British Culture: Albion Never Dies

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Is Moonraker (1979) the most under-appreciated 007 film among James Bond aficionados? 

Thomas Felix Creighton discusses this question with his special guest, who as CEO of Shogun Films has recently produced a British spy film of his own; Knightfall (2026) even has Roger Moore’s son Geoffrey, along with Sir Roger Moore's successor in the role of Simon Templar (aka 'The Saint'), Ian Ogilvy. 

Thomas and Jonathan Sothcott cover such questions as: 

• Should Bond reflect the real world of espionage?
• How does James Bond influence his fans' behaviour?
• Does it matter if the 007 films are 'accurate' to the original book series?

All this and a good discussion of menswear... after all, Jonathan Sothcott is the author of 'The Jermyn Street Shirt'! 

Check out Shogun Films: https://www.shogunfilms.com/

This podcast's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishculture 

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This podcast has been a little quiet of late - but things won't stay that way. In this episode, Thomas explains what happened, what's happening, and what will happen. Apart from all that, there are also a few 'regular' episodes 'in the can' including two great interviews with published authors. More episodes are being worked on, so keep an eye out for new episodes, in the near future. 

*some apps may have a previous version of this episode where Thomas mis-spoke a date, all apps that can be corrected post-release have been.

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Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the British perspective on 4th July – American Independence Day. This episode is perfect to listen to as you drive to a family barbeque on the day, giving you fun facts, and a unique perspective you can share!

• Why is there a triumphal arch close to where this episode was recorded in England, celebrating the American victory? 
• Was 1776 the start of a new identity? 
• What inspired the US constitution? 
• Would slavery have ended sooner for the USA if the colonies had stayed with Britain?

All these questions are answered, with the following books and films recommended (listen in order of mention in the episode):

Books:

• Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens, by David Mitchell
• A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris
• Cromwell, by Antonia Fraiser
• Origins of the American Revolution (2nd ed.) by John Chester Miller

Movies: 

• 1973’s Robin Hood (Disney)
• 1968’s The Lion in Winter (with Timothy Dalton as Phillip II of France)
• 2010’s Robin Hood (the Russell Crowe one)
• 1970’s Cromwell 

Released on the first of July, to give you time to listen in advance of the celebratory day, when many will be busy with family, or in case you have a really long drive to get to that barbeque!   

Message me anytime on Instagram, @FlemingNeverDies, or e-mail: [email protected]

Check out my https://www.youtube.com/britishculture

Check out my Red Bubble shop (...and thank you to the listener in Germany who ordered an 'A is for Albion' mug recently!)

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The new James Bond video game releases at the end of this month, but how 'British' will this latest iteration of 007 really be?

This is a no spoilers look at everything we've seen so far, as I ask first 'What is Britishness?' (as always), ponder the relevance of medium (games in particular), before picking out a few things I noticed in the various playthroughs I've watched of the game itself. Nothing to spoil surprises, just little things to look out for.

My recommended rabbit hole is a Sid Meier  interview for Kotaku gaming magazine. I referenced one from 2010, but there is also this one from a little later: https://kotaku.com/the-father-of-civilization-584568276

I recorded this whilst a little under the weather, so not too much editing, apologies for any repetitions or errors.

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Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the issues that really matter, getting a (slightly) nicer coffee and a gluten-free muffin in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. He compares this to doing much the same in Bingley, West Yorkshire, UK. He also compares a range of more important stories, from therapy dogs and robots to a very familiar fake doctor at a hospital. 

• The most important story in the world: https://www.ftbchambers.co.uk/news/news-view/planning-permission-granted-on-appeal-for-mcdonalds-restaurant-and-drive-through-in-bingley 
• The robot traffic policeman: https://english.news.cn/20260313/56c326b7fd7b4976b877775b48ca43dd/c.html 
• The marathon robot: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/19/robots-beat-human-records-at-beijing-half-marathon/
• Therapy dog: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly674jzzglo
• Can’t have West Yorkshire without endless Bronte stories: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1l92mrmmp2o
• Wei Wei. 2007. "Piaopiao" in the City: The Emergence and Change of Homosexual Identities in Local Chengdu[J]. Chinese Journal of Sociology(in Chinese Version), 27(1): 67-97.

• Recommended Rabbit Hole: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/beau-brummell-nineteenth-century-fashion

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Thomas Felix Creighton has worked in Turkish Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UK, and China. Here, he sets out three models for understanding the different working cultures in different countries, and illustrates them with some of his own experiences. 

First, Derek Silvers’ 2 minute 38 second TED Talk, drawing particularly on his experience in Japan. A quick and very basic look at 'weird or just different', which is nonetheless a good starting point, and a good reminder for more 'advanced expats'. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_weird_or_just_different

Then, the six Hofstede Dimensions:

1. Small Vs Large Power Distance
2. Individualism Vs Collectivism
3. Masculinity Vs Femininity
4. High Vs Low Uncertainly Avoidance
5. Long Vs Short Term Orientation
6. Indulgence vs. Restraint 

Thirdly, Thomas then looks at 'the Silent Language' by Edward T Hall: 

1. Language of Time
2. Language of Space
3. Language of Things
4. Language of Friendship
5. Language of Agreements

Finally, some final reflections on ‘weird or just different’.

If you find this podcast interesting, in any way, please do share your thoughts with Thomas at the website below or by e-mail: [email protected] 

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Thomas Felix Creighton shares his experiences from a month in Chengdu (Sichuan Province, China). He previously lived in Shenzhen (Guangdong Province) 2015-2021 and Turkish Cyprus 2001-2008 – he draws on both these experiences as he discusses how experience, language ability, and the company we keep can shape our perceptions of culture. Naturally, he talks about some Chengdu highlights a little, so skip to the end if that’s what you are primarily interested… or listen to the whole thing and enjoy the ride! 

Thomas recommends:

Daniel Gaster: his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielGaster 

The jacket review Thomas mentions: https://fromtailorswithlove.co.uk/james-bonds-no-time-to-die-massimo-alba-rain-2-duster-coat-review 

Daniel Gaster's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielgaster 

Caine: Film reviews and a video diary of a visit to small Chinese city, so if you enjoyed this podcast episode, do check these two Youtube videos out:

Caine’s Anqing (China) diary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qtGLk3cY7A 

Caine’s review of a Chinese movie that delves into the meaning of 'memory' and how it shapes who we are. The review Thomas 100% recommends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=6ugQHJw2IdI 

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Thomas Felix Creighton draws upon six years in China and knowledge of Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 to give an insight into how the series has merged fact and fiction, for the most part without friction. 

Books, websites, and movies mentioned:

• The World of Suzie Wong by Richard Mason
• Thrilling Cities by Ian Fleming
• Dr No by Ian Fleming
• Tong Wars: The Untold Story of Vice, Money, and Murder in New York's Chinatown by Scott D. Seligman
• The Good Immigrants: How the Yellow Peril Became the Model Minority by Madeline Y. Hsu
• The Encyclopedia of Milwaukee [website]: https://emke.uwm.edu/entry/chinese/ 
• Goldfinger by Ian Fleming (plus the movie with Sean Connery)
• You Only Live Twice by Ian Fleming (Thomas talks more about the movie though)
• The Man With the Golden Gun (just the movie with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee)
• For Your Eyes Only, movie directed by John Glen (see the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode released 17/12/2024)
• License to Kill (movie)
• Tomorrow Never Dies (movie)
• Zero Minus Ten by Raymond Benson (also, check out the 'Albion Never Dies' podcast episode #179)
• Die Another Day (movie)
• Skyfall (movie)

...and these are just the key ones. Plenty more 007 and China references out there, I am sure. 

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Thomas Felix Creighton talks about the 'cozy crime' genre, drawing on a range of suggestions from TV and film critics, academics, and his own friends. 

Thomas even has a special guest contribution from Jon Auty, host of 'Behind the Stunts' and 'The Bond Buzz', do check those out. 

Suggested reading:

• 'Identity and nostalgia in a globalised world: Investigating  the international popularity of Midsomer Murders' by Tiffany Bergin at the University of Cambridge (UK)
• 'The Simple Art of Murder' by popular crimewriter Raymond Chandler
• ...and also, the BBC's 'Independent Thematic Review  of  portrayal and representation  of the UK  in BBC content' (2026)

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Thomas Felix Creighton talks to Alex Lamas ( Instagram @sifu_lamas / Youtube @ @yestoadventure007 ) about his love of movies set in the British Empire.

This includes Zulu (1964), Zulu Dawn (1979), Breaker Morant (1980), Four Feathers (1939), Gunga Din (1939), The Wind and the Lion (1975), and two we focus on particularly; The Man Who Would Be King (1979) with Sean Connery and Micheal Caine and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. 

He also talks about the joy of visiting some of the historic locations seen in some of these films, which you can see more of on his Instagram and Youtube channels. This includes Aït Benhaddou, Morocco, which was used for:

• Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
• The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
• The Living Daylights (1987)
• The Mummy (1999)
• Gladiator (2000)
• Alexander (2004)
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
•  Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
•  Game of Thrones (2011-2019)

Do check out: https://www.youtube.com/@yestoadventure007 

Books I would recommend:

Jan Morris, the ‘Pax Britannica Trilogy’ of books about the art and popular depiction of the British Empire: 'Heaven's Command: An Imperial Progress', 'Pax Britannica: Climax of an Empire', 'Farewell the Trumpets: An Imperial Retreat'.

Many, many books by Rudyard Kipling, including the original short story ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ (1888) and ‘Kim’ (1901). And, T.E. Lawrence’s ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ (1926).

I reference the following; Lawrence of Arabia: A Film's Anthropology by Steven C. Caton (1999), a great insight into the critical reception of David Lean's classic movie.

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