'I have a part for you in my movie' was how it started. A friend of mine, Tinus Grobler, had writen the script of this film and offered me a cast part as a Mafia heavy over breakfast, so I did it. Started of on the set for the first day in central Johannesburg waiting around in blinding heat late December 1987 and finshed my 'calls' in February 1988.Went to some fabulous locations all expenses paid, transport, wardrobe and everything I needed provided.Personally I had a great time, this was a very happy movie, my first and last, what an experience loads of fun and money as well.
Critically, the film was well shot with a very happy and professional crew, great fod, great camraderie with not a hint of a prima donna male or female. Many notable South African actors,Wilson Dunster, James Ryan, Wilma Snyman my sidekick Philip van der Byl and others. Timothy Brantley was a really good guy, uknown but a really great guy. Robert Vaughn was a tenage hero of mine, to have met, worked, eaten and more than anything conversed with an incredibly unasuming thoroughly generous man was a priveledge. My big scene was to break his thumb and we did the scene until we were all satisfied with it from the players right up to the superb Director and his right hand man the cameraman Toby.
Great fun, great times, sadly my hope of an Oscar nomination was unrealised so I retired from the Industry...their loss.
I would like to dedicate this to a great friend Tinus Grobler a mighty man who sadly had to leave his wife and two boys when cancer came to call far too early at Christmas 2001. A great script that should have led to more than it did.
Tot siens Tinus!
Martyn Turner
