Roger Moore: His Films and Career

by Gareth Owen, Oliver Bayan

Most famous as suave sleuth Simon Templar in the 1960s, Roger Moore hung up his halo and in 1973 stepped into the shoes of James Bond 007 for a blockbusting seven adventures—making him one of the most recognizable faces in the world. His wicked sense of humor and raised eyebrow have endeared him to both peers and fans alike. Authors Gareth Owen and Oliver Bayan offer the full story of his films and career, punctuated with memories and anecdotes from the man himself. With almost 100 rare photographs, including many from Moore's own collection, Roger His Films and Career offers an insight into the world of the intensely private actor and tireless charity worker.

Genres: Biography

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2002

About the author

Gareth Owen graduated from Bangor University in 1994 with a Honours Degree in Applied Physics. He wondered what he might do ... perhaps some top job in nuclear research, or become an academic postulating mind boggling theories. But no, instead he took the next logical step and entered the film industry. Doesn't everyone?

After organising British Film Day in April 1994 at Pinewood, within two months of graduation the studio was to become his new home from home.

He set up a small production company, and served as Executive Producer on acclaimed comedy (i.e., no one ever saw it) A Fistful Of Fingers. He has since found greater success in writing. In 2000 his official history of Pinewood Studios, The Pinewood Story, was published. It was swiftly followed by a biography of special effects genius Albert J Luxford The Gimmick Man, and Roger Moore's career biography, fittingly entitled Roger Moore: His Films And Career. A couple of other projects are underway, along with writing for industry periodical British Film & TV Production Magazine.

He considers himself an expert on all things James Bond and can bore for England on British comedy films.

Reviews

[Jonathon Dabell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly lightweight but enjoyable book, split into two unequal parts - the first is the biographical part, charting Moore's rise as an actor, through the TV ranks and into the cinema, and eventually moving onto his tireless work for UNICEF. The second is a review/summary of his various films.
The biographical part is much better written and quite entertaining, although it definitely feels light on true detail and insight. The film reviews are OK albeit rather clunkily written.
For a better treatment of the man, read his own autobiography. There are also some older biographies about him which get into the nitty-gritty of his life, on screen and off, rather more richly. This remains a decent enough little book, particularly if you're a fan of the actor, but nothing more than that.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, solid biography of Sir Roger Moore - filled with anecdotes and his trademark wit, this is a good read but could have been more thorough.