Nelson … Barry Nelson
I would have imagined this television oddity from the old Climax anthology series was pretty well known to James Bond fans. However, during recent conversations with some hardcore 007 buffs I was told they never heard of it, so if such Bond devotees were unfamiliar with it, I’m assuming there are plenty of others.
Obviously this one-shot television special for the one hour long Climax program (yes, I just typed the words “one hour long climax”) came out long before the successfull James Bond film series. American Barry Nelson was therefore the first actor to play 007 on the small or big screen. Since this was adapted for an American television show, Bond (then a virtual unknown quantity) was Americanized as “Jimmy” Bond and Bond’s American contact became a British contact, Clarence (not Felix) Leiter. In addition our American Bond is said to work for the “Combined Intelligence” Agency instead of the Central Intelligence Agency.
The legendary Peter Lorre starred as the villain, Le Chiffre, who, at Casino Royale, loses a high-stakes game of baccarat to 007, putting him in a bind since he (Le Chiffre) has been gambling away enormous amounts of cash from his Soviet spymasters. Desperate to recover the funds he lost to “Jimmy”, Le Chiffre and his goons even torture Bond at one point by breaking some of his toes. In the end 007 comes out on top, of course, and guns down Lorre in the finale.
This telefilm is short, clocking in at just 46 minutes without commercials, and is okay but is really only of interest as a James Bond oddity. A laughable touch is when Leiter says that Bond’s nickname is “Card Sense Jimmy”. Talk about a nickname guaranteed to drive the babes WILD! And speaking of babes, this version of Casino Royale changes the name of the story’s femme fatale Vesper Lynd to Valerie Mathis, making her a composite of Vesper and Rene Mathis from the Ian Fleming story.
FOR MORE FORGOTTEN TELEVISION CLICK HERE: https://glitternight.com/category/forgotten-television/
© Edward Wozniak and Balladeer’s Blog 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Edward Wozniak and Balladeer’s Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Balladeer's Blog 
Jimmy Bong ??? Seriously…oh dear me.
Ha! Yeah, it’s legit!
really cool! u dig up such kewl shit
Thanks a lot!
So an American was the first James Bond? How cool!
I agree!
Peter Lorre sounds perfect as Le Chiffre!
Yep, he is a standout!
Totally cool! Never heard about this American James Bond.
Glad to spread the word!
“Our american Bond” lol I love the historical references u scatter through ur reviews.
Thanks for noticing!
Barry nelson isn’t as sexy as the other bonds.
I wouldn’t know but thanks for commenting!
Broken toes? Ouch!
To say the least!
Nice post. Never knew about this American James Bond.
I’m glad to spread the word about it.
An American Bond! Cool!
Thanks! Spread the word!
Nelson’s not as sexy as the other Bonds. Just like Mike Nelson is nowhere near as sexy as Joel.
A lot of women say those things!
Really cool! Never knew a Yank was the first Bond!
Glad to share that info!
I always love Bond in casinos! Nelson doesn’t really look the part though.
I agree with that!
Would have been cool to see this!
It’s available on video.
Broken toes! Ouch!
It’s a pretty uncomfortable scene!
Jimmy Bond? Sounds like a country western singer.
Ha! I agree!
Amazingly entertaining blog! My favorite parts are the movie reviews and forgotten tv like this!
I really appreciate that!
I found this on dvd at these sites if anyone is interested. Thanks
http://www.dvdsentertainmentonline.com/product/casino-royale-dvd-tv-climax-mystery-theater-peter-lorre-1954
http://www.vendio.com/stores/OldTimeMoviesandTV/item/casino-royale-dvd-tv-climax-my/lid=5846418
Thanks for passing the info along!
Here is the post that is excellent, I hope you’re able to proceed discussing this kind of data.
Thanks
Pingback: Omar
Logged.
This James Bond seems so weird.
I understand.