CASINO ROYALE

1954 ***1/2 58 mins. (Alternate Versions run 48 mins., 50 mins., or 60 mins.)

I was hesitant to write a review for this title because it was not, originally, a film. It was, actually, an episode of the '50s television series Climax!. The episode was filmed live. It has gotten its own VHS release, and appears as a special feature on the 2002 DVD release of the 1967 spoof Casino Royale (pictured above).

This is the first screen appearance of Ian Fleming's James Bond, played here by Barry Nelson. In this story, James (or Jimmy as he is referred to at least once in the film) must outsmart a crime boss by playing cards. It's kind of interesting and entertaining, but not really all that spectacular. It's a great curiosity piece for the true James Bond fan, more than anything.
Not rated.

• Original televised aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Originally aired on television on October 21, 1954