Steve Begg, Visual Effects Master, CASINO ROYALE, SKYFALL, SPECTRE and more!

Step into the shadows of cinematic history with this thrilling episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, where Dan and Tom uncover 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS (1935) This 1935 Alfred Hitchock classic didn't just entertain—it laid the groundwork for the entire spy genre, influencing everything from James Bond to Mission: Impossible. In this episode, we explore how Hitchcock transformed John Buchan's novel into a suspenseful masterpiece, inventing iconic tropes like the "innocent man on the run," the mysterious MacGuffin, and the romantic tension of handcuffed leads. You'll hear how Robert Donat's performance shaped the British spy hero archetype, and how Madeleine Carroll became Hitchcock's first "cool blonde"—a blueprint for future leading ladies. From improvised speeches to hidden visual clues (like the villain's missing fingertip), Hitchcock's genius shines through. We reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, including how Hitchcock "accidentally" lost the handcuff key to spark real chemistry between his stars, and how the groundbreaking train sequence set a new standard for chase scenes. You'll also learn about Hitchcock's early cameo tradition, the clever use of British vaudeville in the finale, and how THE 39 STEPS helped launch Hitchcock's Hollywood career. Whether you're a die-hard spy film fan or new to the genre, this episode is packed with wit, insight, and historical gems. 🎧 Subscribe now and join Dan and Tom as they decode the DNA of spy cinema—one thrilling bit at a time. Tell us what you think about our look at 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS So, did you know any of these 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS?  Let us know what was new to you.  Have you seen this movie yet?  If not, consider it your next operation. Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!    You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.    Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/49BuGlv

4 Nov 23min

James Bond Guns – What Is Real? Walther PPK, Colt, SIG 226? with Caleb Daniels, Author of Licensed Troubleshooter. In this explosive episode, we're joined by firearms historian and author Caleb Daniels to dive deep into the iconic—and often misunderstood—guns of James Bond. Caleb's new book, Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond, is a meticulously researched, visually stunning tribute to 007's cinematic and literary arsenal. From the Walther PPK to the elusive WA2000 sniper rifle, we explore what Bond actually used on screen, what Fleming wrote in the novels, and where Hollywood took creative liberties. 🎙️ Hosts Dan and Tom of the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast bring their frame-by-frame analysis and passion for spy cinema to the table, uncovering surprising gun anomalies in DR. NO, FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, and more. Caleb shares behind-the-scenes insights from his years in the firearms industry, including how he tracked down screen-used weapons, why some guns were swapped mid-scene, and how real-world intelligence agencies influenced Bond's gear. 💥 Some of our topics to answer the question: James Bond's Guns - What's Real? include: Why Bond's Beretta in DR. NO isn't what it seems The real story behind Walther PPK vs. PP Suppressors: fact vs. fiction (and why they heat up fast) The HK P7's unique squeeze-cocking mechanism Fleming's original firearm choices—and their real-world implications All while showing what these guns look like in reality Whether you're a Bond aficionado, a firearms buff, or just love uncovering movie magic, this episode is packed with rare details, expert commentary, and a few surprises from Caleb's personal collection—including a WWII-era Colt 1911 issued to British forces. 📺 Watch the full episode to see the guns up close and subscribe for more deep dives into spy movie lore. Don't forget to like, comment, and tell us: which Bond weapon do you think is the most underrated? Where you can find Caleb Daniels Preorder Caleb's book, Licensed Troubleshooter: The Guns of James Bond, find him on Instagram, or YouTube. Look for Commando Bond. Tell us what you think about our discussion of James Bond's Guns – What's Real? So, what new facts did you learn about the guns of 007? Let us know what was new to you. Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/3LaowyP

28 Okt 1h 4min

"Spy Bits: The James Bond Gun Barrel Sequence" is a sharp, focused deep dive into the James Bond gun barrel sequence. And it is brought to you by Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. Dan and Tom trace the sequence's origin with Maurice Binder. They then look at its evolution from pinhole-camera shots and optical compositing to CGI, and how each Bond actor reshaped the pose, timing, and tone. The episode explains the visual language—Bond as hunter, not hunted. Similarly, we dive into the technical design of rifled barrels and blood effects, and how the sequence functions as one of cinema's most enduring brand signatures. What you'll find History: From DR. NO (1962) through GOLDENEYE, DIE ANOTHER DAY, and the Daniel Craig era. We note key changes and why the sequence was reshot for new actors. Technical notes: Early in-camera methods, later CGI, and the use of photographed rifling, optical overlays, and painted blood effects. Actor variations: Connery, Lazenby, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan, Craig—how stance, timing, and color shifted with each era. Themes and trivia: Identity, mortality, continuity, music cues, hidden details like Bob Simmons' stunt work, rifling quirks, and the first omission of blood in No Time to Die. Listen and subscribe Our SPY BITS are short, laser-focused Spy Bits episodes we drop irregularly to explore single iconic moments in spy cinema. Subscribe to the Cracking the Code of Spy Movies podcast for concise, authoritative takes on film craft, lore, and the small details that make spy movies an important genre. Tell us what you think about our list of our look at the James Bond gun barrel sequence. Finally, this episode covers the gun barrel sequence. Do you have any fun facts about the sequence we didn't mention? If so, drop us a note and let us know. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4htJ3ub

21 Okt 26min

Join Dan and Tom as they welcome Bill Koenig of The Spy Command to help decode the James Bond movie posters from the 1970s. These are the posters and lobby cards used to promote DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER, LIVE AND LET DIE, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, and MOONRAKER. We are very happy that Bill was able to join us. His decades of knowledge of spy movies, TV shows, and novels, and his helmsmanship of The Spy Command have brought great insight, without a lot of hype, to the industry of reporting and commenting on spy entertainment. How much about these posters do you REALLY know? We predict with certainty that you will hear something you didn't know before. So, what is behind the various posters for each of the 1970s James Bond movies? Each of them had had very distinctive posters, lobby cards, door panels, and more created to market each movie. But what's behind those posters? That's what we will break down in this episode. Some of the things we look at include: · Some items on the posters show things that never hit the screen · Interesting credits on a pre-release poster · How was sex used in the promotion of the James Bond movies · Who are the talented artists behind these posters and how did each influence the message? · And more Overall, these James Bond movie posters from the 1970s have some interesting messages they are sending to entice us to view the movie. You can get to Bill's excellent blog, The Spy Command, here: The Spy Command | A blog about James Bond-007 and The Other Spies. There is a massive amount of content here on spy entertainment. Check it out. Tell us what you think about our discussion of James Bond movie posters from the 1970s So, what new facts did you learn about the 1970s James Bond movie posters? Let us know what was new to you. Also, please let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you thought of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com.  The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be!  We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode!   You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well.   Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/42CrK43

14 Okt 1h 10min

In this episode, Dan and Tom show you 20 things you missed in THUNDERBALL! You'll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Watch to find out! You'll certainly learn something new. Every movie has questionable sequences and stuff that you miss, especially on your first time viewing the movie, and maybe your 5th time as well. Well, in this episode, we're going to the beautiful Bahamas (and a few other places) to find out what we've been missing. Some of the things we cover include: · An interesting cameo appearance · Does anyone know Latin? · What's up, or down, with that car window? · What happened to the hat? · How many Geiger counters are there? · A drop in the ocean. · Of course, dominoes often come in black and white · Why is that thing spewing yellow stuff? · Do you wear underwear in the bathtub? · Oddity in the credits · Also, some reused GOLDFINGER props · And of course, there are more. We find that by looking for these types of things, you watch the movie more closely, especially when watching a movie for the second or third time. And some of these things you miss are continuity issues, so EON Productions missed them, too. Tell us what you think about our list of 20 Things You Missed in THUNDERBALL? Finally, this video covers our top 20 things you likely missed. Did you know about any of these already? Are there some we missed? If so, drop us a note and let us know. Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/4nF85ZG

7 Okt 29min

🎙️ Is The Falcon and the Snowman Any Good? In this episode, we dive deep into the 1985 espionage drama The Falcon and the Snowman, starring Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. Based on a true story, the film explores Cold War paranoia, youthful rebellion, and the slippery slope of betrayal. But does it hold up today? 🕵️‍♂️ We break down: The film's real-life origins and political backdrop Performances that toe the line between idealism and madness Symbolic props, thematic echoes, and narrative tension Why this movie feels like a spiritual cousin to Blow Out, Three Days of the Condor, and The Parallax View 🎬 Whether you're a spy film aficionado or just curious about Cold War cinema, this episode unpacks the film's legacy, its flaws, and its eerie relevance. 📌 Subscribe for more deep dives into spy thrillers, cinematic oddities, and genre gems. #SpyMovies #ColdWarCinema #Podcast #TheFalconAndTheSnowman #SeanPenn #TimothyHutton #TrueStoryThrillers #FilmAnalysis #EspionageDrama

30 Sep 35min

Dive into a curated list of 10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies. This list is handpicked by Dan and Tom of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies. We spotlight hidden gems, wartime operas, Hitchcock staples, and movies that directly influenced later Cold War movies. Listen, Watch, Discover Quick takes on ten movies you should add to your watchlist, including plot hooks, historical context, key performances, and why each movie matters to the spy movie lineage. Notes on influences linking early spy movies to Bond, Thunderball, The IPCRESS FILE, and more. Links to full episode discussions on each of these movies. The Movies We Discuss These are the movies we discuss. Each one is linked to our full episode on the movie. So, if after listening to this episode, if you want to hear a deep-dive on the movie, just click the link. THE SILENT ENEMY (1958) Q PLANES / CLOUDS OVER EUROPE (1939) THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1934 & 1956) THE 39 STEPS (1935) SECRET AGENT (1936) SABOTAGE (1936) THE LADY VANISHES (1938) THE ADVENTURES OF TARTU (1943) NOTORIOUS (1946) 5 FINGERS (1952) Tell us what you think about our 10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies You MUST SEE! Did we miss your favorite? Tell us which one. Do you have any comments on any of these movies to share with the community? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Episode Webpage: https://bit.ly/46wSUuh

23 Sep 33min

Join Dan Tom as they decode SPY – the movie from 2015. Find out if this spy comedy movie holds up. It has a great cast. But does it work as a comedy? This movie is written and directed by Paul Feig. It stars Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Allison Janney, Miranda Hart, and others. But it is a comedy spy movie and there is a hit-or-miss track record for these movies. Can this writer, director, actors and crew pull this off? Listen to find out! Some of the things we cover in our look at SPY include: · The cast – does it work? · How much of this movie was improvisation? · Jason Statham's role was originally going to be different that it ended. How is it different? · Melissa McCarthy has to carry much of this movie. Does she succeed? · Did Aldo have a backstory we never saw? · What are some of the common spy movie tropes that we see? · Why do Elektra King and Madeleine Swann from the James Bond series get mentioned? · Rats! · Will there be a SPY 2? · Do Dan and Tom think this spy movie is worth watching? · And of course, there are more. So, take a listen to hear what works and what doesn't work in this movie. Tell us what you think about our decoding of SPY – the movie from 2015? Had you seen this movie before listening to this episode? If not, will you now? Let us know your thoughts, ideas for future episodes, and what you think of this episode. Just drop us a note at info@spymovienavigator.com. The more we hear from you, the better the show will surely be! We'll give you a shout-out in a future episode! You can check out all of our CRACKING THE CODE OF SPY MOVIES podcast episodes on your favorite podcast app or our website. In addition, you can check out our YouTube channel as well. Episode Webpage: http://bit.ly/3VlyK17

16 Sep 33min