Gimnasio Percy Portugal

23/08/2025

14/03/2025

During the production of *From Russia with Love* (1963), Robert Shaw, Pedro Armendáriz, and Ian Fleming were captured together in what became a rare behind-the-scenes moment in Bond history. Shaw, portraying the ruthless SPECTRE assassin Red Grant, delivered one of the franchise’s most intense and memorable villains, engaging in a brutal and claustrophobic train fight with Sean Connery’s Bond.

Pedro Armendáriz, who played the charismatic and loyal Kerim Bey, was a standout in the film, bringing warmth and humor to his role as Bond’s Istanbul-based ally. Tragically, Armendáriz was terminally ill with cancer during filming and took on the role knowing it would be his last. His performance remains one of the most beloved supporting characters in the Bond series.

Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, visited the set and interacted with the cast, observing his novel come to life. As one of the last Bond films released before his passing in 1964, *From Russia with Love* was said to be one of his favorites, capturing the Cold War intrigue and espionage he originally envisioned. The presence of these three men—Shaw, Armendáriz, and Fleming—represented the perfect blend of thrilling action, compelling storytelling, and the literary legacy that shaped the world of James Bond.

14/03/2025

Patrick Macnee and Roger Moore shared the screen in *A View to a Kill* (1985), Moore’s final outing as James Bond. Macnee played Sir Godfrey Tibbett, a loyal MI6 agent and horse trainer who assists Bond in infiltrating Max Zorin’s estate under the guise of a wealthy buyer and his valet. The dynamic between Moore and Macnee brought a unique charm to the film, with Macnee’s Sir Godfrey serving as both a competent ally and a source of dry humor.

Their partnership was short-lived, however, as Tibbett meets a tragic fate at the hands of Zorin’s ruthless bodyguard, May Day (Grace Jones), in one of the film’s more shocking moments. Despite his limited screen time, Macnee’s portrayal added a touch of sophistication and warmth, making his character one of the more memorable allies in the Bond series.

Outside of *A View to a Kill*, Macnee was best known for his role as John Steed in the British TV series *The Avengers*, where he exuded the same wit and elegance that made him a perfect fit for the world of 007. His chemistry with Roger Moore, both on and off-screen, reflected their real-life friendship, making their scenes together even more enjoyable for fans.

14/03/2025

Ursula Andress, born on March 19, 1936, remains one of the most iconic figures in James Bond history for her role as Honey Ryder in *Dr. No* (1962). As the first official Bond girl, she made an unforgettable entrance, emerging from the Caribbean waves in a white bikini with a knife strapped to her hip—a moment that defined the allure of the Bond franchise. Starring alongside Sean Connery, Andress played a shell diver who finds herself caught in Bond’s mission to stop the villainous Dr. No. Unlike many later Bond girls, Honey Ryder wasn’t a trained agent or femme fatale but an independent and fearless woman with her own motivations.

Her performance helped establish the Bond girl archetype—exotic, confident, and captivating. Although her Swiss-German accent was deemed too thick, leading to her lines being dubbed by voice actress Nikki van der Zyl, Andress's screen presence was undeniable. Following *Dr. No*, she became an international sensation, embodying 1960s glamour and intrigue.

Despite being offered other roles in the Bond franchise, Andress never returned, though she did portray Vesper Lynd in the 1967 Bond parody *Casino Royale*, making her one of the few actresses to appear in two Bond-related films. Her portrayal of Honey Ryder remains one of the most celebrated in cinematic history, inspiring countless homages, including Halle Berry’s similar emergence from the sea in *Die Another Day* (2002). Even decades later, Andress’s impact on the Bond legacy is undeniable, cementing her place as the quintessential Bond girl.

14/03/2025

Maud Adams – Oc*****sy (1983)
Maud Adams is unique in Bond history, as she appeared in two official Bond films (The Man with the Golden Gun and Oc*****sy) and had an uncredited cameo in A View to a Kill. In Oc*****sy, she played the mysterious and powerful Oc*****sy, a jewel smuggler with her own private island and an army of trained women. Adams’ character was one of the most independent and resourceful Bond girls, holding her own opposite Roger Moore’s 007.

Barbara Carrera – Never Say Never Again (1983)
Unlike other Bond girls, Barbara Carrera’s Fatima Blush was a femme fatale working for SPECTRE in the unofficial Bond film Never Say Never Again. She was a ruthless and seductive assassin, providing one of Sean Connery’s most dangerous adversaries in his return to the role. Carrera’s performance was bold and over-the-top, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Tanya Roberts – A View to a Kill (1985)
Tanya Roberts played Stacey Sutton, a geologist caught in the villainous scheme of Max Zorin (Christopher Walken). While she was often portrayed as the classic damsel-in-distress, Roberts’ natural beauty and charm made her a memorable Bond girl. Her character worked closely with Roger Moore’s Bond to stop Zorin’s plan to destroy Silicon Valley. A View to a Kill was Moore’s final Bond film, making her the last leading lady of his tenure.

Maryam D'Abo – The Living Daylights (1987)
Maryam D'Abo brought a more refined and innocent touch to the Bond girl role as Kara Milovy, a talented Czechoslovakian cellist unknowingly caught in a Soviet espionage plot. Unlike many of her predecessors, Kara wasn’t a femme fatale or a trained agent but an ordinary woman swept into Bond’s world. Her chemistry with Timothy Dalton gave the film a romantic edge, and her character had a crucial role in the film’s plot.

Carey Lowell – Licence to Kill (1989)
Carey Lowell’s Pam Bouvier was a new kind of Bond girl for the franchise. A tough CIA informant and pilot, Pam was more than capable of handling herself in a fight, making her one of the most independent female leads in the series up to that point. With her short hair and no-nonsense attitude, she was a stark contrast to more glamorous Bond girls, and her relationship with Dalton’s Bond had a more modern and realistic dynamic.

These five actresses helped define the Bond girl legacy throughout the 1980s, each bringing a distinct personality and style to the franchise.

13/03/2025

Valerie Leon, who appeared as the hotel receptionist in *The Spy Who Loved Me* (1977), fondly recalled her experiences working alongside Roger Moore. Their collaborations extended beyond Bond, including appearances in *The Saint*, *The Persuaders*, and *The Wild Geese*.

One of her most cherished memories came from filming *The Persuaders* in 1971. Not only was Moore the star, but he also directed the episode. She recalled a completely unscripted kiss that he gave her, which caught her so off guard that she couldn’t help but grin—something the editors ultimately left in.

During the *TSWLM* shoot in Sardinia, Leon was among a select few invited to dinner at the Aga Khan’s. To her surprise, when they arrived, they were informed the staff had the night off. Ever the gentleman, Moore and producer Cubby Broccoli stepped in, serving dinner themselves—an act that added to the warmth and camaraderie of the production.

Leon described Moore as her favorite Bond, calling him "a real charmer and a gentleman." She reflected on his kindness, humor, and generosity, saying, “He was the loveliest man, and I am deeply saddened that he has now left us.”

13/03/2025

Behind the scenes in Hong Kong, Britt Ekland and director Guy Hamilton collaborate on the set of *The Man with the Golden Gun* (1974). As the charming yet clumsy Mary Goodnight, Ekland brought a mix of glamour and humor to Roger Moore’s second Bond film. Under Hamilton’s direction, the film delivered exotic locations, high-stakes espionage, and one of the franchise’s most memorable villains—Christopher Lee as the deadly Scaramanga.

From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the stunning waters of Thailand, *The Man with the Golden Gun* remains a visually striking entry in the Bond series, capturing the essence of 1970s Bond adventure.

13/03/2025

On Monday night, the cast of *No Time to Die* gathered for their first major group photo in the U.S., following the film’s grand world premiere in London the previous week. This latest installment in the James Bond franchise marks Daniel Craig’s highly anticipated final outing as 007, bringing an end to his 15-year tenure as the iconic spy.

The photo captures Craig alongside co-stars Lashana Lynch, Léa Seydoux, Rami Malek, and Jeffrey Wright as they prepared for a special screening in New York City, dedicated to healthcare workers and first responders.

After multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, *No Time to Die* is finally making its way to theaters, set to premiere in the U.S. on October 8. The film promises an emotional and action-packed farewell to Craig’s Bond, capping off an era that redefined the character for a new generation.

12/03/2025

Sean Connery and Lana Turner shared the screen in *Another Time, Another Place* (1957), a romantic drama that marked one of Connery’s early roles before he became a global icon as James Bond. However, the film’s production was overshadowed by real-life drama when Turner’s then-boyfriend, notorious gangster Johnny Stompanato, became jealous of her on-screen chemistry with Connery.

During filming in Britain, Stompanato stormed onto the set and allegedly pointed a gun at Connery, warning him to stay away from Turner. Unfazed, Connery swiftly disarmed the mobster, twisting his wrist and forcing him to flee. The incident only fueled Stompanato’s paranoia, and rumors later suggested that Connery had to go into hiding briefly after Stompanato was killed in a tragic domestic altercation.

Stompanato’s death came in 1958 when Lana Turner’s 14-year-old daughter, Cheryl Crane, stabbed him in what was ruled a justifiable homicide after a night of threats and violence against Turner. The scandal rocked Hollywood, but Connery’s career remained unaffected, paving the way for his rise to international stardom.

12/03/2025

Sean Connery and Claudine Auger made for one of the most charming on-screen couples in *Thunderball* (1965), the fourth installment in the James Bond series directed by Terence Young. Behind the scenes, their chemistry was just as captivating as it was on screen, as seen in candid moments of laughter and warmth during filming.

Auger, a former Miss France, portrayed the stunning Domino Derval, a pivotal Bond girl caught in the web of SPECTRE’s sinister plot. Her elegance and intelligence made her a perfect match for Connery’s suave and confident 007. Their dynamic added an emotional depth to *Thunderball*, making it one of the most memorable films of the era.

Filmed in the exotic locales of the Bahamas, *Thunderball* was a landmark Bond adventure, filled with breathtaking underwater sequences and action-packed thrills. But at its heart, it was the undeniable charisma of Connery and Auger that helped cement its legacy as one of the greats in the franchise.

12/03/2025

On the set of *Goldfinger* (1964), Sean Connery appears in high spirits, surrounded by a glamorous group of extras from the film’s famous Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel pool scene. The moment captures Connery’s effortless charm, a quality that helped define his tenure as James Bond.

Among the extras present were several models and actresses of the era: Kneeling in the front row are Joanna Ford, Carmen Dene, and Marion Collins, while standing behind them are Gloria Best, Dominique Don, Donna Pearson, Sally Douglas, Christine Rodger, June Cooper, and Jane Lumb. Many of these women were well-known figures in the British modeling scene of the 1960s, adding an air of sophistication and allure to one of the most stylish Bond films.

The *Goldfinger* Miami sequence, though actually shot at Pinewood Studios in England, remains one of the most visually iconic scenes in Bond history. It perfectly encapsulates the extravagant, jet-set lifestyle of 007, complete with luxury, beautiful women, and high-stakes espionage.

12/03/2025

Roger Moore’s tenure as James Bond came to an explosive and action-packed conclusion with *A View to a Kill* (1985), his seventh and final outing as 007. Among the film’s many memorable moments is the thrilling Paris car chase, where Bond, in hot pursuit of an assassin parachuting off the Eiffel Tower, commandeers a Renault 11 taxi—only to leave it in a state of absolute ruin.

Unlike his previous high-tech Aston Martins and Lotus sports cars, this time, Bond relies on nothing but raw driving skill as he speeds through the streets of Paris. The chase quickly turns chaotic as the Renault 11 gets decapitated—losing its roof first, and then later splitting completely in half. Despite its battered condition, Bond continues the pursuit, driving the front half of the car in a scene that blends suspense with classic 007 humor.

This sequence was a testament to Roger Moore’s signature style—effortlessly blending charm and wit with thrilling action. While *A View to a Kill* marked the end of his era as Bond, it ensured he went out with one last unforgettable stunt, proving once again why he was one of the most beloved actors to ever don the tuxedo.