13th
May 2002 ,
English Heritage Lecture Theatre, Saville Row, London
Roger & Kristina
Moore
Richard Kiel & Roger Moore
John
Glen & Richard Kiel
Our first “Evening Event” of
2002 was held on Monday May 13th in central London, when American
actor Richard Kiel flew in to entertain us. Following a wine reception,
guests watched a 20 minute showreel of some of Richard’s
film and TV appearances before the formal introduction.
Lunch
Club CEO Gareth Owen welcomed everyone, and introduced the special
guests for the evening: Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara
Broccoli, 007 director John Glen and his Director of Photography
Alec Mills, editor John Grover and actors Shane Rimmer, Caroline
Munro and Valerie Leon. However, he then asked that “his
boss” come and introduce Richard Kiel … to
thunderous applause and with the James Bond theme thumping out
across the theatre, Roger Moore entered.
Roger’s words were both touching and funny. He talked of
how he’s made two Bond films with Richard, but then “got
rid of him” because he
was “becoming
far too popular for my liking, and I’m a selfish actor!” but
adding “In truth, I wish we’d made more films together.”
Richard then took
the stage and was interviewed by Jonathan Rigby … offering
some tall tales, anecdotes and insights into
the world of Hollywood
where he “broke in to the movies”.
A wonderful 2-course hot supper followed, with more wine (and
coffee) and Richard took an opportunity to sign copies of his
autobiography Making
It Big In The Movies. In fact he sold and
signed 100 copies and was absolutely thrilled:
“Thank you so very
much to the Lunch Club for organising a fantastic event. I
was thrilled to be there amongst so many interesting people,
and the fact Gareth arranged for some of my Bond friends to
be there and, in particular Roger Moore, made it a very, very
special night for my wife Diane and I. Long may you continue!”
