In 1954, Ratoff optioned the film rights to Casino Royale from Fleming for a paltry (plus $6,000 for a full purchase later). Think about that. For less than the cost of a used car today, Ratoff briefly owned the future of pop culture.
When we think of the origins of James Bond on screen, we picture Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman shaking hands at a London casino table in 1961. We hear John Barry’s brass fanfare. We see Sean Connery’s silhouette. gregory ratoff james bond film rights
In 1955, Ratoff sold the Casino Royale rights to CBS producer Michael Garrison for a reported $10,000. Garrison planned a live TV adaptation. That fell apart. In 1954, Ratoff optioned the film rights to
He was also a notorious wheeler-dealer. Ratoff didn’t just make movies; he hunted for properties. And in 1954, he went hunting for the most dangerous game of all: Ian Fleming’s nascent spy novels. When we think of the origins of James