Tomorrow Never Dies, a tale of lethal media power which hits the big screen next week.
The plot, which introduces media mogul and twisted psychopath Elliot Carver, is a marketing dream, involving global telecommunications networks, computer sabotage, elegant diplomatic soir es and the inevitable high-octane car chases. Companies such as BMW, Ericsson mobile phones, Avis car hire and Bollinger champagne have paid vast sums to have their products featured. The most curious placement is Heineken lager, which appears in one scene neither shaken nor stirred. He's quintessentially British, but there is a worldwide following. An association with Bond has real worth.