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Cinema history might have been very different had the first James Bond film not been "Dr. No" in 1962 starring Sean Connery, but "Thunderball" directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1959 and starring Richard Burton as agent 007. It sounds preposterous and unbelievable, but it almost happened. This book unravels the untold story behind the most controversial part of the James Bond legend using previously unpublished material including letters and private documents. It is a tale of bitter recriminations, betrayal, multi-million dollar lawsuits and even death. It starts way back in 1959 when colourful Irish film producer Kevin McClory collaborated with Ian Fleming and Hollywood screenwriter Jack Whittingham on a screenplay for what was intended to be the first ever James Bond film, entitled "Thunderball". When the project collapsed, Fleming instead used its plot as the basis for his next Bond novel, but without permission. An incensed McClory and Whittingham sued. The resulting trial was one of the most high profile and complex of the 1960s. Essentially the creator of the 20th century's greatest fictional character was in the dock, accused of plagiarism. Already gravely ill, many of Fleming's friends feared the pressure of the trial would have a detrimental effect on his health. Tragically they were proved right when only a few months later Fleming died of a massive heart attack aged only 56. As for Kevin McClory, he became a millionaire over night, winning the film rights to "Thunderball". He was now in the enviable position of being able to make his own 007 movie. But the already established Sean Connery series was a hard act to compete with and McClory instead decided to join forces with Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman in a one-off deal to co-produce"Thunderball". Released in time for Christmas 1965, Thunderball was the"Star Wars"of its day, becoming one of the most successful films in movie history.

The Battle for Bond