URSULA'S VERY EXPENSIVE BIKINI

As a youngster, I watched Ursula Andress come up out of the sea in something called a bikini. The movie was DR. NO, and I was transfixed. As I grew older, the Swiss beauty became something of a heartthrob of mine (along with Raquel Welch), when I again saw her as "She Who Must Be Obeyed" in Hammer's adaptation of H. Rider Haggard's SHE, and yet again as Kaetie von Klugermann in the excellent WWI air war film, THE BLUE MAX.

Now, PROFILES IN HISTORY is putting up for auction that same white bikini that she wore in the James Bond film. It is expected to sell for $500,000.

Here's the information from the auction site:

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - James Bond fans may have to wait until next year for the next 007 adventure movie, but those with deep pockets next month can get their hands on some of the most famous items from the previous movies.

The ivory colored bikini worn by Ursula Andress in “Dr. No” - the first Bond movie - is up for auction in Los Angeles with an estimated price of up to $500,000, auctioneers Profiles in History said on Wednesday.

Andress, who played beachcomber Honey Ryder in the 1962 film and was the first Bond girl, was pictured emerging dripping from the ocean in the bikini, holding a seashell and with a scabbard belted to her hips.

“It is regarded as the most famous bikini in the world,” said Brian Chanes, head of acquisitions at Profiles in History.

“It’s one of the most memorable scenes in the entire Bond franchise,” he said. “It helped bikinis become more mainstream and it started the whole Bond girl phenomenon.”

Andress herself first sold the bikini at a London auction in 2001.

Other items include Roger Moore’s monogrammed pajama ensemble from “Live and Let Die” (estimated at $10,000 - $15,000); the gray signature jacket worn by villain Ernst Blofeld in “Diamonds are Forever” ($20,000 - $30,0000); and Jane Seymour’s emerald psychic cape and headdress from “Live and Let Die” ($60,000 - $80,000)

“Things from the Bond franchise are relatively rare especially the further you go back in time,” said Chanes, saying he expected bidders to come from around the world. “With Bond especially it’s very much an international crowd.”

The auction will take place online and in Los Angeles on Nov 12-13. The next Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was last week pushed back from November to an April release in movie theaters.

Ursula Andress as SHE.

As Kaetie von Klugermann in THE BLUE MAX.

HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY, URSULA ANDRESS!

"She" was 84-years young on March 19.

A PORTRAIT OF SHE

I watched Hammer's SHE on the tube when I was a young Monster Kid. Although I was disappointed that there was nary a "monster" to be seen, I have to admit I was captivated by Ursula Andress's stunning beauty. I saw her famous walk from out of the sea in DR. NO, and would see her again in the excellent World War I aviation film, THE BLUE MAX. Now 83, Ursula is quoted as saying: "I take care of my flowers and my cats. And enjoy food. And that's living."

Of note is a book by Peveril Publishing that is as close to a complete record of the film as you'll probably ever see. "A Portrait of She: The Making of Hammer's Classic Adventure" is a gorgeous collection of photos and information about the behind-the-scenes making of SHE. My only regret is that is was not published as a hardcover. Otherwise, this is a fabulous book.

From the publisher: 
Ursula Andress was cast in Hammer’s adaptation of Rider Haggard’s She classic novel after her legendary appearance in Dr No. With support from Hammer stalwarts Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, comic actor Bernard Cribbins, handsome hero John Richardson, Magnificent Seven star Rosenda Monteros and acclaimed actor Andre Morell, Hammer ups its game for a big budget spectacular adventure of cursed love and immortality leading to a horrifying climax. We offer you a unique back stage pass to witness the making of this much loved Hammer classic from 1964 with over 1400 rare behind the scenes photos, some from producer Michael Carreras’ personal collection and many in print for the first time. This is a limited edition of only 600 copies.

Click HERE to order.

Sample pages from the book:

URSULA ANDRESS GALLERY

HAMMER'S HAREM

This montage of "Hammer's Harem" girls appeared in THE MONSTER TIMES #8 (May 10, 1972), and is good example of the type of talent assembled by the legendary house that Hammer built. Figuring prominently (no pun intended) are their two biggest female box office draws, Raquel Welch and Ursula Andress.