The process of sorting and identifying SO many photos of David resulted in finding some that just HAD to have a great story behind them. Thanks to David, here’s the story behind this one — which is related to The Stick Up, now featured in the DSF Video Gallery.
David writes:
Oh, my God … where did you run across this photo?!? I don’t recall the specifics and I can only identify it because of the ropes, the shovel, and the mud. This photo was taken on the set of The Stick Up or Mud as it was originally entitled. Obviously, out of costume, I was helping the crew prepare the ring for the mud-wrestling sequence (at a traveling carnival) in which ‘Duke,’ my character, sets ‘Rosie’ (his stow-away, pain-in-the-butt companion played by Pamela McMyler) up to challenge this gi-normous Amazon lady … just to put a ‘few bob’ in his pocket. It was a very funny scene. The film was shot entirely on location on the Dartmoor in Devon (the West Country of England) and it was bone-chillingly cold.
It was as a result of filming scenes like this one that I succumbed to viral pneumonia brought on by the cold, wet weather and all the mud and cow shit that I had rolled around in. To top it off, then, despite running a temperature of 106 degrees, I was asked to do a command performance for the Queen’s Jubilee (1977) back in London. I couldn’t very well say ‘no’ as the organizers had flown my band over from the States.
So I hopped on a private jet, which the organizers also supplied, and flew to London (The Palladium) just for the performance. It was the most prestigious event of the year … but I was so out-of-it I remember nothing except sweating like a pig and standing next to Dolly Parton’s breasts, which blocked my view of the Queen as she moved down the line greeting each of the performers.
Anyway, immediately following the show, I was whisked off back to Devon where — touch and go — I spent the next 3 to 4 weeks recovering at a hospital (The Wadleigh House) in Plymouth. Then I went back and finished the film — which unfortunately didn’t do very well.
Thanks for asking [about the picture].
David
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I absolutely loved this movie. David’s character was very loveable and funny. I remember when he got sick and I remember crying my eyes out worrying about him but all ended well. I have such admiration for this man and his many talents. He will always be my favorite. Thanks so much for sharing this. This is the best site ever!!!!
I finally got to watch the Stick Up. I watched it on my friends laptop early (very early) one morning at the Hollywood Show. I loved it! Of course, what’s not to love, right?
~Robin
i was actually an extra in the film and i have never seen nor can i get it on dvd as i think you can only get it in the us and i am from the uk. My mum actually worked at warleigh House and has a signed photo .
Hi David I liked this movie a lot. I thought the mud wrestling was funny and it looked like it was a lot of fun to do. sorry to hear you fell ill making this film and i’m so happy that you recovered from your illness. I enjoy watching all your movies you make. Your talent lets you bring to life so many different characters in so many different films. I want to thank you for sharing your talent with us for so many years. Best Wishes Always.
diddo on everything everybody said! & Thank you so much for sharing with us! xxx K
David, You are brutally honest and most sincere (which by the way is one of your appealing qualities). And you certainly have a knack for storytelling…..the visuals are as clear as day. Seriously, though, that must have been a trying time and we are all glad to know you eventually got back on your feet
Hi David,
What a great picture and hearing the story behind it right from you is priceless. I recently watched the movie and I thought it was great and so funny. One of my favorite scenes is in the jail cell with you and “Rosie” when your both laying on the cot. You say to her, “does your face hurt”?, she replies “no” and you say, “well it’s killing me”, haha. I love that you’re so much apart of this site and take the time to share your thoughts and wonderful stories with us. Thank you for sharing and thanks to Carla and Laura for finding this little treasure.
P.S. Sorry to hear though that you had gotten so sick, but to keep your committment through it speaks to your amazing character!
Thanks again for sharing!
Danielle
Hi David,
Have just watched “The Stick Up” and found it just as charming and amusing as I did when it was first aired, such a lovely fun movie. I liked hearing two of your songs on the film, nice touch.
Thank you for your memories recapturing the events surrounding this photograph, your recollections are really appreciated and I love the way you recount them.
Feel I should apologise for the good old inclement UK weather, but not for the mud and cow pats! You did do remarkably well to get through the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Performance, even if you can’t recall much apart from the unmissable Dolly Parton’s assets. Of course the film should have rocketed too.
Dear David,
thank you for sharing some of your memories with us, because even if a picture says a thousand words, it does not tell the whole story
Going with a 106 fever to that important event shows how professional, loyal and driven you are !
I liked the movie, I found it funny.
I wish you serenity, happiness and health for you and your family.
Hugs,
Anna
I really hate that you were sick. That was bad enough but to have that experience and to be too sick to enjoy it was worse.
I am wondering if the high fever may have skewed your memory a bit. I have read that Dolly Parton is 5 feet tall and you are 6’1″. If these figures are anywhere close to right. You should have had no trouble seeing over her. So I am thinking that maybe her breast didn’t block your view but instead they distracted you. Just saying…. heard the comedian Paul Reiser say you can say anything if you just put a just saying with it! LOL.
I haven’t seen Mudd … The Stick Up. Wasn’t because I didn’t want to see it when it came out. Didn’t have the opportunity. Hoping to see it soon in the video gallery. RL ( Real Life ) keeps getting in the way. Hoping it’s not in QuickTime. QuickTime hates me!
Hi–thanks so much for sharing this great story! From cold, squishy, stinky mud to the queen, and from Dolly Parton’s breasts to a serious case of pneumonia, this story has it all: pathos, drama, humor, and a cliffhanger ending. What a tale! More! More!
I love this movie. When I’m a bit down, it’s one of my pick-me-up movies. So funny. Good old British slapstick comedy. I love the cow scene. Fab skiing. And the mud wrestling. That Amazon was one lucky lady!
It’s such a shame that you don’t remember much of your attendance at the Royal Variety Performance–another great British institution. It is, however, funny what our mind does retain from our least lucid moments. What a great story to come out of such a dark time. And we were all grateful for your full recovery. Thank you for sharing this with us.
David-I love the part about the breast obstruction of the Queen, gosh what a funny way you have !! You do have a very good way with words, I must admit ! But, that must have been just horrendous to have to be at such a prestigious event and feel so awful in your body and having sweat pouring out of every pore ! I felt so badly for you, and to top if off your movie didn’t do too well it sounded like! Well, at least that whole debacle is past and you have gone on to better things ! I thank you for sharing this story and for sharing yourself with us !
What a great and funny story, especially the part with the breasts of Dolly Parton.
You have to notice them, sick or not sick
Thanks so much for sharing !! xxxxx