James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze

James Bond the the 60s Spy Craze will explore James Bond films and the number of movies and television shows of the 1960s inspired by Ian Fleming’s character. The book also delves into the production, casting, merchandise, and music that helped to make James Bond a household name and a cultural touchstone.

The 1960s spy craze lasted seven years, ostensibly from 1962–1969—peaking in 1966–1967. However, in that time many secret agent films flooded theaters and drive-ins and television shows filled station line-ups in the United States throughout the 1960s. All of which were directly inspired by the first James Bond adventure to hit the big screen, Dr. No (1962). This is the story, from a historical perspective, of those films and how they became a part of American pop culture.

The book explores the various other top agents of the time, Matt Helm, Dereck Flint, and Harry Palmer, and the many spy-spoof imitators coming from the United States, England, Europe, and Mexico and discusses the impact James Bond had on each of these films and the ways in which James Bond influenced media.

Also discussed are budgets, casting, production, box office numbers/ratings, development, merchandising, and how these elements have contributed to the success and longevity of the popularity of James Bond films.

Thom Shubilla is the author of Primetime 1966-1967: The Full Spectrum of Television's First All-Color Season released by McFarland in April 2022. He has written numerous articles and conducted reviews for Screem and writes about classic horror films for Monster Bash Magazine. He lives in Plains Township, Pennsylvania.