From alt.fan.pratchett Thu Apr 20 14:15:24 1995 Newsgroups: alt.fan.pratchett Path: cyber.tn.tudelft.nl!tudelft.nl!news.nic.surfnet.nl!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!pipex!datcon!sar From: sar@datcon.co.uk (Simon Reap) Subject: Johnny and the Dead - Press Release (long - 20k) Message-ID: <1995Apr18.093628.21553@datcon.co.uk> Organization: Data Connection Limited X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2] Date: Tue, 18 Apr 1995 09:36:28 GMT Lines: 450 Here is the press release from LWT for Johnny and the Dead. It's about 20K of text. There's some general stuff, some amusing anecdotes, and thumbnail self-portraits by the leading players. Enjoy it, luvvies. I use underscores where text was underlined, and tilde for text in italics. The CAPITAL LETTERS are all theirs, and I think they misspelt renounced. --------------------------------------- LWT Press Release London Weekend Television Limited The London Television Centre Upper Ground London SE1 9LT Tel: 0171-620 (sic) Fax: 0171-261 8002 JOHNNY AND THE DEAD 4 x 30 mins TX: Tuesday 4 April at 4:40 pm on the ITV Network GEORGE BAKER, BRIAN BLESSED, JANE LAPOTAIRE and newcomer ANDREW FALVEY head the distinguished cast in the first ever television adaptation from the work of best-selling author TERRY PRATCHETT, Johnny and the Dead. _Johnny and the Dead_ also marks a first step into drama for LWT's award-winning arts department, and draws on the great quality of (the) _South Bank Show_ and _Opening Shot_. Indeed, the series originated from a profile of Terry Pratchett in the young people's arts series _Opening Shot_ in 1993. Andrew Falvey plays the title role of 12 year old Johnny Maxwell, the same role he played in dramatised excerpts from Pratchett's book in the earlier documentary. Johnny lives in blighted, recession-bound Blackbury. His parents have separated, he has moved in with his elderly grandfather and life, for him, is a struggle. His daily route to school takes him through a run-down Victorian cemetery, and he is devastated to learn that it has been sold to developers for the princely sum of five pence. The same day, the Dead start to appear before him. His first encounter is with the magnificently berobed figure of Alderman Bowler (George Baker), who then introduces him to other occupants of the cemetery. These include William Stickers (Brian Blessed), the would-be hero of the Communist revolution, and suffragette Sylvia Liberty (Jane Lapotaire), ancestor of the ruthless present day council leader Ms Liberty (also played by Jane Lapotaire), who wants nothing to stand in the way of progress. When the Dead learn about the plans for the graveyard, they beg Johnny to help save their home. Only he can see them, but he persuades his sceptical friends Yo-Less (JOTHAM ANNAN), Wobbler (CHARLIE WATTS) and BigMac (PAUL CHILD) to help. During a hastily organised campaign that takes in the local newspaper archive, a public meeting and a dramatic confrontation with hired thugs, Johnny makes some important discoveries about the value of history and the erosion of community life. As Johnny's crusade progresses, the Dead are making some discoveries of their own - with hilarious consequences. Venturing out of the cemetery for the first time since they were laid to rest, they decide to sample the local nightlife and make use of modern technology to travel the world. The series also stars JOHN GRILLO as Antonio Vicenti, HARRY LANDIS as Solomon Einstein, GEOFFREY WHITEHEAD as Fletcher, BARRIE HOUGHTON as Eric Grimm and RAY LONNEN as property developer James Bowler. _Johnny and the Dead_ was adapted for television by GERALD FOX and LINDSEY JENKINS. Gerald also directed and produced the series, which was co-produced by PETER PEARSON. The executive producer is LWT's Controller of Arts MELVYN BRAGG. For further information, please contact Sally Cozens, LWT Drama and Arts Press Officer, or Senior Press Assistant Nym Velji, on 0171-261 8107. - Terry Pratchett's original book is being reissued in Corgi paperback in April to tie-in with the series and the complete film will be available on Warner Home Video in May. A soundtrack album will also be available. _GRAVE FACTS ABOUT JOHNNY AND THE DEAD..._ - Filming took place in Nunhead Cemetery in south London, which was the ideal setting for the fictional Blackbury Cemetery - and the imposing crypt used for the fictional Alderman does actually exist there. - Spooky stuff ... a crew member who happened to visit a clairvoyant once the production was over was asked if they had been working in a graveyard. When they confirmed that that was the case, they were stunned to hear that the real occupants had been watching the filming and loved every minute. The real dead had been up to mischief, however, and said they had fogged a film. When the crew member checked this out, it transpired that a roll shot by the set designer had, for no apparent reason, come out blank... - Prop graves were so convincing that even some members of the production team couldn't initially distinguish them from the real ones. The production team had to track down and seek permission from relatives of those people whose graves were in the filming area. - The production saved a fortune thanks to the delayed demolition of Richmond power station. It was due to be demolished in July but didn't go until the Sunday before filming was due to start, enabling the team to set up scenes in front and get the dramatic opening frames. - This is the first drama from LWT's award-winning arts department and the extras are drawn from a pool of performers discovered or featured in previous _South Bank Show_ and _Opening Shot programmes_ - including the All British Champion ballroom dancers. - Nets were set up over the trees every time the doves used by the illusionist were brought on set - but the inevitable happened when the advisor decided to show off his 10 year old prize bird when the precautions were not in place. Consequently a producer and half the crew had to shin up a tree after it. It did, however, make a successful escape and is probably leading a group of pigeons in south London. - Producer/Director Gerald Fox was in South Africa late last year when life started imitating art. The exact story of the series was happening for real, the same phrases were being used to justify what was happening, and Gerald found himself in great demand with the local press. GEORGE BAKER Alderman Bowler in _Johnny and the Dead_ GEORGE BAKER would have taken a big risk if he'd rejected the role of Alderman Bowler. "I'd have probably been struck off as a grandfather!" he says. "My grandchildren are great fans of Terry Pratchett, so I would have been in grave trouble. Their mother, my 32 year old daughter, actually introduced me to Terry's work - I think she's a bigger fan than the kids!" As it happens, George loved the script and loved the story, so had no hesitation in taking the role as the upright - but rather dead - former town leader who gets a new lease of life in _Johnny and the Dead_. "It's such a fun piece - it's got something for children of all ages. It tells a lovely story and the Alderman is a splendid sort of Cockney character. I like to think that this sort of character is still around - I'd be very sorry if those characters disappeared." George, a prolific writer as well as a renowned actor, rejected the idea of a municipal career for himself early on. "I did work for Poplar Borough Council in about 1945/46 as a junior clerk in the baths and washhouses department - there was certainly no danger of me rising to become an alderman!" Alderman Thomas Bowler is the first of the dead to appear to Johnny Maxwell and acts as the boy's guide. Blackbury's prominent citizen lived from 1822 to 1906 and his 'home' in the cemetery is an imposing marble mausoleum - until he sees a whole new set of possibilities open up before him. Once he breaks free from the graveyard, the Alderman finds he rather likes some aspects of modern life - allowing George to demonstrate some pretty nifty footwork! Filming also gave George the chance to catch up with some old friends - "I last worked with Brian Blessed in ~I Claudius~, Jane Lapotaire was a very dear friend of my late wife and I've spent a lot of time with Harry Landis (who play Solomon Einstein) over the years, so we all spent a lot of time gossiping." And who said acting was a glamorous life? "One day I recall in particular we moved from Nunhead Cemetery to Hackney Marshes - so much for exotic locations!" he jokes. "When we got there, it was raining so much the day's shooting had to be cancelled." "I've never known it rain so much, but you can't tell in the finished product - I think it's wonderful." Much of the shoot took place in a real-life cemetery, with only a few prop gravestones, but George didn't find anything spooky about the location. "I didn't mind at all. I'm a bit like Johnny in that respect, I think the 'dead' are lovely." At 64, George has no plans to slow down his hectic work schedule, juggling dual careers as writer and actor. "I do get into trouble and accused of being workaholic - doesn't everyone work 16 hour days?!" Most recently seen on screen as Lord Dorincourt in ~Little Lord Fauntleroy~, he will be back as Inspector Wexford in next month's Ruth Rendell story ~Strawberry Tree~, which he also adapted for television. George's long and distinguished acting career began in the theatre. His first appearance on the West End stage was in ~Aren't We All~ at the Haymarket Theatre. While pursuing his film career, where his credits include ~The 39 Steps~, ~For Queen and Country~, ~Goodbye Mr Chips~, ~The Dambusters~, ~On Her Majesty's Secret Service~ and ~The Spy Who Loved Me~, he starred in 27 West End plays and three seasons with the Old Vic Theatre Company. He also starred with Dame Peggy Ashcroft in ~Days in the Trees~ with the RSC, directed by John Schlesinger, and played Broadway in Noel Coward's ~Look After Lulu~. His television appearances are numerous - he has featured in at least 96 television plays. His particular favourites have been his own comedy series ~Bowler~, the Emperor Tiberius in ~I Claudius~ and the Ruth Rendell Mysteries. On the writing front, his other titles in the Ruth Rendell series include ~From Doon With Death~, which was nominated for the Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award. He has written over 30 hours of mainstream comedy and drama, his play ~The Fatal Spring~ won the United Nations Media Peace Prize award of merit and his poetry has been broadcast extensively on radio. BRIAN BLESSED William Stickers in _Johnny and the Dead_ The role of would-be Communist hero William Stickers brought back a lot of fond memories for BRIAN BLESSED. "My father William was, in his youth, a kind of Christian Communist. He was a South Yorkshire coal miner, very much a jovial left winger, who - once he discovered all the awful things Stalin had done - left the party and now supports Labour. Before that I remember, as a child, sitting on the singer Paul Robeson's knee at a gathering in Sheffield Town Hall; I met Picasso in 1948 and it was nothing to see Harry Pollet, the leader of the British Communist Party, calling in on my father. Brian himself has no political inclinations. "My big love is exploration. I'm going back to the north side of Everest later this year, going from the Tibetan side." As well as appearing in the theatrical run of ~The Wizard of Oz~, he is currently in training for the new attempt, weightlifting and going on seven or eight mile runs. "Last time I went to 28,000 feet without oxygen, which is a world record for someone of my age." The first expedition in 1990 had him following in the footsteps of Mallory, which was documented in the award-winning film ~Galahad of Everest~ and in his book ~Turquoise Mountain~. He is also looking forward to making his directorial debut on the film ~Robert the Bruce~ as soon as is current tour comes to an end. "I'm going to find it fun - if I was in my 20s and just starting my acting career it might have worried me, but at 58 it holds no fears for me." He loved playing the character of William Stickers, but doubts his alter ego's real commitment to the cause. "I feel that he's rather full of hot air. He's a lovely man, but I think when they're going to leave the graveyard he's the one that gets frightened and pulls back. It's all right inciting, but when t gets to real action he tends to step back." Living from 1897 to 1947 he "would have been Karl Marx if Karl Marx hadn't beaten him to it," as Johnny's grandfather recalls. "He would have fought in the Spanish Civil War, except he got on the wrong boat and ended up in Hull." Brian would dispute that. "I think he deliberately got on the wrong boat and had no intention of actually taking part in the fight!" TV viewers get the chance to hear Brian's wonderful singing voice in a couple of memorable moments in the programme. "It's probably the first time I've sung on TV, although I've sung extensively in the theatre." He welcomed the chance to work with his ~I Claudius~ co-star George Baker, as well as with Geoffrey Whitehead (Fletcher), who was with him in ~Z-Cars~. He also has nothing but praise for young Andrew Falvey as Johnny. "He gave an outstanding performance and behaved impeccably throughout the filming, he's very charming and has a great future ahead of him." Among Brian's countless credits are, on television, ~Reilly Ace of Spies~; ~Shelley~; ~War and Remembrance~; ~The Sweeney~; ~Upstairs Downstairs~; ~Red Fox~; ~Chelmsford 123~; ~The Cleopatras~ and ~Catherine the Great~. Stage credits include ~The Seagull~; ~Body Language~; ~The Cocktail Party~; ~The Great Society~ and most recently ~Blood & Dust~. On film he has been in Kenneth Branagh's ~Much Ado About Nothing~; ~Henry V~; ~The Joy of Bach~; ~Return to Treasure Island~; ~Flash Gordon~ and ~Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves~. JANE LAPOTAIRE Sylvia Liberty and Ms Liberty in _Johnny and the Dead_ What is better than having JANE LAPOTAIRE in a new drama? Having two Jane Lapotaires! The award-winning actress plays dual roles as the Edwardian suffragette Sylvia Liberty and her descendant, the power-mad 1990s council leader Ms Liberty. "I loved the idea of playing two characters in the same film," says Jane, who has just finished a two year run with the Royal Shakespeare Company. "The whole thing was such fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the shoot and working with such a marvellous cast. "I'd never read anything by Terry Pratchett before this, but I think his writing is excellent. It is very right for television - there is so much humour and it appeals on every level, to adults and children alike. The grown-ups can enjoy the witticisms and the story is so good from a children's point of view." Her 'dead' character Sylvia Liberty was an ardent suffragette, who was killed in 1914 after getting her vote-campaigning measures rather askew. While most suffragettes chained themselves to railings, chucked eggs at policemen and threw themselves under the Prince of Wales' horse, she got it wrong and threw herself under the Prince of Wales instead and was killed outright. "He was a very heavy man," explains one of her graveyard colleagues. Years underground have not dampened her campaigning fervour and zest, and once she steps outside the cemetery gates her sense of adventure and fun takes over. At the other end of the scale is Ms Liberty, chair of Blackbury Council and a seemingly unstoppable force when it comes to getting what she wants and what she thinks is best for the town. Ruthless and self-possessed, she views her position on the council as a launchpad into a high-flying political career - and is not well pleased when Johnny Maxwell puts a spanner in the works. "Sylvia Liberty is a woman suffragette who cares deeply and feels very passionately about what she does. The irony is that, three or four generations on, you have Ms Liberty, who cares about some things - but her commitment and radicalism has been distorted by commercialism," says Jane. Originally wanting to be a journalist, Jane turned to acting after being dared by her schoolfriends to disrupt auditions for a production of ~Toad of Toad Hall~ - and ended up being cast as Toad. Writing does play a large part in her life, however. She is currently writing a second book, with her first, ~Grace and Favour~, published in 1989. About to start filming for the BBC in Dublin and with a West End play pending, Jane was most recently seen on television in ~Love Hurts~ and ~Big Battalions~. Her many TV credits include ~Blind Justice~ (for which she was given the Broadcasting Press Guild's award for best actress); ~Marie Curie~ (nominated for BAFTA and Emmy best actress awards); ~The Dark Angel~; ~The Barretts of Wimpole Street~ and ~A Curious Suicide~. Her films include ~To Catch a King~; ~Eureka~; ~Antony and Cleopatra~; ~Lady Jane~; ~Napoleon and Josephine~. An Honorary Associate Member of the RSC, her list of theatre credits seems endless. She was a member of Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, playing - amongst other roles - opposite Olivier in ~The Merchant of Venice~, and was a founder member of the Young Vic Theatre. After taking the Young Vic's production of ~Taming of the Shrew~ to New York she returned to Britain to join the RSC, which led to her late-1970s triumph as Edith Piaf in ~Piaf~ in London and New York. For that she won The Society of West End Theatre Award, they Play and Players Award, Variety Club award and New York Tony Award for best actress. Most recently she played Mrs Alving in the RSC production of ~Ghosts~. ANDREW FALVEY Johnny Maxwell in _Johnny and the Dead_ Filming in a cemetery was no spooky event for Andrew Falvey. "I always ran through the cemetery in a mad rush to get to the front of the food queue. I was far too hungry to be frightened!" Sixteen year old Andrew was thrilled when he was offered the part of 12 year old Johnny Maxwell - a part he had already portrayed in LWT's _Opening Shot_ documentary on Terry Pratchett. "One of the highlights of filming," says Andrew, "was when Terry Pratchett came out to the shoot one day and said I was the perfect Johnny. I just went bright red, I was so pleased. "I was over the moon when Gerry Fox asked me if I wanted the role. My mum was waiting outside for me and I went out looking all sad and said I hadn't got the part, but I couldn't keep the grin from my face." Playing the part of a 12 year old must have been pretty challenging for a 16 year old. But Andrew took it all in his stride. "Luckily I look very young for my age. Although that has its own problems - when the lottery tickets came out no-one would sell me a ticket. I went armed with lots of ID as proof, but I still got turned away. I also have a 13 year old brother who, incidentally, loathes acting, and I was able to study him for the part. Also, in many ways, I am quite like Johnny in that we are both dreamers who would prefer to sit at the back and keep out of situations. "What was hard was shooting the first and last scenes of the programme, one after the other. The passage of the story is supposed to show Johnny growing up, so on the particular day I had to grow up pretty quickly!" Andrew's other television credits include ~The Beastry~, ~Hale & Pace~, ~Waiting for God~ and ~London Tonight~. Theatre credits include ~Robin, Prince of Sherwood~ at the Piccadilly Theatre. He is currently playing the role of Malcolm in a school production of ~Macbeth~. He turned down the lead role due to other commitments and because he "didn't want to play the bad guy." He hopes to make a career in films and follow in the footsteps of the British actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, who is his hero. GERALD FOX Producer/Director/Scriptwriter on _Johnny and the Dead_ A familiar face to TV viewers in his role as presenter and editor of the award-winning young people's arts programme _Opening Shot_, Gerald also has an impressive range of _South Bank Show_ programmes to his credit as a producer/director in LWT's arts department. He studied film-making at Harvard and his _South Bank Show_ programmes include profiles on film directors Steven Spielberg, Sydney Pollack, Sir Richard Attenborough and musicians Anne-Sophie Mutter and Dmitri Sitkoveysky. The critically-acclaimed _Opening Shot_, shown on LWT and Channel 4, has recently won a Golden Hugo at the Chicago Festival and was named best documentary at the Chicago International Children's Festival. A third series is due this Autumn. PETER PEARSON Co-Producer on _Johnny and the Dead_ Peter is Production Supervisor on _The South Bank Show_ and, as well as looking after most of the programme's output over the last two years, co-ordinated the 16 hour live broadcast of the ~Paris 2,000~ bi-centennial celebrations. his Production Manager credits include the first series of _Opening Shot_, three series of the drama ~Wish Me Luck~, as well as ~Come Home Charlie and Face Them~, Ken Russell's ~A-Z of British Music~, and the acclaimed Dennis Potter interview with Melvyn Bragg for Channel 4. -- Simon Reap sar@datcon.co.uk