The Spy Who Inspired the First Bond Girl | Evening Star | 1

About this episode

The episode explores the life of Countess Krystyna Skarbek, the first female undercover agent for Britain during World War II, and her inspiration for the character Vesper Lynd in James Bond.

When Hitler invades her beloved homeland, Poland, Countess Krystyna Skarbek signs up to go behind enemy lines as Britain’s first female undercover agent. She outwits the Nazis again and again.  Also known by the name Christine Granville, her beauty and daring heroism inspired the character of Vesper Lynd in the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. But tragedy would see her fade into obscurity.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Topics covered

• espionage
• World War II
• female agents
• James Bond
• heroism
• history

Keywords

• Countess Krystyna Skarbek
• Christine Granville
• Vesper Lynd
• Casino Royale
• female spy
• World War II
• espionage
• heroism

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Casino Royale

Places: Poland, Britain

More episodes of The Spy Who

• The Czech Spy Who Stole a Son | Blue Eyes | 3 · June 9, 2026 · 38 min
• New Season - Dr. Death: The Cowboy · June 4, 2026 · 6 min
• The Czech Spy Who Stole a Son | The Prodigal Son | 2 · June 2, 2026 · 41 min
• The Czech Spy Who Stole a Son | The Kidnap | 1 · May 26, 2026 · 38 min
• Listen Now: OnlyFantasy · May 21, 2026 · 7 min
• The Spy Who Sold Nuclear Secrets to Iran | How a CIA Spy Recruiter Helped Stop Dr Strangelove | 4 · May 19, 2026 · 40 min