Impressions from the Book Launch

Here are the best images from our book launch event for The Blofeld Files, held on Saturday, March 15, in Zurich. Over the course of a vibrant and varied evening, we had the pleasure of welcoming around 140 guests as we delved into the fascinating world of film history.

A particular highlight of the evening was the series of captivating on-stage conversations with prominent guests and eyewitnesses. Among the invited personalities were:

• Steven Saltzman, film and music producer, and son of the legendary Bond producer Harry Saltzman.

• Erich Glavitza, a PhD in philosophy and author, who was not only a journalist but also a race car driver and stuntman for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and Le Mans with Steve McQueen.

• Felix Aeberli, photographer of visual icons, who covered the 1968/69 Bond shoot in Switzerland for the newspaper BLICK. Many of his previously unpublished photographs appear exclusively in our book.

• Fredy Zurbrügg, Michelin-starred chef, who not only delighted the Bond crew with his cuisine but also worked on Le Mans.

• Bernhard Henrion (aka Sonny Appleday), singer and music producer, who met director Peter Hunt during the shoot in Mürren, sparking a lifelong friendship. He also produced two singles with actress Ilse Steppat for the film.

• Elisabeth Mettler, whose family’s holiday home in Mürren hosted director Peter Hunt during filming, as well as production manager Hubert Fröhlich until his death in 2005. Her second holiday home in Goldiwil was the original planned location for the barn scene.

The evening was expertly moderated by Dr. Simon Bundi of Emil Frey Classics AG.

Another highlight was a stunning light installation by renowned Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter, who bathed the event in a uniquely atmospheric glow.

To complete the authentic Bond ambiance, original vehicles from the films were on display – including the Mercury Cougar, the Ford Escort, and one of the Minis.

We were also delighted to welcome the Leitner family. Ludwig “Luggi” Leitner – a former Olympic skier – was not only a standout alpine racer but also performed stunt skiing in the film.

Also present was Rüdi Johner, whose figure skating duo with his sister achieved great international success in the 1950s and 60s. They appear in the film’s iconic ice skating scene in Grindelwald.

The evening was rounded off with an exclusive exhibition featuring original photographs, documents, props, and costumes from the films.