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Bob Anderson
1922-2012
Nordling here.
If you don't know who Bob Anderson is, I can assure you, you're familiar with his work. The Original STAR WARS films. THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT. THE PRINCESS BRIDE. The Antonio Banderas ZORRO films. Bob Anderson was a sword master who helped orchestrate many of the swordfights that we know and love today, and in many instances, actually did a lot of the fighting. The swordfights in the STAR WARS films? That was Bob Anderson. The amazingly awesome fight choreography in THE PRINCESS BRIDE? That was Bob. Who taught Viggo to kick a thousand Orcs' asses and then sit back with a drink? That was Bob.
Just watch the duel in EMPIRE, as Vader toys with Luke before unleashing the full power of the Dark Side on that scaffold. There's a genuine menace to his swordplay in that scene, and that was entirely due to Bob. According to Wikipedia, Mark Hamill wanted to make sure he was recognized for his work - "Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader’s fighting. It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told George I didn’t think it was fair any more. Bob worked so bloody hard that he deserves some recognition. It’s ridiculous to preserve the myth that it’s all done by one man."
Bob Anderson worked with Errol Flynn, and had been in the business since 1953, working with Flynn on THE MASTER OF BALLANTRAE. Here's Viggo talking about Bob Anderson for the documentary RECLAIMING THE BLADE:
And here's the amazing choreography that Bob designed for THE PRINCESS BRIDE:
Our best wishes and prayers go out to Bob Anderson's family and friends. Nordling, out.
Readers Talkback
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His work will be remembered for many decades, if not centuries.
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Jan. 1, 2012, 7:29 p.m. CST
I think its kind of understated if I say his work will never be forgotten
by david starling
More like his work will live on, certainly past my lifetime. Rest in Peace Bob.
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You kill my father, prepare to die. RIP Father.
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Still waiting.
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and although he seems to have lived a full, accomplished and happy life, it is still a shame when a person who's work gave such pleasure to so many passes.
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And the world is now a sadder place.
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I always loved the swordplay leading up to Vader amputating Luke's hand in The Empire Strikes Back. Especially the last few seconds when Luke hits Vader in the shoulder and REALLY pisses him off. Those scenes have more visceral impact than any of the swordplay in the prequels.
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This man created the most memorable sword fight scenes in my life. It's because of his Star Wars work I always wanted to learn swordplay.
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You just fucked up a genuinely legit talkback. Asshole.
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you know, as a sign of respect!!!
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I am not familiar with his work in The Hobbit because that film has not been released yet.
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Roy is in good company. Art Carney (1918-2003) never got a talkback after his passing. I got banned once for pointing it out.
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I'm glad someone said it. There is a time and a place and this isnt it
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Then put your fucking glasses on next time before you watch the movie.
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Jan. 1, 2012, 9:11 p.m. CST
Sadly, today's kids have no patience for TRUE swordplay choreography
by Nasty In The Pasty
Nowadays it's all a shakey-cam blur. Few things thrill me more in a good action movie than a well-choreographed sword duel, and Anderson was the master.
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i had seen him in some "making of" videos of some very popular movies like the ones mentioned in the article.But i didnt know that he was the one doing Dather's laser sword-fighting.!!
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and I say this is what film can do in the hands of a master. Also...note what Bob Anderson said about the audience following every stroke of the blade (also punch of the fist), it is *essential* in the telling of the story. So, Hollywood, ditch the shaky-cam and blurry motion nonsense, and get back to Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone telling a story with blades.
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A class act has gone on to a better place.
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Jan. 1, 2012, 9:41 p.m. CST
A lost art thats getting more and more lost as the years go by...
by Jobacca
I have literally wanted to take fencing lessons since I was 6 years old. NO ONE within 300 miles of where I live teaches swordsmanship of any kind....except for the 300 lbs. "black belt" Chuck Norris wannabes who run a dojo next door to a Blimpies franchise. Like model-makers and matte painters,true fencing masters are on the way out in Hollywood...and the movies will be all the poorer for it. Thanks for the memories Mr. Anderson...at least we still have Nick Gillard!
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...but Anderson's stuff is still top-notch. ESB especially. <p>Didn't know he worked on "The Princess Bride". Good fencing, but too bad Rob Reiner didn't put the same kind of creative effort or ambition into the coverage. <p>On the LOTR films-- yeah, the fights there are just kind of a mess. Lots of scale and gore, but not a lot of clarity. More than in Nolan's stuff, say, but Jackson's just kind of sloppy when he isn't being terribly sentimental.
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...and the duel between Westley and Inigo is awesome each and every time. Also, don't forget the original 'Highlander' as well. RIP Mr. Anderson, and thanks. There can be only one.
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Thank you Bob Anderson, for your great contributions and hard work bringing magic to life. R.I.P.
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Such a shame
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My buddy's parents lived across from him when he was living in Largo Fl part time until he moved about a year or so ago. His interview in Reclaiming the Blade was filmed there.For whatever reason it never worked out,they did take a pic of him at the park clubhouse a few months before he moved. Very sad to hear.
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was he left-handed? The Westley/Inigo sword-fight is one of the all-time greats. And I'll take the strike-parry simplicity of the lightsaber duels from the OT ahead of any of the Daffy Duck insanity from the PT any day.
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RIP Bob Anderson. I love his work on the original Star Wars films and the Martin Campbell(who knows how to actually shoot Anderson's hard work) Zorro films. That being said, inappropriateness aside, themeofme is right. The fights in LOTR are terribly shot and edited. Peter Jackson may be a fan fave, but let's be real. He can't shoot action worth a damn. http://youtu.be/liL5h1OM0Qw
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Fuck you asshole! Show some fucking respect!
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... about his work in fucking HIGHLANDER? You know, that one movie whose central plot device involved dudes cutting off people's heads with SWORDS?!? Also, FYI: Hamill did NOT break the story about Anderson doing all the lightsaber-fighting for "Darth Vader" in the original STAR WARS trilogy, Clancy Brown did in an interview he gave about HIGHLANDER. Apparently, David Prowse was about as good with a sword as he was at acting, and, as it was pointed out, you'll notice Vader loses a few feet in height during all the lightsaber battles in the original trilogy, since Anderson wound up having to it all himself (which means, Prowse's actual contribution to STAR WARS was "standing around" and "occasionally gesturing" in a costume, so he had slightly less to do than Kenny Baker or Peter Mayhew).
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then the dick swinging by themeofme would have been more epic.
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As if the "wishes and prayers" weren't enough..... Walmart reigns.
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as wisely pointed out, you couldn't even tell because of the poor directing and editing. But dumb people love that shakey cam shit as evidenced by the love of the lame Bourne films.
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It really does. Bob Anderson was a true master at this. And a damn fine gentleman from all reports. All of his choreographed duels are legendary. And most of his felt real, using real western style sword skills. (Which I hope more directors and movie studios go for) Let's face it the only good scene in Die Another Day is because of this man. He made Darth vader the badass that he is. I pray for his family, and hope that someone in the industry will learn from this man and attempt to fill the void.
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Titles like those are easy to bandy about but I mean it in the highest sense: He is an utter legend.
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He is not left handed.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 7:46 a.m. CST
Good obit. I think I read Hamill's comments in the
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
Vader encyclopedia. I never knew about Anderson until then. I mean I knew he choreographed, but I just assumed it was Prowse doing the sword fighting since the only people getting credit for Vader were Prowse, and Jones.
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I was just thinking about him last week. He worked on Highlander: The Series. I remember seeing him in a behind-the-scenes promo for the then new show.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 8:57 a.m. CST
Whop did the swordplay training for "Revenge of the Sith?" That's a guy or gal that should be honored.
by planetran_fan
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You will be missed. (Also, can we not have flame wars on an RIP page?)
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Comments focused on Bob Anderson's resting in peace and his contributions to cinema are really the only ones appropriate here. One would think an adult would have no trouble understanding this. I won't even bother to say shame on you, since that is already obvious to anyone with half a brain in this talkback. RIP Bob...as with any true artist, your work has made you immortal.
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I still remember being there opening day for "Empire," when it was all new, and that moment where Luke tagged Vader on the shoulder. Everyone in the theater went, "Whoa!" because he looked like he was turning the tide, which only ratcheted up the horror when about three seconds later his hand was severed. Think about it: Not counting Frodo (since that was in the book) the next time I could recall seeing a hero maimed to that degree on film would be in "How to Train Your Dragon." PAD
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Jan. 2, 2012, 10:59 a.m. CST
Hmmm. Don't I remember something about off topic posts in an obituary article being bannable offenses?...
by Le Vicious Fishus
Hey, please invoke that rule stat, Nordling, and get rid of that annoying, tedious meofme fuckhead troll once and for all? Pretty please? On topic: RIP, Bob. They don't make em like you anymore.
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That shit is so old and played out. Plus, it was pointless to begin with. They said, "SOMEBODY SEND US AN OBIT AND WE'LL POST IT" very clearly. Did anybody send one? No? Then kindly shut up about it.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 11:02 a.m. CST
RIP Loved his little parts in the LOTR EE behind the scenes discs
by Jaka
Its very clear the people who worked with him greatly respected his experience and expertise.
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People who label Jackson as a poor director of action are only seeing what they want to. Look closer at fotr example and youll see a spectacularly filmed brawl between viggo and the head Uruk hai Orc at the end of the film. It's an intense sequence that is filmed to give bobs work breathing room and spell everything out for the audience. Very different than what you get in the larger battles where pj is more interested in creating an environment of chaos than he is in showing the audience the ins and outs of a particular duel. I think bobs work was well represented in Lotr. When two individual characters fought it was always clear what was happening. People just crap on the action because of the larger battle scenes, and in the process overlook wonderful sequences like the duel at the end of fellowship.
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I respect your opinions but bashing anyone who doesn't share your views is the height of immaturity.
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It's clear he's a troll with no reason to be here except to feed his ego without any thought to anyone else. Anyone who spends any time fighting with him is feeding the problem. If this is the last post regarding him, it will have come too late.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 12:55 p.m. CST
Two things about the Empire fight stood out to me.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
As mentioned when Luke got his hand cut off that was a "what the hell?" moment. Only "bad guys" are supposed to be maimed. Okay, 20 minutes later he has a new hand, and all is well, but we didn't know that was coming. But earlier when Vader got whacked on the shoulder he didnt' lose and arm. Only later after reading the manuals, etc. do we realize the should plate is not just decorative, but armored. Actually three things because what kind of dad cuts his offspring's hand off? The Imperial Department of Children and Family Services won't sit still for this.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 12:56 p.m. CST
jaka, I don't recall them asking for someone to submit a Disney obit, but
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
if they're still game, I'll send them a Harry Morgan obit before it's too late.
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Stating that your humility needs to be earned shows that you don't understand the definition of humility. Humility, when properly practiced, is intrinsic to your being, and how you view yourself in relation to the world around you. It's about being 'right sized'. Being humbled by another's logic, or other extrinsic circumstance (e.g. a major beating) is not the same thing as having the quality of humility. Now you may have humility, but you haven't shown it here. Who does really in a talkback anyway.
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So that's where you got your idea for Aquaman's losing his hand! BTW That was a great run on that character and Johns will be hard-pressed to match it. P.S. A Filipino Kali weapon salute to a great bladesman. P.P.S. To Jobacca, sorry to hear that bud, growing up in my small town there was a teacher at my high school who taught fencing after school(non-gay). However he was German and taught the German school of fencing. Afterwards when I went to college I took up Aikido and it's sister art Iaido(the art of sword drawing). Now for the last few years I've been training in Pekiti Tirsia Kali(mostly stick, sword and daggers). I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll be able to find a legit trainer. Go online and look up various national associations and see who they have in your region.
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I find it interesting that during the swordfight between Westley and Inigo, the swordmasters and styles of fighting they discuss are all real: Inigo Montoya: You are using Bonetti's Defense against me, ah? Man in Black: I thought it fitting considering the rocky terrain. Inigo Montoya: Naturally, you must suspect me to attack with Capa Ferro? Man in Black: Naturally... but I find that Thibault cancels out Capa Ferro. Don't you? Inigo Montoya: Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa... which I have. Always wondered how much input Mr. Anderson had to the dialog in that scene, or if was in the original novel.
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He lived a long life and brought a lot of joy and great scenes to film. I appreciate the Luke/Vader duel in ESB even more now. RIP
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that guy was amazing :)
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The Empire fight alone will forever mark this guys place in Hollywood lore...so much said from so few moves. Makes ya kinda hate the CGI jackoff shit we get today. Good Journey sir...
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Roy is just a symptom of a larger problem with AICN Obit writing. Many times due to the powers that be superficial "FanBoy" based knowledge of Film and the Business in general...it is possible that very important people, like Roy Disney, get left off the "Respect" list. I think people keep bringing up Roy for the simple fact it shows the lack of understanding and depth at AICN...that someone who was as instrumental in Disney still being "DISNEY", someone who worked on a personal level to save the dying art form of old school animation while encouraging the Computer based revolution we see today, and who was the last honest to god DISNEY left at the company that is named for and by his Uncle and Father could be given such a lack of respect. Was it because at the end of his career he was a "Suit"? I think many of of us think so...but the problem with that type of simplistic thinking is that it is the SUITS who allow us all to see the films we know and love in the first place. These same SUITS whom people with an overly romanticized view of the movie industry most times deride, often times deserve FAR more respect and admiration than they get from the fanboy community. THAT is why Roy keep being brought up time and again.
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Jan. 2, 2012, 4:50 p.m. CST
I researched Roy Disney at the time of his death when everyone had their panties in a bunch
by Jaka
He didn't do all that much to contribute to the film world at large (other than have the last name Disney). <p> This is a film site, not a obit site. <p> And my comment is still the most valid point on the issue at hand; if somebody wants an obit posted for someone who has passed, write it yourself and send it in. AICN has always been contributor driven. If you don't like what the contributors are supplying, man up and do something about it. <p> Shitting out your pointless, childish complaints years later in the obits they DO choose to post does NOTHING to solve the problem (if there ever was on to begin with).
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But more to the point, when did people start needing them to ask before they sent them something? Sending them content, without being asked, is what built AICN to begin with.
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Sword choreography is a beautiful craft, and this gentleman was clearly one of the best we ever had. Full kudos, across the board, without reservation. Rest in Peace, Master Anderson.
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Real swordfighting is a messy endeavor that's not that fun to watch. Anderson made it larger than life entertainment. RIP
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and themeofme, you are the pinnacle of a LOSER. You are not a nerd, you are a fucked up individual. Lord of the rings was magnificent, I could totally tell what was going on. Thanks to: Bob Anderson 1922-2012
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but the dude sure knows his action. Take a good look, Hollywood. Get rid of that close-up 70 frames per second 'action'.
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Jan. 3, 2012, 7:10 a.m. CST
Peace and condolences. Thanks for giving us the gift
by Bedknobs and Boomsticks
of cool action movies.
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are fairly realistic. They are not a dance they are messing and deadly. which is what i would assume a real battle would be like.
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All due respect, but I hate that, "It's not a dance", manifesto apologists have adopted from out of context Batman Begins dialogue to explain the fact that their favorite director can't shoot action. The sword fights in Lester's Three & Four Musketeers weren't dances...in Milius' Conan weren't dances... in Boorman's Excalibur weren't dances. But the viewers always knew exactly what was going on. The fights were exciting, brutal, realistic and surprise, surprise, the audience didn't have to struggle to follow what was going on. Plus it showcased all the hard work craftsmen like Bob Anderson put into choreographing these sequences. Hell, the way Jackson shot and edited most of the fights in LOTR, the actors could have been swinging rubber Nerf weapons around at each other like ten year old's in youtube videos. LOL!
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First of all I forgot that line was even in batman begins, but is that not really what fight choreography is? Just a routine you remember be on mark x at such and such time, Perry here, thrust here. All i was saying was in LOTR it does not look or feel that way. It seems sloppy and natural and believable. Now I have not watch rings in a couple years. But I was never once was lost or confused with any fight scene in any of those films. My point was in a real battle fighting with swords would look more like LOTR then Princess Bride. It would be Messy and chaotic as opposed to perfectly timed perrys and thrusts. Not that there is everything wrong with those types of fights on screen. It's just that style of sword fighting really does not suit LOTR.
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You didn't get the line from Batman Begins? Fair enough. I just hear that justification used all the time. Apologies. I'm not saying that the LOTR fights should look like highly choreographed fencing. You're right, they shouldn't. I'm just saying that Jackson shot the fights with so many close ups and used so many quick cuts that it would suggest that he doesn't know how to shoot an action scene. So he hides it by shaking the camera around and cutting every 15 or so frames. He's creating a false sense of chaotic action by disorienting the audience, not by proper framing and editing. A cheat in my opinion.
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From now on we will just get watered down sword fights in film... Shake the camera , shake the camera more! RIP Bob. Did he mentor a new hope to carry on his magic?
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Ralph Faulkner Jean Heremans Peter Diamond Bob Anderson And Bob was the best of them. Farewell.
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Jan. 4, 2012, 11:34 a.m. CST
It would be interesting to know the "criteria" you idiots use to choose who gets an obit or not
by Damned if I can login
No disrepect to Mr. Anderson (RIP sir), but you folks should just STOP with the obit crap since you seem to have some bizarro-alien method of selecting who gets mentioned and who doesn't. It's even worse when every legitimate news outlet reports an obit you folks should've been all over. I mean, you fragwads snubbed Harry Morgan and that reason alone justifies this rant. Of all the snubs you're guilty of, that one takes the cake. May *all* of you be locked in steam room with the Village People....
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Jan. 4, 2012, 12:21 p.m. CST
Lang - good list, especially since you include Jean Heremans!
by Damned if I can login
JH was the fencing coach (and he did the fencing stunts) on what many consider the ultimate fencing picture, Scaramouche, with Stewart Grainger and Mel Ferrar. Although Grainger and Ferrar did some cool stunts themselves...Grainger did the swing from the stage to the upper level booth, and Ferrar actually did the jumping around from balcony to balcony (while fencing, of course).
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Even though it's a little out of place in a Bond movie. I've always admired the fencing scene (a la The Quiet Man fight scene). Now I know why. REALLY, no Harry Morgan obit, yet. WOW. Two of the most popular series of all time, and he worked with all the greats Fonda, Stewart, Ford, Cooper, Wayne, Brando, Tracy, Scott, etc. C'mon.
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