Action! : My Life and Career

The story of David Wickes, one of the most prolific directors of TV and movies in the 'Golden Age' of entertainment.

Thestory of David Wickes, one of the most prolific directors of TV and movies inthe 'Golden Age' of entertainment. Inhis own conversational style, David tells how it was to work on iconic series likeThe Sweeney, The Professionals, and Van der Valk. Heexplains how he moved on to his own Hollywood productions, such as PhilipMarlowe, Private Eye, Jack the Ripper, Jekyll & Hyde and Frankenstein. Alongthe way, there are many surprises. What was it like to interview the Presidentof France? How come an action director like David made an award-winning filmbased on Shakespeare's sonnets? Did his own daughter really choose a popular TVtheme tune?Allthis and much more awaits you, including tales of David's famous magicianfather, who knew Charlie Chaplin, and David's early career in the army. Thisis more than one man's tale. It's the story of filmmaking before today'sdigital miracles, when everything had to be done for real. Blood, sweat andtears? Yes, but also lots of fun. Collaborator Simon J. Ballard also provides aninformal look at David's productions. As a friend and fan of David's, hepromises to be impartial! He also spoke with a number of people who worked withDavid including actors Diane Keen, George Sweeney and Patrick Bergin, as wellas his regular composer, John Cameron. With a foreword by none other than producer of theJames Bond films, Barbara Broccoli.