Our top secret look at new 007
Security was tighter than check-in for a transatlantic flight. Mobile phones were banned, hand luggage was stringently searched and invitations checked for forgeries, writes Shropshire Star movie blogger Carl Jones, in London for a top secret sneak preview of the new James Bond film.
But the secret agent tactics were understandable. For this was the first screening of the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, anywhere in the world.
A select band of British media representatives and movie industry VIPs were shaken and stirred at London's Odeon Leicester Square last night for Daniel Craig's debut as the world's most famous spy.
Film distributors' rules mean we can't publish a detailed review of the movie until next weekend.
But we won't be breaking the Official Secrets Act by reporting that, from the moment the movie begins without its traditional gunbarrel signature sequence, this is a very different kind of Bond adventure.
Producer Michael G Wilson, and his executive producer Anthony Waye tucked themselves away at the back of the cinema to gauge reaction from the all-important critics.
And they weren't disappointed. The media pack, traditionally tough to please, broke out in a round of applause as the credits rolled, many seeking out Wilson to shake him by the hand.
Director Martin Campbell, who also directed Pierce Brosnan's debut Bond movie GoldenEye, admitted he was anxious about the public's reaction.
"Yes I am nervous. Palms sweating. It's like that with any film, it doesn't matter if it's Bond or not, but probably more so as we have a new 007 - Daniel Craig in this case - and we've gone back to the book."
The rest of the detail, for the time being, has to remain for my eyes only. But Daniel Craig's Shropshire-based dad Tim, who lives near Ellesmere, should be walking tall.
*Casino Royale opens at Shropshire cinemas on November 16 - don't miss our comprehensive review in the Star's four-page Casino Royale special, coming soon.
