The Commanders Club is a group of James Bond enthusiasts
who savor the legacy of Ian Fleming and his Gentleman Agent, James
Bond 007. The organisation was founded in San Francisco in 1987.
At once deadly serious and tongue-in-cheek, the Commanders Club
represents a unique appreciation of 007.
Three life-long Bond connoisseurs
were mingling at an eclectic San Francisco house party when they
realized each spoke "Bond" fluently and with a deep
appreciation for the subject matter. That effectively ended any
interaction they had with the rest of the partygoers that night
and the Commanders Club was born, in spirit.
A few weeks later, the organisation came to life in its initial
guise "Le Cercle". Its first meeting was assembled at
San Francisco's Compass Rose with one goal: To spend an
evening enjoying the details that have made 007 a cultural fixture.
Since then, the staff has gathered regularly to don black tie,
and become immersed in 007. Much as Fleming wrote his first novel,
this is an antidote to sometimes mundane reality.
The Commanders Club seeks to preserve the elegant lifestyle
and sense of intrigue that was born of Fleming's writings and
James Bond in the cinema. It is neither a fan club nor collector's
club, per se, although the staff does maintain one of the most
comprehensive collections of Bond materials extant. Particular
emphasis is placed on items circa 1954-70, including British first
editions, fine cinema art, and original soundtrack and related
recordings. The staff also produces a number of original essays
and examinations of the world of 007.
Commanders Club staff members hail from a variety of professional
backgrounds, including broadcasting, film & video production,
molecular biology and financial management. These specialties
help broaden the scope of the organisation.
Traditionally private, the Commanders Club now makes its personnel
and resources available via the internet.
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