Cue the
familiar James Bond theme, grab your memorabilia, and a wad of cash and head to
Los Angeles Westin at the Los Angeles Airport for the opportunity to meet your
favourite Bond girls, villainous henchmen, or even James Bond himself! Since
most of us cannot afford the jaunt across the pond to the home of MI6, Eon
Productions and Bondstars, the quarterly collector’s show being held Saturday
and Sunday, October 5th and 6th (a preview of vendor merchandise
is Friday evening from 6 to 9 PM), is hosting 50 years of Bond reunion. The
show had a big reunion at the beginning of the year with almost 20 Bond stars
and this time, there’s already fourteen stars scheduled to appear.
Many on the list have been to the collector’s show before, but new this time
are Shirley Eaton, Mary Stavin, Valerie Leon, Kristina Wayborn, and Michael
Madsen (organizers have promised he will show this time!).
As of today, the following stars are scheduled. Check the collector website often since there's time for more individuals to be added before the show.
- · Luciana Paluzzi – Fiona Volpe in Thunderball
- · Britt Ekland – Mary Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun
- · Caroline Munro – Naomi in The Spy Who Loved Me
- · George Lazenby – James Bond from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
- · Lana Wood – Plenty O’Toole in Diamonds Are Forever
- · Martine Beswicke – Zara in From Russia with Love and Paula Caplan in Thunderball
- · Mary Stavin – Octopussy girl in Octopussy and Kimberley Jones in A View to a Kill
- · Shirley Eaton – Jill Masterson in Goldfinger
- · Valerie Leon – Hotel Receptionist in The Spy Who Loved Me and Bahamas fisherwoman in Never Say Never Again
- · Tanya Roberts – Stacey Sutton in A View to a Kill
- · Kristina Wayborn – Magda in Octopussy
- · Trina Parks – Thumper in Diamonds Are Forever
- · Richard Kiel – Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker
- · Michael Madsen – Damian Falco in Die Another Day
If This
Is Your First Show
I have
attended this collector’s show many times in the past and can say that this is
wonderful opportunity for fans to meet their favourite Bond stars in a relaxed
and friendly atmosphere. In my experience, all of the Bond stars have been
exceedingly gracious and kind, not rushing through the autograph to get your
money and move on to the next person. Because of that, it’s important to have
patience while others have their turn with the respective star. And, in return,
be cognizant to not monopolize the star’s time since there are other fans
behind you awaiting their own opportunity to chat with the stars.
On average,
expect to spend $30 - $40 per autograph. Sometimes the photo op is included in
the price, sometimes it is not. Stars who have done the collector shows in the past will typically have their prices posted
and what’s included and what’s separate. Most will have 8 x 10 photos you can purchase and have autographed, or you can bring your own item, such as the coveted limited edition DVD, poster, lobby cards, etc. Plan ahead and bring enough cash with
you. There may be ATM machines available at the hotel, but likely with a fee attached.
Sometimes
there are maps printed up providing a layout of the stars’ tables, but as I
have experienced, the organizers and the stars themselves, have moved tables.
Sometimes there’s a sign indicating as much; sometimes there isn’t. Also, be
aware that stars cancel at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances. The
organizers usually have a list posted, but if you are looking for a star and
cannot find them, then ask – there are many volunteers that are ready and
willing to help you.
TIPS: There
are two. First, after you have paid your admission, walk around. Get a lay of
the rooms and figure out where everyone is. Check prices and tally against your
budget, if you are on one. See if there are any known no shows that impact your budget. Then, step up
and meet the stars. Second, be respectful of their time (you know, all those
other fans waiting behind you?) and personal space (which includes asking if
they are okay with you putting your arm around their shoulder or waist during
that photo op).
Have fun and
if you see me – I’ll be toting my 20 lb. Taschen James Bond Archives book –
take a moment to say hi and introduce yourself as I would love to meet fellow Spyfi & Superspies fans!
The Who,
What, Where, and When
Location: The
Westin Los Angeles Airport, 5400 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
Friday,
October 4th: Advanced
Preview (check out the vendors at your leisure!) 6 to 9 PM
Saturday,
October 5th: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday,
October 6th: 11 AM – 4 PM
Cost: Varies
depending on day you are going and time; check website for pricing options
Parking: $7
Show website - Hollywood Collector's Show
If for some
reason you are not there for the Bond stars, the show is also
hosting a reunion of the following television shows: Baywatch, Dynasty, Knight Rider, and Knots Landing. And,
there is a reunion of all the children from the award winning 1960s film The
Sound of Music.
Ahh the good ol' Hollywood Collector's show. They did a similar show at the beginning of 2013, they are really going all out for the anniversary of Bond this year!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few people I am DYING to meet:
Valerie Leon - a beautiful (and voluptuous girl) from the UK in the 70ies. Fell in love with her when I saw her photo spread in a Cinema Retro magazine, talking about her Hammer mummy movie. Going to have her autograph both my Cinema Sex Sirens and Hammer Glamour book.
Kristina Wayborn - The scene in Octopussy where Moore is outside her window and she is taking off her stockings one by one is one of the sexiest scenes ever. She actually did an autograph signing at Bondstars over the summer, and thinking I would never get to meet her, I bought a picture. It was an "ok" picture, but the pickings at Bondstars were slim. So I may get another picture or maybe have her sign my copy of Octopussy.
Alot of these folks we've already met.
Britt Eckland signed my Wicker Man and she was a sweetie. Caroline Monroe is always awesome and remembers us. I'll probably have her sign another book, just because she always knows how to win me over with her spell. Lana Wood was really nice too, and can I saw - wow, what a looker back in the day! Luciana Paluzzi is really shy but really sweet to us and cracked us a few smiles. One of the best Bond girls, both in the film and out.
Little sad Serena Scott Thomas isn't showing up, she usually comes to these events. If there is some one whom I am totally smitten by at the Hollywood show, it's her. Weak in the knees.
Outside of Bond, the other person I want to meet and greet is John Heard because.... C.H.U.D.!!! Love that movie. I also wanna meet Joan Collins and have her sign my Cinema Sex Sirens book.
Hi Nick - I think there is still time before the show that perhaps Serena Scott Thomas will make another appearance. She is very kind and generous with her time, and it's nice when the stars remember us like she does us. I'm glad that the collector's show has been such a supporter of the Bond stars over the years. It seemed like for a couple of summers, it was Bond Girls reunion time. Nice that the show's organizers have continued that association this year in honor of Bond at 50, and it provides an opportunity outside of London to meet so many Bond stars in one location....Outside of Bond, not sure who else I'm anxious to meet. I get so focused on Bond stuff that I tend to lose track of the other fantastic stars that come out for the various shows. Regardless, it should be a lot of fun!
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