Myth

In Ian Flemings book Goldfinger (and consequently in the 1964 film) the character of Jill Masterson is killed by being entirely painted in gold paint.

This, as is explained later in the film, is because of skin suffocation. It consequently alludes to the fact that dancers similarly attired always make sure to leave a small patch at the base of the spine.

Reality

Well, like so many odd ideas by Fleming, this is complete rubbish. Firstly, the skin doesn't 'breathe'. So it's not possible to suffer from 'skin suffocation'.

But why should this amaze you. This is, after all, the same author who was convinced that homosexual men can't whistle.

It is possible to suffer from over heating due to blocked skin pours or indeed suffer the effects of being poisoned by chemicals in the paint. But it's made quite clear in the script that this is not the case in Masterson's death.

Tags: skin asphyxiation, bond, Ian Fleming