· A reassembling helicopter?
· A steamy situation
· Meanwhile, who is that guy in the picture?
· And of course, there are more.
We find that by looking for these types of things, you watch the movie more closely, especially when watching a movie for the second or third time. And some of these things you miss are continuity issues, so EON Productions missed them, too.
Tell us what you think about our list of 20 Things You Missed in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE? Finally, this video covers our top 20 things you likely missed. Did you know about any of these already? Are there some we missed? If so, drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4fWvjY8
Dan and Tom interview Steve Begg, who led the visual effects for CASINO ROYALE, SKYFALL, SPECTRE, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, & more! Listen to how his magic transformed these movies!
For those who don’t know the name Steve Begg, you have seen his work, usually without knowing that visual effects were used in a scene. When his work is done well, it becomes invisible.
You have heard our interview with Special Effects wizard Chris Corbould (YouTube or our website) on his work with the James Bond series. Special Effects and Visual Effects combine to give us true movie magic.
In this interview we have two main goals:
· - Tell Steve’s story
· - Learn how some of his amazing effects were done
Some of the Steve’s scenes we discuss include:
· - CASINO ROYALE’s palazzo collapse into the Venice canal
· - What the special effects team had to do in that collapse
· - When James Bond first meets Vesper Lynd on the train in CASINO ROYALE
· - SPECTRE’s mouse
· - CASINO ROYALE’s hangar scene
· - CASINO ROYALE’s parkour chase
· - SKYFALL’s helicopter and DB5 destruction
· - SKYFALL’s opening sequence
· - Steve’s use of miniatures
· - In addition, we find out the answer to the question: How do they replace a person’s face?
· - And, of course, much more!
So, do you want to find out how the sausage is made? Trust us, you’ll learn something in this episode.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of visual effects with Steve Begg Prior to this interview, had you heard how these effects were done? Did you know that the mouse was CG, not real? How much of the additional effects Steve Begg’s team added to these movies did you think was real, or practical, not a visual effect?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3JBS5Z6
Dan and Tom compare the GOLDFINGER – novel vs movie. How close is the movie to the novel, and how did the novel impact the franchise? Listen to find out!
Many of the early Eon Productions James Bond movies were based on the novels written by Ian Fleming. Ian Fleming’s seventh novel, “Goldfinger,” was used as the basis for the third Eon Productions James Bond movie of the same name.
In this episode, we decode the major differences between the novel and the movie. We also look at some other James Bond movies that were influenced by the “Goldfinger” novel.
Some of the things we discuss include: · The opening sequence in Miami
· Catching Goldfinger cheating
· Investigating Goldfinger
· The Golf Match
· Tilly Masterton/Masterson
· James Bond’s torture scene
· The differing plots at Fort Knox
· What was the poison GB from the novel?
· Pussy Galore’s role
· What happened on Goldfinger’s plane at the end
· And of course, there are more.
Links to episodes mentioned in this episode:
· Our trip to Indiana University (Ian Fleming’s manuscripts)
· University of Iowa (Richard Maibaum Collection)
Tell us what you think about our decoding GOLDFINGER – Novel vs Movie Finally, have you read the “Goldfinger” novel? If so, did we miss any major differences? Which of these items were you surprised to see?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/45pvdU4
Join Dan and Tom as they decode 20 things you missed in GOLDFINGER! How many of these did you miss? You will be surprised. Listen to find out!
Every movie has questionable sequences and stuff that you miss, especially on your first time viewing the movie. Well, in this episode, we’re going to put a golden hue on this topic and give you 20 things you missed in GOLDFINGER. We’re sure there are more, but these are our favorites.
Some of the things we discuss have to do with: · The golf outing
· The raid on Fort Knox
· The Aston Martin DB5 – there are a few things with this car to discuss
· James Bond quips
· James Bond spying
· Golf Balls
· A cola promotion – you have to love product placement
· Oddjob’s skills
· Continuity issues
· Disappearing men
· Men appearing out of nowhere
· And of course, there are more.
We find that by looking for these types of things, you watch the movie more closely, especially when watching a movie for the second or third time. And, some of these things you miss are continuity issues, so EON Productions missed them, too.
Tell us what you think about our list of 20 Things You Missed in GOLDFINGER? Finally, this video covers our top 20 things you likely missed. Did you know about any of these already? Are there some we missed? If so, drop us a note and let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4fhA4Lq
Join Dan and Tom as they decode some James Bond influences from History and Literature. Hint: Proust, Dostoevsky, and others may have played a part.
Christopher Booker’s “Seven Basic Plots” identifies the seven main plots that literature tends to stick to. So, we look at some classic literature and its effect on the James Bond movies. Consequently, there aren’t very many different plots to contend with, and Eon Productions has retold the same plot multiple times in their movies.
What we will decode in this episode: · How do Proust’s works parallel a character in the last two James Bond movies? There are multiple ways this character is paralleled in Proust's writing.
· Can Tom stay awake while reading literature?
· What real-world characters have helped shape the James Bond movies?
· What themes in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE’s Tania Romanova do we see carried over in future James Bond movies?
· Who are some of the real-world characters who influence Ian Fleming’s writings?
· Do any of the James Bond movie characters have literary influences?
· Do Purvis and Wade deserve any credit for CASINO ROYALE’s literary influences?
· And of course, much more.
To sum up, there are many characters in literature and history that may have influenced some of the characters we find in the James Bond movies.
Tell us what you think about our look at James Bond influences from history and literature. Did we get the right influences? Are there other literary references you would make? If so, please let us know.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4m2Ymee
Join Dan and Tom for a James Bond Easter Egg Hunt. Throughout the 25 Eon Productions James Bond movies, what are the key Easter eggs? Can you find them?
We know that movies today have Easter eggs in them with callbacks to either the real world or other movies. For James Bond, many of the Easter eggs are for other James Bond items. However, not always.
What we will decode in this episode: · What's an Easter egg.
· What is the Easter egg on the shelf in DIE ANOTHER DAY that Tom mistakenly thought came from CASINO ROYALE (1967)?
· In how many James Bond movies did Albert R. (Cubby) Broccoli have a cameo?
· Similarly, who has had the most cameos in a James Bond movie?
· What is the first James Bond movie Easter Egg?
· In how many James Bond movies did Albert R. (Cubby) Broccoli have a cameo
· Similarly, who has had the most cameos in a James Bond movie?
· What scene in a James Bond movie had a treasure trove of Easter eggs?
· On what television show did we see the same Aston Martin DB5 that James Bond got in GOLDFINGER? Additionally, what color was it in that show?
· What non-James Bond Ian Fleming work may have influenced THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN?
· Who was the actor who became an Easter egg for his appearance in three James Bond movies?
· What FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE character originally wore the exact same knife shoe that we see in DIE ANOTHER DAY?
· And of course, a whole basket more of Easter eggs are discussed.
Tell us what you think about our James Bond Easter Egg Hunt Finally, did you enjoy our hunt? We couldn’t cover every Easter egg. What did we miss? What is your favorite James Bond Easter egg?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4kHiHFa
Dan and Tom are joined by Vicky as they try to answer the question: DIE ANOTHER DAY - Can this James Bond movie be defended? Listen to find out!
DIE ANOTHER DAY is one of the most divisive movies in the James Bond catalogue. Why is that? What about it make some people like it while many others despise it?
We brought Pierce Brosnan fan, Vicky back to help us with this decoding. Vicky is a huge James Bond fan and has a YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram called THE BOND ROOM UNLOCKED.
What we will decode in this episode We look at the following to answer the question: DIE ANOTHER DAY - Can this James Bond movie be defended?
· What is it about those reporters in front of Buckingham Palace?
· The scenes we like
· The scenes we don’t like
· What’s in the trunk of Zao’s Jaguar?
· Easter Eggs, Easter Eggs, and more Easter Eggs
· Is Madonna a positive or a negative for the movie?
· Does the title song work?
· Um, what’s up with the CGI?
· The actors – was this movie Jinxed?
· Zao’s problems with a diamond-studded
· And of course, there is more!
Tell us what you think about DIE ANOTHER DAY - Can this James Bond movie be defended? So, these are our thoughts. Are we on track? What is your most favorite part of this movie? Additionally, what parts to you dislike?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/44CiBZp
Dan and Tom look at the pluses and minuses of Amazon controlling James Bond. Is it the best thing for the franchise? It just may be! On the other hand, what are the roadblocks they may encounter in making this a success? Listen to find out!
We’ve had a bit of time to digest the news of Eon Productions’ selling creative control of the James Bond franchise to Amazon. At the time, we released a fan reaction episode.
But now, producers and directors are being announced, so it is time to reexamine this dramatic change to this 63-year-old powerhouse. Furthermore, might this just be the best thing for the franchise in a long time?
What we will decode in this episode We look at the following to answer the question: Is Amazon taking complete control of James Bond a good thing or a bad thing?
· Was Eon Productions tired of James Bond?
· The size of the bet for Amazon
· In addition to the initial costs, can Amazon use its industry power to succeed?
· What are our biggest fears about this takeover?
· Should the recent hiring announcements quell our fears?
· In what ways might Amazon expand the franchise?
· Should Amazon expand into TV, spin-offs, and the like?
· The need to get good content fast. Therefore, is there a role for the novels of the James Bond continuation authors here?
· How does Amazon’s global reach impact its potential expansion of the franchise?
· Does Amazon’s money allow it to expand the quality of what we see in James Bond movies?
· What can Amazon learn from Disney and its purchase of STAR WARS?
· And of course, there is more!
Tell us what you think. Is Amazon controlling James Bond a good thing or a bad thing? So, these are our thoughts. Are we on track? Additionally, what do you think about expanding into different media?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4l7yj5C
Click here to go to Nathan Heller's article in The New Yorker.
Join us as Dan and Tom decode the 1967 movie THE DOUBLE MAN. This movie starring Yul Brynner has a great plot twist. But is it any good? Listen to find out!
This movie is set in the Austrian Alps, where we join CIA officer Dan Slater as he investigates his son's suspicious skiing death. Meanwhile, as he digs deeper, he uncovers a Soviet plot to infiltrate the CIA. The film blends Cold War paranoia with identity deception in a tense alpine setting.
To sum up, this is an interesting example of a mid-1960s spy movie. Specifically, it is dark and tense with a lack of high action scenes.
What we will decode in this episode These are the things we decode in this episode. As a result, we answer the question: is THE DOUBLE MAN worth a watch?
· The plot – does it work?
· Yul Brynner’s performance as Dan Slater
· The supporting cast
· What works in the movie?
· What doesn’t work? There is one big miss for us.
· Why did we think of THE WIZARD OF OZ at one point?
· How the Austrian Alps setting enhances the movie
· Finally, did we like it?
· And of course, there is more!
Tell us what you think. What do you think of our analysis of THE DOUBLE MAN? So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen this movie? If you have, do you agree with our analysis?
If not, let us know if you watch it after listening.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/the-double-man
What makes THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS so good? Join Dan and Tom as they dive in to discover exactly what does make it so good!
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS introduced us to a new actor playing James Bond, Timothy Dalton. This ended Roger Moore’s twelve-year run in the role. With the new actor, the series shifted to a grittier, less humorous James Bond.
What we will decode in this episode These are the things we decode as we answer the question: What makes THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS so good?
· Timothy Dalton’s changes to the portrayal of James Bond
· The return to Fleming
· The geopolitical shift in this movie.
· Who were some real-world Russian defectors
· The scenes that worked well
· The Cold War intrigue
· Mistrust and Manipulations
· How real-world events at the time of this movie’s release strengthened the story.
· Cary Edwards’ book, “He Disagreed with Something tht Ate Him”
· What did Tom want to hire Necros to do for him?
· The score and title song – good or bad?
· And more!
Tell us what you think. Did we do a good job explaining what makes THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS so good? So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Are you a Timothy Dalton-as-James Bond fan?
To sum up, if you have seen this movie, what do you think? Were we on point with our thoughts? What did you like and what would you have changed about the movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4n31JTW
Dan and Tom are joined by Dr. Wesley Britton to decode the 1987 movie THE IMPOSSIBLE SPY. This movie tells the story of a real Israeli spy, Elie Cohen. Without a doubt, he was one of the most successful spies in history. Is this movie worth a watch?
This episode has two sections. First, we discuss with Dr. Wesley Britton some of the information about Elie’s story and the making of the movie. Then, we decode the movie in depth.
Dr. Britton is the host of the online radio show and Podcast, “Flashback with Wes Britton” He has also written multiple books about spies in television, the movies, and real-life including Beyond Bond: Spies in Fiction and Film and Onscreen and Undercover: The Ultimate Book of Movie Espionage. We have used both of these books in developing our podcasts. And, his website SpywiseSecretDossier.com is a treasure trove of information on spies.
Elie Cohen’s story is a compelling look at real-world spycraft and dealing with spying while at the same time having a wife and children.
What we will decode in this episode These are the things we decode in our look at THE IMPOSSIBLE SPY:
· Details on this great cast.
· Some of the challenges executive producer Harvey Chertok and Director Jim Goddard encountered in getting this movie made
· How Elie Cohen helped the Israelis with his spying
· Some discrepancies between the movie and real life.
· Some of the differences between this movie and the streaming series “The Spy” which also tells Elie’s story
· What is it like to be the wife of a spy?
· And more!
Tell us what you think about our decoding of THE IMPOSSIBLE SPY So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you heard of THE IMPOSSIBLE SPY before this episode? How about Elie Cohen? As a result of listening to this episode, did you watch it?
To sum up, if you have seen this movie, what do you think? Were we on point with our thoughts? What did you like and what would you have changed about the movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3TfU6f7
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1943 movie, FIVE GRAVES TO CAIRO. Is this World War II movie a spy movie? Listen as Dan tries to convince Tom it is, despite Tom's uncertainty.
The story with this menacing title follows the exploits of Cpl. John Bramble in June 1942 after he fell out of his tank in the North African desert. Later on, he ends up meeting Rommel, The Desert Fox, himself. Most of the movie takes place inside the hotel “Empress of Britain”. It is a great setting. Also, something is interesting there underneath the first floor.
The people behind this movie are top-notch. Billy Wilder directed and co-wrote it with Charles Brackett, adopting Lajos Biró’s play “Hotel Imperial”. It garnered three Academy Award nominations and has an excellent cast. Specifically, Anne Baxter, Franchot Tone, Akim Tamiroff, and Erich von Stroheim play the leads.
This is a movie where you don’t want to be scanning your phone at the same time as you watch it. You need to pay close attention. However, by listening to this episode, you will enhance your viewing experience. We give you some things to look out for.
What we will decode in this episode While we don’t give away the key answers for this movie, these are the things we decode in our look at FIVE GRAVES TO CAIRO:
· Details on this great cast.
· How it had a real-world impact on the war.
· The humor in this serious movie. For example, we include a clip from the movie about bedbugs.
· Without a doubt, there is a tie-in to Boris Karloff. What is it?
· The production, cinematography, costuming, and the score.
· What Tom thought Bramble needed to have with him on the tank.
· The use of the German language. Authentic?
· Opera in a World War II movie?
· The dialogue - good, or bad?
· Certainly, Rommel would not have said what he said at that lunch. Would he?
· Answering Tom’s question of if this is a spy movie
· And more!
What we don't answer is what the “five graves to Cairo” are. You need to watch the movie for that.
Where to download the movie As of the time of the release of this episode (June 2025), you can stream this movie for free at: https://archive.org/details/five-graves-to-cairo-1943-billy-wilder.
Tell us what you think about our no-spoiler review of FIVE GRAVES TO CAIRO. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you heard of FIVE GRAVES TO CAIRO before this episode? As a result of listening to this episode, did you watch it?
To sum up, if you have seen this movie, what do you think? Were we on point with our review? What did you like and what would you have changed about the movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3FtdIJD
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the movie CRACKERJACK 3, from 2000. Is this third movie in the series worth a watch? Listen to find out what we think! This is a “No holds barred” episode!
The first two CRACKERJACK movies were not spy movies. They were closer to DIE HARD than a spy movie. CRACKERJACK 3, however, is a spy movie, even though there is no train sequence! This one stars Leo Rossi, Amy Weber, Oliver Gruner, and Bo Svenson.
This one has an explosive device, a state-of-the-art cell phone, and a group of old retired spies.
These are the things we decode in our look at CRACKERJACK 3:
· Bo Svenson and the rest of the cast
· The Pre-Title Sequence
· The cinematography
· Special effects?
· Where’s the action?
· What are the positives?
· How having children in a movie can be creepy
· What are the negatives?
· Garden Gnomes can be helpful!
· Is this movie worth your time?
· And more!
Tell us what you think about our no-spoiler review of CRACKERJACK 3
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you heard of CRACKERJACK 3 before this episode? Did listening to this episode make you want to watch it?
If you have seen this movie, what do you think? Were we on point with our review? What did you like and what would you have changed about the movie? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4mxRW7Z
Join Dan, Tom, and Mike Reyes as they review (No Spoilers! ) MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING – This movie stars Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, and Ving Rhames. Listen to find out what we think!
We’ve seen MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING, and the most recent before this one, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE DEAD RECKONING. Now we see if they all tie together.
In our no-spoiler review, we dive into the following about MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – THE FINAL RECKONING:
· The Pre-Title Sequence
· Callbacks and flashbacks to previous MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE movies, and others
· The music
· The cinematography
· What movies may have influenced this one
· The sound effects
· The casting - Do characters from the past show up here?
· What are the positives
· What are the negatives
· Is there more they could have done?
· What scenes impressed us
· Deal or No Deal?!
· Could they have done some things a little differently?
· And more!
Tell us what you think about our no-spoiler review of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE THE FINAL RECKONING.
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. What do you think of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE series? Will you see MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING?
If you have seen this movie, what do you think? Were we on point with our review? What did you like and what would you have changed? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/45qE7SP
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1974 spy movie THE TAMARIND SEED. This movie stars Julie Andrews and Omar Sharif. Listen to find out all the good and perhaps the bad!
We’ve seen Julie Andrews in Torn Curtain with Paul Newman. Now she is in a romantic spy movie with Omar Sharif. Does the match work?
In this decoding episode we dive into the following about THE TAMARIND SEED:
Tell us what you think about our decoding of THE TAMARIND SEED So, take a listen and let us know what you think. What do you think of this romance-based spy movie? Does the romance work for you? Are you in agreement with Dan and Tom about Julie Andrews’ performance? Was the pacing right for you? And of course, is Tom’s Merv Griffin tie-in crazy or does it make sense?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4kqlK4z
Join Dan and Tom for their Character Spotlight on Fiona Volpe, played by Luciana Paluzzi in THUNDERBALL. Can she handle the harsh spotlight?
We know that Fiona Volpe was a tough, determined, and beautiful villain. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to get her job done. And she wanted to take James Bond out.
In this Character Spotlight we look at the following about this wonderful character:
How was Luciana Paluzzi’s performance?
What traits does Fiona Volpe portray in her villainess role?
How important control is for Fiona
What was her relationship like with Largo?
Which is our favorite scene?
What part of this movie made Luciana Paluzzi’s husband fall in love with her?
What was in that bottle that James Bond ignited in the car?
Was there some importance of the blue dress Fiona wears to the Junkanoo?
What sporting event do Dan and Tom liken the interaction between James Bond and Fiona Volpe?
And More …
Tell us what you think about our shining the light with this Character Spotlight on Fiona Volpe played by Luciana Paluzzi in THUNDERBALL
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. What do you think of the character Fiona Volpe? What did you think of Luciana Paluzzi’s performance? Is Fiona your favorite James Bond female baddie? If not, who is?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4d0gwdA
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 2020 spy comedy movie SPY INTERVENTION. It is a spy movie, but how is the comedy? Is it worth a watch? Dan and Tom are in a lively discussion answering that question! Listen to find out why.
SPY INTERVENTION is a comedy starring Drew Van Acker, Poppy Delevingne, and Blake Anderson. There is a strong supporting cast as well. The basic premise is that a spy falls in love with a woman which made him leave the spy business and move to the suburbs. Can he handle the mundane suburban life after a life of adventure?
This decoding session on SPY INTERVENTION includes a discussion of:
The cast and crew
What movie heavily influenced it?
Does the comedy work?
Which actor does Dan think was the best character?
What’s up with the screen resolution?
Whay spy movies influenced SPY INTERVENTION
What does CARMEN SANDIEGO have to do with this?
What worked
What didn’t work
And More …
Tell us what you think about our decoding episode on SPY INTERVENTION.
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie? Or even seen it? Do you agree with Dan and Tom on it? If you haven’t seen it, are you likely to watch it now that you’ve heard about it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/42YUW4E
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1957 WW II spy movie COUNT FIVE AND DIE. It has intrigue and espionage. But, is it worth a watch? Listen to find out.
COUNT FIVE AND DIE is based on the true story of how the Allies used deception to try to convince Adolph Hitler that the Allied invasion would be happening anywhere instead of Normandy. In this movie, the focus is on The Netherlands.
This decoding session on COUNT FIVE AND DIE includes talk of:
· The cast and crew
· The tight story
· The realities of the deception campaign
· How trust and mistrust are key to the story
· How filming and releasing it in black and white augmented the movie
· What worked
· What didn’t work
· The score
· Did it have a big budget and did it show up in the movie?
· Does the romantic subplot work?
· Are there any movies that may have been influenced by this one?
· Cyanide pills – and how long do they really take to work?
· And More …
You can find COUNT FIVE AND DIE on many streaming sites. We told you during the episode that we’d give you a link to one of the better YouTube releases of this movie. Here you go: Count Five and Die (1957). We have no affiliation with the people who published that version on YouTube.
Tell us what you think about our decoding episode on COUNT FIVE AND DIE. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie? Or even seen it? Do you agree with Dan and Tom on it? If you haven’t seen it, are you likely to watch it now that you’ve heard about it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/44KFUBI
In this episode, Dan and Tom bring in a special guest. Join us as Raymond Benson, Bond author, talks his new book on Felix Leiter.
Novels are being written about some of the non-James Bond characters from the Ian Fleming James Bond novels. To that end, Raymond Benson, who was the first American James Bond continuation author, is getting set to release his latest book, “The Hook and the Eye”. This is a book about Felix Leiter after his shark attack. The book will be released initially as an e-book serial starting on May 27, 2025, with a paper book release in October.
This sounds like a fun book and having the Felix Leiter character getting a story of his own sounds very intriguing!
Some of the topics we discuss with Raymond include:
· Raymond’s background and how he got started with all of his James Bond work
· How the James Bond literary world has evolved
· Why Raymond chose to do a book on Felix Leiter
· How Felix Leiter is different in the Ian Fleming novels compared to the Eon Productions movies
· How you will be able to get the book, “The Hook and the Eye”
· And More …
Tell us what you think about our discussion as Raymond Benson, Bond author, talks his new book on Felix Leiter. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of that Raymond was writing this book? Are you excited to get a novel focused on Felix Leiter?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4ioOAB6
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1951 World War II spy movie DECISION BEFORE DAWN. It was the first spy movie nominated for the Best Motion Picture Academy Award. And we think it is likely that you never heard of it.
So, take a listen and we’ll decode this one for you. There is a lot of realism in the movie, and we will highlight some of the real-world things that they adapted for this movie.
DECISION BEFORE DAWN was one of the first post-World War II movies that tried to humanize the regular German citizen, not the NAZI party.
In addition, DECISION BEFORE DAWN was the breakout role for the wonderful actor Oskar Werner.
Some of the topics we decode from this movie include:
· Enough of the plot to get you started
· The cast and their roles
· How realistic was this movie?
· How did the battle-worn towns look so accurate?
· The direction, cinematography, and production design
· A real-world connection between the movie and Oskar Werner’s life
· Memorable scenes
· What future spy movies were likely influenced by this one?
· What line likely inspired a line from M in the James Bond movie SPECTRE?
· What are the positives and negatives of the movie?
· And More …
Tell us what you think about our decoding of the 1951 movie DECISION BEFORE DAWN. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie or even watched it? If not, did this episode entice you to watch it? If you have seen it, do you agree with Dan and Tom’s opinions? Dan and Tom disagree a little about this movie. Who do you agree with?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3G4wIOF
Join Dan and Tom as they give you their no-spoiler review of the just-released spy movie, THE AMATEUR, starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne.
Our goal is to give you the information you need to see if watching THE AMATEUR is worth your time and money. Listen to find out what we think.
THE AMATEUR is a remake of the 1981 movie which starred John Savage.
The cast is excellent with Malek, Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jon Bernthal, Holt McCallany, Adrian Martinez, and more.
Some of the topics we discuss include in this review are:
· Enough of the plot to get you started, without spoilers
· The cast and their roles
· Do we think Rami Malek was better in this role than when he played Safin in NO TIME TO DIE?
· The direction, cinematography, and production design
· Where is the SKY POOL?
· Our favorite scenes (while not spoiling anything)
· The pacing of the movie
· What worked
· What didn’t
· Does it work on IMAX?
· And More …
We’ve also included some comments from other people who watched this movie when we did. Listen to find out what they say.
Tell us what you think about our review of THE AMATEUR (2025) So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie or even watched it? If not, did this episode entice you to watch it? If you have seen it, do you agree with Dan and Tom’s opinions? Dan and Tom disagree a little about this movie. Who do you agree with? And, have you seen the 1981 original? Which version do you like best?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/43LNHit
Dan and Tom decode the Timothy Dalton as James Bond. What was the Good, the Bad, and Unique of his performance? What worked and didn’t work well?Listen to find out.
Timothy Dalton only played James Bond movies in two movies, THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and LICENCE TO KILL. He brought a much different James Bond to the screen than his predecessor. Reactions were mixed as some people didn’t want this change.
We break down Timothy Dalton’s James Bond movies by looking at:
· How did Timothy Dalton change the role?
· How did Dalton taking the role change the writers?
· What the writers originally wanted to do with Dalton’s first Bond movie?
· How did the villains in Timothy Dalton’s movies pan out?
· How did the Bond women change in Dalton’s movies?
· What is the tie-in to Kara Milovy and Ian Fleming?
· What was unique about Dario?
· What was unique about the plot of LICENCE TO KILL?
· Where does Timothy Dalton rank as James Bond by different types of James Bond movie fans?
· We rank Moore’s James Bond movies and tell you why each is ranked where it is.
· And More …
We found some facts you may not have known before. Please listen to find out.
Tell us what you think about Timothy Dalton as James Bond So, take a listen and let us know what you think. How do you rank the actors who played James Bond? Where do you have Timothy Dalton’s Bond movies ranked?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4j0XfLh
Dan and Tom decode the Good the Bad and Unique of Roger Moore as James Bond. What worked and didn’t work well? What made him a unique Bond? Listen to find out.
Roger Moore helmed seven James Bond movies. Some were well-received, and others were not. He had a very different style compared to what we saw with Sean Connery and George Lazenby.
We break down Roger Moore’s James Bond movies by looking at:
· How did Roger Moore’s career before Bond influence how Moore played Bond?
· What did Roger Moore change about the James Bond character?
· What did Roger Moore think about guns and violence?
· How many times did he order a martini “shaken, not stirred”?
· Cigar or cigarette?
· How much older was Moore than his lovers in A VIEW TO A KILL?
· Was Roger Moore too old to play James Bond in A VIEW TO A KILL?
· Where does Roger Moore rank as James Bond by different types of James Bond movie fans?
· We rank Moore’s James Bond movies and tell you why each is ranked where it is.
· And more …
We had fun putting this one together. Listen to find out more.
Tell us what you think about Roger Moore as James Bond So, take a listen and let us know what you think. How do you rank the actors who played James Bond? Where do you have Roger Moore’s movies?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/42kTr0m
There are two types of James Bond women in the movies: those who died and those who survived. Is there a pattern here? Does it matter if James Bond is romantically involved with them? How about if he is protecting them? We know Bond fails a fair amount trying to keep them alive.
In this episode, Dan and Tom examine each of the women that James Bond either was romantic with or protected in the movies. We answer the question: did they survive or die? Plus, we answer the question, how many died and how many survived across the series? The answers may surprise you.
We break down each movie-based James Bond women by looking at the following:
Was the death count ratio different between the various actors who played James Bond? And what does Meatloaf have to do with any of this?
This is an intriguing examination of this fascinating topic. Listen to find out more.
Tell us what you think about our decoding James Bond Women in the movies. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Did we miss any women? Did the number of women who died surprise you?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/james-bond-women-survive-or-die
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1980 spy movie HOPSCOTCH. It has a star-studded cast and is a comedy. But, is it worth a watch? Listen to find out.
Walter Matthau plays the spy, Miles Kendig who has a run in with his boss. What happens next helps set up the reason for the name of the movie, HOPSCOTCH. The other lead actors for the movie include Glenda Jackson, Ned Beatty, and Sam Waterston.
Some of the topics we discuss include in this review are:
· The origin of the big-tent Oktoberfest halls
· How the Oktoberfest scene was filmed
· The music and its importance to the movie – Why Mozart?
· Walter Matthau’s influence on the script and casting
· The cast and their roles
· What movies may have influenced some of the scenes?
· The director and screenwriter
· The comedy
· Who was it that flew the seaplane and why her dialogue with Kendrig was so funny.
· Positive and negative critiques of HOPSCOTCH
· The pacing of the movie
· And More …
Tell us what you think about our decoding of HOPSCOTCH So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie or even watched it? If not, did this episode entice you to watch it? If you have seen it, do you agree with Dan and Tom’s opinions?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4hGqQYI
Join Dan and Tom as they give you their no-spoiler review of the just-released spy movie: BLACK BAG. Our goal is to give you the information you need to see if watching BLACK BAG is worth your time and money. Listen to find out what they think.
BLACK BAG is a spy movie, not an action movie. What does that mean? Well, think of TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY or THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD. Those were spy movies, not action movies. BLACK BAG is not reminiscent of a James Bond or Ethan Hunt spy movie.
The cast is excellent with Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Tom Burke, Marisa Abela, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan.
Some of the topics we discuss include in this review are:
· How this is a different type of spy movie
· The Cast and their roles
· What movies may have influenced some of the scenes?
· The direction, cinematography, and production design
· What sets looked best
· Our favorite scenes (while not spoiling anything)
· The pacing of the movie
· And More …
We’ve also included some comments from other people who watched this movie when we did. They don’t all have the same opinion of this movie. Listen to find out what they say.
Tell us what you think about our review of BLACK BAG So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie or even watched it? If not, did this episode entice you to watch it? If you have seen it, do you agree with Dan and Tom’s opinions? Dan and Tom disagree a little about this movie. Who do you agree with?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3R8tSKx
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1943 spy movie BACKGROUND TO DANGER starring George Raft, Brenda Marshall, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet. Is it worth a watch? We decode all that for you!
In this black-and-white World War II spy movie, everyone wants to get their hands on an envelope that contains something strategic for the war. What’s in it? What do they want it for? There are some fun twists in this movie that we don’t give away.
Dan and Tom have a similar opinion on this movie, but don’t agree on some of the aspects of the production. Enhance your viewing experience – take a listen!
Some of the topics we discuss include:
Tell us what you think about our decoding of BACKGROUND TO DANGER So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you previously heard of this movie or even watched it? If not, did this episode entice you to watch it? If you have seen it, do you agree with Dan and Tom’s opinions?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/background-to-danger
Links to BACKGROUND TO DANGER trailer: https://youtu.be/oa0Cr4a3XEU?si=IxA9aBx1g_IGF8hz
James Bond movie posters are very popular with collectors. And of course, it all started in the 1960s. Join Dan and Tom as they welcome the founder and editor of 007 Magazine, Graham Rye to help decode the 1960s James Bond posters.
We are very happy that Graham was able to join us. His knowledge of 40 years of James Bond that he has acquired by creating 007 Magazine is amazing.
How much about these posters do you REALLY know? This is one of our episodes where we can predict you will hear something you didn’t know before.
DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, GOLDFINGER, THUNDERBALL, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE, and ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE all had very distinctive posters, lobby cards, door panels and more created to market each movie. But, what’s behind those posters?
Some of the things we look at include:
The difference between British and American posters
The action portrayed
The composition of the figure of Sean Connery’s James Bond on the cover of DR. NO
Who the talented artists were behind these posters
You can find 007 Magazine here: JAMES BOND 007 MAGAZINE - FOR THE JAMES BOND CONNOISSEUR! The amount of information they have is staggering.
Tell us what you think about our discussion of the 1960s James Bond posters
So, did you learn anything new about the 1960s James Bond movie posters? Let us know what was new to you.
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4brh8YQ
Kidnapping Winston Churchill during WW II is the plot of the 1976 movie, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED.
Yes, the plot sounds intriguing, but is it based on a true mission? We know about failed assassination attempts on Churchill, Hitler, and Mussolini. But what about a kidnapping?
Dan and Tom decode this fun spy movie. What works and what doesn’t in this movie?
They examine the following from THE EAGLE HAS LANDED:
· Is THE EAGLE HAS LANDED a spy movie?
· The stellar cast (Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Donald Sutherland are the stars)
· The Production value
· The Score (listen to find out who the composer was)
· What earlier movies may have influenced this movie
· The good about this movie
· The bad about this movie
· What stuntman ended up shooting himself – (you have to listen to realize this isn’t what these words appear to say)
· Who originally landed the lead role of Colonel Steiner?
· Parallels and differences to the movie INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
· And much more …
So, with this script, this cast, and the production team, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED must be a fantastic movie, right? Listen as Dan and Tom give you their thoughts.
Tell us what you think about the decoding of THE EAGLE HAS LANDED Have you seen this movie? If not, does this decoding make you want to watch it? If you have seen it, what things that Dan and Tom talked about do you agree or disagree with? And, do YOU think it is a spy movie?
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4gVBZoc
There was big news in the world of James Bond today! Amazon/MGM get creative control of James Bond movies from EON Productions. For some of us, it was our biggest fear for the franchise. For others, it is a welcome change. And still others just aren’t sure.
In this episode, we start by giving you the basics of the announcement, including comments from Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Then we give you James Bond fan’s unedited comments on this huge change to the franchise. (And there are a lot of widely varied opinions here.)
So, let us know where you are with this announcement. Does it hurt. Are you happy. Do you just want to wait-and-see? Please let us know your thoughts.
Tell us what you think about the deal that let Amazon/MGM get creative control of James Bond Does one of these fan’s comments mirror your thoughts? Do you disagree with anyone? Let us know!
Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4hN5muj
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the James Bond movie’s fan-favorite scenes. We know that different James Bond movie fans have their favorite movies and scenes from these movies. Not everyone likes them all. Often, we find that the first James Bond movie you saw heavily influences your reaction to the scenes. In this episode, we go through each Eon Productions James Bond movie and call out the fan favs from each of them.
Here is just a sample of the scenes we discuss. You’ll hear the whole list by listening to this episode:
· DR. NO – the introduction of “Bond, James Bond”
· FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE – The Gypsy Camp
· ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE – The attack on Piz Gloria
· LIVE AND LET DIE – Escaping over the gators
· OCTOPUSSY – The clown outfit
· THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS – The cello case escape
· LICENCE TO KILL – A great use for a gift
· CASINO ROYALE – Bond's torture by Le Chiffre
· SKYFALL – M's demise
· And more ….
This list isn’t exhaustive and is here to highlight some of the scenes we call out. There are many more to dive into. So, take a listen and see what you think. Do you agree?
Tell us what you think about our list of the James Bond movie’s fan favorite scenes So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Do you have a favorite scene in a James Bond movie we didn’t highlight? Let us know!
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/41kqJgE
Join Dan and Tom for this Rachel Grant interview. We discuss Rachel’s role as “Peaceful Fountains of Desire” in the James Bond movie DIE ANOTHER DAY and more.
Rachel Grant is an actress, a mother, a travel expert, and a very high-energy interviewee. Rachel’s most famous role was in DIE ANOTHER DAY and we talk about her experience in the James Bond world. We also discuss other movies and series in which she has appeared. Finally, we talk about raising a toddler and some of her charity work.
Some of the topics we discuss include:
· DIE ANOTHER DAY
o Rachel’s role as “Peaceful Fountains of Desire”
o What it was like to work with Pierce Brosnan.
o Who’s hand pulls the gun from her thigh
o What direction did director Lee Tomahori give her?
o Where did that eye-popping dress come from
o Why did Halle Berry’s shooting schedule change?
· The movie she went blonde with blue eyes
· Is she a stunt performer?
· What did she use for nunchucks in the series “Starhyke”?
· What is the charity she is working on now?
· And more ….
This interview is very high-energy and was a blast to create.
There is a lot to decode, so take a listen to enhance your viewing experience as new things are discovered – worth a watch? Take a listen! Are you in?
Tell us what you think about our discussion with Tom Whiteman about these OSS weapons
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen Rachel in any of her other movies or TV series? If so, what did you think of her performance? Were there any other movies you think influenced this one that we didn’t mention?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4hoUZfV
Dan and Tom bring back Tom Whiteman from Legacy-Collectibles.com to talk about some of the OSS weapons that were created to help the first U.S. spy agency in WW II. We talked with Mr. Whiteman in an earlier episode where we discussed James Bond’s assigned pistol, the Walther PPK. OSS morphed into the CIA!
Tom gives us the background of these weapons, if the weapon was ever used, the pros and cons of the weapon, and a very interesting background on a knife in an OSS Agent’s possession.
What spy movies and TV shows can you watch to see some of these weapons? Take a listen!
Some of the weapons we discuss include:
The Beano grenade
The Liberator pistol
The Colt model 1903 snub nose revolver
A spring-loaded baton
The FitzGerald revolver
The OSS Stiletto (Pancake Flipper)
And more ….
Covert operations weapons offer a lot to decode, so take a listen!
Tell us what you think about our discussion with Tom Whiteman of these OSS weapons
So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you heard of any of these? If so, have you used one? Which one of these weapons do you think would have been the most effective. Have you seen any of these weapons in a spy movie, TV show, or streaming series?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3CjZvgE
Dan and Tom decode the 1979 comedy spy movie THE IN-LAWS. This movie stars Peter Falk and Alan Arkin. Plus they compare it to the 2003 remake with the same name.
The 1979 version of THE IN-LAWS is a classic comedy spy movie. But, the 2003 version is not held in the same high regard. Why is that?
Take a listen to find out more about the 1979 version. Why does it work? And, what works and what doesn’t work in the 2003 remake.
Some of the details we examine include:
There is a lot to decode, so take a listen to enhance your viewing experience as new things are discovered – worth a watch? Take a listen! Are you in?
Tell us what you think about our decoding of THE IN-LAWS So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen THE IN-LAWS? If so, what did you think of it? Were there any other movies you think influenced this one that we didn’t mention?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3EcaZD7
Dan and Tom give you their no-spoiler review of the just released Netflix spy movie BACK IN ACTION. And they don’t agree on this one. Listen to hear why. This is the movie where Cameron Diaz returns to acting after a 10-year hiatus. So, she’s now back in action. And like in her last movie, she’s teaming up with Jaimie Foxx.
So, without giving away the movie, we talkthrough what we thought worked and didn’t work.
Some of the details we examine include:
· What worked
· What didn’t work
· The marketing tagline
· The cast
· The soundtrack
· The chemistry between the two lead actors and their characters
· Some of the good lines of dialogue in the movie
· In what other movies have we seen some similar scenes to the ones we see in BACK IN ACTION?
· Areas of disagreement between Dan and Tom as to if we thought this was worth your time.
· And more ….
There is a lot to examine, so take a listen to enhance your viewing experience as you watch this new spy movie. Is it worth a watch? Are you in?
Tell us what you think about our review of BACK IN ACTION. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen BACK IN ACTION? If so, what did you think of it? Do you agree with Dan or Tom?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4jn4nC2
Join Dan for our Spy Movie News January 14 2025 edition.
First, a mystery we’ve mentioned in the last couple of Spy Movie News briefings about the upcoming Christopher Nolan Project is resolved! Then we talk about some issues between EON Productions and Amazon, take a look at spy series that have been cancelled or renewed, some upcoming spy movies and series, and then wrap with a tip of the hat to some industry workers who have passed in the last month.
Some of the shows we discuss include:
Tell us what you think about the January 14 2025 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS. Do any of these upcoming shows excite you? If so, let us know which ones. Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4gTtB9w
Dan and Tom give us their 2024 year in review for SpyMovieNavigator.com and their podcast Cracking the Code of Spy Movies.
They talk about some of the spy movies they decoded last year. In some cases, they give a synopsis of the movie. You may discover an episode that decoded a movie you are interested in, or didn’t know you were interested in until you heard this episode. Remember their goal is to provide you with information that will enhance your movie viewing experience.
Some of the items they discuss in the 2024 year in review include:
Tell us what you think about our 2024 Year in Review What did you think of this episode? Did you hear about any episodes you missed that you now want to listen to? Are there other spy movies you’d like us to decode?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3PvY1m5
Netflix released the series “A Man on the Inside” which was based on the Oscar Nominated Chilean documentary “The Mole Agent”. In this episode, Dan and Tom decode these two shows. In both of these shows a “spy” is on a mission in a retirement community.
Besides discussing the shows themselves, they also break down the similarities and differences between them.
In this episode we discuss:
Dan and Tom disagree about whether this is a spy story. Take a listen to find out why.
Tell us what you think. Have you watched A Man on the Inside or The Mole Agent? If you’ve seen either or both of these shows, what are your thoughts? Do you think this a spy story? Should Dan and Tom release similar decoding episodes? Which order did you watch them? Did you like the documentary or the series better?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4frZ8xP
Dan and Tom decode what makes James Bond the best MI6 Agent. We’ve heard M refer to James Bond as the best agent, but what are the reasons he is the best?
Is it his training? Loyalty? Survival skills? Or is it something else? Listen to find out! We cover it all, with examples from the James Bond movies where the attributes discussed are displayed!
From:
We touch on some of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels as well. Find out what makes Bond best!
Tell us what you think. What makes James Bond the Best MI6 Agent? We gave you our list. Did we miss any? Are there any on our list that you disagree with? What’s your list?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3BlEQIA
Luciana Paluzzi joins Dan and Tom for a wide-ranging interview. This is an interview we've been working to arrange for a while, and we are honored Luciana spent this time with us. And we're happy to be able to share this discussion with you.
Luciana’s acting career spanned 3 decades. Although she appeared in multiple spy movies and TV shows, her performance as Fiona Volpe in THUNDERBALL – a stand-out James Bond villain - is her most famous role in the eyes of spy movie fans.
Die-hard Paluzzi fans will know that she retired from acting at the age of 41 when she married her husband, Michael Jay Solomon, Did you know that they have been married for 46 years?
What’s the original spelling of her last name? Why did she change it? How has Barbara Broccoli been to her?
How many grandchildren does she have and what do they call her?
In this episode, we discuss:
So, take a listen to this interview. Even if you thought you knew Luciana Paluzzi, you will learn something new in this interview. As she tells us: "I think you're analyzing this to obsession". That’s our goal, learn something new about this wonderful actor.
Tell us what you think about our discussion with Luciana Paluzzi As always, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/41nO9C4
Dan and Tom are joined by board members from James Bond Club Ireland. They discuss the club, its inception, activities, James Bond insights, and more. It’s a fun listen.
Many locales have James Bond Clubs. For example, in Ireland, there has been the James Bond Club Ireland for four years.
In their discussion, Dan and Tom talk with Club President Paul Lally, Joint Vice-Presidents Kevin O’Callahan and Sean O’Hare, and Treasurer Andy Watson.
In this episode, we discuss:
· How James Bond Club Ireland was founded. (We think that the way they did it is a good blueprint for other nascent clubs).
· The varied activities the Club delivers
· The coverage of Ireland (and Northern Ireland)
· Club discussion hot-topics like: NO TIME TO DIE, what should be the criteria for the next James Bond, where EON Productions should take the series
· Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels
· Other spy movies that a James Bond fan may enjoy
· And more ….
So, take a listen to find out more about this group and find out what a James Bond club is all about.
You can find more information about this group on Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky, TikTok, and Instagram. Just search for "James Bond Club Ireland".
Tell us what you think about our discussion with James Bond Club Ireland So, are you a member of the James Bond Club Ireland? Can you give us your input on the club?
If not, are you a member of a James Bond club anywhere else? If so, what group? What would you like to see your group do differently?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/49kA6PC
Join Dan for our November 26, 2024, edition of Spy Movie News.
We start this episode talking about some news on two existing spy series, some upcoming spy movies and series, some movies that aren’t likely to be getting sequels, and then wrap with a tip of the hat to some industry workers who have passed in the last month.
Some of the shows we discuss include:
Tell us what you think about the November 26 2024 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS. Do any of these upcoming shows excite you? If so, let us know which ones. Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3CGdYD8
Johnson and Kevin Hart.
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE is a comedy/spy movie. As we’ve talked about in the past, that is a combination that often falls short. It is rare to get an AUSTIN POWERS, THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE, or UNDERCOVER BROTHER and you often end up with a wreck like ARGYLLE or NO 1 OF THE SECRET SERVICE.
So take a listen to find out which CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE is. Does it work?
Here’s the intelligence we decode in CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE:
· A high-level look at the plot without giving too much away
· Bob Stone’s fanny pack
· How earlier movies influenced CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
· Bob Stone’s watch
· Why the movie is called CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
· How they were able to give us Dwayne Johnson’s character as a much heavier and 20-year younger version of himself
· What works in the movie
· What doesn’t work
· And more ….
There is a lot to decode, so take a listen to enhance your viewing experience as new things are discovered – worth a watch? Take a listen! Are you in?
Tell us what you think about our CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE decoding episode So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE? If so, what did you think of it? Were there any other movies you think influenced this one that we didn’t mention?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3CLCPFy
Can we be defending Denise Richards’ performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH?
Denise Richard’s performance has garnered a very wide range of opinions. There are some people who loved her in the role of Dr. Christmas Jones. Others have problems with her casting and her performance.
So, Dan and Tom decode her performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and look at what worked and what didn’t.
Some of the areas we examine include:
Her character’s complexity
Was she a believable nuclear physicist?
Was she the right age for the role?
Did the script and direction work for her role?
Was her character fully developed?
What is the correct pronunciation of “nuclear”
Did her previous movie and TV roles hinder the public’s acceptance of her in TWINE?
How did she do in her action sequences?
What did Denise Richards think of the role of Christmas Jones?
And more…
Tell us what you think: How were we at defending Denise Richards' performance in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH. So, take a listen and let us know what you think. What are your thoughts on Richards’ performance in TWINE? Do you agree with Dan and Tom?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4hUO5zQ
Amazon recently released the spy movie CANARY BLACK. This movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Rupert Friend, and Ray Stevenson. Is it worth a watch?
Join Dan and Tom as they decode CANARY BLACK. It carries an “R” rating here in the U.S., and we think it is earned with the quantity of violence. Dan and Tom disagree with the impact of this violence.
For those of you who want to find out what earlier movies may have influenced scenes in this movie, we drill into these scenes.
As usual, there are some strong positives as well as some negatives to this movie.
In this episode, we discuss:
There is a lot to decode, so take a listen to find out why this movie gets mixed reviews and what we think.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of CANARY BLACK So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen CANARY BLACK? If so, what did you think of it? If not, did we give you enough information to help you decide if you want to watch it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4fB0l6F
Join Dan for our October 29, 2024, edition of Spy Movie News.
If you prefer to read your news instead of listen, click here to read the article
We start this episode talking about spy entertainment in development, then move on to some industry news, and then wrap with a tip of the hat to some industry workers who have passed in the last month.
Then we will look at upcoming, yet-to-be-released movies and shows. Some of the shows we discuss include:
Tell us what you think about the October 29, 2024 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS. Do any of these upcoming shows excite you? If so, let us know which ones. Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3AoMv8c
URLS Here are the URLs we either mentioned in the episode or used to develop this episode. These links can provide more background information.
ARABESQUE is a 1966 spy movie starring Gregory Peck, Sophia Loren, and Alan Badel. Is it worth a watch?
Dan and Tom decode ARABESQUE to enhance your viewing experience – is it worth a watch? There are some very strong positives as well as some negatives to this movie
In this episode, we discuss:
As you can see, there is a lot to decode, so take a listen to find out why this movie gets mixed reviews. Some people like it and some don’t.
Tell us what you think about our decoding of ARABESQUE So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Have you seen ARABESQUE? If so, what did you think of it? If not, did we give you enough information to help you decide if you want to watch it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dTya1i
What are some of the pet peeves of spy movie fans? Particularly, are there specific things that show up in spy movies that drive fans nuts?
Dan and Tom are joined by fans from their Facebook group to try to find out. The members of this group are very devoted spy movie fans, and they don’t hold back on their opinions. And occasionally they don’t agree. We’re joined by Bill Kanas, Morgan Lisney, Pietro Rossi and Eric Seabury.
So, listen to what they have to say about:
Hey spy movie producers: take a listen to find out what spy movie fans REALLY think.
Tell us what you think about the Pet Peeves of Spy Movie Fans Now that you’ve heard from some other spy movie fans, let us know what you think. Do you agree or disagree with any of the points made by us and our fans? Did we miss any pet peeves you have about spy movies?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3BAIj5C
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the Netflix spy movie THE UNION. Is this movie starring Halle Berry and Mark Wahlberg any good? Listen to find out what we think.
THE UNION has an amazing cast, including 2 Oscar winners, 4 Oscar nominations, Tony Award winners, and Primetime Emmy Award nominees and winners. So, with this star-studded cast this has to be a great movie, right?
In this episode, we look at:
Tell us what you think about THE UNION. Have you watched THE UNION? What did you think? Are Dan and Tom right with their analysis?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4gXMkkI
Does the next James Bond actor matter? Dan and Tom decode the answer to this question: Dan and Tom decode the answer to this question: Why the Next James Bond Actor Doesn't Matter? The debate over who should be the next James Bond and the future of James Bond often stirs up a lot of excitement and opinions. But, we don’t think it matters who the next James Bond is because we think James Bond can go on indefinitely – Listen to find out why!
What really matters? Is the character consistent? Where does the “brand” stand? James Bond actors have delivered some fresh perspectives, but could Bond grow stale?
The supporting elements and cultural impact of the franchise have kept it strong. Can EON Productions continue to enjoy a very strong franchise following and strength? As crazy as this may sound, we think who the next James Bond actor doesn't matter!
Tell us what you think What do you think? Do you agree with us that the next James Bond actor doesn’t matter? Why or why not?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3XLjqeP
James Bond is a Psychopath? Is James Bond a psychopath? Well, despite the obvious fact that he is a fictional character who has had many authors, actors, and screenwriters involved in defining this character, just . . . maybe!
In this episode, Dan and Tom bring in Dr. Stephen McWilliams, author of the book “Psychopath? Why We Are Charmed by the Anti-Hero” to discuss this topic.
We’re getting deep into the mind of James Bond and with Stephen’s help, we define what a psychopath really is, then examine the known mind of James Bond to determine if he can be considered a psychopath. (Hint, Bond doesn’t score 100 on the test). We use the famed professor, Robert D. Hare’s psychology checklist as our driver for the analysis. Hare’s checklist includes breakdowns of the following categories: Interpersonal Traits, Affective Traits, Lifestyle Traits, and Anti-Social traits.
How many of those apply to the agent with the OO designation we know as James Bond? Can you be a spy with a license to kill without some psychopathic traits? Can you be a great spy and still be a psychopath? Listen to find out.
Stephen is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Saint John of God Hospital, Dublin, and an Associate Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin.
In addition to talking about James Bond, McWilliams’s book talks about other fictional characters such as Hannibal Lecter, Frank Underwood, Amy Elliott Dunne, and more. He has also authored the book “Fiction & Physicians – Medicine through the Eyes of Writers”.
Tell us what you think So, before listening to this episode, do you think James Bond was a psychopath? After, listening, did your opinion change?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3XA1xQe
SPY MOVIE NEWS IS BACK!!! Join Dan for our September 17 2024 edition of Spy Movie News. We’re bringing the news back due to listener demand. This is the only place to listen to a breakdown of what’s happening with spy movies, TV shows, and streaming shows.
We start this episode by looking at some of the TV and streaming spy movie shows that were released in the recent past but are still available. We also let you know if a new season is forthcoming or even in process, in some cases.
Then we will look at upcoming, yet-to-be-released movies and shows. Some of the shows we discuss include:
Tell us what you think about the September 17, 2024 edition of SPY MOVIE NEWS Do any of these upcoming shows excite you? If so, let us know which ones. Also, if you have any thoughts about the format of Spy Movie News, we’d love to hear those thoughts.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3zxHZ6S
URLS Here are the URLs we either mentioned in the episode, or used to develop this episode. These links can provide more background information.
Decoding UNDERCOVER GRANDPA In this episode, Dan and Tom decode the 2017 spy movie, UNDERCOVER GRANDPA. This is one of our episodes that has Dan and Tom disagreeing as to whether they thought it was a good movie or not. One of them thought it was ok. The other didn’t like it at all.
The basic plot involves a teenager named Jake Bouchard (Dylan Everett) who is smitten by a girl in his high school class. His Grandpa (James Caan) has a background in special operations and tells Jake about some of his missions. But Jake thought this was just crazy talk until his girlfriend Angie (Greta Onieogou) gets kidnapped.
So, in this episode, we look at:
This movie has a star-studded cast of octogenarians, or near octogenarians, including James Caan, Louis Gossett Jr, Jessica Walter, Paul Sorvino, Lawrence Dane, and Kenneth Walsh. With this cast, and it being a spy movie, you can bet that the theme of the age of the characters is a main plot point. And, you would win that bet.
Tell us what you think Have you seen UNDERCOVER GRANDPA? If not, has this episode encouraged you to watch it? If you have seen it, who’s opinion do you agree with more: Dan’s or Tom’s?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/47pe2T5
Pierce Brosnan’s final two James Bond movies, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY had some very cool gadgets. How many of the gadgets do you remember from those movies? In this episode, Dan and Tom decode about 30 of them. Are these gadgets believable? Realistic? Based on any real science?
If you are a fan of this show, you probably know that DIE ANOTHER DAY is one of Tom’s bottom two James Bond movies. Yet, he liked its pre-title sequence in part due to some of the gadgets we’ll call out.
So, some things we decode are:
How much fun would you have firing a flamethrower from a moving hovercraft?
The OMEGA Seamaster – ya gotta love Watch gadgets!
We also saw a very cutting gadget (yes both puns are intended). Once we see it used for its real function. Then later and again in a more nefarious use.
We talk about a gadget that used to be advertised in the back of magazines. Did any of you ever buy one?
And even M gets into gadget development.
Um, if Elektra asks you to sit in a chair, be very afraid.
A Single Digital Sonic Agitator, really?
And sometimes you can’t unsee what you can’t see. That one was a lame gadget
So have a listen, getting a better understanding of these gadgets will enhance your viewing experience next time you watch THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH or DIE ANOTHER DAY.
Tell us what you think about the gadgets in THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY
Did we miss any gadgets? Which are your favorite gadgets? Did any gadgets strike you as believable? If so, which ones?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4e26Rm0
How many of the gadgets do you remember from Pierce Brosnan’s first two James Bond movies, GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES? In this episode, Dan and Tom decode about 30 of them. We also let you know if we think a gadget is believable!
So, how many different pitons do we talk about in these two movies? Do we think they are believable? Do you?
Tom calls out a favorite weapons/gadgets in any movie and how TOMORROW NEVER DIES enhances that!
How realistic is an exploding pen? How about digital scopes with the ability to transmit data? Would either of those things have worked in 1995 when GOLDENEYE was released or in 1997 with the release of TOMORROW NEVER DIES?
And, what was that thing in Wai Lin’s lab that took the one thug out?
How many different uses did we point out for the remote controlled BMW and it’s remote control?
So have a listen, getting a better understanding of these gadgets will enhance your viewing experience next time you watch GOLDENEYE or TOMORROW NEVER DIES.
Links we mentioned In this episode, we mentioned an article about a guy who made a laser watch. Here’s the link to that article: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/home-made-laser-watch-is-real
Tell us what you think about the gadgets in GOLDENEYE and TOMORROW NEVER DIES So, did we miss any gadgets? Which are your favorite gadgets? Did any gadgets strike you as believable? If so, which ones?
Please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4dBH705
A Salute to George Lazenby Click here to watch the video version of this episode
George Lazenby has announced his retirement from public life. This is a well-earned retirement and we wish him nothing but the best.
In this episode, Dan and Tom bring Mike Reyes back for a salute to the second Eon Productions actor to play James Bond. George had huge shoes to fill in following Sean Connery. We think he filled them very well.
Some of the topics we decode include:
So, once again, we wish George Lazenby well in his retirement. And we thank him for his work on ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE.
You can read Mike Reyes’ articles on CinemaBlend.com.
Tell us what you think Let us hear from you about George Lazenby. What did you think of his performance as James Bond in ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE. Do you wish he’d done another Bond movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3X8RO4j
What makes a spy movie great? Are they built with common elements? Dan and Tom decode the blueprint that most spy movies use in creating their story. From the protagonist, the villain and a variety of other essential elements we look at how to build a spy movie.
What do we need if we want to build a spy movie? Some of the things decoded include:
Obviously a spy movie needs a protagonist or spy. But, what characteristics does that, or those spies have? What does he or she look like? Importantly, do they have different characteristics if the spy movie is gritty, an action spy movie, or a comedy?
Next, what are the characteristics of the mission? We look at some examples of different spy movies to highlight some of these.
And of course, every spy mission’s protagonist needs a villain. And these villains aren’t all carbon copies. They each seem to have their own physical traits. Again, we look at some examples of successful spy movie villains.
If you have a male spy, do you need a femme fatale? What about allies? And what are some examples of how locations influence spy movies? What are some successful locations that we’ve seen in spy movies.
One area of contention is around how much of the movie needs to be action sequences and what are some of the ways a studio can blow these for the audience?
As we often talk about, there is a moral ambiguity in most spy movies. We look at this ambiguity and how it has two sides.
Of course, there is more that we discuss, but this list gives you some good reasons to listen to this episode: How to Build a Spy Movie.
Tell us what you think Are you ready to build your own spy movie? Are there things Dan and Tom missed?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3AiYKCR
Hogan’s Heroes – a comedy spy WW II TV series “Hogan’s Heroes” was a comedy series in the US from 1965 to 1971. But it was a spy, espionage and sabotage show as well – with plenty of violence. It was based on a group of prisoners of war in World War II who were assigned to Stalag 13. On this show, spy missions rule! Decoding this show, we will show you why!
Dan and Tom tunnel their way into this series by looking at the characters, the actors who played them, and many of their missions. And yes, “Hogan’s Heroes” is a bit dated with some of its portrayal of Germans and women, but we still think it holds up today. We talk about the German roots of some of the key people involved with the series and what Werner Klemperer required of the show for him to take on the role of Colonel Klink. Klemperer was born in Germany and he had a specific demand.
We also include clips from the show to highlight our points and bring fun to it as well.
With the lunatics running the asylum, there are some classic lines in the series.
Some Hogan's Heroes Influencers Some of the episodes we decode have ties to real-world events or other movies. For instance, did you listen to our episode THE HEROES OF TELEMARK-DECODED? Well, one of the “Hogan’s Heroes” episodes had roots in the underlying mission portrayed in the movie THE HEROES OF TELEMARK. We tell you which one.
Another episode of Hogan’s Heroes had similarities to the 1946 Sherlock Holmes movie, DRESSED TO KILL.
Other episodes paid homage to TV game shows that were popular at the time.
And what did synthetic fuel have to do with the war and this series?
So, take a listen to hear about these and many more fun facts about this comedy spy series.
Tell us what you think Have you watched “Hogan’s Heroes”? What did you think? Is it a spy series?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3WChJjc
THE HEROES OF TELEMARK – Decoding a movie about real World War II heroes In this episode, Dan and Tom decode a movie about some real World War II heroes, namely, the movie THE HEROES OF TELEMARK. This movie stars Kirk Douglas, Richard Harris, Ulla Jacobson, and Michael Redgrave. Plus, many supporting actors in this movie have appeared in other spy movies. We call some of those out for you
THE HEROES OF TELEMARK is a dramatization of some real operations from World War II. These operations were:
These operations all focused on the Allies' attempts at keeping the Germans from getting “Heavy Water”. Heavy Water was used in the process of creating an atomic bomb. The Allies had to stop or slow down the Germans so that the Allies could create the bomb first.
We decode this movie against the backdrop of the real missions, while diving into what “Heavy Water” is and where it comes from.
Tell us what you think Have you been involved in atomic bomb development? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the accuracy of this movie’s scientific information.
Have you watched THE HEROES OF TELEMARK? What did you think? Was the romance a negative for your enjoyment of the movie?
So take a listen to hear what we think of THE HEROES OF TELEMARK.
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3A20ikR
MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY - Is it worth your time? MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY is the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2020 action-comedy MY SPY. It reunites a wonderful cast led by Dave Bautista and Chloe Coleman. The movie takes us on a feel-good adventure set in some of Europe’s most storied destinations.
In this episode, Dan and Tom decode this movie, while not revealing any spoilers. The goal is to enhance your viewing experience when you watch this movie.
Good or bad or both? We think this is a good spy movie for some spy movie fans, while some spy movie fans won’t like the lighthearted, comedic feel of MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY.
One of our goals is to ensure the right people watch this movie.
So:
If you are a teenager or a young adult, we think you are the target audience for this movie. Listen to this episode to find out why.
If you are sensitive to some language, jokes targeted to the Catholic Church, or some nude statues, listen to find out if this is a movie you won’t like. We spell out why this has a PG-13 rating in the US so you can make your own decisions. After all, not all movies are for all people.
If you are an adult who isn’t sensitive to those things and who wants to watch a comedy spy movie, we think you’ll like MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY.
So, in short, this movie has some good laughs, a pseudo-plausible plot, and a chase scene with a vehicle we’ve never seen in a spy movie before. We like MY SPY: THE ETERNAL CITY, and this episode should help you figure out if it is worth your time.
Tell us what you think So, have you watched MY SPY: THE ETERENAL CITY? If so, did Dan and Tom hit the mark? If not, will you watch this movie?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3YdhWMl
Build-A-Bond – What Does The Next Bond Need to Be? Dan and Tom look at how to Build-a-Bond. In other words, what are the key elements of Bond over the decades that should go into the best Bond? We will help Eon Productions here as we Build-a-Bond!
What were the positive qualities of James Bond for each of the previous six actors that Eon Productions has cast for the role? What are the qualities that they each brought that we think must be included in the next hire?
James Bond has had a different personality with each actor to play him. Yes, we all know that Sean Connery, with Director Terence Young’s tutelage set the stage. George Lazenby brought a little more rough and tumble. Roger Moore brought more humor. Timothy Dalton turned out the lights and made Bond dark. Pierce Brosnan was cool. And Daniel Craig darkened things up again.
So, we know all that. But there’s much more to it. Dan and Tom dig deeper to find the personality traits that were common to all of the actor’s portrayals. Take a listen to find out what these are.
Finally, what actors do Tom and Dan think are in their Build-a-Bond box?
Tell us what you think So, did we miss any personas for the next actor to play James Bond? What do you think of our list of persona needs? And, who do you want to see take up the role of Bond, James Bond?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/4bJFA6l
EYE OF THE NEEDLE – A WW II spy thriller EYE OF THE NEEDLE is a 1981 spy thriller starring Donald Sutherland. In it, one key plot point exposes one of the acts of deception that we discussed in our episode “OPERATION BODYGUARD - Behind the Spies in Movies and Novels”.
In this episode, Dan and Tom decode EYE OF THE NEEDLE, discussing the high-level plot and and 10 good reasons to watch it. They also provide a bit of background on Operation Fortitude, which is where the deception in this movie was supposed to occur.
One big plus for this movie is Donald Sutherland. He gives an excellent performance playing Henry Faber. He really knows how to play a villain. Along with Sutherland is an excellent cast.
Some of the other positives about this movie that we look at include:
Dan and Tom also discuss criticisms of EYE OF THE NEEDLE, weighing in as to whether they agree or disagree with the critiques.
Tell us what you think So have you seen EYE OF THE NEEDLE? What did you think of it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3S0k2LP
OPERATION BODYGUARD AND DECEPTION IN WORLD WAR II Your field operatives, Dan and Tom, talk with author and historian Rick Beyer about the deception techniques used in the war. Operation Bodyguard and its sub-operation, Operation Fortitude, which helped win the war, are highlighted.
Operation Bodyguard was an overall deception operation to assist the Allied Forces in World War II. It is one example of how deception was an important part of the Allied success.
Operation Fortitude was designed to deceive Adolph Hitler as to the location of the Allied invasion of Europe. You know the landing came at Normandy. Listen to find out the ruses and locations the Allied Forces used to keep Hitler believing that Normandy was not going to be the landing location.
We also talk with Rick about a deception unit called Ghost Army of which Rick co-authored the excellent book, “The Ghost Army of World War II”. Ghost Army deployed just after D-Day, so they weren’t directly involved in D-Day. But they are the source of the inflatable tank. Listen to find out what that means
Finally, we look at some of the spies who were involved in the deceptions, highlighting double agents who Hitler thought was working for him. Without real spies, we have no spy movies or spy fiction!
Tell us what you think So, prior to listening to this episode, did you know about these deceptions? Would you like more episodes like this that talk about real-world spies and their techniques?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and your thoughts on this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
You can get Rick’s book on his website: The Ghost Army of World War II | Rick Beyer.
Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3W85SuA
3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR – A Fresh Look The 1975 spy movie, 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR, is a “reluctant spy” movie starring Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway. Cliff Robertson, and Max von Sydow.
Dan and Tom take a fresh look at this movie, decoding the plot, characters, direction, and more. What are the influences on 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR as well as what movies/TV shows may CONDOR have influenced? What about Hercules (the myth, not the movie)? “Seinfeld?” The James Bond series, Mission: Impossible, or the Bourne series? And then, there’s the actor Sterling Hayden, the MCU, and more.
3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR has an intriguing plot that has Robert Redford’s character, Turner – codenamed Condor, dealing with a series of murders, with him being a target as well. Turner works for the CIA in the role of a reader. Significantly, Turner is not an agent. What other spy movies can you think of where the protagonist wasn’t really a spy? Decoded!
We take a deep dive into the positives and negatives of 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR. The movie generally has positive feedback, but there are some criticisms. Do you agree with our discussion of these?
Tell us what you think We like 3 DAYS OF THE CONDOR. But its ending left Dan and Tom divided. Dan didn’t like the ending whereas Tom thought it worked well. Who do you agree with?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/4bxW2GR
SPIONE And Its Influence On Spy Movies SPIONE And Its Influence On Spy Movies is a look at this 1928 Fritz Lang spy movie. And, Dan and Tom fill you in on just how big an influence SPIONE is in the spy movie genre.
Significantly, SPIONE is the first spy movie we’ve been able to find that isn’t based on a war. Not surprisingly, this movie laid out the blueprint for most non-war-based spy movies to come.
SPIONE was a very influential movie Even if you don’t watch the movie, this episode will fill you in on how SPIONE blazed the trail and influenced spy movies to come, which all spy movie fans should know. You’ll certainly recognize some tropes you’ve seen in more modern spy movies. Tropes such as: how did that guy not die when he was shot at close range? What was that pill that guy bit down on? What is a spy movie villain supposed to look like? A train in a spy movie? What things in this movie did we then see Alfred Hitchcock do? How was that guy dressed? And more!
What are the positives and the negatives of SPIONE?
We should warn you that SPIONE is a 2 ½ hour black and white silent movie. Watching a silent movie is a different experience from what we get when watching modern movies. Although the movie was filmed in Germany, there are many versions with English subtitles available. You can certainly find different releases of SPIONE on YouTube. The English title of the movie is SPIES.
So, have you seen SPIONE? Will you watch it after you listen to this episode?
Tell us what you think Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3xjW0US
SPECTRE – can this James Bond movie be defended? Dan and Tom bring Vicky back to answer this question.
While SPECTRE is not often in a James Bond fan’s top 5 list, it is often in a Bond fan’s bottom 10 list. Why is that? What about this movie turns fans off?
Dan, Tom, and Vicky uncover both the positives and the negatives of SPECTRE to try to figure out if it can be defended.
Let's Look At The Negatives They start with a look at some of the negatives of SPECTRE.
And Now The Positives To be sure, there are some positives in SPECTRE. Such as:
This is a lively discussion as the three of them aren’t in agreement on all the positives and negatives.
So, What Do You Think: SPECTRE – can this James Bond movie be defended? So, what are your reasons for liking or disliking SPECTRE? Can you defend it?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3XlnXpN
We welcome back Vicky for this episode. You can visit her channel THE BOND ROOM UNLOCKED on YouTube and on Facebook. You can also catch her at the 007GB Fan Club website.
Before you go on to this episode, "You Only Live Thrice, Mr. Bond,” if you haven't seen NO TIME TO DIE, there are some spoilers here so you probably should skip this one – NOW!
You Only Live Thrice, Mr. Bond James Bond is dead! Dead as a door nail. Dead!
Your field operatives Dan and Tom decode the fundamental meaning of James Bond dying in NO TIME TO DIE and detail the HOW of what Eon Productions can do to move on!
From James Bond returning to the Daniel Craig “arc” – nothing is left to chance in this lively debate. So, how does Eon deal with the fact that the Daniel Craig arc took OO7 from obtaining his OO status up to his death? The end credits told us “James Bond Will Return”. Is it problematic? Surprisingly, Eon is in a very tough position. What were they thinking in clarifying for us that JAMES BOND IS DEAD?
Dan and Tom examine realistic ways the Bond series can continue after NO TIME TO DIE’s ending. Also, they have some future advice and warnings to tell Bond: “You Only Live Thrice, Mr. Bond!”
Give us your thoughts So, take a listen. What do you think Eon Productions’ next move must be?
In a previous episode “Come On Bond, Where The Hell Are You – How James Bond Can Survive” we took a sarcastic look at some crazy ways Bond could survive after the ending of NO TIME TO DIE.
Also, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3V0b1mk
Dan and Tom decode the 1952 classic spy movie, 5 FINGERS. This excellent movie starring James Mason is a fantastic espionage thriller, but not an action thriller. And we think it works quite well that way.
5 FINGERS is based on the true story of Albanian-born Elyesa Bazna, who worked as a valet for the British ambassador to Turkey during World War II and became a Nazi spy. Also, it is based on the L.C. Moyzisch novel “Operation Cicero”. If you are a fan of our podcast, undoubtedly noticed that we generally like spy movies based on reality. Emphatically, 5 FINGERS is no exception.
We look at James Mason’s character's codename which is Cicero, and discuss the significance of that name. As well as the significance of the title. Specifically, beyond the “5-finger discount’s” obvious significance.
Dan and Tom also look at what they think are the positive aspects of 5 FINGERS. These include an intriguing plot, strong acting performances, a suspenseful atmosphere, and more.
Tom is a huge fan of this movie. And without a doubt, the last 90 seconds of this movie are a big reason. The build-up, stress, and apparent relief throughout make this ending spectacular. James Mason’s performance at the end takes it significantly to great heights.
Dan and Tom also look at some of the negative comments they’ve read about 5 FINGERS and share their thoughts on those.
It is 5 FINGERS, not FIVE FINGERS We should highlight that this episode is about the 1952 movie 5 FINGERS with the numeral 5 at the beginning. There is a completely different movie from 2006 that has nothing to do with this one.
What are your thoughts? Did you see 5 FINGERS? If so, do Dan and Tom have the right perspective? What did you think of this episode? Please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and if you want to be notified of our next event. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3WSdt11
Chicago 007 Fans May 2024 Meetup Dan and Tom held their first Chicago 007 Fans Meetup on May 9, 2024, at Ma O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Chicago.
Part of the event was a James Bond trivia quiz and people from all over the world played, including those in the pub. The questions ranged from fairly easy to "nobody got this one". The winning score was 18 out of 25. Congratulations to William Kanas for the win.
This episode highlights the interviews they streamed of some of the 007 fans in attendance. In fact, one of the fans we talked with, stuntman Ross Scharphorn, placed second in the trivia quiz. He answered the same number of questions as William Kanas, but Kanas answered faster for the win.
In addition to Ross, we interviewed Scott Winterroth and Brandon about their favorite Bond movies, actors, and the direction they would like Eon Productions to take the franchise.
Finally, we talked with Leonard Johnson and Chris MacGregor from the Ian Fleming Foundation. They talked about the foundation, its charity focus, and how they obtain and refurbish James Bond movie vehicles.
We also held a drawing with James Bond tchotchkes awarded to the winners.
A big Thank You goes out to all who attended our Chicago 007 Fans May 2024 Meetup and those who agreed to be interviewed.
What do you think? What did you think of this episode? Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and if you want to be notified of our next event. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/4avMfR0
John Morris Russell Talks Shaken Not Stirred Dan and Tom interview Maestro John Morris Russell (JMR) about his Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert, “Shaken Not Stirred,” musical scores, and James Bond music. As you might have guessed, the concert’s focus is the music of James Bond. You may know JMR from his work as the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for the past 13 years.
Joining JMR in the concert is the amazing vocalist Capathia Jenkins. She possesses the wide vocal range needed to cover the various styles of singers from the James Bond catalog.
We will be attending the concert and we’re sure James Bond fans will enjoy this one.
In this episode, JMR talks about what to expect in this concert and how they put it together. He also talks about his career, why he decided to conduct instead of play an instrument, some influential composers, and film scoring in general. If you’ve ever wanted to know what a composer has to deal with in scoring a movie, JMR gives you a good idea. It is really amazing how they do it.
One other area we discuss is how technology has made composition more efficient. Much is the same as it's been for hundreds of years. But, some of it is streamlined today.
Raymond Benson with an assist Dan and Tom wanted some expertise for this interview, so they asked Raymond Benson for an assist. Of course, Raymond graciously agreed. Raymond helped us delve into other composers' works and JMR’s experiences with them. Plus, Raymond tells of a very scary experience he had with composer John Barry.
What do you think? So, we’re excited to be going to this concert and see John Morris Russell put what he told us into action. We think this will be a good one. Do you have plans to go to this concert? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3UxXUJ2
Credit: John Morris Russell pictures courtesy of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Dan and Tom decode SPY HUNT, a 1950 espionage B movie. And they don’t agree on this one.
SPY HUNT was based on the book “Panther’s Moon” by Victor Canning. It has espionage, a MacGuffin, a train, a dead drop, escaped black panthers, a budding romance, and quite a few interesting characters.
Dan and Tom call out some interesting plot points that may have been influenced by earlier movies such as THE LADY VANISHES, THE 39 STEPS, and others.
In addition, you’ll find out what a black panther really is. We’re sure you’ve lost sleep trying to figure that out.
Above all, they look at some places where SPY HUNT may have influenced spy movies that followed, including one very interesting piece of dialogue. How much influence did this movie have on the James Bond franchise?
So, if you’ve seen SPY HUNT, do you agree with Dan or Tom on one? What did you think of this episode, SPY HUNT – 1950 Cold War Espionage Classic Decoded?
Overall, if you hadn’t seen SPY HUNT did this episode encourage you to watch it? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3JMn8OO
Dan and Tom talk with Matt Sherman about the DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Las Vegas and OCTOPUSSY Utah filming locations.
Besides being a James Bond expert, Matt Sherman leads tours to many different James Bond filming locations – check his website https://bondfanevents.com/.
In this episode, we discuss what we experienced on Matt’s tour of two relatively close filming location areas for two movies, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (DAF) and OCTOPUSSY.
Much of DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER was filmed in and around Las Vegas, Nevada in the U.S. For instance, the casinos, the desert, the mortuary, the car chase and more are all there.
Surprisingly, if you take a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas into southwestern Utah, you’ll end up in some key locations from OCTOPUSSY. Much of the OCTOPUSSY pre-title sequence was filmed in this stunningly beautiful part of the U.S. Some of the scenes toward the end of the movie were filmed here as well.
Some of the filming location questions we answer are:
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER LAS VEGAS * What airport did James Bond arrive in when he came to Las Vegas? * How many locations were used when Plenty O’Toole was tossed from the hotel window? * Where is the location of the parking lot from the car chase? * Why is visiting the Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetary not enough to experience the mortuary scenes? * What game can you still play at the Circus Circus arcade area?
OCTOPUSSY Utah * Where was the gas station that James Bond’s jet pulled up to when Bond said “fill ‘er up”? * How did they film the take-off and landing of Bond’s jet? * Where is the bridge the plane flies under? * Where did James Bond jump from his horse onto Kamal Khan’s plane? * When standing near the bridge, you can see places portraying what countries from what movies?
This is a fun discussion. The next time you are in Las Vegas, go visit these sites. You’ll be glad you did.
So, have you been to any of these sites? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3wdPJt9
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White Review - No Spoilers!
Here’s our NO-SPOILER review of the new spy movie, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White.
This anime movie is the first movie in the SPY x FAMILY franchise. If you are familiar with the Manga or anime series versions of SPY x FAMILY, you will feel right at home with the movie.
EPISODE GOALS 1. Provide you with our no-spoiler opinion of the movie 2. Enhance your viewing experience of the movie * We look at your viewing options (subtitles or dubbing) * Why it has a PG-13 rating here in the US * We fill in some of the details from the anime series that aren’t included in the movie. These are designed to give you more detail if you haven’t seen the Manga or anime series. We still keep this a no-spoiler review * We talk with a Japanese Culture and Language college student who is part Japanese. He helps fill in some of the nuances in the language and culture of this movie. * We discuss some of the movie tropes in this movie that we have seen in earlier movies. We love pointing out the relationships of scenes in movies.
In a nutshell, we like SPY x FAMILY CODE: White. We think you might too, so take a listen to hear why.
So, had you seen SPY x FAMILY CODE: White before listening to this review? When you see the movie, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
Check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/49QWTkK
THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE Review – No-Spoilers! Here’s the full NO-SPOILER review of the new spy movie, THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE. This movie opens in theaters on April 19, 2024.
Guy Ritchie’s THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE is a dramatization of real-world events that helped shape the outcome of World War II. Of course, it has an excellent cast starring Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Eiza González, Til Schweiger, and many more.
This review will enhance your viewing experience of the movie. We keep the spoilers out but give you nuggets of background information. And, given this movie’s historical background there is much to know: real-world characters, places, and vessels behind the movie, and, there is an Ian Fleming tie-in as well.
What other movies come to mind while watching THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE?
We liked this movie a lot and think you will too. Listen to find out why.
So, had you heard of Operation Postmaster prior to our discussion? When you see THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode! Check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3TYeYaS
Dan and Tom head out to find the DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Amsterdam filming locations. There aren’t many and they are easy to find. But it is very cool to see these sites over 50 years after the movie was filmed.
So, join them as they visit Tiffany Case’s house. Was she home? The Skinny Bridge? Was that a figment of screenwriters Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz? Listen to find out.
What famous drink from Ian Fleming’s novels has an Amsterdam bar named after it? What literarily-named hotel has another bar they mention? And what tour do they tell you is a must see when visiting Amsterdam? Amsterdam intelligence is on the menu!
So, have you been to these DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER Amsterdam filming locations? Have you seen any of these other sites? If so, let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be! We’ll give you a shout-out in a future episode!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/4cIFWvL
RAAZI Is A Spy Movie Worth Watching The 2018 Indian movie RAAZI is a spy movie worth watching. It is one of Tom’s all-time favorite spy movies. Have you heard of RAAZI?
RAAZI is a fictionalized drama about a real spy in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. This is an espionage movie, not an action movie, which we think is a good thing.
The central theme of this movie is “What are you prepared to do for your country?”
Why is this a spy movie worth watching? Dan and Tom detail the reasons why, and also talk about some of the criticisms of RAAZI. Listening to this episode will enhance your understanding and viewing experience of the movie!
Alia Bhatt fans will not want to miss RAAZI. She is excellent in it, as is the rest of the cast.
As of this posting (April 2, 2024), RAAZI is available on Amazon Prime in the US. RAAZI is released in the Hindi language with English subtitles.
So, have you seen RAAZI? If so, do you think RAAZI is a spy movie worth watching? Did Dan and Tom miss anything? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/4cEKQcT
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY - How the Story Came to be FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, the movie, was not the story from Ian Fleming’s short story with the same title. In this episode, Dan and Tom decode the movie to see how the story came to be.
Some of the characters from the movie, and some of the plot points were adapted from Ian Fleming’s 1960 short stories “For Your Eyes Only” and “Risico”. Plus, the locations of the 2 stories and the movie are all different. People’s names have changed. The reason that people have wanted revenge has changed. The MacGuffin has changed.
Yet, even with all of that, the movie, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY turned into one of Roger Moore’s best movies playing James Bond.
And the 1968 movie ICE STATION ZEBRA definitely influenced the final version of the movie FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Dan and Tom lay it out in this episode!
So, take a listen.
We assume you’ve seen the movie FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. Have you read Fleming’s short stories “For Your Eyes Only” and “Risico”? If so, did Dan and Tom miss anything? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/4au95sm
Who is Chris Corbould? Chris Corbould OBE has worked on 15 James Bond movies, THE DARK KNIGHT Trilogy, 2 Superman movies, and he won an Acadamy Award for his work on the movie INCEPTION. Chiefly, his specialty has been visual effects, leading the team on many of these movies.
Dan and Tom had a chance to chat with Chris in Chicago at the press event prior to the opening of the “007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond” exhibit. This fantastic exhibit is at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
What movies do we discuss with Chris Corbould? During this interview, Chris talks about visual effects in several of his James Bond movies and THE DARK KNIGHT.
So, listen to hear how they did the explosion in SPECTRE, which involved about 300 explosions in succession! Chris tells us how that worked. Additionally, Chris mentions the warning he gave to Daniel Craig about this scene.
Undoubtedly, you remember the doughnut scene in NO TIME TO DIE. You know, the scene where the Aston Martin spins in the square in Matera, Italy. Chris talks us through that scene and how they coordinated the “bullets” hitting the side of the buildings with the spinning of the car.
The tank scenes in GOLDENEYE! Chris also tells us the origin and some of the challenges of these tank scenes. What are the challenges of buying real tanks for a movie? Listen to find out!
One of Tom’s favorite Bond gadgets is the cello case in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS. Chris Corbould was involved with this gadget's development. And he gives us insight into the creation of the device. Oh, and he lets us know what actress Maryam d’Abo, who played Kara Milovy, certainly thought about this sled.
SKYFALL train crash in the subway! Chris discusses the challenges in designing this spectacular train crash. Lots of details had to be worked out simultaneously for that one.
It's not all James Bond Finally, since we were having this discussion in Chicago, Chris talked about the semi-trailer scene in THE DARK KNIGHT. This is the scene where the truck flips over, backend over the front end. They filmed this scene in Chicago, on LaSalle street. Chris lets us know how they got that to work.
Let us know what you think! So, take a listen. Chris Corbould is not only a visual effects master, he’s a great guy and a fun interview. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
The Exhibit As we mentioned, we met with Chris at the "007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. This exhibit has vehicles, gadgets, screen-used props, and educational materials based on the James Bond movies. You can find out more about the exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry's website.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3x9Zngo
“007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond” is a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Dan and Tom became big fans of this exhibit while attending the Press Day viewing. They take you inside and highlight many of the items displayed. And they let you know why you will want to attend this exhibit.
What's in the exhibit? We won’t give everything away. But there are screen-used gadgets from the James Bond movies. These are some of the most well-known gadgets in the James Bond history. Plus, there are James Bond movie vehicles. Vehicles like the Aston Martin DB5 used in GOLDENEYE, and the Lotus Espirit which was used in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME. And, there are real-world spy gadgets that the CIA has used to showcase how the Bond gadgets may have had some real-world background.
Who did we talk with? Includes a quick interview with Meg Simmonds, Archive Director for Eon Productions, and Eric Andersen, Project Manager of Featured Experiences and Special Projects at the Museum. They help us understand what is in the exhibit and why. Meg talks about one gadget that was from a very early James Bond movie. She had never seen it before but was able to track down. And, that gadget is on display in this exhibit! Which one?!
Eric focuses on is the fact that this is the Museum of Science and Industry. So, they want to make sure the exhibit highlights Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) throughout. There are interactive activities and Eric helps us understand what is there, and why kids will like this too.
Finally, Chris Corbould, who was the Special Effects Supervisor on all of the James Bond movies from GOLDENEYE through NO TIME TO DIE was there. A separate episode will come out with that interview!
So, take a listen. Dan and Tom think the “007 Science: Inside the World of James Bond” exhibition is extremely well done. It is a must for any James Bond fan! Have you gone to see it yet?Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
Where is the exhibit? The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 5700 DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Check out their website to find out more details. The exhibit runs from March 007, 2024, to October 27, 2024.
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3ISOnXL
Steve Oxenrider is One of the Biggest James Bond Memorabilia Collectors! Are you a James Bond memorabilia collector or interested in James Bond items? How big is your collection? Well, in this episode, Dan and Tom talk with Steve Oxenrider, whose name you have seen - as he is credited on some of the “Making of” James Bond documentaries and has contributed images for numerous books and articles.
In case you didn’t know, Steve is auctioning off his over 30,000-item collection of James Bond memorabilia.
Take a listen to find out where the auctions are being held, what is being auctioned off, and why he is auctioning his collection. Steve, who is obviously a big James Bond fan, also explains how he got started collecting and the tremendous connections he has made.
Oh, and his story about talking to Rosa Klebb (twice) is very funny. Would you have the guts to do what Steve did? He’s done it more than once and even talked with Harold Sakata using the same technique.
So, take a listen to Steve Oxenrider’s fascinating story! It might get you started collecting if you don’t already! Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/49Vdg0j
THE HILDEBRAND RARITY and LICENCE TO KILL Ian Fleming published the short story “The Hildebrand Rarity” in 1960. In it, he created the character of Milton Krest. James Bond movie fans will recognize Milton Krest from 1989 movie LICENCE TO KILL.
In this episode, Dan and Tom decode how this character from the short story landed in this movie. They also talk about how his character from the novel changed in the movie. And how some of his traits were split between the characters Milton Krest and Franz Sanchez in the movie.
And what about Krest’s wife? Parts of her character morphed into Lupe.
Remember that stingray tail that Franz Sanchez uses on Lupe in LICENCE TO KILL? It had its origin in the novel as well. But it wasn’t someone named Sanchez who used it.
And of course, there is a Playboy tie-in here as well that we discuss.
So, take a listen. Have you read “The Hildebrand Rarity”? If so, did Dan and Tom miss anything? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3uLOH78
In Defense of Quantum of Solace
Dan and Tom provide a defense of the James Bond movie QUANTUM OF SOLACE, looking at the pros and cons of this oft-maligned movie. Revealed: What does Quantum of Solace even means! QUANTUM OF SOLACE was not the critical success of its successor, CASINO ROYALE. That’s even with it being a direct continuation of the CASINO ROYALE story.
There were numerous problems, many stemming from the writer’s strike at the time. But, there were also some positives in QUANTUM OF SOLACE.
So, take a listen – Do you agree with Dan and Tom’s defense of QUANTUM OF SOLACE? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/48lubIg
Here are the links to the podcast episodes we mentioned in this episode: Audio Podcasts:
James Bond's QUANTUM OF SOLACE Pre-Title Sequence Decoded! - Spy Movie Navigator
A Talk with QUANTUM OF SOLACE Director of Photography, Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC - Part 1 - Spy Movie Navigator
Part 2: A Talk with QUANTUM OF SOLACE Director of Photography, Roberto Schaefer, ASC, AIC - Spy Movie Navigator
YouTube Video:
James Bond is Not Likeable - https://youtu.be/vVFyn9w1dcc
Gadgets in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and LICENCE TO KILL
Dan and Tom break down the gadgets in THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS and LICENCE TO KILL – the two Dalton James Bond movies.
Are these gadgets believable? Flashy? Dalton changed the tone of the character of Bond and to some extent the gadgets in the movies.
For instance, could the milk bottles really do that? What about the remote keychain? And there is also the X-Ray camera, Broomstick Radio, night-vision binoculars, the rocket engine, Dentonite toothpaste, the manta ray costume, and more.
And we get two looks at the use of lasers, one from each movie. Were they believable?
Well, we take apart these and all the other key gadgets in these two movies.
So, take a listen – did we miss any key gadgets from these two Bond movies? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3wgZR4b
Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards with author Tony Lee Moral Dan and Tom bring back author Tony Lee Moral to discuss his latest book Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards. We focus on Hitchcock’s spy movies in today’s discussion. Unquestionably, Hitchcock was notorious for his use of storyboards and his practice has been emulated by many directors.
We read an advance copy of the book prior to its February 6, 2024, release. Tony’s book is an excellent look at why Hitchcock used storyboards. He also discusses how Hitchcock used them to set up the filming of the scenes in his movies. He drills into many of Hitchcock’s movies. In addition, one great aspect of the book is the sheer number of storyboards he includes in the book that Hitchcock used. And the industry tricks of the trade including how those have changed over time with the use of technology.
Another thing we love about this book is that Tony teaches us about making movies. He does this by showing us how Hitchcock did it. For example, in his discussion on THE 39 STEPS, Tony talks about how TikTok users can use a similar approach to what Hitchcock did to string together a bunch of shorts. We drill into this with Tony in this episode. It’s a great and fun way to learn.
WHERE TO GET ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S STORYBOARDS You can order Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards at the following links (These are non-affiliate links, SpyMovieNavigator receives no compensation if you use them):
tonyleemoralbooks.com – A site of mystery and suspense
Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards @ Titan Books
Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards: Moral, Tony Lee: 9781789099546: Amazon.com: Books
Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards by Tony Lee Moral: 9781789099546 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
Alfred Hitchcock Storyboards by Tony Lee Moral, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Share your thoughts So, take a listen – did this discussion help you decide to buy Tony Lee Moral’s book Alfred Hitchcock’s Storyboards? We highly recommend it if you are a movie fan. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Additionally, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/hitchcock-storyboards
ARGYLLE– A No-Spoiler Review
In this episode, Tom gives you his no-spoiler look at the latest Matthew Vaughan movie, ARGYLLE. As with all of our no-spoiler reviews, our goal is to give you our thoughts as to whether or not this latest spy movie is worth your time and money.
We don’t cover the plot because our goal is to not give it away. But, we will say that the plot is pretty complex. You need to pay close attention.
There are a lot of twists and turns in ARGYLLE. And it has a fantastic cast led by Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, and Henry Cavill.
So, take a listen to this ARGYLLE – A No-Spoiler Review. Is ARGYLLE worth your time and money? Let us know your thoughts if you go and see it, ideas for future episodes, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3ulWYOY
Hitchcock's TOPAZ – is it a gem?
Hitchcock’s movie TOPAZ received mixed reviews when it was released. Some people love it while others don’t like it at all. Why is that?
Dan and Tom mine what works and what doesn't in this Hitchcock spy movie. And there is a bit of both here.
That said, TOPAZ is a spy movie with a lot of espionage. It isn’t an action movie with some spy elements as we often get in today’s spy movies.
The setting for TOPAZ is 1962 at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis which brought the US and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. So, there is some historical background for this movie.
Dan and Tom look for the hidden gems in this one. What works best? And what doesn’t?
So, take a listen – Hitchcock’s TOPAZ - is it a gem? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Check out our YouTube channel as well. Subscribe!
Webpage: https://bit.ly/hitchcocks-topaz
In 2035 we will see James Bond in the public domain. What does this mean for the franchise? Not just for the movies, but the novels, and marketing.
George Simpson, Senior Film Reporter at the Daily Express joins us to discuss the article he wrote about this impact on the franchise. He explains what public domain means and why it is so important for James Bond but not for other franchises like Sherlock Holmes and The Marx Brothers. Their material is already in the public domain. Eon Productions is in a tough spot here and they have 11 years to get it right. What do they need to do?
And, George Simpson gives Eon Productions some advice.
So, take a listen - do you agree with us and this episode? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
Thank you, George, for providing a lively discussion on a tough topic.
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website and our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/james-bond-in-the-public-domain
Character Spotlight: Rosa Klebb played by Lotte Lenya in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE!
In a continuation of our Character Spotlight series of episodes, Dan and Tom look at the evil character Rosa Klebb in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. She may be small in stature, but she knows how to take control of almost any situation.
Lotte Lenya gives an amazing performance bringing this character from the Ian Fleming novel to the big screen.
Here we examine Rosa Klebb’s character in each scene and how Lotte Lenya just nails this character with her acting prowess. Her facial expressions let us into her emotional state, often without saying a word. She’s just brilliant. Quick, who would you have hired that could have been better? We can’t think of another actress for this role.
So, take a listen – Does Rosa Klebb deserve to have a Character Spotlight episode? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. Check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3O6rZNn
Why Are Spy Movies Still Popular?
Dan and Tom look at the popularity of spy movies and shows, with a focus on James Bond. They give you their reasons for why they believe the spy genre is so popular.
They also look at influences on spy movies. Superheroes is one big influencer for spy movies and have helped spy movies’ popularity. But superhero movies are also in competition for the viewer’s money. So, what is it about superhero movies that are similar to spy movies?
Also, we look at Netflix customer watch-time data that Netflix recently released. There is some interesting data about spy movies and shows popularity.
So, take a listen - do you agree with Dan and Tom as to Why Are Spy Movies Still Popular? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will be!
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES. You can check out our YouTube channel as well.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3vkqIvx
A spy, a mole, maybe 2 moles, lots of violence, a love story, and a bit of history twisted and thrown in for good measure. These are some of the things you’ll see in the just-released spy movie, DEVIL: THE BRITISH SECRET AGENT.
So, is this movie worth your time and money?
Tom gives you a no-spoiler look at what works and what doesn’t work. And much of it does work. The movie is from India so there are some cultural differences for a non-Indian audience that Tom also discusses.
As always, please let us know your thoughts about this review of DEVIL: THE BRITISH SECRET AGENT, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/48gmwf5
What Makes GOLDENEYE a standout James Bond movie? GOLDENEYE came out after a 6-year hiatus for the Eon Productions James Bond movie franchise. It followed LICENCE TO KILL and introduced us to the fifth actor to take on the role of James Bond.
In this episode, Dan and Tom decode the success of GOLDENEYE. They do this by diving into the top 8 reasons for its success. They squeeze out why it is so well respected, how it helped revitalize the James Bond franchise along with some franchise firsts.
Many fans consider GOLDENEYE to be one of the best James Bond movies. This is especially true if Pierce Brosnan is their favorite actor who played James Bond. Why is that?
Oh, and how did Eon Productions come up with the title? This is another area we examine.
So, take a listen to see if you agree about what makes GOLDENEYE a standout James Bond movie. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode by dropping us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Finally, you can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/48gzTeA
OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review discusses this hot new Netflix spy comedy series. We liken it to a 1980s teen comedy. It is raunchy and touches on a few hot topics. While it isn’t for everyone – is it for you? It is a spy series at its core!
Is OBLITERATED worth your time? We’ll give you enough information here to help you decide if you want to watch OBLITERATED. Will it be worth YOUR time?
Given that this movie is raunchy and hits on a few hot topics, we’ll dig into the areas that some people might not like. We are certain that a small portion of the population will not like this series. Why? That part of the discussion is a warning! We’ll flag the issues, and if they are a problem for you, move on to the next movie or series. If not, watch on!
Watch all eight 45-minute episodes. The series is quite funny and entertaining – maybe!
There is some talent here in the main characters and the actors who play them, and the characters are well developed and work well as a team.
So, while OBLITERATED isn't for everyone, we think many will like it. “Be in the know” - OBLITERATED is a spy series so you must take a listen!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
What did you think? What did you think of this episode, OBLITERATED – A No-Spoiler Review? Did you watch the OBLITERATED? Please send us your thoughts to: Info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3tgJbZl
What makes FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE So Good? And how has it stood up to the test of time?
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE has a 97% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Dan and Tom give you 10 reasons why they think this movie is so good. See if you agree!
Possible reasons: Is it the story? This was one of Ian Fleming’s novels. How about the acting? Or is it the characters? Could it be the sets? Maybe it is the action sequences? Or do they just like the fight in the Gypsy camp? Maybe it is all of these and more.
It is an intriguing question as Dan and Tom don’t always agree on the James Bond movies, but this one ... take a listen and see!
Oh, and how far Trieste is from Venice? And is that ending boat chase viable within the plot?
Take a listen to find out what makes FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE land on so many Top 5 James Bond movie lists. Does it make ours? “Be in the know” - take a listen now!
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
What did you think of this episode? Please send us your thoughts to: Info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/47vaXQT
Rick English talks KINGSMAN stunts with Dan and Tom on their show Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. Rick is the award-winning stunt performer who doubled Colin Firth in the first two KINGSMAN movies. He’s been doing stunts in movies for over 23 years.
RICK'S ROLE AS A DOUBLE So, what is it like to double a star? How much of the stunt work did Colin Firth do, versus Rick? Was Rick hurt doing any of the stunts? What is the role of wirework in his scenes? How many cuts did the church fight scene take? What is it like to jump out a window ahead of an explosion? How did they get the character Whiskey into the meat grinder in KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE? Finally, what is an antitragus?
Rick talks about these issues while focusing on the church fight and the bar fight (manners maketh man) in KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE.
HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE GAME We also discuss how new facial recognition and replacement technologies popped up on the market just before this movie was made. That meant that the way he had to film these scenes was different than he’d experienced in the past. Listen to find out how. It is fascinating to hear how technology is changing the filming of stunts.
Plus, Tom talks about how watching the church fight scene frame-by-frame helped him to identify some of the places where facial replacement was used. Don’t worry, we don’t go through it frame-by-frame here. But, once you listen, if you watch that scene, you may be able to pick up a few of these replacements as well.
This episode helps the moviegoer understand the role of the stunt performer and how they are used. Rick explains some of the techniques they used for some of the specific stunts.
FIND MORE EPISODES You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/47vaXQT
Rick English stunt performer talks spy movie stunts with Dan and Tom on their show Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. If you’ve seen at least three spy or action movies in the last two decades, you’ve likely seen Rick’s work in at least one of them.
Rick is an award-winning stunt performer who has been involved with the James Bond, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, BATMAN, and KINGSMAN franchises. He was also in INCEPTION, The 355, FAST AND FURIOUS, and many more movies over his 20+ year career.
In this episode we discuss some of scenes from some the movies he’s worked on (Including CASINO ROYALE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT, BOURNE ULTIMATUM, JASON BOURNE, INCEPTION, and more.)
Among the topics we discuss, Rick tells us how the stunt performer business works, how the motorcycle crash stunt he did in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION was done, and he tells how they did the zero-gravity hallway fight in INCEPTION, what he wants from a stunt coordinator. Listen to find out how. It is fascinating how they do these things and what can be planned and what can’t. His explanation of that motorcycle crash was quite eye-opening.
This episode helps the moviegoer understand the role of the stunt performer and how they are used. Rick explains some of the techniques they used for some of the specific stunts. After listening, you’ll understand why he’s won so many awards.
Our next episode will also be with Rick English. He will tell us all about the stunts in the KINGSMAN series, including the church fight scene and the meat grinder.
You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website.
Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3MSue6n
Was ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE good? That is a question that Bond fans have been arguing since its release.
In this episode, Dan and Tom walk through the top 10 reasons why they think ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE is a good movie. Then they look at it from the other side with the top 10 reasons it is criticized.
Some things they examine are:
George Lazenby
The score
The action
Telly Savalas’ portrayal of Blofeld
The emotional depth of the movie
The fact that this is, in part, a romance movie
And more…
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE has gained popularity and likeability as it has aged.
Dan and Tom give you their thoughts. After listening to this episode, we’d love to know which side of the spectrum you are on and why. Please let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We might give you a shout-out in a future episode and pass your idea on.
Please subscribe to our podcast show, CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES, on your favorite podcast app or listen on our website.
Episode link: https://bit.ly/3SEJreZ
James Bond can survive, can't he? “Come on Bond, where the hell are you?” M pleads near the end of NO TIME TO DIE. Let’s talk about that.
In this episode, Dan and Tom have fun coming up with some ways that James Bond can survive after the debacle at the end of NO TIME TO DIE.
Some of their ideas make some sense, some are based on how other fictional characters have survived their demise and still others are just outright wacky. Where are you James Bond? We have a shout-out to Morgan Lisney, a top contributor to our Facebook Group, who had an idea!
Hopefully, someone at Eon Production is listening. Come on Bond!
What do you think? Do any of these ideas make sense?
Any other fictional characters who have survived their death that we didn’t call out? Any other ways that EON Productions can get themselves out of the corner that they have painted themselves into? How can James Bond survive?
Let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We might give you a shout-out in a future episode and pass your idea on.
Subscribe to our podcast show on your favorite podcast app or listen on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3SsyPQc
THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is often considered one of the best spy movies of all time. We couldn’t agree more. In this episode, Dan and Tom decode this classic.
As far as spy movies go, THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD is dark, and probably a bit more realistic in terms of a spy’s life, than anything James Bond does. There are no Aston Martins here, no tuxedos, no glamorous venues – nothing that could make you smile or feel relaxed much. The decision to film it in black and white was brilliant and adds to the overall feeling of despair.
The story is fairly complex, and you must pay attention.
Dan and Tom will help guide you through some of the complexities, although they disagree on the ending.
They also discuss how this movie fits into the time of the Cold War and real-world double-agents.
The cast, led by Richard Burton, Claire Bloom, and Oskar Werner, is top shelf. Burton earned a BAFTA Best British Actor win and an Academy Award Nomination for his role as Alec Leamas. The movie picked up seven BAFTA nominations, winning four of them. It also earned an Academy Award Nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black and White, among other industry awards. Oskar Werner picked up a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Actor as well.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know.” This should be a must-see for any spy movie fan. Learn more about it as we decode THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
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Webpage: https://bit.ly/46TItQe
THE SPY WHO LOVED ME Filming Locations in Sardinia! Your covert field operatives Dan and Tom trace their exploits in visiting the filming locations in Sardinia, Italy from the James Bond Movie, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME.
Many people love going to James Bond filming locations. Dan and Tom do as well. Many times, these locations are very cool. Sardinia, Italy is one such place – simply beautiful and a destination which made the trip that much more fun!
Not everything went smoothly for them: Issues with their rental car, places that were closed for the season, and, hey, a balcony was missing – all made the trip that much more memorable. That said, they got to all the sites and only needed a 2-night stay to do that.
For the most part, all the Jemes Bond filming locations are all fairly close to each other on Sardinia. The ferry dock in Palau is the farthest drive from the beaches and hotels from the movie and it is only about a 30-minute or so drive away. Everything else is closer together. So, get the whole story and tune in!
The sites they talk about are:
The hotel where James Bond and Agent XXX stay, using the pseudonym Mr. & Mrs. Sterling (in 2 bedrooms because Moneypenny was being overly efficient). This is also the place where they meet Naomi as she pulls up in the boat.
The ferry dock where Q brings Bond the Lotus Espirit
The church and village square where the motorcycle chase starts
The pullout on the side of the road where Naomi pops up in the helicopter
The pier where the Lotus plunges into the water
The beach where the Lotus drives out of the water
They give you some tips about the area and what to look for when hunting these sites.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” about traveling to James Bond filming locations in Sardinia, Italy!
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Please send any comments about your visit to these sites or any other filming locations at info@spymovienavigator.com. We’ll give you a shout-out on a future episode!
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3tKrnpk
One of the leading experts on traveling to James Bond filming locations worldwide joins us at Cracking the Code of Spy Movies for this amazing segment, our Uwe Brosamle interview! Uwe Brosamle estimates he’s traveled to over 80% of the James Bond filming locations - and he’s done it in just 10 years.
Most James Bond fans love discovering and visiting James Bond filming locations - and certainly, it is a passion for Dan and Tom - so it is great to talk with an expert on how to do it right.
Tips from Uwe Brosamle In this fascinating interview, Uwe tells us how he tracks down the locations, meticulously plans his trips (this takes A LOT of time), and gives all of us some tips for planning these special trips which can save us all some serious time. It is great to be able to learn from an expert.
Uwe also talks about some of the challenges in getting into a location once he’s located it. He’s had to deal with renting boats, big dogs, trying to get onto private property, government property, and properties that are just hard to get to (expect that you will have long walks to get to some locations). Of course, he gives us some suggestions for dealing with these issues.
In his travels, he has come across many very helpful people. Often by accident. He tells some stories about these interactions, including one where he knocked on the door of a famous actress. She was most gracious.
Finally, Uwe talks about some of the artifacts he has found at filming locations. Apparently, after a shoot, let’s just say, clean-up isn’t quite thorough. That can work to a filming location traveler’s benefit!
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” about traveling to James Bond filming locations!
If you want to see Uwe Brosamle's fantastic pictures from his filming location travels, check out his Facebook page.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Reach out to us If you enjoyed this episode, the Uwe Brosamle Interview, please let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com. We’ll give you a shout-out on a future episode!
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3QhHkME
DIE ANOTHER DAY - pre-title sequence decoded! We know that Tom hates DIE ANOTHER DAY, but strangely, he has some kind things to say about this pre-title sequence. Hint: Tom likes hovercraft, surfing, and flamethrowers. Interestingly, Dan has more negative thoughts in this episode than Tom does, and he doesn’t hate the movie. Take a listen as they decode this very different pre-title sequence!
What makes this pre-title to DIE ANOTHER DAY unique? Is it better than the movie itself? Is James Bond really Bond-like here? Does size matter? Could James Bond have been less prepared for this mission? What do those Korean words on the signs mean? What tie-in does Tom find with Stanley Kubrick’s movie 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY? What other movies have had hovercraft chases?
Also, find out the Bond-esque nickname for the big wave surfing area called Pe’ahi, on Maui, Hawaii, where they filmed the opening surfing scene.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know.,” as we hover over some of the landmines in this different pre-title sequence!
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3PNodsq
In the episode, we mention this video from MythBusters.
DR. NO - James Bond's choices: At the end of DR. NO, James Bond has to make several potentially life-threatening decisions to escape from Dr. No’s captivity. What are the choices he needs to make? How does he decide which path to take? Was it just luck that he got out of there alive (and with Honey Rider)?
Dan and Tom break down James Bond’s path and the choices he made from his holding cell to the boat in which he and Honey flee. They discuss Bond’s decisions and the odds against his path working. Some of the things he encounters are almost comical: others, deadly.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know.”
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/45nY4pz
Today we talk to the most famous graphic designer no one knows: Joe Caroff! 62 years ago, Joe created one of the most identifiable movie logos in history - the 007 logo!
In this episode, we talk with Joe about his work on not just the 007 logo the entire world knows, but his other contributions to the James Bond movie legacy, his non-Bond design work, and more about his background.
What Joe Caroff has designed in his career will astonish you!! And he tells us about many of his designs: WEST SIDE STORY, THE LAST TANGO IN PARIS, MANHATTAN, ZELIG, THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, and THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, to name just a few.
Joe is 102 years of age and still sharp as a tack. This is a fascinating person and discussion.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know.”
After listening to this episode, you will want to check out the documentary on his accomplishments currently streaming on MAX.com. This documentary is called BY DESIGN: THE JOE CAROFF STORY which was written and produced by Marc Cerulli whom we spoke with in last week’s episode.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://bit.ly/3Zs9lnL
SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON is the just released kids spy movie. You can find it on Netflix. We give you our non-spoiler look at this movie and let you know if we think this is worth watching. We also talk about why it has a PG rating and is family friendly.
SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON is the fifth installment in the Spy Kids franchise. It has an all-new cast and characters. As with the first Spy Kids movie, it is a story about a boy and a girl who don't know that their parents are spies.
This time, there is a video game, lots of gadgets, a villain, a lair, tension with the parents over technology use, and a new character called Bronson.
Are there any spy movies that may have influenced SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON? We give you a few.
This movie released on Netflix on September 22, 2023.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/46eHppG
Mark Cerulli is a writer, producer, and director who helped create the “Making Of” series giving us the behind the scenes look at GOLDFINGER and THUNDERBALL.
Mark tells us how the series was made, behind the scenes stories, his interactions with Sean Connery, and much more.
Mark also discusses his documentary BY DESIGN: THE JOE CAROFF STORY. We KNOW every James Bond fan is familiar with Joe Caroff’s work. Yet, you probably have never heard of him. Mark fills you in on Joe’s major contributions to the James Bond movie franchise as well as other places you will have seen Joe’s work. The documentary is available for streaming on MAX.
Finally, Mark discusses his upcoming movie, AREA 5150. This is the first full-length movie that Mark Cerulli has written and produced.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know”. We had a lot of fun with this interview.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website page: https://bit.ly/44XruL5
GOLDFINGER - Oddjob Character Spotlight: Today we dig deeply into the character of Oddjob in GOLDFINGER - superbly and memorably played by Harold Sakata!
GOLDFINGER set the standard for the James Bond formula. Oddjob is a character that must be placed in our Character Spotlight, as Harold Sakata’s portrayal of Oddjob is flawless.
Yes, he's one of the James Bond series most notorious henchman, he doesn't speak, and he'll do anything so support his boss, Auric Goldfinger. So, how does Harold Sakata make sure you, the audience member, knows he's menacing? Sakata's portrayal of Oddjob gives us an excellent example as to how this should be done.
We look at the various expressions Harold Sakata uses in different scenes in GOLDFINGER. In addition, we'll talk through how they gave us the first look at Oddjob. Just like the slow reveal of new James Bond actors or the first time we see Quarrel in Dr. No, Oddjob doesn't just appear on the screen front and center. It is a powerful way to introduce us to this important character.
Plus, we talk about some of the differences between Oddjob's portrayal in the movie GOLDFINGER versus how he's portrayed in Ian Fleming's novel.
Finally, we discuss Harold Sakata's background and why he was a great choice to play Oddjob. And was there a bet involved in helping him get the role?
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know”. Get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
So, enjoy our GOLDFINGER - Oddjob Character Spotlight, played by Harold Sakata episode. We’ll continue the series looking at the actors and roles that help shape spy movies and deserve an encore!
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Episode page: https://bit.ly/3sNgnae
HEART OF STONE - First Reactions - No Spoilers: Another spy movie with Artificial Intelligence at its heart, it has explosions, double crosses, an excellent cast, and most spy movie tropes you can think of. We’ll look at these and other components of the just-released Netflix movie starring Gal Gadot, HEART OF STONE.
Listen as we give you our no-spoiler review. We’ll keep the spoilers out but give you our opinion and some background to help you determine if HEART OF STONE is worth your time.
Are there any spy movies that may have influenced HEART OF STONE? We give you a few.
This movie released on Netflix on August 11, 2023.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
We hope you enjoyed our HEART OF STONE - First Reactions - No Spoilers.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3KDUrnZ
With "Quarrel Played by John Kitzmiller in DR. NO", we are kicking off our new series where we look at character profiles of supporting roles in spy movies. We'll look at the actor, the role, and how this character enhances and enriches the movie.
So, how does Quarrel's role develop throughout DR. NO? How did John Kitzmiller's acting bring out the character of Quarrel?
His facial expressions, straightforward approach to the role, and how Quarrel has contributed to shaping the success of DR. NO - are all decoded!
Plus, we talk a little bit about John Kitzmiller's resume and call out some movies you may like if you like Kitzmiller.
So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know". Get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
So, enjoy our Character Profile: Quarrel played by John Kitzmiller in DR. NO. We'll continue the series looking at the actors and roles that help shape spy movies and deserve an encore!
Ideas/Comments? info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Episode page: https://bit.ly/3KlzDBN
MR-9-DO OR DIE, SALAAR, AMATEUR, SPY X FAMILY CODE: WHITE, MAGGIORE, RED NOTICE 2, and BLINDSPOT are just some of the upcoming spy movies or series that we’ll fill you in on today in our Spy Movie News - July 25 2023 edition. Take a listen as we talk about these movies or series that you may not yet have heard about.
We also discuss some industry news both for spy movies/series as well as some news affecting the podcast industry.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on ourwebsite. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
We hope you enjoyed our Spy Movie News - July 25 2023 edition. You can find the written versions of this and our other Spy Movie News episodes on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3O9L7cE
Welcome to our fourth anniversary show! Yes, SpyMovienavigator.com and our podcast show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies have just passed their fourth anniversary. Thanks to all of you for listening and getting us here!
Join Dan and Tom as they look back on the past year. It has been an exciting one with interview highlights with Trina Parks, Robert Davi, Julian Glover, Del Singh, James Bond Movie Quizzes, movie reviews, and more.
We focused and decoded a lot more classic spy movies, or movies from decades ago. Many of them you might not have experienced. We talk through these in this episode. You might discover a movie you didn't know about and find a new favorite! We will help “navigate” you there!
Do us an anniversary favor and Subscribe to our show – and Be in the Know!
So, once you've listened to our fourth anniversary show, please let us know what you think. Is there anything you'd like to see us add for the coming year? You can let us know at info@spymovienavigator.com.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our
website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3Oj2rgs
Dan and Tom just saw MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE. Take a listen as they give you their no-spoiler first impression of the movie. Is it dead-on or dead-wrong?
Is it worth your time and money to go see it? Does the plot work? How's the acting, the score, and the cinematography? How were the stunts? Did the marketing spoil some of the thrills?
We answer these questions and provide our guidance on the movie.
Once you've seen MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE, let us know what you think at info@spymovienavigator.com. Are Dan and Tom right?
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our
website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3XQNNAq
What is the Mission: Impossible arc that covers the first six movies with Ethan Hunt? Really? Is there an arc? If so, was the arc always there but needed to be exposed in the most recent Mission: Impossible movies? Or did they create the arc after the first couple of Ethan Hunt Bond movies?
Well, take a listen as we talk with Mike Reyes of CinemaBlend.com to hear his take on it. Mike writes about movies with a passion toward spy movies. So, does he think there is an arc? If so, what is it?
Let us know what you think at info@spymovienavigator.com. Do you agree with Mike? Has he nailed the arc for the series?
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our
website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3NHnFTA
What’s new in the spy movie world? In this Spy Movie News June 27 2023 edition, we look the upcoming spy movies or series: Trust No One, Fubar, Heart of Stone, Argylle, The Wild Wild West, and of course, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One and more!
Speaking of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, what is it's real release date? Take a listen to find out. It's convoluted.
What impact and effect will the releases of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on June 30, Barbie and Oppenheimer on July 21st and Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One all happening within 30 days have?. You have a lot of blockbuster choices to make. But there some industry implications as well. Take a listen to find out what they are.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
We hope you enjoyed our Spy Movie News June 27 2023 edition. You can find the written versions of this and our other Spy Movie News episodes on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/spy-movie-news-june-27-2023
What would it be like to help work on and restore the actual James Bond vehicles used in the movies long before they go the public exhibits and shows, like Bond in Motion? Well, we were invited to a work weekend to do exactly that!
THE WEEKEND Dan and Tom recently were privileged to attend the Ian Fleming Foundation work weekend. This is one of the times that the Foundation spends working on its inventory, restoring the vehicles, and having a great time telling James Bond stories. It was a blast!
We’ll take you backstage and let you hear about how they get these vehicles and what they have to do to restore them so we can all see them in exhibits like Bond in Motion.
THE JAMES BOND VEHICLES One of the vehicles we discuss is Goldfinger’s plane. This is a huge and fascinating restoration job.
Steve Targocz discusses this massive project. Another one was one of the Kenworth trucks from LICENCE TO KILL. Colin Clark walks us through this one. These are two that they are still restoring so you wouldn’t have seen them in a museum yet.
But, we also saw some vehicles that have been restored that we saw. Leonard Johnson discusses getting
and restoring the fire engine from A VIEW TO A KILL. Colin Clark walks us through getting the plane Sanchez escapes in from LICENCE TO KILL and what shape it is in.
Plus, we talk about, Zao’s green Jaguar from DIE ANOTHER DAY, the helicopter from FROM RUSSIA WITH
LOVE, and lots more!
We’ve included audio clips in this episode from the people who make this happen.
GOING FORWARD We will be releasing a video version of this episode on our YouTube Channel, Cracking the Code of Spy
Movies on June 30, 2023, so you see the videos and vehicles.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our
website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/trina-parks
Today we are excited to talk with Trina Parks! She played Thumper in the James Bond movie DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.
In this wide-ranging interview, Ms. Parks discusses:
Her upbringing by her father, Jazz Saxophonist Charles Frazier
Her stage career
Her experience filming her iconic scene as Thumper in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
Meeting Sean Connery for the first time
Meeting George Lazenby for the first time
Her experience filming THE BLUES BROTHERS, DARKTOWN STRUTTERS, and THE MUTHERS
What she is doing now
This one is a lot of fun.
So join us as Trina Parks talks Thumper and her Fascinating Career.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/trina-parks
Here in our Spy Movie News – May 30 2023 edition we discuss the upcoming spy movies or series: Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning, The Sympathizer, The Black Kaiser, Butterfly, Classified, Fog of War, Neither Confirm Nor Deny, Birdseye, and more.
We'll keep you updated as these movies progress. Some are in early development and other are already filmed.
So, have a listen and you’ll “Be in the Know” and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
We hope you enjoyed our Spy Movie News - May 30 2023 edition. You can find the written versions of this and our other Spy Movie News episodes on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/434cICd
Join us for our KANDAHAR - No-Spoiler Review. The spy movie KANDAHAR just released this weekend.
Is it worth your time and money to see?
We discuss the actors, cinematography, the portrayal of religion, the political statements, and how there is no place like home in the movie KANDAHAR.
Gerard Butler stars in this one. But, we think Navid Nehahban steals the movie with his role of Mo.
Plus, what is the similarity between KANDAHAR and THE COVENANT, which is still in theaters?
So, take a listen and tell us what you think of our KANDAHAR - No-Spoiler Review!
Subscribe to our podcast show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, through your favorite podcast app or listen on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3MFTmMJ
What are the best Bond pre-title sequences in your mind? Well, today Mike Reyes of Cinemablend.com joins us to share his thoughts on this.
In 2020, Mike wrote a column called the 11 Most Memorable James Bond Pre-Titles Openings (link in our episode notes on SpyMovieNavigator.com) So, what are his thoughts 2 1/2 years later? We know that our James Bond top lists change frequently, so here we dig into 8 pre-title sequences that Mike thinks are definitely noteworthy today.
So, take a listen and hear how Mike Reyes justifies his list while Dan and Tom comment on the pros and cons and add a couple of pre-titles they think Mike may have missed!
So, join the lively debate!
Subscribe to our podcast show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, through your favorite podcast app or listen on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/45mbTGv
Join Dan and Tom as they discover THE TRAITORS, a 1962 British B Spy Movie. Does it make the Grade?
Low budget B movies were made, for the most part, to be the second billing on double features. Low-budget doesn't necessarily mean a bad movie. In this episode we dive into THE TRAITORS without giving away the movie.
THE TRAITORS has a good cast starring Patrick Allen, James Maxwell, Jacqueline Ellis, and Zena Walker.
We look at the high-level plot, what makes this a B movie, how espionage is portrayed, the music and more. For the most part, this is espionage!
At Spy Movie Navigator, one of our goals is to identify Influences. Specifically, where a movie was influenced by or has influenced other spy movies and real life. THE TRAITORS has significantly influenced parts of THE FOURTH PROTOCOL, ALLIED, the the Harry Palmer Series, ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, THUNDERBALL, LICENCE TO KILL and more. Take a listen to find out about these influences.
THE TRAITORS is a fairly common name for movie titles and television shows, including the currently airing games show. So, to be clear, we're examining the 1962 movie here.
So, join Dan and Tom for their THE TRAITORS - A British B Movie Makes the Grade episode.
You can also check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3pzwzdM
Join Dan and Tom for their latest episode, NIGHT TRAIN TO MUNICH - Decoded! This 1940 spy thriller stars Margaret Lockwood, Rex Harrison, and Paul Henreid. And, it received an Oscar nomination for writing.
In this episode we look at some fun and interesting parts of the movie. Are these real cable cars in this spy movie? What are Charters and Caldicott doing in this movie? Did the major events depicted here really happen? Was this another propaganda war movie? What influences do we see for future spy movies? And more.
So, hop aboard the NIGHT TRAIN TO MUNICH!
You can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3B6jJGf
Listen to our CITADEL - First Reaction. CITADEL is Amazon Prime's most recent spy series. The first two episodes were released on March 28, 2023.
Dan and Tom have a no-spoiler discussion about these episodes. They give you guidance as to whether you should watch CITADEL. They look at the actors, directors, cinematography and movies that may have influenced CITADEL.
So, join Dan and Tom for their CITADEL - First Reaction, no-spoiler review.
You can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3LmNCqr
Join us for this episode, AGENT - No-Spoiler Review. India's spy movie machine is cranking on all cylinders. AGENT is just the latest with many more in the works.
In this review we give you guidance as to whether or not we think you should see this movie. We do not, however have any spoilers in the review. We give you some guidance and tell you some things that will enhance your viewing of this movie but keep the spoilers out.
So what's AGENT all about? Well, it's key components are Espionage, Revenge, Fights, Dreams, Explosions, and Love. Oh, and is there a THE WIZARD OF OZ component to this movie as well? There is no place like home.
We look at these, the cast, as much plot as we can without spoilers, some of the ways Indian spy movies are different from US or UK based spy movies, and some areas where AGENT may have been influenced by earlier movies. Yes, including THE WIZARD OF OZ.
AGENT is released in Telugu with English subtitles in the US.
We hope you'll like our AGENT - A No-Spoiler Review.
You can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3leYkpN
NEVER TOO OLD TO DIE, THE SYMPATHIZER, GHOSTS OF BEIRUT, THE GRAY MAN 2, AGENT, DAVOS, MAUDE VS. MAUDE, TIGER VS PATHAAN, and SLOW HORSES are just some of the upcoming spy movies or series that we’ll fill you in on today in our Spy Movie News April 25 2023, edition.
We also have an update on two actors and some industry news.
So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know" and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website. Our channel name is CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES.
We hope you enjoyed our Spy Movie News April 25 2023 edition. You can find the written versions of this and our other Spy Movie News episodes on our website.
If you want to listen to more spy movie podcasts, check out this page on our website.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3oEBV6S
In this episode, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH Pre-Title Sequence Decoded!, we answer some intriguing questions from this 14 ½ minute sequence.
Is this a great pre-title sequence? What is Bond doing in a Swiss bank? When is Cigar more than a cigar? How was that bomb detonated? Was the Millennium Dome even open when they filmed this movie? How many pesetas did Bond collect for Sir Robert King? Can Bond survive the jump out the window?
Join us as we answer these questions and more.
Please give us your comments/suggestions on this episode, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH Pre-Title Sequence Decoded!, at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Furthermore, you can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/40gj8vK
The Ian Fleming Foundation procures James Bond memorabilia, especially the vehicles from the movies. If you've been to Bond in Motion or many James Bond exhibits, you've seen their work.
Here we talk to Doug Redenius, one of the founders of the Ian Fleming Foundation. They are dedicated to the study and preservation of the history of Ian Fleming's literary works, the James Bond phenomenon, and their impact on popular culture.
So, if you like the Hiller UH-12 helicopter used in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, Goldfinger's Lockheed US VC-140B Jet Star, the Auto-Rickshaw Tuk-Tuk from OCTOPUSSY, the plane that Sanchez flies in LICENSE TO KILL and many more, take a listen. Doug tells us about these and many other items that the Ian Fleming Foundation has secured. In addition, find out what Doug's favorite find has been. The hunt for these items is fascinating.
Doug tells us what vehicles they have, how they find and procure the vehicles, and how they get the vehicles restored if necessary.
Be a listener, and send us your thoughts on this episode at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Here is The Ian Fleming Foundation's website.
Furthermore, you can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Website Episode Page: http://bit.ly/3GxGxC0
Join Dan and Tom as they bring you UNDERCOVER BROTHER - Decoded! The 2002 movie UNDERCOVER BROTHER is a spy movie that they’ve been wanting to decode for a while. It is very wacky but very racially focused. Some might call it a blaxploitation spoof movie.
They look at this movie, in part, against the backdrop of the recent announcements that the Ian Fleming books are being rereleased and rewritten to remove 'offensive' text. UNDERCOVER BROTHER has many racial jokes against both black and white people. There are even some words that are considered offensive to some people. So, does this movie need to be censored as Flemings books are?
Take a listen and send us your thoughts on this episode, UNDERCOVER BROTHER - Decoded! at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Furthermore, you can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3KbPGB4
Citadel, Pathaan, The Bucharest Dossier, Lioness, Mission: Impossible, The Mole Agent, Ghosted and Kandahar are the upcoming spy movies or series that we’ll fill you in on today in our Spy Movie News-March 28 2023 edition.
We also talk about some industry news and awards.
So, have a listen and you'll "Be in the Know" and get up to date on all things spy movies and series.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3ZlZDl5
Ian Fleming Publications has announced that Ian Fleming's works are being edited. They are removing or altering language in the books. This has caused quite a lively discussion amongst James Bond fans and literary fans in general.
This announcement comes shortly after a similar announcement about Roald Dahl's books.
In this podcast episode, Dan and Tom discuss the impact of these changes. Along with their own thoughts, they bring in comments from members of the SpyMovieNavigator Facebook page.
As this seems to be a trend, We look not just at written works, but editing other works of art as well. Are people offended by these changes? What would Shakespeare think?
So, are the comments positive or negative to this rewriting effort? Listen to find out! Then, send us a comment about the discussion at Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies. We'd love to hear from you. Do you think that it is good to see Ian Fleming's works edited?
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/42Cq1Kq
BRITISH INTELLIGENCE is a movie starring Boris Karloff! Not as Frankenstein, or in the Bride of Frankenstein, or The Mummy, no! He scared all of us for so long in these movies – but here . . . today. . . we are looking at Karloff as a spy in none other than the 1940 movie, BRITISH INTELLIGENCE!
In short, the basis of the story is that in World War I, the British are making plans to counter the German offense after the German invasion of Poland. They are making plans but somehow the Germans are aware of their plans and are pounding the British troops as a result -as many casualties are resulting in the Germans somehow knowing the British plans.
And no one knows HOW the Germans are discovering these plans. So, James Yeats, played by Leonard Mudie, as head of British Intelligence – must get to the bottom of this! Arthur Bennett, the cabinet minister, assembles the powers for regular meetings at his home, for planning, and for figuring out how the Germans are getting their plans.
BRITISH INTELLIGENCE is full of intrigue, espionage, double-crosses, and real spy stuff. It is extremely well done. It stars Boris Karloff as Valdar, Margaret Lindsay as Helene Von Lorbeer, Bruce Lester as Frank Bennett, Leonard Mudie as James Yeats and Holmes Herbert as Arthur Bennet. Therefore, you know the acting is superb!
In this episode, we point out some interesting connections, and things to definitely look out for. We'll enhance your viewing experience! Let's find out how much intelligence the British have.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3yz09kI
OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE has finally released in the US. Join us for our no-spoiler review of this movie.
We discuss:
All without any spoilers. Our goal is to let you know if you should spend your time and money seeing this movie. And we will enhance your viewing experience of the movie by giving you hints for things to look out for.
We hope you'll like our Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre no-spoiler review. Send us an email if you watch the movie and let us know what you thought.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3ZJhoLF
Join us for our Spy Movie News - February 28 2023 edition.
In this episode, we will look at the upcoming spy entertainment My Spy: The Eternal City, Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre, Amateur, Butterfly, The Order, Agent Elvis, and more.
Plus, Tom has a rant in this episode where he talks about AMC Theaters as well as James Bond.
So, give us 22 minutes and get up to date on all things spy movies and television.
You can check out all of our podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/41r4J1P
JULIAN GLOVER INTERVIEW Julian Glover talks with Dan and Tom about his fascinating six-decade stage, movie, and television career in a fascinating, wide-ranging, and exciting interview. We also talk about Julian's recently released book called CUE TO CUE. In CUE TO CUE, Glover talks about his life, his career, and includes many photographs to bring it all home.
By listening to this interview, you'll learn a lot about Julian Glover: his awards, working with family members, his audition to play James Bond, his passion for stage acting, and much move. We even talk about some fairly unknown filming facts such as who the waiter was that spilled shrimp all over Julian while filming a dinner scene in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. We hadn't heard that one before.
JULIAN GLOVER'S CAREER Spy movie fans will recognize Julian Glover from such roles as Kristatos in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY and Harcourt-Smith in THE FOURTH PROTOCOL. He has had roles in some of the biggest movie and television series such as STAR WARS, INDIANA JONES, HARRY POTTER, and GAME OF THRONES. Television fans will recognize him as Commander Anderson in SPY TRAP, his two roles in THE SAINT, QUILLER, REMINGTON STEELE, THE SPYS OF WARSAW and others.
Julian Glover has recieved three Laurence Olivier Award nominations, winning once for his role as King Henry IV. He has also been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2013.
So take a listen, we cover all of these things and more.
ORDER JULIAN GLOVER'S BOOK Click on the image below to order Julian Glover's book, CUE TO CUE.
Clicking on image will take you to external website. SpyMovieNavigator receives no compensation if you order this book.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3EuxiS9
Join us as we look at 10 reasons to watch THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE!
Dan and Tom look at the 1997 spy spoof and tell you why you should watch it. We think it is a fun movie.
The first reason to watch it is that THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE is a showcase for Bill Murray. If you like Murray, this movie will be in your wheelhouse. Listen to the episode to hear us explain this one in more detail and to catch the other nine reasons to watch.
We also look at the birthday present Wallace Ritchie gave himself. Discuss whether Lori is good or evil. Wonder if we could get away with a car chase with the police as Wallace does. And Bill Murray is a Russian dancer, really?
And as usual, we look at potential influences between THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE and other movies. We specifically drill into influences with A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MOONRAKER, and OCTOPUSSY.
We enjoyed this movie and with these 10 reasons to watch THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO LITTLE, we hope to encourage you to watch it too.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3K2PfuE
Join us for this episode PATHAAN - a No-Spoiler Review. The hottest movie in India right now is the spy movie PATHAAN. In fact, it broke the opening day record for a movie in India. PATHAAN has a worldwide distribution.
In this review we give you guidance as to whether or not we think you should see this movie. We do not, however have any spoilers in the review. We give you some guidance and tell you some things that will enhance your viewing of this movie but keep the spoilers out.
This is the fourth movie in the YRF Spy Universe so some of the characters will be familiar. PATHAAN has some of the biggest stars in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Kahn, John Abraham, and Salman Kahn.
It is released in Hindi, Tamil, & Telugu with subtitles avaiable. In the UK and US it has English subtitles. So, if you don't speak Hindi, you can still watch PATHAAN. It also has been released in IMAX, Standard 2D and 4DX formats.
We hope you'll like our PATHAAN - a No-Spoiler Review
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Here is our Spy Movie News January 31 2023 edition.
In this episode, we talk about these upcoming spy movies and series:
As per usual, you can read to our Spy Movie News January 31 2022 edition here if you would prefer to read instead of listen.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3XRNJzx
Join Dan and Tom decode the 1987 movie THE FOURTH PROTOCOL. It stars Michael Caine, Pierce Brosnan, Joanna Cassidy, Ned Beatty, Julian Glover, Michael Gough, and Sir Ian Richardson. We answer the following questions:
Oh yeah, and we talk about the plot of this spy thriller.
If you are a fan of SpyMovieNavigator.com and our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast, you'll know that we love movie locations. THE FOURTH PROTOCOL has some great locations and we'll fill you in on them too.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3JaMhDU
Join us as we take a look at the gadgets in FOR YOUR EYES ONLY (FYEO), OCTOPUSSY, and A VIEW TO A KILL (AVTAK). We know that James Bond movies use a lot of gadgets. So lets look at the gadgets from these three Roger Moore James Bond movies. Are any of them believable?
Some of the gadgets we examine are:
From FOR YOUR EYES ONLY:
From OCTOPUSSY:
From A VIEW TO A KILL:
That's just a sample, we talk about many more gadgets from these three movies.
So take a listen and let us know what you think of these gadgets in gadgets in FYEO, OCTOPUSSY, and AVTAK. Did we miss any? Did you have the same impression about these? Leave us a comment at info@spymovienavigator.com.
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SPIES LIKE US is a comedy about 2 agents who need to help avert nuclear war. It stars Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. Tom breaks down his 10 reasons why you should watch this movie. Dan disagrees with Tom on this one. So listen to this discussion to see which side you fall on.
We address some very heady topics (remember the movie is a comedy):
Here are the first three reasons Tom thinks you should listen to this episode.
We cover the details around these and seven more reasons.
Once you've listened to this and watched the movie, let us know what you think. Is Tom right or is Dan right? Let us know by emailing us at info@spymovienavigator.com.
You can check out all of our podcasts on your favorite podcast app or on our website.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3IrPH4z
Here is a look back at the 2022 Highlights at SpyMovieNavigator.com.
As we look back on this past calendar year, finishing up 3 and a half years of SpyMovieNavigator.com and our podcast show and YouTube channel, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, we realized how blessed we have been!
2022 was a big year for us. In this episode we look at these highlights:
So, join Dan and Tom as they look back at their 2022 highlights, give some shout outs to active members of our community, and look ahead to 2023.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3GC7Ifn
Here is our Spy Movie News December 28 2022 edition.
In this episode, we talk about these upcoming spy movies and series:
We also discuss an industry award and finish with Tom's Rant. This month Tom gives his opinions of a lawsuit about movie trailers. He's fired up.
As per usual, you can read to our Spy Movie News December 28 2022 edition here if you would prefer to read instead of listen.
Ideas/Comments? Info@cracking-the-code-of-spy-movies
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3C5qWqU
Join us as we take a look at the gadgets in The Man With The Golden Gun (TMWTGG) and The Spy Who Loved Me (TSWLM). We know that James Bond movies use a lot of gadgets. So lets look at the gadgets from these two Roger Moore James Bond movies. We'll talk about the gadgets we think work well ( like the golden gun) and the gadgets that don't (like Bond's watch at the beginning of The Spy Who Loved Me). And we discuss the viability or believability of each of the gadgets.
Some of the gadgets we'll discuss are:
So take a listen and let us know what you think of these gadgets in TMWTGG and TSWLM. Did we miss any? Did you have the same impression about these? Leave us a comment at info@spymovienavigator.com.
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Steven Saltzman Interview. In honor of the 60th anniversary of James Bond movies, and to get a unique perspective on the making of the first 9 James Bond movies, we invited a very special guest, Steven Saltzman, to join us today! So join us now for this very special and exclusive Steven Saltzman interview!
Steven had a unique childhood as he grew up as the James Bond franchise blossomed. He got to see the movies made and knew the cast and crew, and their children. How? Well, Steven is the son of Harry Saltzman and was a child when the Bond series started. Harry Saltzman co-produced the first nine Eon Productions James Bond movies. He also produced the first three Harry Palmer movies THE IPCRESS FILE, FUNERAL IN BERLIN, and BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN.
Hear Steven Saltzman talk about being on the sets of those early Bond movies, how the family we always hear about in the Bond movies works, how he made some extra money in high school because of his James Bond connection, and many more fun stories of the James Bond world.
Harry Palmer And of course we talked about the Harry Palmer movies his father produced. And, we talk a bit about the THE IPCRESS FILE television series that was released in Spring of 2022, for which Steven was an Executive Producer.
We have an episode with Steven about the THE IPCRESS FILE series in our March 13, 2022 podcast episode. However, that interview was recorded in between the UK and US releases. We had to couch what we said in order to not give anything away. Now, Steven is able to give us a producer's insight in delivering a show for both the UK and US audiences. There are some things you, the audience member sitting in your own country, probably wouldn't think of. However, the producers must think about these things, as there are cultural differences.
What's Next? We also discuss some of the projects Steven is working on now. He even gives us a scoop!
So, join us for this fun Steven Saltzman interview. He gives us the elephants (listen to find out what that means).
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3iWQgsC
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No 1 of the Secret Service is a goofy 1977 spy movie that spoofs spy movies, especially the James Bond series.
In their discussion Dan and Tom seek to find the answers to such world-impacting questions as:
All totalled, we point out over 17 call-backs to the James Bond movies in this spoof.
Dan and Tom disagree about No 1 of the Secret Service. So, take a listen to see if this is a movie you want to watch. Will it become one of your guilty pleasures?
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3Frzn1N
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Here is our November 29 2022 Spy Movie News. In this episode we look at eighteen upcoming spy movies or tv series, honor the people who have passed this month who worked on spy movies, and we have a Rant from Tom as well about Daniel Craig.
The movies and tv series we discuss in this episode are
As per usual, you can read our November 29 2022 Spy Movie News as an article here if you would prefer to read instead of listen.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3gI6SDy
Dan and Tom discuss 10 reasons to watch SABOTAGE, the 1936 Alfred Hitchcock spy movie. Sabotage was also released under the titles The Woman Alone and I Married A Murderer.
So, listen to Dan and Tom to find out the details of their 10 reasons to watch SABOTAGE.
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3OB5Xl2
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Robert Davi Interview: Join Dan and Tom as they talk with Robert Davi! James Bond fans know him as Franz Sanchez in the movie Licence to Kill. Die Hard fans know him as Big Johnson. The Goonies fans remember him as the opera-singing Jake. Maybe you know him as the man behind Davi sings Sinatra. Or maybe you know him from one of his other over 170 credits. We all know who Robert Davi is, and now we get to know him better!
Hear Robert Davi discuss being Franz Sanchez, about getting the role, nailing Sanchez's accent, working with the team, and other on set and off set aspects of being Sanchez. He's a prankster and lets us in on a couple of his pranks!
Robert Davi talks about his non-James Bond life, including his music video with Bob Dylan, his other roles and he even discusses his family history. Did you know that there were Daví family members who helped discover America? Listen to our Robert Davi interview to find out more! Fascinating talk with one of the best!
Davi Sings Sinatra website: Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance | Robert Davi
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Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3UXssTe
Check out our other podcasts on our website.
Robert Davi Interview: Join Dan and Tom as they talk with Robert Davi! James Bond fans know him as Franz Sanchez in the movie Licence to Kill. Die Hard fans know him as Big Johnson. The Goonies fans remember him as the opera-singing Jake. Maybe you know him as the man behind Davi sings Sinatra. Or maybe you know him from one of his other over 170 credits. We all know who Robert Davi is, and now we get to know him better!
Hear Robert Davi discuss being Franz Sanchez, about getting the role, nailing Sanchez's accent, working with the team, and other on set and off set aspects of being Sanchez. He's a prankster and lets us in on a couple of his pranks!
Robert Davi talks about his non-James Bond life, including his music video with Bob Dylan, his other roles and he even discusses his family history. Did you know that there were Daví family members who helped discover America? Listen to our Robert Davi interview to find out more! Fascinating talk with one of the best!
Davi Sings Sinatra website: Davi Sings Sinatra: On the Road to Romance | Robert Davi
Ideas/Comment? info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3UXssTe
Check out our other podcasts on our website.
Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the 1964 World War II-based spy movie, THE SECRET INVASION (1964). Roger Corman directed this movie.
A Major sent his brother on a dangerous mission and it didn't go well. He waited too long to try to get him back. To atone, British Intelligence assembles a group of prisoners and gives them a chance to be pardoned. All they have to do is free an Italian general detained by the Nazis and survive.
Oh yeah, success is not going to be easy.
We decode THE SECRET INVASION (1964) looking at the plot, the cast, the action, the locations, and more. There is some very good acting in this one. And, we call out some great scenes that have been influenced by real life and other movies.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
You can watch the The Secret Invasion here on Amazon Prime and rent it on other streaming services.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/TheSecretInvasion
Check out our other podcasts on our website.
Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the 1964 World War II-based spy movie, THE SECRET INVASION (1964). Roger Corman directed this movie.
A Major sent his brother on a dangerous mission and it didn't go well. He waited too long to try to get him back. To atone, British Intelligence assembles a group of prisoners and gives them a chance to be pardoned. All they have to do is free an Italian general detained by the Nazis and survive.
Oh yeah, success is not going to be easy.
We decode THE SECRET INVASION (1964) looking at the plot, the cast, the action, the locations, and more. There is some very good acting in this one. And, we call out some great scenes that have been influenced by real life and other movies.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
You can watch the The Secret Invasion here on Amazon Prime and rent it on other streaming services.
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/TheSecretInvasion
Check out our other podcasts on our website.
Do you want to understand the Alfred Hitchcock spy movie techniques? Tony Lee Moral returns to discuss his new book "The Young Alfred Hitchcock's Movie Making Masterclass". His book teaches you Hitchcock's process of making a movie. We discuss these techniques with Tony and apply them to how Hitch used them in making his spy movies.
Some of the topics we examine are how Hitchcock pionered "the wrongfully accused man", the double chase (or double pursuit), using exotic locations, suave villains, how action and fight scenes are filmed, and of course the MacGuffin, and more. As an example, we look at the Hitchcock quote about spies: “heroes in their own country and villains in the foreign country” and look at how he used this idea in his spy movies.
In addition to looking at where Hitchcock used these techniques, we also discuss where other spy movies have used some of these techniques.
It's an interesting discussion looking at our favorite movie genre through the lens of the master director. Find out what movies use the Hitchcock spy movie techniques.
You can order Tony's book here on Amazon or here on Barnes and Noble.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3DO6Z9m
Check out all of our Alfred Hitchcock content.
Do you want to understand the Alfred Hitchcock spy movie techniques? Tony Lee Moral returns to discuss his new book "The Young Alfred Hitchcock's Movie Making Masterclass". His book teaches you Hitchcock's process of making a movie. We discuss these techniques with Tony and apply them to how Hitch used them in making his spy movies.
Some of the topics we examine are how Hitchcock pionered "the wrongfully accused man", the double chase (or double pursuit), using exotic locations, suave villains, how action and fight scenes are filmed, and of course the MacGuffin, and more. As an example, we look at the Hitchcock quote about spies: “heroes in their own country and villains in the foreign country” and look at how he used this idea in his spy movies.
In addition to looking at where Hitchcock used these techniques, we also discuss where other spy movies have used some of these techniques.
It's an interesting discussion looking at our favorite movie genre through the lens of the master director. Find out what movies use the Hitchcock spy movie techniques.
You can order Tony's book here on Amazon or here on Barnes and Noble.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3DO6Z9m
Check out all of our Alfred Hitchcock content.
Here’s our Spy Movie News - October 25, 2022 edition!
Today we will examine spy movies and spy streaming series that are in development. We’ll look at Slow Horses, Litvinenko, Citadel, Our Man From Jersey, Kompromat, Codeword: Rubicon, The Gray House, A Spy Among Friends, and many more. We’ll also react to a comment from Elizabeth Banks about her 2019 movie Charlie's Angels. And we’ll react to something that has scared us that Barbara Broccoli said about Bond 26.
As per usual, you can read our Spy Movie News as articles here if you would prefer to read instead of listen.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3gHp3Zy
Here’s our Spy Movie News - October 25, 2022 edition!
Today we will examine spy movies and spy streaming series that are in development. We’ll look at Slow Horses, Litvinenko, Citadel, Our Man From Jersey, Kompromat, Codeword: Rubicon, The Gray House, A Spy Among Friends, and many more. We’ll also react to a comment from Elizabeth Banks about her 2019 movie Charlie's Angels. And we’ll react to something that has scared us that Barbara Broccoli said about Bond 26.
As per usual, you can read our Spy Movie News as articles here if you would prefer to read instead of listen.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3gHp3Zy
Join us as our Decoding session for the pre-title sequence to Tomorrow Never Dies hits the presses. Mike Reyes of Cinemablend.com joins Dan and Tom to discuss this excellent pre-title sequence.
What's it all about? Well, Raymond Benson’s novelization of the movie sheds light on it, David Arnold as series composer adds a new dimension, chess pieces and power, Judi Dench delivers – and what is her relationship to Geoffrey Palmer? And yeah boom bang, explosions plane chases decoders and more! What does this all mean?
Let’s look at the Tomorrow Never Dies pre-title sequence !
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Check out all of our James Bond content.
Webpage Address: https://bit.ly/3rZzdrd
Join us as our Decoding session for the pre-title sequence to Tomorrow Never Dies hits the presses. Mike Reyes of Cinemablend.com joins Dan and Tom to discuss this excellent pre-title sequence. What's it all about? Well, Raymond Benson’s novelization of the movie sheds light on it, David Arnold as series composer adds a new dimension, chess pieces and power, Judi Dench delivers – and what is her relationship to Geoffrey Palmer? And yeah boom bang, explosions plane chases decoders and more! What does this all mean? Let’s look at the Tomorrow Never Dies pre-title sequence ! Contact us at: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com Check out all of our James Bond content. Webpage Address: https://bit.ly/3rZzdrd
Today we have with us, Kim Humphries Putland who has written a remarkable treatise on Alfred Hitchcock’s spy and espionage genre movies, integrating the current world events into the treatment and unfolding stories in these special movies - history affects the Hitchcock spy movies!
You can find Kim's thesis here.
Kim's podcast is called As Told By Hollywood.
Let's go!
Ideas/Questions: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website episode page: https://bit.ly/3MuQP7B
Be sure to check out our other episodes on our website.
Today we have with us, Kim Humphries Putland who has written a remarkable treatise on Alfred Hitchcock’s spy and espionage genre movies, integrating the current world events into the treatment and unfolding stories in these special movies - history affects the Hitchcock spy movies! You can find Kim's thesis here. Kim's podcast is called As Told By Hollywood. Let's go! Ideas/Questions: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com Website episode page: https://bit.ly/3fWj56S Be sure to check out our other episodes on our website.
Global James Bond Day is every October 5th commemorating the 1962 release of Eon Productions first James Bond movie, DR. NO!
We salute the phenomenon that Eon Productions has built and talk about how Global James Bond Day and this year's 60th Anniversary of DR. NO goes way beyond the movies!
Cracking the Code of Spy Movies has over 70 James Bond podcast episodes! Check them out: https://spymovienavigator.com/james-bond-podcasts/
Global James Bond Day is every October 5th commemorating the 1962 release of Eon Productions first James Bond movie, DR. NO! We salute the phenomenon that Eon Productions has built and talk about how Global James Bond Day and this year's 60th Anniversary of DR. NO goes way beyond the movies! Cracking the Code of Spy Movies has over 70 James Bond podcast episodes! Check them out: https://spymovienavigator.com/james-bond-podcasts/
A spy! World War II! The Nazis making a deadly gas to use on England! Intrigue, deceit, brutality, executions, explosions, and a love story – all wrapped up into THE ADVENTURES OF TARTU! Robert Donat and Valerie Hobson are the leads of this fun 1943 spy movie. This movie follows a mission by a bomb disposal technician who is thrust into an espionage mission because of his language and chemical skills. Much like Donat's role in The 39 Steps, the mission is mainly to find information (a chemical formula in this case), oh and to blow up a chemical plant. Join Dan and Tom as they discuss eight great reasons why you should watch The Adventures of Tartu. The mission of this episode is to give you some background on the movie and to enhance your viewing of the movie. We'll give you some things to look for while watching it. The Adventures of Tartu was originally released in the UK under the title Sabotage Agent. You can watch this movie here on YouTube. Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com You can find more podcast episodes on our website.
A spy! World War II! The Nazis making a deadly gas to use on England! Intrigue, deceit, brutality, executions, explosions, and a love story – all wrapped up into THE ADVENTURES OF TARTU!
Robert Donat and Valerie Hobson are the leads of this fun 1943 spy movie.
This movie follows a mission by a bomb disposal technician who is thrust into an espionage mission because of his language and chemical skills. Much like Donat's role in The 39 Steps, the mission is mainly to find information (a chemical formula in this case), oh and to blow up a chemical plant.
Join Dan and Tom as they discuss eight great reasons why you should watch The Adventures of Tartu. The mission of this episode is to give you some background on the movie and to enhance your viewing of the movie. We'll give you some things to look for while watching it.
The Adventures of Tartu was originally released in the UK under the title Sabotage Agent.
You can watch this movie here on YouTube.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
You can find more podcast episodes on our website.
In this Spy Movie News for September 27 2022 we remember Queen Elizabeth II. We also discuss the upcoming spy movies Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, The Gray Man, Inheritance, Blackbird, Section 8, Kandahar, Argylle, Spy Kids, James Bond, and more.
Be in the know in under 19 minutes.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3dMANZL
You can find all of our podcast episodes here. Or, find our show Cracking the Code of Spy Movies in your favorite podcast app.
The GoldenEye Pre-title sequence gives us a new Bond, a huge dam, bungee Jumping, a chemical weapons plant, Russia, and old friend, 006, a motorcycle jump, Sean Bean's streak of bad luck – and yes, a new era of Bond – let’s dive inside the pre–title sequence of the 1995 James Bond movie, GoldenEye!
The jump, the luck and fate components of the 00 missions, For England, James! And who is in charge here, 006 or 007? Record kills, squeaking wheels and the meaning of it all!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as they Decode the Pre-Title Sequence to **GoldenEye****!
Contact us at info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Webpage address: https://bit.ly/3DDaIa0
Richard Maibaum Papers at the University of Iowa Richard Maibaum, who wrote many of the James Bond movie screenplays, donated his papers to the University of Iowa. Pete Balestrieri is the curator for Science Fiction and Pop Culture at the University of Iowa Library.
Join Dan and Tom as they have a discussion with Pete on the Richard Maibaum Papers. This collection includes a large selection of Maibaum's working materials he used to write 13 James Bond movies. Pete shares his insights into many topics on the development of the movies. For instance, he talks about Sean Connery's thoughts on the role of Pussy Galore in Goldfinger and what Richard Maibaum did because of those thoughts.
One fascinating part of the collection is the research folders. These contain articles that Maibaum clipped out on a variety of topics he researched for plot points. For instance, there is an article on blimps which he clipped out 3 years before A View To A Kill came out.
But, to us, probably the most interesting part of the collection are the treatments that Maibaum wrote. These are the stories before they are turned into screenplays. As a result, you get to see how the story evolves, sometimes dramatically.It is very cool to read a movie's treatments and see the evolution of the movie's story.
It's not just James Bond Another key point of the disucssion is that the James Bond materials are only part of the collection. Richard Maibaum wrote many other movies and plays. While you are there you can see some of Maibaum's notes on his other projects including includes OSS, The Great Gatsby, and Tank Force.
Pete discusses the collection, how you can see it and other collections they have at the Library such as the papers from Norman Felton who produced The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
This is a wide-ranging, fun discussion. Pete knows his movie and shares his passion for them in this interview.
Find out More You can find out more about the special collections at the University of Iowa here.
Contact us at info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Webpage address: https://bit.ly/3eLldh5
Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes was released in 1938 and is based, in part, on the book "The Wheel Spins". It has been remade three times for the big screen and television.
As the title implies, a lady vanishes while on a train. This movie is full of intrigue and is a fantastic spy story. So, once again, a train is a key location for a spy movie and here, it is vital for the story. Music is also a key piece to this movie as well. Listen to find out more!
The Lady Vanishes has more humor than most Hitchcock movies. And, the characters Charters and Caldicott appear in this movie for comic relief. They were so successful that they appeared in other movies in the future.
An interesting trivia question is asked about one of the actors in this episode! See if you know the answer!
So, join Dan and Tom as they decode The Lady Vanishes: Plot and scene analysis, new discoveries, and what movies had this movie influenced or how it was influenced by other spy movies. It is a fun journey!
You can find all of our podcast episodes on our Podcast page.
If you haven't seen this movie it is available at no cost on YouTube.
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In this Spy Movie News - August 30 2022 edition we discuss the September releases of spy movies. We’ll also look at some ongoing projects like Bang!, “True Lies”, The Stranger, “Dr. Evil”, James Bond, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Enigma, MR-9, Chief of Station, Spy Kids, Blackbird, and more!
Be in the know in 18 minutes.
Find more details on the James Bond 60 year celebration corn maze here.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3cwmhVA
In this Spy Movie News - August 30 2022 edition we discuss the September releases of spy movies. We’ll also look at some ongoing projects like Bang!, “True Lies”, The Stranger, “Dr. Evil”, James Bond, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Enigma, MR-9, Chief of Station, Spy Kids, Blackbird, and more! Be in the know in 18 minutes. Find more details on the James Bond 60 year celebration corn maze here. Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3cwmhVA
In this Spy Movie News - August 30 2022 edition we discuss the September releases of spy movies. We’ll also look at some ongoing projects like Bang!, “True Lies”, The Stranger, “Dr. Evil”, James Bond, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Enigma, MR-9, Chief of Station, Spy Kids, Blackbird, and more!
Be in the know in 18 minutes.
Find more details on the James Bond 60 year celebration corn maze here.
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3cwmhVA
James Bond's Licence to Kill Pre-Title Sequence has a wedding, drug lords, shootouts, lover's quarrels, the DEA, helicopters, parachutes, an airplane chase, and the Florida Keys.
Join undercover agents Dan, Tom and Vicky as they decode new discoveries and connections.
You can watch the pre-title sequence here if you need a refresher.
Ideas/Comments: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/james-bonds-licence-to-kill-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
This Rogue Agent review contains no spoilers.
Rogue Agent is a dramatization of the real-life story of Robert Freegard who is one of the most notorious con men in history. His story of manipulation, "kidnapping", and theft is real and quite disturbing.
James Norton, Gemma Arterton, and Marisa Abela lead this fine cast.
In our quick-fire review, we give you a no-spoiler look at this movie to help you determine if this movie is worth your time. Rogue Agent is likely to be one of those movies you will either love or hate. Our review will help guide you in your choice.
In addition, our Rogue Agent review is designed to enhance your viewing experience of the movie as we give you some background information the movie doesn't.
Please email any comments or feedback to info@spymovienavigator.com.
Visit our website to find our podcast catalog.
To learn more about Rogue Agent, you can visit IFC Film's website.
Dinner parties, cocktail parties, tuxedos, espionage, World War II war criminals, love, deception, murder, infiltration, and secret plans are all in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1946 spy movie, NOTORIOUS!
Today we decode this Hitchcock classic, NOTORIOUS with our special co-host, Bill Koenig of The Spy Command! Bill joined us on our February 1st 2022 episode when we decoded The Man Who Knew Too Much.
This is a fun discussion on a fantastic spy movie.
Comments/Feedback: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/alfred-hitchcocks-notorious-decoded/
This 13-minute Quick-Fire no-spoiler review of the newest Netflix spy movie, Carter will help you decide if Carter is worth your time. This Korean movie is a high-action spy thriller that we think you will either love or hate. We'll help you figure it out!
Our Quick-Fire reviews have no spoilers and are designed to enhance your viewing pleasure if you decide to see the movie. You will get more out of the movie by listening first!
You can listen to more of our podcasts either in your favorite podcast app or on our website's podcast page.
What did you think of this episode, “Carter – A No-Spoiler Review”? Did it help you decide? If you watched the movie, did our Review enhance your viewing experience?
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/carter---a-no-spoiler-review/
Celebrating Dr. No's 60th Anniversry Dr. No's impact on the James Bond franchise is tremendous. This movie started the James Bond franchise for movie fans 60 years ago. Additionally, it set the stage for the all of the James Bond movies that followed. It even helped shape future non-Bond spy movies. So, join us as we celebrate Dr. No's anniversary by taking a look at how it shaped what we see in the franchise going forward.
We start where the movie starts with the gun barrel sequence and continue on through the music, the classic line "Bond, James Bond", the humor, the gadgets, the exotic locations, the great poster's like this Mitchell Hooks' poster for Dr. No, and much, much more. Then, of course, we look at Sean Connery. We see how he established the character of James Bond while initiating the role.
What hooked you? So, which item that premiered in Dr. No hooked you on James Bond? Was it the Walther PPK, the Bond Girls, the villains, the chases, the martini's and the finer things in life? We discuss all of these things that showcase Dr. No's impact on the franchise.
What's missing in Dr. No that we see in later James Bond movies? Well, the pre-title sequence and the DB5 come in movies that followed Dr. No. Of course, we talk about that too.
What do you think of Dr. No's Impact on the franchise? Once you've listened please give us feedback. Do you disagree with anything we've called out? Did we miss anything? Is there something we called out that you wish the movie didn't have? To give us feedback, You can leave us a voice mail message on our website or send us an email at info@spymovienavigator.com. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Undoubtedly you'll have some.
If you are a fan of Dr. No please check out our Dr. No page to see our podcasts and videos discussing the movie. We also have this YouTube video that discusses the gadgets from Dr. No.
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/dr-nos-impact-on-the-bond-franchise
Here is our Spy Movie News for 7/26/2022. We discuss the August releases of spy movies. We’ll look at some ongoing projects like Blackbird, Kingsman 3, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning - Part One, The Gray Man 2, Sicario 3, Spy Kids, and take a quick look back at Austin Powers in Goldmember and True Lies.
Be in the know in 16 minutes and be up-to-date on the spy movie industry!
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage link: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/spy-movie-news---7-26-2022---blackbird-kingsman-2-sicario-3-the-gray-man/
The Gray Man is a new Netflix spy movie starring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thorton, and Jessica Henwick.
This movie is based on the the first book of author Mark Greaney's "The Gray Man" book series.
Join us as we take a no-spoiler look at this movie.
The Gray Man is available in theaters now and will be available to stream on Netflix July 22, 2022.
We saw it in a theater, Should you?
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage link: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/the-gray-man-review-no-spoilers
Gibraltar! Spies parachuting in! Paint balls! Hedgehogs! Macaques, a chase, a yacht, smiert spionam and . . . a new James Bond! All in the pre-title sequence to THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS!
Join undercover agents Dan, Tom and Vicky as they decode new discoveries and connections!
Ideas/Comments: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/james-bonds-the-living-daylights-pre-title-decoded
Code Name Banshee is a new action movie starring Jaime King and Antonio Banderas, Join us as we take a no-spoiler look at this movie.
Code Name Banshee is available for streaming and is on a limited theatrical release.
We saw it in a theater, Should you?
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Website Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/Code Name Banshee/
Join us for our Spy Movie News for June 28 2022. In this episode we look at spy movies being released in theater and on streaming platforms in July, 2022, including The Gray Man and Code Name Banshee. We'll also look at spy movies in production and some industry news. Oh, and we'll throw in a tidbit about the Glastonbury festival and a show coming to Broadway.
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/episode/spy-movie-news-june-28-2022
A dead MI6 agent, Micro-chips, icy boats, Bond chased on skies, Beluga caviar and vodka shaken – all in the pre-title sequence of A VIEW TO A KILL!
Join undercover agents Dan, Tom and Vicky as they decode and uncover new discoveries and connections in this solid pre-title sequence!
Ideas/Comments: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Octopussy! Faberge eggs, precious jewels, manhunts, floating palaces – and the first Bond movie filmed in India - that means . . . Gobinda and other characters need to have beautiful, authentic turbans . . .and today, we talk with Del Singh who was hired by Eon Productions to make sure Gobinda's turbans were perfect!
So much goes into making great movies and details like this are what enhance the films!
Ideas? Email: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://bit.ly/3mlIzdI
Spy Movie News! May 31 2022! Be in the know!
June streaming releases for spy movies
Sean Connery’s DB5 (how much will it go for?)
Upcoming movies
The Gray Man
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One
Freegard
The Good Spy
The Hunt
The Black Kaiser and more!
And In Memoriam
Ideas/Feedback: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-may-31-2022-sean-connerys-db5-streaming-releases-and-more/
Join Dan and Tom as they continue their search for more ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE filming locations in Portugal - this time, the road where Tracy is killed right after they leave their wedding reception!
Come on the road with us to Portugal for this on-location podcast episode!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/on-her-majestys-secret-service-on-location-road-where-tracy-is-killed/
Dan and Tom talk about Hitchcock's classic spy movie, NOTORIOUS, with Tony Lee Moral, author of three Alfred Hitchcock books, with a fourth, "Alfred Hitchcock: The Storyboards" available September 2022.
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/interview-with-author-tony-lee-moral-on-hitchcocks-notorious/
Deception: As spy movie fans, we know that deception is a key ingredient in espionage.
In World War II, the British tried many different forms of deception. One of the most impactful deceptions from that war has inspired plot points in James Bond movies and was a key driver to the creation of the Hitchcock classic North by Northwest.
Deception also is the basis of the just-released movie OPERATION MINCEMEAT.
Join Tom Pizzato as he gives you his no-spoiler review!
Comments: info@spymovienavigator.com
Episode webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/operation-mincemeat-review-no-spoilers/
Bond in Latin American – again – women, impersonations, horses, min-jets, explosions, mustaches, a horse’s butts and more Moore quips in the Pre-Title Sequence to, Octopussy!
Is that micro- jet a real jet?
A Dirty Dozen reference? Goldfinger? Take a listen and see how the fake Colonel Toro does!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as they decode and take apart the pre-title sequence!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-octopussy-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Spy Movie News! April 26, 2022! Today we will get some updates on upcoming spy movies, James Bond birthday fun, Eon awards, the Slow Horses wind machine, a Spy Kids reboot, new and old spy movies coming to streaming services, and more! Be in the know in 15 minutes! Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/spy-movie-news-april-26-2022/ Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Gloves that let you climb walls! Sniper flutes! Magnetic suits! Poison rings, Contact lens imager, self-inflating airbags and a whole lot more! Here, we decode the gadgets in the Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation and Fallout – this series is serious stuff!
Join Dan and Tom as they decode more Mission: Impossible gadgets!
Check out our podcast on the gadgets in Mission: Impossible 1 – 3 too. Let’s go!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/mission-impossible-gadgets-in-ghost-protocol-rogue-nation-and-fallout/
Dan and Tom search & find two more ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE filming locations - two of the best - in Portugal: Draco's mansion where the Bond/Tracy wedding reception takes place, AND the bullring where Draco's birthday party happens, and Bond & Tracy begin to fall in love!
Come with us to Portugal, as we present our on-location podcast!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/on-her-majestys-secret-service-on-location-wedding-reception-and-bull-ring/
The espionage movie ALL THE OLD KNIVES, was released April 8, 2022, in the US on Amazon Prime Video. In this movie, two CIA agents and ex-lovers (Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton) are brought back together years after a failed rescue attempt - and forced to blur the lines between profession and passion in this deeply riveting tale of global espionage, moral dilemma, and deadly betrayal.
Worth a watch? We discuss our preview of the movie before it was released with NO SPOILERS - so listen and enjoy and get a few tips for your viewing enjoyment!
Check out our "Interview w/Director & Screenwriter for ALL THE OLD KNIVES" episode
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/all-the-old-knives-first-reactions-no-spoilers/
The new espionage movie ALL THE OLD KNIVES, has a release date of April 8, 2022, in the US on Amazon Prime Video.
This episode features the Director of the film, ALL THE OLD KNIVES, Janus Metz, and the Screenwriter and also the author of the novel of the same name, Olen Steinhauer!
In this movie, two CIA agents and ex-lovers (Chris Pine and Thandiwe Newton) are brought back together years after a failed rescue attempt - and forced to blur the lines between profession and passion in this deeply riveting tale of global espionage, moral dilemma, and deadly betrayal.
Join us for this fascinating talk! How'd they get the title? The cast?
Check out our "ALL THE OLD KNIVES First Reactions - No Spoilers" episode
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/interview-w-director-screenwriter-for-all-the-old-knives/
Here’s our March 29 2022 edition of Spy Movie News!
Today we will get some spy movie updates, some James Bond award news, more spy movies and old spy movies coming to streaming services, new Bond villains?, the MGM and Amazon deal, Agent Game, Red Notice 2 and 3, The Outfit, Faceoff 2 and more!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-march-29-2022-bond-awards-mgm-amazon-all-the-old-knives-red-notice-2-3-agent-game-more/
A cemetery, a special grave, a Universal Exports helicopter being flown by remote control, chasing down a bald man in a wheelchair and down he gooooooooes!
Fly with us through the Pre-Title and Title sequences of the James Bond movie, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-for-your-eyes-only-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Steven Saltzman, the son of Harry Saltzman who co-produced the first 9 Eon Productions James Bond movies and who in the mid 1960s, also produced the first three Harry Palmer movies based on Len Deighton’s books, THE IPCRESS FILE, FUNERAL IN BERLIN and BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN - Steven is now an Executive Producer of the 6-part TV series, THE IPCRESS FILE, that is out now - and Steven joins us today to tell us the exclusive inside scoop on the Hows and Whys of THE IPCRESS FILE TV series production!
THE IPCRESS FILE TV series through is now showing in some countries, will show in the US on AMC+ and stars Joe Cole as Harry Palmer, Tom Hollander as Major Dalby, Lucy Boynton as Jean Courtney, David Dencik as Colonel Stok and other great cast members as well! And today our guest is Steven Saltzman!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/steven-saltzman-an-interview-with-the-executive-producer-of-the-ipcress-file-6-part-series/
The Ipcress File 6-part series has launched in the UK through ITV as of March 6, 2022!
Our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies team has had the opportunity to view all 6 episodes of this monumental series, & we share our no-spoilers insights here! We don't always agree & we let you know what we liked and what we wish was different. Take a listen.
The Ipcress File will be released in many other countries soon:
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-ipcress-file-series-launched-is-it-worth-your-time/
Masks and real disguise expert! Exploding gum! Eyeglasses with cameras, liquid nitrogen? Bombs in your head, microdots, eye scanning devices and more!
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the gadgets in Mission: Impossible 1, 2 and 3!
Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies in your favorite podcast app - please do it now!
Look for additional podcasts on Ghost Protocol, Rogue Nation, and Fallout!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Webpage Link: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/mission-impossible-gadgets-in-mi-1-2-and-3/
Space shuttles! Airplanes! Parachutes! Skydiving! Circuses! Jaws! Explosions! Plans to kill Bond . . . and a beautiful woman!
Can shuttles fly? Is Bond really on his last leg? Whatever happened to that leg?!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as we get a leg-up on the pre-title sequence of MOONRAKER! And Philip Latchford and John Cork weigh in too with us!
Subscribe to our show right now!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/moonraker-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Here’s our Spy Movie News for February 22 2022!
Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre, Awards nominations, upcoming spy movies like, Heart of Stone, Cold Sun, The Bricklayer, Kompromat, new streaming spy series, The King’s Man and historical accuracy, and Mission: Impossible 7!
Subscribe to our show right now!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-february-22-2022/
NO SPOILERS! Another Liam Neeson action movie called Blacklight just released. Is it another sequel to the Taken series?
Join us as we are Cracking the Code of the movie Blacklight. We'll answer that question and guide you as to whether it is worth your time.
Given that this is one of our Quick-Fire Reviews, there will be NO SPOILERS!
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/blacklight-quick-fire-no-spoiler-review/
The Ipcress File! No, we’re not talking today about the 1965 version with Michael Caine! We are talking about the ITV TV series, The Ipcress File starring Joe Cole – coming in March! And . . . on December 16 2021, we had the wonderful opportunity to “attend,” via a Zoom meeting, a press briefing for The Ipcress File TV series through ITV Studios, with the actors, director & more! It airs in March 2022, on ITV and through the ITV Hub. Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-ipcress-file-itv-series-briefing-with-actors-director/
THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCHDirector: Alfred Hitchcock
Mistaken identities! World travelers! Mystery in the middle east! Secrets told, murder plots, kidnappings, and more – all in THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH!
Decoding both the 1934 and the1956 versions of this Hitchcock classic spy movie! With special guest, Bill Koenig of The Spy Command!
Main Casts:
1956
Jimmy Stewart: Dr, Benjamin McKenna
Doris Day: Jo Conway McKenna
Christopher Olson: Hank McKenna
Reggie Nadler – the assassin
1934:
Leslie Banks as Bob Lawrence
Edna Best as Jill Lawrence
Nova Pilbeam as Betty Lawrence
Frank Vosper as Ramon Levine (The assassin/sharpshooter)
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast Page:
https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-man-who-knew-too-much/
Spy Movie News for January 25, 2022!
Bond IMAX and VFX, Mission Impossible, really! Blacklight, The Bricklayer, Conmen, Eraser: Reborn, The 355, Miénteme , Red Notice, To Catch a Thief, and more!
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-january-25-2022
Submarines in trouble, M looking for Bond, Cozy cabins, beautiful women you cannot trust, skiers, mountains, cliffs, rifles and pistols and thousand-foot drops! Join us as we decode the pre-title sequence in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky for a fun outing in one of the BEST pre-title sequences of any Bond movie!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-spy-who-loved-me-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Exploding planes, destructive computer devices, agents with families, an international spy team, plot twists and more make up the first spy movie released in 2022, THE 355.
Join us for our NO SPOILER review of THE 355, starring Jessica Chastain, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o, Penélope Cruz, and Bingbing Fan.
Hit the Subscribe button!
Ideas: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-355-a-quick-fire-review/
Join us for a charming talk with Brigitte Millar, who played Dr. Vogel in SPECTRE and in No Time to Die!
She's also played Emmeline Vance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, she won an award for her performance as Amelia Holland in David is Dying, she joined fellow Bond alums, Benicio Del Toro, Max von Sydow, and Art Malik in The Wolfman.
Want to hear how they filmed the SPECTRE meeting in Rome where she gives her talk? Brigitte has some great insights into the Bond movies!
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/brigitte-millar-dr-vogel-in-spectre-and-no-time-to-die/
Spy Movie News for December 29 2021! Spy movies coming in 2022, The Kingsman series, Argylle, Red Notice, Mission: Impossible, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, The Duke and more!
Start the New Year off right - Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies and know about all the episodes we will launch in 2022! Happy New Year!!
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website episode page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-dec-29-2021-kingsman-red-notice-mi-argylle-operation-fortune-more/
NO SPOILERS!
Intrigue, honor, duty, violence, poisons, World War I, upper-class privilege, Rasputin and other real-world people, a sinister organization, a cool airplane stunt, and an awesome mountain goat are some of the things that make up the origination movie, The King’s Man.
This is a NO-SPOILERS, quick-fire review!
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page:
A Virus, An Antidote, Elton John, Whiskey, Cannibalism, robot dogs, and Butterflies are some of the things we’ll look at as we are Cracking the Code of 88 influences of and on the 2017 movie, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE!
What's the secret clue in the Doomsday Vaults?
Today we are going to explore the scenes that have either influenced or been influenced by other movies, tv shows, and the real world in KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE!
79 Influences on KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE: https://bit.ly/328xMgr
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page:
Exploding heads, prosthetics that cut, halo dives, and Samuel Jackson playing a deranged megalomaniac. We’ll look at all of these and more as we are Cracking the Code of the influences of the 2014 movie, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE.
Dan and Tom look at 79 influences on the movie KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE and examine key scenes! The Knights of the Round Table? Toasting Dead Agents? Disney's Haunted Mansion? Dart Watches? And lots more!
Enjoy 88 Influences - KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE: https://bit.ly/3yMQjLv
Ideas? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/79-influences-on-kingsman-the-secret-service/
We searched for and found the formal gardens from ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - near Lisbon, Portugal! Come with us as we intro our podcast recorded on-location in Portugal!
The gardens, which appear in the love montage of Tracy and Bond, are called, the Palacio Marqueses Fronteira! Let's go on-location!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/on-her-majestys-secret-service-on-location-formal-gardens-love-montage/
Andrew Bustamante, an ex-CIA spy, talks with us about the differences between real spies and movie spies! This is one cool dude! You must hear this!
Can you be a spy? Listen and find out! You can take a test mission - he tells you how.
Gadgets, cars, guns!
Andrew now also teaches elite spy skills to everyday people - check out his website, EverydaySpy.com!
Ideas/Feedback: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast Page:
Here’s our Spy Movie News for November 30 2021!
Find out what you need to know fast!
Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Episode Page:
https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-nov-30-2021-james-bond-craig-mission-impossible-8-the-kings-man-the-night-agent-more/
NO TIME TO DIE - we look at some of the pluses and minuses of the movie as we decode certain scenes. "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "A Farewell to Arms" and lots more! Morgan Lisney, winner of the 2020 James Bond International Trivia Marathon, sends in his summary review of the movie too.
See if you agree or disagree with us!
SPOILERS are rampant in this podcast! If you have not yet seen NO TIME TO DIE, skip this podcast until you have seen the movie.
Ideas/Feedback: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page:
Oceans, Beaches, oysters, champagne, a man in a suit on the beach – what? A funhouse that’s not so fun, and . . . a Golden Gun!
Join us as we venture into Scaramanga’s Funhouse in our decoding of the pre-title sequence to the 1974 James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.
We take it apart and Dan does an impersonation of Nick Nack!
Reactions? Let us know info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Red Notice – A Quick-Fire, No-spoiler Review
Cleopatra’s Eggs, Deep Fakes, call outs to Indiana Jones, Mission: Impossible and James Bond, Ryan Reynolds playing, well Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson playing what he usually plays, and Gal Gadot playing a key role all lead us to our quick-fire no spoiler review of Red Notice.
Join us as we’re Cracking the Code of the just released Netflix movie Red Notice.
Ideas/Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Webpage link: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/red-notice-a-quick-fire-review-no-spoilers/
Who is buried in the mausoleum niche in Diamonds are Forever? And where exactly is it? We recall Bond placing the urn in the crypt and removing an envelope . . . well, it's NOT where everyone thinks it is! Where is the real spot?
Matt Sherman joins us to reveal the real location! This is some real top secret sleuthing!
Matt Sherman runs BondFanEvents.com, is the author of Playing Games With James Bond and James Bond's Cuisine, has been to over 400 Bond locations around the world, has conducted 34 locations tours in the US and overseas, and has Emceed 85 Bond genre events!
Feedback/Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/diamonds-are-forever-filming-location-revealed-with-matt-sherman/
Here’s our October 26, 2021 edition of Spy Movie News with latest updates on James Bond and No Time To Die, Red Notice, The King’s Man, and more in another special edition of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies! Let’s get to it!
All the links to the articles or reports mentioned here, will be posted in the summary article on our website, under Keep Current/Articles at SpyMovieNavigator.com
Feedback/Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/spy-movie-news-october-26-2021-james-bond-no-time-to-die-red-notice-the-kings-man-more/
James Bond! Weapons! Berettas! Walther PPKs, Silencers and more! Today we talk with a weapons expert, Tom Whiteman of Legacy Collectibles – all about Major Boothroyd’s weapon of choice for James Bond!
Join Tom and Dan in a fun talk about the most famous Bond weapon, the Walther PPK!
Check our YouTube channel for a short video of this talk and see the guns Tom W. shows us and talks about!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Landing Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-walther-ppk-w-firearms-expert-tom-whiteman/
SpyMovieNavigator.com has seen NTTD in most available formats! Tom discusses here: 2D, Dolby Cinema, 3D, 4DX (that has seat movement etc.), and IMAX!
We only talk about the theater experience; nothing about the content. So, there are no spoilers in this podcast.
Listen and decide even if you have seen the movie already, you may choose to see it a second or third time – this will help! And if you have not seen it yet, this will help you decide which format to see it in first!
Feedback / Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/no-time-to-die-theater-viewing-formats-guide-2d-4dx-imax-3d-no-spoilers/
The living dead! Skeletons on parade, assassin shots ringing out, a rogue Bond?, foot chases, and of course a fight aboard a helicopter! Join us as we decode the pre-title sequence of James Bond’s SPECTRE!
Join Dan and Tom and special guest, Mike Reyes of Cinemablend.com for a fun analysis of Craig's set-up movie for NO TIME TO DIE. Let’s join the dead on parade in SPECTRE!
Subscribe to our show!
Feedback/Ideas: info@SpyMoveNavigator.com
Website podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-spectre-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Aliens? An agent dies? A twin-drummed magazine on a pistol, motorcycles on rooftops, an inexperienced agent, a fight on a train (oh, really?!), an excavator put to novel use, and Bond dies again?
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as they get on-track and take a shot at decoding the pre-title sequence to SKYFALL! Let’s Go!!!
Ideas/Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-skyfall-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
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NO TIME TO DIE is playing on the big screen! And our Agent Tom Pizzato joined Agent Vicky Hodges in England to see the movie!
Tom and Vicky have sent in their NO SPOILERS report on their viewing on NO TIME TO DIE And we have a clip from the brilliant David Zaritsky of The Bond Experience, then Tom & Vicky interview other theater goers as they exit the movie for their real live reactions, then we hear from Mike Reyes, the Bond expert and fabulous writer at CinemaBlend.com
So, sit back and relax and enjoy this NO SPOILERS reaction podcast on NO TIME TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Website podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/no-time-to-die-no-spoiler-fan-reaction/
Here is our Spy Movie News for September 28, 2021.
Today, we look at NO TIME TO DIE, other James Bond news, big Mission: Impossible news, and other upcoming spy movies!
Feedback/Idea: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Podcast Webpage: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-september-28-2021-no-time-to-die-mi7-the-kings-man-more/
Car chases! Aston Martins! Alfa Romeos! Land Rovers! Lake Garda Italy and Carrara marble – all part of the pre-title sequence in James Bond’s QUANTUM OF SOLACE!
We even have a piece from Roberto Schaeffer, ASC, AIC - the Director of Photography for QUANTUM!
Join Dan, Tom, and Vicky of SpyMovieNavigator.com – and our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show! Jump behind the wheel with us and let's race into QUANTUM OF SOLACE! On your mark! Set! Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Feedback/Ideas: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bonds-quantum-of-solace-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Aces! Spades! Clubs! Hearts! Diamonds! Death! And OO status revealed all in the Pre-Title and Title sequences of Casino Royale!
Join us today as we take a gamble getting Daniel Craig’s first outing as Bond in as we look at the pre-title and title sequence of Casino Royale!
We will dive into both the pre-title sequence and the title sequence for Casino Royale because they are inextricably connected – with the pre-title being a flashback, and the title sequence really a clever foreshadowing of what will happen in this mission.
Feedback: info@SpyMovienavigator.com
Website Page:
Space capsules, poison-dart-firing cigarette, Little Nellie, safe-crackers, flash paper, slides, closed-circuit cameras, micro-dots, collapsing bridges and more as we decode the gadgets in James Bond's YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE!
Join Tom, Dan and Vicky as they have some fun with the gadgets in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE!
Feedback and ideas for a podast? info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Join Dan Tom and a special guest, our agent in Montreal "Eddie," in looking at the Daniel Craig arc - get ready for NO TIME TO DIE!
We look at what we call the "connective tissue" holding the four Craig movies together: CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, SKYFALL and SPECTRE!
Let's go!
Feedback: Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/james-bond-the-daniel-craig-arc-from-casino-royale-to-spectre/
Here’s our Spy Movie News for August 24 2021! Amazon and MGM, Fast and Loose, Argylle, Mission: Impossible 7, James Bond – say what?, Martin Campbell, The Gray Man, and industry news!
Join us and "Be in the Know" quickly!
Michael Keaton, Maggie Q. and Samuel L. Jackson headline the just released (August 2021) espionage move, The Protégé.
Lots of relationships to other spy movies are highlighted including tropes, dialogue, style and more.
Here’s our Quick-fire, No Spoilers review of The Protégé!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Website Podcast Page: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/the-protege-a-quick-fire-no-spoilers-review/
Jean-Claude Van Damme is an old ex-secret agent, car chases, bullet-proof tuxedos, child/parent issues, a Big Mac, and a fun ending fight scene round out the latest Netflix spy movie release, THE LAST MERCENARY!
Join Tom Pizzato in our No Spoiler Quick-Fire podcast!
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show through your favorite podcast app, and on YouTube!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Podcast Homepage on Website: https://spymovienavigator.com/?post_type=podcast_type&p=15389&preview=true
Chimera! Bellerophon! Viruses, antidotes, scientists, the black plague, kids playing and singing, airplanes, and multiple kinds of masks, and who is really who?!
Join Dan and Tom for some fun as they decode the pre-title sequence of Mission: Impossible II!
Subscribe to the show right now!
Ideas/Comments? Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Link to Hompeage on website for episode: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/mission-impossible-ii-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
We’re celebrating our second anniversary! Thanks for being on this journey with us – you make it a vacation for us!
Well, wow! We have just passed our Second Anniversary for our website, SpyMovieNavigator.com, our social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – and our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast show and YouTube channel!
Let's review the fun year, with some messages from listeners and guests, and look forward to the next!
Check out Derek Lyons at https://www.dereklyonssite.com/
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/second-anniversary-show/
Here’s our July 27, 2021, Spy Movie News with news
on
Be in the know!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-july-27-2021-black-widow-mi-7-argylle-and-more/
Hidden maps, hidden tape recorders, rocket-firing motorcycles, rocket belts, water cannons and underwater rebreathers – whew let’s take a breath as we decode the gadgets in Thunderball!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky diving into the gadgets in Thunderball! Are there really rebreathers?!
Be sure to Subscribe our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show right now on YouTube and your fav podcast app!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/gadgets-in-james-bonds-thunderball-decoded/
Join Tom and Vicky as they talk about the major release from Marvel, BLACK WIDOW which is out in theaters now, and steaming through Disney+ for subscribers who pay extra to see at release time.
Tom and Vicky will give some viewing tips and insights, but NO SPOILERS!Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show right now through your favorite podcast app and don't miss out on an episode you may love!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/black-widow-a-quick-fire-no-spoiler-reaction/
Murder at the UN! Murder in New Orleans! Murder in San Monique!
Funerals, coffins, knives, and snakes! Ambassadors, jazz, heroin, and voodoo rituals! And where is Bond?? Let’s dig in and decode the pre-title sequence to Live and Let Die!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky on this fun podcast!
Feedback/Ideas info@spymovienavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/live-and-let-die-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Here’s our June 29 2021 Spy Movie News with news on Amazon & 007, other industry news, Ian Fleming’s golf course, The Gray Man, No Time to Die and Regal Cinema marathon, Black Widow, Red Notice, spy movie watching opportunities and more!
You just have to listen here to be updated - short and to the point - all in one place!
Feedback/Suggestions: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-june-29-2021-amazon-007-fleming-gray-man-black-widow-more/
Harry Palmer, a cold Helsinki winter, virus-filled eggs, outdoor festivals, evil computer programs, a maniac billionaire, a double-cross - make up the story of the third Harry Palmer movie, Billion Dollar Brain!
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the third Harry Palmer movie with Michael Caine, based on the Len Deighton novels!
Lots of connections to other movies and some disagreement between Dan and Tom on this one! Join the fun!
Feedback/Your Thoughts: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/billion-dollar-brain-decoded/
Cracking the Code of Spy Movies is all about . . . spy movies! Not just Bond, but from the classics to current releases!
Take a quick listen - 35 seconds!
Please . . . give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podast app, tell a friend about our show, and Subscibe! That means a lot to us! TY!
Feedback/Your Thoughts: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Rob Mallows of DeightonDossier.net joins Dan and Tom as our prelude to our Billion Dollar Brain podcast! We talk about Deighton, The Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin with a focus on Billion Dollar Brain!
What Deighton novel should be turned into another movie?
Listen now!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/harry-palmer-len-deighton-billion-dollar-brain-with-rob-mallows/
Japan! Cairo, a tropical oasis, mud baths, finger-snappers, cloning, a "new" Bond, and Blofeld’s finally dead! Let’s decode the pre-title sequence to Diamonds are Forever!
Join Dan and Tom in a lively discussion - lots of disagreements!
Updated June 9th 2021!
Feedback: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Episode Homepage on website: https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/diamonds-are-forever-pre-title-sequence-decoded/
Here’s our Spy Movie News for June 1 2021!
Comments: info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
On Her Majesty's Secret Service Pre-Title Sequence Decoded!
A car chase, a fight on the beach, guns, knives, suicide, a new Bond, a different Aston, a time machine, a Queen with a trident, and more in the pre-title sequence to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service!
Join Dan, Tom & Vicky for a deep look into a great James Bond pre-title sequence!
Feedback to info@SpyMovieNavigator.com
4 of our Facebook Group discuss 8 James Bond Movies! This is fun!
Scott Winterroth: (Chicago)
David Lippiatt: (Scotland)
Lindsey Cancino: (Bahamas)
Bryan Herr: (Seattle)
Join us as we take a no-spoiler, quick-fire look into the latest spy movie, CLIFF WALKERS.
Set in the 1930's, CLIFF WALKERS is an espionage movie about four Chinese agents trying to extract a prisoner from Japanese occupied Manchukuo. There are numerous plot twists and double-crosses which should intrigue any spy movie fan.
You can send us your comments at info@spymovienavigator.com.
Here’s our Spy Movie News for May 4, 2021! So, May the Fourth be With You.
Cliff Walkers, Mission Impossible, Tom Cruise, Robert Pattinson as the next Bond? BAFTA, Billion Dollar Spy, Kingsman: The Blue Blood, Mads Mikklesen, Memory and more!
Be in the know with Spy Movie News!
Check out our website https://www.SpyMovieNavigator.com
Visiting James Bond movie locations is fun, and we have the expert with us today - Johannes Eklund who runs http://www.JamesBondLocations.com ! Johannes talks about his 5 holy grail Bond locations, his experience in traveling to 100s of Bond filming locations and lots more! What a fun podcast!
Tell us what you think - leave a voice message on our website at https://www.SpyMovieNavigator.com
Or send us an email at Info@SpyMovieNavigator.com!
Check out our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtfkLHfUVtJdIs1UiyHG7gspymovienavigator/
Space capsules swallowed up in Earth orbit! Bond shot dead! International tension & intrigue! Another World War coming?
Join Dan, Tom & Vicky as they decode the pre-title sequence of You Only Live Twice!
We want to hear from you and what you think of this podcast! Send us a message at https://spymovienavigator.com/contact-us/
Or leave us a voice message at https://spymovienavigator.com/
In this 7 1/2 minute podcast, we look into the 2019 spy movie for kids, Spies in Disguise. This is a fun, family-friendly spy movie with a PG rating.
We know parents are always trying to understand the appropriateness of a movie for their children. Therefore, we crack the code as to what we think were the reasons for it's MPAA rating of PG.
You can contact us at info@spymovienavigator.com. Please leave us a message and let us know what you think of this discussion. Are there other Spy Movies For Kids you'd like us to look into?
Mission: Impossible (1) 1996:
Join us as we unmask and decode the pre-title sequence in Mission Impossible (1) from 1996!
Leave us a comment either on our website or send us an email at info@spymovienavigator.com.
This March 30 2021 edition of Spy Movie News covers
Join us as we take a quick-fire look at the spy thriller, THE COURIER, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Merab Ninidze!
NO SPOILERS!!!!
This movie is based on the real-world Cold War events surrounding the British Salesman, Greville Wynne, and a Russian diplomat, Oleg Penkovsky.
So, listen as we discuss the major themes of the movie.
Thunderball! James Bond! Sean Connery in a gun barrel, A Rocket Jet pack? A fake funeral, James Bond punching “a woman”, Bond’s French connection, cryptic Latin inscriptions etched on a chapel wall, water cannons shooting the bad-guys from the Aston Martin DB-5, and of course, a fight.
These are just some of the things we’ll examine as we decode the pre-title sequence for the 1965 James Bond movie, THUNDERBALL!!!
Join Dan Silvestri, Tom Pizzato, and Vicky Hodges from Spy Movie Navigator, as they are Cracking the Code of the pre-title sequence in Thunderball.
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as we dig for the gold in the pre-title sequence of Goldfinger!
Drug Lords! Latin America! Miami Beach! Seagulls! Nitro! Grappling hooks! Ramirez! Plastic explosives! Dr. No?! Tuxedos and dry suits and the Dutch resistance!
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show right now! And to our YouTube channel of the same name! Join the fun - we've been expecting you!
Here’s our March 9th, 2021 edition of Spy Movie News with updates on:
Lots of stuff in the news! Take a listen! 14 minutes & you are in the know!
You can contact us as info@spymovienavigator.com or by clicking here leave us a message on our website.
To access the links for the articles we mentioned, please click on "Episode Notes" on our podcast page here.
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as we kick off our series into the pre-title sequences of spy movies, with From Russia With Love!
We'll dive into the statuary in the garden, the importance of every sound we hear and lots more.
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show through your favorite podcast app - right now!
Check out our video version on our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies YouTube channel, complete with the movie scenes we discuss and more!
You Only Live Twice is Sean Connery's 5th outing as James Bond - join Dan, Tom & Vicky in a scene analysis with connections to other movies, and a lyrics analysis too! Nancy Sinatra or Julie Rogers? Some hidden gems!
You Only Live Twice - so listen right now!
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show - thanks! Comments? Send then along at https://spymovienavigator.com/contact-us/ - we want to hear from you!!
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Here’s our February 16, 2021 edition of Spy Movie News with updates on spy movies and TV series, Black Widow, Mission: Impossible 7, No Time to Die, a Jinx script?, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes, a Disney studio shuttered, The Gray Man, Jack Ryan and more!
Lots of stuff in the news! Take a listen! 13 minutes & you are in the know!
Tom, Dan and Vicky interview a mountain of a man - Terry Mountain who was in two James Bond movies: On Her Majesty's Secret Service (as Rafael, one of Draco's guys fighting Bond on the beach, and other scenes) and Diamonds are Forever (one of Blofeld's guards) - as well as 7 episodes of The Saint, and lots more. Great interview with some really great back-stories & behind-the-scenes stories - fun stuff all the way!
Listeners:
"Loads of little inside stories and nuggets of info from Terry. I'd already heard some of his escapades at one of the SNS meet-ups, but he elaborates further here. And I whole heartedly agree with him, that Lazenby should have done more. I'm also in agreement, that OHMSS soundtrack is one of the best! - Denise
"Terry is obviously genuinely passionate about the world of Bond. He always comes across as being very real and authentic."
“Listened to this earlier. Brilliant to hear the stories especially paying the bill one!” - Nick
See waht we are talking about with Terry, with shots from the movies, on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/sJsWaRpOTLM
Leave us your thoughts at https://spymovienavigator.com/contact-us/
Terry Mountain is one of the good guys! Join us!
Join Dan, Tom, Vicky, and our special guest, Joe Pappalardo as we crack the code of the gadgets in Diamonds are Forever! We ask, Can you believe it? Gadgets in spy movies!
From fake fingerprints, to lasers and diamonds, voice synthesizers, pitons, moon buggies and more - we cover it all!
Joe Pappalardo is an author and magazine contributor to Smithsonian Air and Space, National Geographic, and Popular Mechanics.
Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Join Cracking the Code of Spy Movies with a new episode of Spy Movie News - all in one place - "Be in the know in under 10 minutes!"
Today
- No Time To Die
- Mission Impossible
- The King's Man
- Black Widow
- Five Eyes or whatever it will be called!
- Theaters & more!
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show and don't miss an episode! We are here for you!
The links to the articles : https://spymovienavigator.com/podcast/spy-movie-news-1-26-21-no-time-to-die-mi-black-widow-the-kings-man-and-more/
Blast off with Tom, Dan, Vicky and Joe Pappalardo as we dismantle the gadgets in Moonraker!
All of the gadgets, from the poison pen, the Bondola, and how Moonraker predicted some things that are going on now! You might have a different view of Moonraker after you hear Joe!
Joe is an author and magazine contributor to Smithsonian Air and Space, National Geographic, and Popular Mechanics. Joe has written articles about space industrialists (like Drax) and spy satellites in space!
And sex in space? Yeah -we have some tips for that as well!
Subscribe to Cracking the Code of Spy Movies - now!
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Spy Movie News! Get the latest news on your favorite upcoming spy movies! In this episode, Dan covers:
"Be in the know in under 10 minutes!"
Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies right now!
Links used in this episode:
DID WE ALMOST GET A STEVEN SODERBERGH DIRECTED JAMES BOND MOVIE? Why Steven Soderbergh Turned Down Directing A James Bond Movie - CINEMABLEND
https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2560823/billie-eilish-lost-thousands-of-followers-after-sharing-nude-drawings-shed-created
GEMMA ARTERTON SAYS THAT STRAWBERRY FIELDS SHOULD HAVE “JUST SAID NO”: https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2560781/quantum-of-solaces-gemma-arterton-addresses-criticism-for-her-time-as-a-bond-girl
https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-tanya-roberts-dead-65-that-70s-show-bond-20210105-s6qalj3x2vhftemqduu43qusgi-story.html
Spy Movie News Dec 29 2020
Covering
"Be in the know in under 10 minutes!"
Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Join Tom, Dan and Vicky as they take apart the gadgets in From Russia With Love and Goldfinger - and determine whether we can believe in the gadget or not! Fun stuff!
Other Gadget podcasts:
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
December 8, 2020 edition of Spy Movie News with lots of theater news as WarnerMedia drops a bombshell, Women as leads in Spy Movies in 2021, James Bond updates, Dr. No prop sells for over a quarter of a million dollars, Black Widow and Mission: Impossible and more!
Be in the know in under 10 minutes!
Derek Lyons joins Dan, Tom & Vicky on Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Derek has made appearances in:
Listen as Derek tells us some amusing back-stories about his Bond experiences, meeting Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and more!
Derek's website: https://www.dereklyonssite.com/
Derek on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derek.lyons.90
Derek on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DerekLyonsActor
Derek on Instagam: @zenlyons instagram
Derek on YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/DerekLyons
Spy Movie News Mid-November 2020 edition covers more news on
And more!
Be in the know in under 10 minutes!
Play along! Join Steven Jay Rubin, author of the newly released The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia in this international James Bond Trivia Marathon! The entire event took about 4 hours and was streamed Live on Zoom and Facebook on November 14 2020. We have trimmed it to under an hour for this podcast, still covering a lot of the event - and a winner was crowned!
See how many answers you know and how you stack up against these knowledgeable players!
See the full event at: https://www.facebook.com/SpyMovieNavigator/videos
We highly recommend purchasing Steven' s book - it is fabulous!
A great talk with Steven Jay Rubin, author of The James Bond Movie Encyclopedia - available for order now!
Join the fun! This is entertaining all the way through!
Join Dan, Tom and Vicky as we salute Sir Sean Connery and remember his passing on October 31 2020.
Here's to you, Sir Sean Connery. With all respect.
Today we are thrilled to talk with Dr. Cary Edwards who wrote the book on Timothy Dalton’s 2 Bond films called, “He Disagreed With Something That Ate Him” arguing that both films are a unique contribution to the series and form an important dialogue with the rest of the franchise. Join Dan, Tom and Vicky!
Cary will reveal some interesting connections and insights into Dalton, Bond, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill! Today, Dr. Cary Edwards, a brilliant film prof, will be our Smartest Spy in the Room!
Spy Movie News for October 27 2020 includes new info on:
Join us and be in the know in under 10 minutes, as we're Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Join Dan and Tom as they head to Germany to attend the Funeral in Berlin! This 1966 movie is the second installment after The Ipcress File, with Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, based on Len Deighton's novels. Part 2 of 2.
Lots of Bond connections, quips, key scenes are explored from a fresh angle. If a funeral could be fun, this is it! Join us, wont you?
Join Dan and Tom as they head to Germany to attend the Funeral in Berlin! This 1966 movie is the second installment after The Ipcress File, with Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, based on Len Deighton's novels. Part 1 of 2.
Lots of Bond connections, quips, key scenes are explored from a fresh angle. If a funeral could be fun, this is it! Join us, wont you?
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Spy Movie News October 3 2020 Special Edition - as MGM, Universal and Eon announce another delay for No Time To Die's release - not until April 2021.
Quick talk about it and fan reactions as well!
In under 10 minutes, you're in the know!
Lots of news on No Time to Die this period, so this entire episode is devoted to it - looking release date strategies, The Official James Bond Podcast launch Billie Eilish, Ana de Armas and more!
In under 10 minutes, you are in the know!
Join Dan and Tom as they spy on Mission: Impossible II, looking for interesting facts, scenes and connections! It actually makes Mission: Impossible II fun! Viruses! Antidotes! Masks! Hunt! Luther! Nyah! Yeah! Aerial stunts and more!
This is Part 2 of a 2 Part podcast! Tell us what you think! Leave us a message on our website, SpyMovieNavigator.com
Here’s our September 24th 2020 edition of Spy Movie News with latest updates on Black Widow, Tom Cruise in space, Mission Impossible 7, Mission: Impossible theme, Red Notice, No Time to Die, Pinewood Studios news, and Lashana Lynch. Join us for this special edition of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies! Let’s get to it!
Join Dan and Tom as they spy on Mission: Impossible II, looking for interesting facts, scenes and connections! It actually makes Mission: Impossible II fun! Viruses! Antidotes! Masks! Hunt! Luther! Nyah! Yeah!
This is Part 1 of a 2 Part podcast! Tell us what you think! Leave us a message on our website, SpyMovieNavigator.com
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Here’s our September 15 2020 edition of Spy Movie News with latest updates on Mission Impossible 7, Red Notice, Five Eyes, Tenet, The Duke, No Time to Die - and some Idris Elba and spy industry news! Dan of SpyMovieNavigator.com does this another special edition of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies! Let’s get to it!
Join Tom and Dan & special guest host Vicky Hodges (from the UK) as we discuss the gadgets in On Her Majesty's Secret Service and gadgets in Live and Let Die - and some Bond movie locations that have been visited and celebrities met!
Vicki joins us as a co-host on the show, and is an avid Bond memorabilia collector and knowledgeable James Bond and spy movie fan! She's great!
Subscribe to our show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
Join Dan and Tom and Vicki as they dive into the new No Time to Die trailer released September 3 2020!
The focus is "perspective" and how that works when dealing with "good" and "bad" here in the film, and how that could be handled.
UPDATED Sept 4th with new stuff!
So tune in now!
Spy Movie News for September 1 2020 includes updates on Tenet as it opens in Europe, Mission: Impossible 7, No Time to Die, The King's Man and industry news!
Be ion the know! Always listen to Spy Movie News from SpyMovieNavigator.com and their podcast & YouTube show, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Here is the current release schedule for TENET:
Wednesday, Aug. 26:
Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Thursday, Aug. 27:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, Middle East, New Zealand, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates
Friday, Aug. 28:
East Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Vietnam
NO SPOILERS! SpyMovieNavigator's co-host, Vicky Hodges, lives in the UK and she saw Tenet on opening day there, August 26 2020.
Here is a Quick-Fire look at the movie, with NO SPOILERS!
So, join Dan, Tom and Vicki for this fun quick-fire look at Tenet!
Join Dan and Tom and they take a fresh look into one of the more significant spy movies of the 1960s, The IPCRESS File.
Starring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, this movie has a lot of Bond connections in staff, including Harry Saltzman as producer! Great acting, great, gritty spy adventure and based on Len Deighton's novels.
Harry Palmer's character revealed! Keep scenes examined! Looking at what was happening in the world at the time, and key scenes. Is Harry Palmer at all like James Bond? Let's see!
Part 2 of a 2 Part podcast.
Join Dan and Tom as they take a fresh look into one of the more significant spy movies of the 1960s, The IPCRESS File.
Starring Michael Caine as Harry Palmer, this movie has a lot of Bond connections in staff, including Harry Saltzman as producer! Great acting, great, gritty spy adventure and based on Len Deighton's novels.
Looking at what was happening in the world at the time, and key scenes. Is Harry Palmer at all like James Bond? Let's see!
Part 1 of a 2 Part podcast.
NOTE: Spy Coffees offer is no longer available or valid as of April 30 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval for the movie industry. In the US, the major theater chains are planning to reopen by the end of August. Tenet is the first tentpole movie that will release in this environment.
This 10 minute podcast will look at the pandemic's impact on Tenet, The King's Man, Black Widow and Red Notice.
We also look at changes the studios are making that may impact things to come. Namely, the recent announcements by Disney, Universal, & AMC have the potential to shake up the industry. They are using the pandemic as their excuse. We'll talk about possible impacts of their announcements on spy movies to come. Subscribe!
Join Dan and Tom as they launch a new series on the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show called Gadgets in Spy Movies - Can You Believe it?
Each episode will cover different spy movies, here, Dr. No and Skyfall, with a special guest to discuss some gadgets in Skyfall, Joe Pappalardo, author and magazine contributor to "Smithsonian Air and Space," and "Popular Mechanics."
Join the fun! A twin drum pistol magazine that fires over a 100 rounds? What?
Updates on Mission: Impossible 7 and No Time to Die as of August 1st 2020. The news is a moving target and when there is something to report worthwhile, we will do a short and quick podcast on it.
Blowing up a real bridge? Moving release dates UP? Tune in.
From a Listener or Part 1: “Really Loved it ! You guys do a Good Job Explaining the film in Detail I even love Tom talking about the original No Time to Die in the UK in 1958 wow!!!!”
Join Dan and Tom as they take a deep dive into the James Bond 1965 film, THUNDERBALL, starring Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi. This is Part 2 or a 2 part podcast!
Part 2 picks up with the flight of he Vulcan with the nukes! Interesting trivia facts & insights!
From a Listener: “Really Loved it ! You guys do a Good Job Explaining the film in Detail I even love Tom talking about the original No Time to Die in the UK in 1958 wow!!!!”
Join Dan and Tom as they take a deep dive into the James Bond 1965 film, THUNDERBALL, starring Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, Adolfo Celi.
They dive into things that surround key scenes, and events that really happened in the world that influenced this film, including the 1958 movie, THE SILENT ENEMY.
Join the fun in Cracking the Code of THUNDERBALL - some interesting reveals! Part 1 of a 2-part podcast.
Dan and Tom dive into The Silent Enemy, a 1958 World War II spy movie, that has lots of connections with the 1961 novel and 1965 film, Thunderball! Explore this great film and all the connections to Bond movies!
All Podcasts: http://bit.ly/31w8oer
Join Dan and Tom in Cracking the Code of My Spy - the first spy movie released by a major studio in 2020 - and it's not in theaters! It's on Amazon Prime!
The Quick-Fire Look will not giveaway the movie, but we will look at certain revelations and things to look for in the movie so you can enjoy it even more!
All our Podcasts are at: https://spymovienavigator.com/spy-movie-podcasts/
Join Dan and Tom as they spend a couple of hours with Roberto Schaefer, Director of Photography for Quantum of Solace! Roberto has been the Director of Photography on some great films, including Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball, Stay and many other great films.
In Part 2, we talk with Roberto about the the team that makes a movie, dive deeper into Quantum with some reveals(!) and lots more! This is Part 2 of a 2 part podcast with Roberto!
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Join Dan and Tom as they celebrate their First Anniversary of SpyMovieNavigator.com and their podcast and video shows, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Some colleagues leave anniversaries messages too! Listen in and tell your friends! Subscribe to our show through your favorite podcast app, like Apple, Google, Spotify, Overcast, Podbean and virtually any other podcast app!
And THANK YOU for getting us to our First Anniversary!
You can watch our video version of the show on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/NC_3OjCrBds
Join Dan and Tom as they spend a couple of hours with Roberto Schaefer, Director of Photography for Quantum of Solace! Roberto has been the Director of Photography on some great films, including Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball, Stay and many other great films.
In Part 1, we talk with Roberto about the role of Director of Photography, his work on Quantum and lots more! This is Part 1 of a Two part podcast with Roberto!
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Join Dan and Tom as they Crack of Code of the history that surrounded & impacted directly the making of the 1939 movie, Q Planes (Clouds Over Europe).
Our first podcast on Q Planes called, Q Planes (Clouds Over Europe) is an analysis of the movie, scene by scene. In this new podcast, a different approach is taken, looking at worldwide historical events (the oncoming of World War Two, etc.) that directly affected the making of the film, looking at some very interesting connections!
The real world does find its way into spy movies!
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Q Planes, also known as Clouds Over Europe for the USA release, is a spy comedy, treating a top-secret invention the British were testing just prior to World War II and what they had to do to keep the invention and information about it out of enemy hands. It is more spy than comedy, but it has a comedic element. Starring Ralph Richardson, Lawrence Olivier, and Valerie Hobson.
Join Dan and Tom as they dig deep into the key scenes in this film and connections to other spy movies to come!
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Join Dan and Tom as they dive into how and if screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge and director Cary Fukunaga will work together on No Time To Die. Two very different backgrounds have to merge together to create some magic - or will they?
Check all of our podcasts at https://spymovienavigator.com/spy-movie-podcasts/
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Join Dan and Tom on their Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show as they uncover some hidden connections in this fun comedy/spy movie for the whole family, The Spy Next Door! They will highlight 11 parts of the movie that tie into other spy movies, including Bond. James Bond! Join the fun!
Starring: Jackie Chan as Bob Ho, Billie Ray Cyrus as Coltan James, George Lopez as Glaze, Amber Valletta as Gillian
Directed by Brian Levant
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Join Dan and Tom and they literally mix some Bond cocktails as they discuss the wide variety of drinks that James Bond 007 imbibes in , throughout the Ian Fleming's James Bond novels.
Old fashioneds? Irish coffee? Stingers? Join them in Cracking the Code of the James Bond drinks in the Ian Fleming novels! Have a Bondian cocktail along with them as you listen safely from home!
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Join Dan and Tom as they dive deeply into Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 "monumental" spy thriller, North by Northwest. Some have called this the first Bond movie! From New York City to Chicago to Mount Rushmore, the thrill is on!
We look at scenes, comparisons to other spy movies, actors and insights into the key scenes and backstories! Fun stuff for one of the best spy films ever created, with one iconic scene that everyone knows, the Crop Duster scene!
This is part 2 of a 2 Part North by Northwest podcast.
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Join Dan and Tom as they dive deeply into Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 "monumental" spy thriller, North by Northwest. Some have called this the first Bond movie! From New York City to Chicago to Mount Rushmore, the thrill is on!
We look at scenes, comparisons to other spy movies, actors and insights into the key scenes and backstories! Fun stuff for one of the best spy films ever created, with one iconic scene that everyone knows, the Crop Duster scene!
This is part 1 of a 2 Part North by Northwest podcast.
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Tom and Dan head down to the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo in Chicago top try to find some real spy movie fans!
In as new segment, Opinions of Real Spy Movie Fans, we talk to a bunch of real people who talk about what spy movies they like!
NOTE: No Time To Die release has been postponed until November 2020. At the time of this recording it was schedule for April 2020.
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Goldfinger was one of producer Cubby Broccoli’s favorite Bond films – top 3 of the 17 he produced.
Join Tom and Dan as we go gold mining for the unique elements and special highlights of Goldfinger, and how other spy movies and real-world events affected Goldfinger, in the James Bond podcast, All That Glitters – the Gold in Goldfinger! This is Part 2 of a 2-part podcast! Listen to Part 1! Come join us on all of our podcasts as we’re cracking the code of spy movies!
Check videos at http://bit.ly/39Ggbe8
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Goldfinger was one of producer Cubby Broccoli’s favorite Bond films – top 3 of the 17 he produced.
Join Tom and Dan as we go gold mining for the unique elements and special highlights of Goldfinger, and how other spy movies and real-world events affected Goldfinger, in the James Bond podcast, All That Glitters – the Gold in Goldfinger! This is Part 1 of a 2-part podcast! Look for Part 2! Come join us on all of our podcasts as we’re Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
Check videos at http://bit.ly/39Ggbe8
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Movie Collectibles: Join Dan and Tom as they go on-sight to a fabulous move collectibles shop and warehouse and interview the owner, Cory Glaberson, who has sold stuff to some high-profile people around the world.
We look at collectible Bond posters, toys and vinyl LP movie sound tracks as Cory explains the details and tells some very interesting stories!
James Bond No Time To Die Billie Eilish Podcast: Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the lyrics of the title song for No Time To Die by Billie Eilish!
Looking at the tune from the key it is written in & what the lyrics may portend for the film! Let's speculate together - join the fun!
Subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show, and leave us a voice message about the song on our website!
Content is editorial in nature.
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James Bond - No Time To Die Oscar's Trailer Podcast: Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the latest No Time To Die trailer that appeared as an ad on the Oscars, February 9, 2020!
We examine the new scenes that are in the trailer and try to make sense of what is happening in each new scene and what it might mean for the entire film!
It's a quick listen, so download it now! And please subscribe to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies channel through your favorite podcast app!
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James Bond - No Time To Die Podcast: We’ve watched the No Time To Die trailer a lot. We are intrigued. The photography, special effects, lighting – all so enticing and yet – not all that revealing. Or is there something to be revealed here on several of the main characters? This podcast is pure speculation!
FOCUS: What are the potential character plot twists that might unfold in No Time To Die? We'll look at Nomi, Bond, Leiter, and Swann.
Today we are going to look at the strengths and weaknesses of some of the speculative scenarios that are possible directions for EON to take with No Time to Die.
So let’s speculate – and send us your speculations and insights through a voice message on our website, or message us in Facebook! We might include your comments in our next show on the subject!!
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James Bond No Time To Die Super Bowl Trailer Podcast: Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the No Time To Die trailer # 2, which aired during the Super Bowl (American) football broadcast!
Here, we look at the trailer basically frame by frame, and look for clues as to what changes might be coming, and the nuances of the shots included in the trailer, compared with the first trailer.
What fun!
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Secret Agent – 1936
Join us as we're cracking the code of spy movies! Here, we're taking a close look at the 1936 Hitchcock movie, Secret Agent, its influence on future spy movies, and how sometimes being a secret agent is not that secret!
Starring: MAIN CAST
John Gielgud (Edgar Brodie and Richard Ashenden)
Peter Lorre (The general),
Madeline Carroll (Elsa Carrington),
Robert Young (Robert Marvin)
Charles Carson (“R”)
Lilli Palmer (Lilli)
Based on a W. Somerset Maugham novel, “Ashenden”.
Note: You can watch the entire movie on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PamTfB0fOWM
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Join Dan (Tom's was on vacation during recording!) as he looks at some of the collectibles that SpyMovieNavigator owns from some of the James Bond movies! And the collectible concept from screen-used props, props made for films but maybe not used on-screen, and reproductions! It's a quick 14 minute look - take a listen!
Items from:
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Join Dan and Tom - as Dan details the fascinating Spyscape Spy Museum in New York City and interviews Ian Oldaker, the museum GM, as they tour the museum. This is an interactive museum, not just exhibits, with lots of real spy gadgets, an Enigma machine . . . and an Aston Martin from Goldeneye! And you can test your spy skills in 7 different galleries!
Fun stuff - take a listen now! And Subscribe (follow) our channel, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies to get the latest! It's FREE!
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Join Dan and Tom as we explore No Time To Die and see why Bond will survive his next mission, looking back at how changing the Coca-Cola formula in 1985 is similar to the formula change that is being attempted with the Bond franchise! This is a unique look at Bond and No Time To Die!
Be part of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies and send us a voice message from our website: https://www.SpyMovieNavigator.com
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Join Tom and Dan, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies as they take a Quick-Fire look at the animated kids spy movie, SPIES IN DISGUISE, looking at how it relates to other spy movies, the plot, music and message! And there's stuff in here for adults too!
Fun movie! Take a listen!
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Join Tom and Dan in our 2019 wrap-up podcast of our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show! Here, we include clips from all of our 2019 podcasts - take a listen, find ones that interest you and subscribe (free) to our Cracking the Code of Spy Movies show and listen to the full episodes!
Happy New Year and thank you to all our listeners around the world! We are humbled that our spy movie community has downloaded our podcasts in 66 countries so far!
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Dan and Tom of SpyMovieNavigator.com, had the privilege of examining 11 of Ian Fleming’s original James Bond manuscripts – his actual typed pages, with hand-written edits in the margins, crossed-out sections, add-ins and more! You can see where he changes a name we all know, and then – there it is in the final published version of the novel!
Come with us to The Lilly Library at Indiana University in the USA, as we examine in-person all of these wonderful James Bond masterpieces, gaining some insight into the novels and into Ian Fleming’s way of writing! This is Part two, covering Dr. No to Live and Let Die of a 2-part series! Be sure to listen to Part 1 as well!
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Join Tom and Dan as we crack the code on the trailer for No Time to Die!
We'll talk about the key scenes in the trailer, if they create interest and intrigue, and we look at "the bell-" yep, there is a bell we think might be important as well as a few other significant shots.
Subscribe to our channel, Cracking the Code of Spy Movies!
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Dan and Tom of SpyMovieNavigator.com, had the privilege of examining 11 of Ian Fleming’s original James Bond manuscripts – his actual typed pages, with hand-written edits in the margins, crossed-out sections, add-ins and more! You can see where he changes a name we all know, and then – there it is in the final published version of the novel!
Come with us to The Lilly Library at Indiana University in the USA, as we examine, in-person, all of these wonderful James Bond masterpieces, gaining some insight into the novels and into Ian Fleming’s way of writing! This is Part one, covering Casino Royale to From Russia With Love, of a 2-part series! Look for Part 2 as well!
Join Tom and Dan in Cracking the Code of Spy Movies! Here we take a Quick-Fire look at the new 2019 movie, Charlie's Angels and analyze its originality, what movies influenced it and what the overall impression is. This is a fun exploration, so join us now!
SpyMovieNavigator.com is looking at new spy movies, Bond, Bourne, Mission: Impossible, and classic spy movies to uncover the connections and influences spy movies have on each other, and how the real world events work their way into spy movies.
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Join Tom and Dan as they investigate why Bond still tops Mission: Impossible, Bourne and what about George Smiley.
Every other spy movie franchise loathes and despises James Bond 007 – and the EON Productions 50+ years of success. Why?
Because no other franchise, let alone spy movie franchise, has survived and thrived for over 50 years on the big screen, in books and novelizations. Bond is Big – and it may always remain big if EON Productions continues to do the right things – some things more right than others, but they have pretty much done the right things for 50 years.
But is there a challenger?!
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Have you ever thought about how events in the real world and other movies could affect and work their way into some of our favorite spy movies? Well, think about it a minute because that’s what we are going to explore today on Spy Movie Navigator.
Join Dan and Tom as they explore the unique connections between spy movies, and the real-world impact on what goes into spy movie! This is Part 2 of a multi-part series!
If you have any suggestions on what to include in a future podcast, send them to Dan@SpyMovieNavigator.com
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Is the world enough? Spy movies have always looked for real-world inspirations to incorporate into their spy movies! The Duke of Wellington makes an appearance in Dr. No, James Bond, in the pre-title to Goldfinger, removes his wet suit to reveal a perfectly neat & crisp white dinner jacket & bow tie . . . this came right out of a real World War II operation! Who was the real spy?
Fake deaths, like in You Only Live Twice, rooted in other real World War II operations. Piz Gloria and chemicals – we found a real event in 1968, and lots more!
We will take a look at how some real-world events found their way into some spy movies, in this podcast, from 1962 – 1969. So, let’s go exploring & discover some hidden connections!
This is Part 1 of a two part series.
If you have any suggestions on what to include in a future podcast, send them to Dan@SpyMovieNavigator.com
Podcast Website page: https://bit.ly/2ZQqjRR
Interview with: His World Never Dies: The Evolution of James Bond author, Dave Holcomb - Book is a nice read and in this podcast we interview the author!
We read a lot of books on spies – real spies and movie spies – so we can gain a little more insight into the spy movies that we are having fun with. This book looks at Bond from a unique vantage point. Kind of a cool title considering the EON just announced the new Bond film (November 2020) is called No Time to Die!
Dave weaves a story on how Bond has evolved over the decades with some unique insights, a treatment of sexism and race, and a very interesting concept of how history and the Bond series goes through what is called a History Gyre, which suggests that history does not only repeat itself, but that it moves in an evolutionary circle. Dave suggests that the Bond films go through this same evolutionary circle. It is a great book, which we enjoyed reading, and we had a great conversation with the author, Dave Holcomb - listen now!
We'd highly recommend it, and you can find it on Amazon, just search His World Never Dies.
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Join Tom and Dan as they compare From Russia With Love to real world events and its relationship to other spy movies! This is Part 2 or a 2 Part show on From Russia With Love.
When Ian Fleming wrote From Russia With Love, the Soviet Union had not yet launched Sputnik, the first satellite ever put into space.
But by October 4th, 1957, Sputnik was successfully launched which began the official space race between the then Soviet Union and the United States – so the subject matter of the film was very much on everyone’s mind worldwide – what will happen in space, and what will tensions between the US and the Soviet Union bring to the world. Another great choice by EON Productions to produce this film in 1963.
From Russia with Love is the second EON Productions entry into the film series and it is an outstanding film. Many choose From Russia With Love as one of their favorite James Bond movies. And we have to agree – this is definitely is one of our top 5 Bond films ever made by EON Productions because of the screenplay, the cast, and just how well the story unfolds before our eyes. This is top-notch Bond! James Bond.
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Join Tom and Dan as they compare From Russia With Love to real world events and its relationship to other spy movies! This is Part 1 of a 2 Part show on From Russia With Love.
When Ian Fleming wrote From Russia With Love, the Soviet Union had not yet launched Sputnik, the first satellite ever put into space.
But by October 4th, 1957, Sputnik was successfully launched which began the official space race between the then Soviet Union and the United States – so the subject matter of the film was very much on everyone’s mind worldwide – what will happen in space, and what will tensions between the US and the Soviet Union bring to the world. Another great choice by EON Productions to produce this film in 1963.
From Russia with Love is the second EON Productions entry into the film series and it is an outstanding film. Many choose From Russia With Love as one of their favorite James Bond movies. And we have to agree – this is definitely is one of our top 5 Bond films ever made by EON Productions because of the screenplay, the cast, and just how well the story unfolds before our eyes. This is top-notch Bond! James Bond.
All Podcasts: http://bit.ly/31w8oer
SpyMovieNavigator took a trip to Florida in the USA to visit filming location sites for Goldfinger (Miami) and for Licence to Kill (in Key West Florida). Here in part two, we look at all the filming locations for Licence to Kill - a great bond film! We visit 7 Mile Bridge, the airport where Sanchez lands his plane, and then escapes, the church where Felix Leiter and Della are married, Felix Leiter's home, Mallory Square, Hemingway House where M revokes Bond's Licence to Kill, "Barrelhead " bar, Sharkey's dock and more!
On this trip we visited about 17 James Bond filming locations, and we talk about the excitement of the trip and cut to podcast clips we recorded on location. Fun trip and some beautiful spots!
In this first part of our two part podcast, we covered Goldfinger in Miami. Here, in part two we cover Licence to Kill locations in Key West, Fl.
Join us! If you like what you hear, leave us a great review and star rating! Subscribe! Thanks!
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SpyMovieNavigator took a trip to Florida in the USA to visit filming location sites for Goldfinger (Miami) and for Licence to Kill (in Key West Florida). Here in part one, we look at the Fontainebleau Resort where Bond is vacationing after a mission, Oddjobs route to the "airport" with Mr. Solo, Felix Leiter and Simmons waiting location at a KFC, and finally the iron and metal yard where Mr. Solo meets his "pressing engagement."
On this trip we visited about 17 James Bond filming locations, and we talk about the excitement of the trip and cut to podcast clips we recorded on location. Fun trip and some beautiful spots!
In this first part of our two part podcast, we cover Goldfinger in Miami. In part two we cover Licence to Kill locations in Key West, Fl.
Join us! If you like what you hear, leave us a great review and star rating! Subscribe! Thanks!
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The 39 Steps, directed by Alfred Hitchcock is considered by many to be the first spy movie ever made! If you came to our site as a Bond, Bourne, Hunt, Smiley, or other spy fan, you might not have seen this film.
Released in 1935, this movie sets the table for future spy movies to come. From helicopter chases and train chases to pursuit through unknown lands, this film is a must for all spy movie fans!
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Sherlock Bond? James Holmes? James Bond is to spies what Sherlock Holmes is to detectives! Let’s journey into this dark London world together and see what clues we can find!
Today, we’re going to do some sleuthing around London – well, metaphorically that is! Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Ian Fleming created some of the best known literary characters this world has ever known. Both Sherlock Holmes and James Bond made the leap from the pages of novels and short stories to the big screen – and nothing has been the same ever since.
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Is it an Impossible task to bring a successful tv show to film? Come with us as we dissect the first Mission: Impossible movie!
For the most part, Spy Movies have had their origin from books: James Bond, Bourne Identity, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan stories, John Le Carre’s books, etc. However, in 1996, Paramount Pictures and Cruise/Wagner Productions, released the first film of the Mission: Impossible series, based on the TV show. Other spy-based tv shows wouldn’t get their US big-screen debuts until years later (namely I Spy in 2002 and Get Smart in 2008, even the Man From Uncle in 2013).
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Dr. No, EON Productions first James Bond film based on Ian Fleming’s sixth James Bond 007 novel gets a big YES from movie-goers at the time of release in 1962, even more so now, and has been a staple of Bond films ever since. Dr. No is Dr. Yes for spy movie fans, and new spy movie fans who are focused on Bourne and Mission: Impossible and more recent Bond films with Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, would enjoy going back to the first James Bond film, Dr. No, to which, we think, they will also say Yes!
We look at historical events going on at the time, and how the real world events fueled interest in the movie!
SpyMovieNavigator.com is The Worldwide Community of Spy Movie Fans - Spy Movie Podcasts, Videos, Discussions and more!
In this episode, we talk about why we started SpyMovieNavigator and how spy movie fans can get something out of our podcasts, website and social media, and how spy movie fans can contribute their ideas, articles, comments, photos and videos to our growing spy movie fan community!
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