Walken on the Web - The Christopher Walken Fan Site: 'A View to a Kill' Page 6

FROM A VIEW: THE INSPIRATION (Press Kit Booklet - continued)

In 1959, the London Daily News published a short story by Ian Fleming which featured the author's famous literary creation entitled "Murder Before Breakfast." Fleming soon decided to include the story among a collection of five which were to be published in book form by Jonathan Cape, Ltd. in 1960, under the collective title, "For Your Eyes Only - Five Secret Occasions in the Life of James Bond."

Feeling that it's original title did not quite capture the identity if the story, Fleming searched for new inspiration. He found it in a Cumberland hunting song entitled "D'Ye Ken John Peel," written by John Woodcock Graves in 1820. The key verses read:

"From the drag to the chase
   from the chase to the view
   from the view to a death
   in the morning..."

Making a connection between the third verse above and his use of a hunting blind as the setting of the story, Fleming adapted the line. "From a View to a Kill" became the title by which the story is known to millions of readers throughout the world. In journeying from the printed page to the motion picture screen, the title has been adapted to A View to a Kill by the filmmakers.

DURAN DURAN - PERFORMERS OF THE TITLE SONG (Press Kit Booklet - continued)

One of the few truly worldwide musical sensations of the Eighties, Duran Duran join the ranks of such talented artists as Paul McCartney and Wings, Carly Simon, Shirley Bassey, Sheena Easton, Lulu and Rita Coolidge by offering their skills to a James Bond adventure. Duran Duran perform the title song for A View to a Kill, which is composed by Duran Duran and John Barry, produced by Bernard Edwards, and engineered and mixed by Jason Corsaro.

"A VIEW TO A KILL" (lyrics courtesy Filmtracks.com)

Meeting you with a view to a kill
Face to face in secret places, feel the chill

Nightfall covers me, but you know the plans I'm making
Still oversee, could it be the whole earth opening wide
A sacred why, a myst'ry gaping inside
The week end's why, until we...

Dance into the fire
That fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire
To fatal sounds of broken dreams
Dance into the fire
That fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire

The choice for you is the view to a kill
Between the shades assassination standing still

The first crystal tears, fall as snowflakes on your body
The first time in years to drench your skin with lover's rosy stain
A chance to find the phoenix for the flame
A chance to die, but can we...

Dance into the fire
That fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire
To fatal sounds of broken dreams
Dance into the fire
That fatal kiss is all we need
Dance into the fire

When all we see is the view to a kill

(Music and lyrics by Duran Duran and John Barry)

Photos and content on this web page were reproduced from the MGM/UA Entertainment Co. press kit
for A View to a Kill issued in 1985 to publicize the movie's release.

buy the A View to a Kill Soundtrack buy the A View to a Kill DVD

updated 07/31/2007

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