Apparently, Mr Coward was one of Ian Fleming's two hopes to play the first Bond. I forget the other one, but it wasn't Connery.
He was, however, pleased with Sean Connery once he had seen the film (and probably the box office takings).

Noel Coward as Bond....Jesus, now that would be a miscasting.

I could just see him seeing off a henchman by poking his eye out with a cigarette holder.

Last edited by formby (2013-10-30 16:10:55)

Fleming, Coward's neighbour in Jamaica, asked him to play the character of Dr No. Coward, pissed-off with having to deal with marital spats between Ian and Ann Fleming, declined - with the memorable line: 'The answer is No - No, No, No, No.'

Cary Grant said that, owing to his age, he would do just one film and was ruled out. I don't think that Niven was even asked. Interestingly, Lord Lucan was screen-tested - and failed. Fleming was taken to lunch with Connery, by a woman involved, who convinced him that Connery was ideal - and Terence Young worked him into shape.  Some involved with the early Bond films said that Terence Young was responsible for the enduring Connery image of Connery as Bond.

ah ok point taken. I wonder what Fleming personally saw in Coward to make him think he was a suitable candidate. That would be interesting.

This is infantile. This is supposed to be about Coward. If you want to find him, listen to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoCrr3wl0o4

It's all about timing. Timing. Timing. Timing.