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Claude Hudson – Production Manager

Biography

Claude Hudson was born on the 24th of January, 1922, in Worthing, England.

He was a British production manager and assistant director, best known for his work on a number of major film productions during the 1970’s.

Following the end of World War II, his career in the industry began at Ealing Studios during the era of Michael Balcon. His earliest work was as a second and third assistant director on several productions between 1944 and 1945, including “For Those in Peril”, “They Came to a City”, “Fiddlers Three”, “Johnny Frenchman”, “Painted Boats” and “Dead of Night”. After several years with no documented film work, Claude returned to the industry in 1953 and achieved his first screen credit as the assistant director in the Swiss film “The Village”. This was followed by further A.D. (assistant director) roles in Cy Endfield’s “Colonel March Investigates” and in the popular British television series “Fabian of the Yard” (1954 – 1955).

During the 1960’s, Hudson continued his work as an A.D. on the television series “Whiplash” (1961) and the West German-British crime film “Traitor’s Gate” (1964), which was based on the 1927 novel by Edgar Wallace. He also began his career as a production and location manager, beginning with “Tarzan’s Three Challenges” (1963) and then a few years later on “Lost Command”, starring Anthony Quinn and Alain Delon. In 1969, he was hired by director Guy Hamilton and producer Harry Saltzman for the first time, to work on the blockbuster film “Battle of Britain”, which would essentially become his major break.

In 1971, Claude would once again be called upon by Guy Hamilton for the return of Sean Connery in the role of James Bond in “Diamonds Are Forever”, his first of three 007 adventures as he would also work on “Live & Let Die” (1973) and “The Man With The Golden Gun” (1974) as production supervisor. The following year he joined the all-star comedy-drama “Lucky Lady”, which was directed by Stanley Donen and starred Liza Minnelli, Gene Hackman and Burt Reynolds. Claude also managed the iconic horror “The Omen” in 1976 and Jeffrey Bloom’s “The Stick Up” in 1977.

During the 1980’s, he worked in several films that were shot on location in Asia, including “Saigon: Year of the Cat” (1983) and “The Killing Fields” (1984). Claude also worked alongside John Landis on the Warner Bros. picture “Spies Like Us” in 1985.

Sadly, Claude Hudson passed away during the making of his final film “Hamburger Hill” (1987). No exact date of passing has been found but it is believed that he passed away either in late 1986 or early 1987, while on location in the Philippines. He would have been 65 or 64 and the film was dedicated to him.

Film Role

In "Diamonds Are Forever", Claude Hudson was hired as the production manager.

Autograph History and Rarity

The item displayed below is an original "Live & Let Die" production letter to bus stunt driver Maurice Patchett, inviting him to the screening of the film in June of 1973.

The letter is hand signed by Claude Hudson at the base.

An extremely rare autograph and one of the few James Bond items that has been seen.

Did You Know?

"Diamonds Are Forever" was Claude's first James Bond film. He had previously worked with Guy Hamilton and Harry Saltzman on "Battle of Britain" in 1969.

 

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