Cannes to screen classic Bond movies

London: Cannes Film Festival bosses are all set to mark 50 years of the James Bond franchise by screening five classic 007 movies at the event this year.

The suave superspy first burst onto the big screen in 1962`s ‘Dr No’ and went on to become one of the icons of modern cinema. To celebrate the franchise`s 50th birthday this year, officials at the film festival beginning today will screen 007`s debut cinema outing along with its follow-up ‘From Russia with Love’, George Lazenby`s sole turn as the spy in ‘On Her Majesty`s Secret Service’, Sean Connery`s swansong in 1971`s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, and current Bond star Daniel Craig`s debut in ‘Casino Royale’. The films, which have all been digitally enhanced, will be shown free to the public at an outdoor theatre on Cannes Beach, reported Daily Star. "The screenings in Cannes mark a year-long celebration, including a return to theatres worldwide of some of the classic Bond films," said MGM and Sony executives in a joint statement. PTI