Ian Fleming based his James Bond character on composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's former father-in-law.

The theatre impresario's TV personality daughter Imogen has revealed the writer drew inspiration for his superspy from her grandfather.

She says, "He's based on my mother's father. He served under Ian Fleming in the war in naval intelligence, and my grandfather is one of the men James Bond is based upon. It's a very cool claim to fame."

With MGM up for auction - and no buyer in sight - the world's greatest film franchise lies in peril. This week's cover story investigates what's next for James Bond, and whether Daniel Craig has sipped his last shaken martini.

Up until last spring, it looked as if James Bond would indeed return, but after decades of invincibility, it seems as if 007 has finally been defeated, at least for the foreseeable future. What's holding up production on the next movie is the sale of MGM, which went up for auction last November and still hasn't found a buyer. Then, in July, there was more reason t...

Legendary British actor Christopher Lee is to receive a knighthood after he was included in Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Honors list.

The 87-year-old star, famed for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer horror movies, is to become a Sir after he is presented with the honor by the British monarch.

Lee is one of the U.K.'s most prolific actors with roles in 1973's The Wicker Man, 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, and more recently appearing in the new Star Wars films and the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

Other stars to receive awards include actor Alan Cumming, w...

Original Bond girl Ursula Andress has beat out competition from Halle Berry and Kim Basinger to be named 007s sexiest siren, according to a new online poll. The Swiss actress entranced audiences as Honey Ryder in James Bond's 1962 debut, Dr. No, opposite Sean Connery.

She also played Vesper Lynd in 1967 Bond spoof Casino Royale, a role later taken on by Eva Green in the 2006 spy movie.

The superspy franchise, which boasts 22 completed films, has seen close to 100 fiesty females take on the coveted part. Sexy star Halle Berry tailed the actress in the second spot, after she played ...

Opinions may vary about which Bond movie has the best villain (From Russia With Love), the best Bond girl (Dr. No) or the worst theme song (The Man With The Golden Gun), but one thing people can agree on is that the opening sequences have only gotten better over the years.

Here's a list of the best opening sequences of Bond films in honor of the 22nd 007 movie opening today:

10) Licence To Kill

The film opens with Bond in a tuxedo ready to get married, or is he? And there's a ruthless bad guy, Sanchez, played by Robert Davi. We know he's ruthless because he orders Benicio De...

This Friday, Sir Ian Fleming's James Bond is back in theaters. Daniel Craig has brought a brute anger to the role that has not quite been seen before. In the very least, as we learned in the 2006 version of Casino Royale, he certainly does not care any longer how his martini is served. Craig is under contract for one more Bond film after Quantum of Solace, but what if he does not return after that twenty-third film? What will his post Bond career look like? Let's take a look at all the actors who have played 007 -- rouge film, or not -- and what their post Bond careers looked like.

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As 007 fans eagerly await the November 14 U.S. opening of MGM's new James Bond film, Quantum Of Solace, Capitol/EMI announced that an expanded CD, CD/DVD and digital release of 'The Best Of Bond… James Bond' was released on October 28. The CD and digital album both feature 23 musical standouts from the Bond franchise's 46 years plus a previously unreleased bonus track, and the CD/DVD includes five music videos, a filmed concert performance and more.

Sheena Easton "For Your Eyes Only":

Just as James Bond has evolved over time, so have the films' memorable themes. 'Th...

Veteran actress Britt Ekland has dismissed rumors she is dating former Monty Python star John Cleese-- insisting the pair is just friends. The Bond girl was reportedly romancing the newly single Cleese after he was spotted attending her performance at a theater in Edinburgh, Scotland, earlier this month.

They were subsequently photographed enjoying a romantic dinner together after the show - leading to rumors of a new relationship.

But Ekland, who was previously married to the late Peter Sellers, is adamant Cleese is just a close pal.

She says, "John did come to see (my show...