The Fly: Interview with Star David Hedison
Posted by dominie in Films, Interviews on October 20th, 2008
The Fly: Andre Delambre (David Hedison) is a devoted husband, a loving father and a brilliant scientist. When his body is found in his laboratory with his arm and head crushed by a hydraulic press, his wife Helene admits to having killed him. Believing Helene incapable of such a crime, Andre’s brother slowly uncovers the truth - that an experiment with Andre’s new teleportation device went horribly wrong and Andre persuaded Helene to assist him in suicide.
Famous Monsters: I read in the foreword that you always know when October arrives because your phone starts ringing. You have done a lot of work, great work besides The Fly (review), do you think you are remembered more for your role as Andre Delambre or for the large body of work you have contributed to the acting profession?
David: Both actually. Andre Delambre, Lee Crane and Felix Leiter (in two James Bond films - Let and Let Die and License to Kill) are the roles I am best known for - all over the world. I also did a National Tour of Chapter Two (the Neil Simon play) in 1979-80. Those are roles I consider my best known work out of the over 100 roles I’ve assayed in my 60 year career.
Famous Monsters: Does it amaze you at all that The Fly remains so popular and ingrained in the hearts of horror fans given the big budget, special effect extravaganzas we are bombarded with today?
David: Not at all. It tells a story. A good story, tragic and heartfelt, about this fantastic discovery — teleportation — that can change the world, but we as human beings don’t have the discipline or the knowledge to use it wisely. It’s a classic tragedy. I loved playing the part of the doomed scientist.
Famous Monsters: I make sure I watch three movies and one TV show every Halloween…It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, The Fly, Dracula with Bela and John Carpenter’s Halloween. What are your favorite Halloween movies? (more…)
