44yrs on.. I’ve finally used my loaf to get to the top
Star of classic Hovis ad powers up hill on electric bike
AN electric bike is the best thing since sliced bread for Hovis ad star Carl Barlow – as it helps him finally conquer that steep cobbled hill.
Carl was 13 when he earned a crust playing a bread delivery boy laboriously pushing his bike to the top for the final stop on his round in the 1973 advert.
Now 44 years later he has returned to the scene for a hi-tech re-enactment.
Carl, now 58, had a basket of bread on the front of the electric bike and wore a flat cap like the one he had in the ad shot on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, Dorset.
He said: “It was strange being back after 44 years. There were a few people taking photos, and I heard them saying, ‘That was the advert where the boy pushed the bike up the hill’ – little knowing they were stood next to me.”
Recalling his work on the ad, he said: “I remember I had to push the bike up the hill many times for the best part of the two days’ filming.
“If anyone has been here they know how steep this hill is. When we first tried to film the advert they put me on a bike but it was impossible.
“It was much easier this time around. I just glided up the hill.”
The Hovis ad was filmed by Ridley Scott – now Sir Ridley – who went on make Alien, Gladiator, Blade Runner and Thelma & Louise.
In the advert, backed by a brass-band version of Dvorak’s New World Symphony, the boy struggles to push a bike laden with freshly baked bread up the steep hill, An adult narrator says: “Last up on round was Old Ma Peggotty’s house, it was like taking bread to the top of the world. It was a grand ride back, though.” It made such an impression that it was voted viewers’ top ad of all time. Mr Barlow said: “It was an awesome experience. “I was 13 at the time and attending stage school when I was asked to audition for the part. “Ridley Scott used to let me look into the camera to explain what shot he wanted and how he wanted to do it. “At the time I thought it was just an acting job and I had no idea it would grow to become the top advert in Britain, but it has got that nostalgic look that people like.”
After a number of other screen roles Carl eventually gave up acting and joined the London Fire Service, from which he retired five years ago.
The stunt was filmed for a two-minute promotional video for Evans Cycles.
It shows other cyclists attempting to make it up the hill using standard bikes before having to admit defeat halfway up, while Mr Barlow powers through.
Joel Natale, commercial director of Evans Cycles, said: “We hope revisiting such a beloved advert and helping Carl conquer the hill once and for all, will inspire more people to get on two wheels.”
It was much easier this time – I just glided up the hill CARL BARLOW STAR OF THE 1973 HOVIS ADVERT