New Claim On Fleming For Bond Novel

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30311, 11 December 1963, Page 10

New Claim On Fleming For Bond Novel

(N.Z.P.A .-Reuter—Copyright)

LONDON. December 9. The thriller writer, lanFleming, faces another court action over his James Bond novel “Thunderball.” A screen writer, Jack Whittingham, who claims he contributed to the "Thunderball” plot, has issued a writ tor damages against Mr Fleming. A spokesman for Mr Whittingham said the writ arises out of the novel’s publication without any acknowi ledgment to Mr Whittingham’s contribution.

A film producer, Kevin McClory, who said he contributed to the plot, last month sued Mr Fleming, the publishers, Jonathan Cape, and a financier, John Bryce, alleging infringement of copyright. The case was settled out of court. Settlement Terms Mr Whitinghsm's spokesman said tonight that after the action Mr McClory was awarded £35,000 damages and £17,500 costs. Mr McClory was also given sole screen, television and dramatic rights to the novel. Mr McClary tonight said the settlement also included agreement that future editions and reprints must carry the acknowledgment: “This story is based on a screen treatment by Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham and lan Fleming."

Mr Whittingham's solicitors said their client’s writ was for damages and malicious falsehood and libel arising from the publication of “Thunderbail.” The writ has not yet been served. Top Film The second James Bond film, "From Russia With Love,” is the most successful film ever released in Britain in any year, according to a box office survey for 1983 published by "Films and Filming.” It is expected to gross £7oo,ooo—the same amount it cost to make—by the time it has completed its run in Britain, and the producers say they hope tliat its final gross taking after it has played overseas will be £3,000,000.