Charities & VolunteeringNewsYour poems please as Sir Norman Wisdom film to be released on DVD to help Macmillan Your poems please as Sir Norman Wisdom film to be released on DVD to help Macmillan
22/10/2007
Earlier this year 92-year old Norman Wisdom came out of retirement to take part in the unique short film called "Expresso" - a comedy based around one day at a cafe. Filmed in Bromsgrove and written and produced by West Midland pair Martin Nigel Davey and Kevin Powis, "Expresso" was shown at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
"I had a great day - every minute was worth an hour," said Sir Norman, whose appearance in Expresso marked the 60th anniversary since his first television appearance in 1947. Martin Nigel Davey said: "We were honoured that Sir Norman came out of retirement to film with us - he was a star and kept the crowd and press entertained during filming in Bromsgrove."
Sir Norman's early years were hard. His mother left home and his father disowned him when he was just 10. He went into foster care and lived a Dickensian life style on the streets of London until he joined the army where he discovered his performing ability. After leaving the army he worked hard to make it into show business and now his films have become British classics. His theme song, "Don't laugh at me", from the film 'Trouble in Store' won Norman the BAFTA award for best newcomer in 1953.
Also starring in the film was Don Warrington from Rising Damp, Guy Henry, Finty Williams (daughter of Dame Judi Dench) plus many other well known faces from the UK and abroad. The film is available as a special edition DVD for a requested £5 donation in support of Macmillan (£4 of which will benefit Macmillan).
The DVD of "Expresso" also features a foreword from Dame Judi Dench promoting Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning.
For more information or to order the DVD, please visit www.expressofilm.com
The producers are now offering YOU the chance to have your poem on their next new film - set in a doctor's waiting room. For more information click here: Martin also wrote and produced "No Regrets" with director Philip Pugh about an old soldier thinking back about his life. For more information and to send in poems go to: www.poetryfilm.com, or ring Martin on: 07713 341 349. Other websites featuring their work include: www.martinnigeldavey.co.uk and www.expressofilm.com. If you prefer to send a written letter, please address it to: The Poem Film, c/o 107 Cliff Rock Road, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 9QF. Remember to mention The Mature Times!
Photo of Sir Norman Wisdom by Darren Seymour