Connery first to appear as official 007

Q: Your column rocks! I read it every week in a small weekly newspaper here in Connecticut. I happened to scan a recently published book entitled "Where Were You?" in which the author (unknown) chronicles events and personalities of the past 50 years. I was surprised to learn from his article on James Bond that Sean Connery was credited as being the first 007. Prior to Connery, didn't David Niven once play the role, as did another British actor whose name escapes me? -- W.J.M., Southbury, Conn.

A: Flattery will get you everywhere. Sean Connery was indeed the first official James Bond, meaning he played 007 in the first Bond film produced by EON Productions -- "Dr. No" in 1962. David Niven did play the dashing British agent; however, it was for a non- EON (unofficial) production of "Casino Royale" in 1967. Other actors to appear in "unofficial" productions are: Barry Nelson, Bob Holness and Christopher Cazenove. Connery and Roger Moore, both "official" Bonds, also have performed in nonofficial Bond productions.

By the way, if you haven't seen the latest Bond film, "Casino Royale" with Daniel Craig, you need to. This is the best Bond in ages; Craig is raw, moving, talented and very nice to look at. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Connery ***

Q: Please tell me what happened to the new series "Smith," starring Ray Liotta. It was on for about a month, and all of a sudden it was gone. -- Durinda H., Cocoa, Fla.

A: "Smith" premiered on CBS on Sept. 19, 2006, and was pulled after only three episodes due to low ratings. This surprised me, since the show packed in some pretty big stars, such as Liotta, Virginia Madsen, Amy Smart and Simon Baker, among others. Ironically, "Smith" was replaced by the medical drama "3 Lbs." -- starring Stanley Tucci and Mark Feuerstein -- which also was pulled after airing only three episodes.

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Q: Regarding "CSI: Miami," is that sexy David Caruso married? And where is Emily Procter from? -- Marlene W., Greenville, S.C.

A: While Caruso is not married, he does have a girlfriend, Liza Marquez, with whom he shares a 16-monthold son. He previously has been married three times. And Procter hails from Raleigh, N.C.

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Have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at letters.kfws@hearstsc.com, or write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.

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