Filming of the fourth James Bond movie, Thunderball, commenced in February 1965, and premiered in Tokyo on 9th December - there is much to celebrate.
The film was a box office success, outperforming not only the previous three Bond movies, but also the subsequent five. Allowing for ticket price inflation, the only film in the 007 series to have generated more revenue was Skyfall (2012). It also led to John Stears winning an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects... which are evident from the beginning of the film.
A successful launch
Photo: Everett Collection Inc.
Helping to ensure the successful launch of Thunderball was a new gadget that appeared in the pre-title sequence. The Bell Rocket Belt was a working jet-pack developed by Bell Aircraft Corporation for the US Army in the 1950s. Unfortunately, the device required 5 gallons of hydrogen peroxide fuel for 21 seconds of flight (and development was cancelled in 1966) however, at the time, it was sufficient for Bond to escape and land safely alongside his trusted Aston Martin. A recent upgrade to the DB5 of rear-mounted water cannons ensured a successful getaway.
The Aston Martin that debuted in Goldfinger returns in Thunderball
Photo: Collection Christophel
In order to recuperate from injuries sustained in the opening scene, Bond travels to the Shrublands health resort in his Aston Martin. Here we find that he's not only been reacquainted with his beloved vehicle, but he is also wearing his favourite country outfit.
Embarrassed to show your face in ill-fitting clothes? Sinclair can help.
Photo: Everett Collection Inc.
The Brown Barleycorn Tweed Jacket and Cavalry Twill Trousers, tailored by Anthony Sinclair, were worn by Sean Connery in Goldfinger when driving his DB5 for the first time. The ensemble not only returned for Thunderball, it also made an appearance in the crime-thriller Woman of Straw the same year.
Sean Connery in Woman of Straw (1964)
This outfit is timeless - and clearly represents great value for money! The combination continues to be one of the best-selling looks for Anthony Sinclair, and whilst jet-packs and other gadgets may come and go, classic tailoring will always remain a worthwhile investment.
Connery, the Aston, the Barleycorn Tweed and Cavalry Twill in Goldfinger
Photo: Collection Christophel
Click here to read more about What to Wear Behind the Wheel of a DB5.
Click here to view the Barleycorn Tweed Jacket.
Click here to view the Cavalry Twill Trousers.