STARS OF CULT CLASSIC BACK LEGACY
THERE was no star treatment for the cast of classic Mod movie Quadrophenia 40 years ago.
They endured freezing weather while shooting on location in Brighton and didn’t even get dressing rooms.
But many of the actors went on to find greater fame. Now they have reunited to share their memories with the Daily Star Sunday.
Ahead of the anniversary, Leslie Ash, 59, said of filming: “There were no Winnebagos or anything fancy like that.
“We had to huddle together to keep warm. We’d sit in people’s cars or in shop doorways between scenes.
“No-one could say, ‘I’m going off to my trailer.’ I think that’s why we all got on so well.”
Toyah Willcox, 61, added: “We were wet the whole time. It was freezing. Half the time we were stood on street corners.”
The cast didn’t even get a hefty pay packet despite the film’s big budget.
Director Franc Roddam, 73, said: “I wasn’t being paid very much and nor were the cast.”
Phil Davis, 66, added: “It wasn’t about the money. There was such a buzz about this film.
“If you were a working-class actor in London, you wanted to be in it.”
Quadrophenia opened in UK cinemas in 1979 to good reviews,
‘People love Quadrophenia because it’s a precious film. Back then, life was simple’
but it didn’t become a big hit until years later. Phil said: “The film wasn’t a huge success at first. It was a moderate success.
“So it wasn’t a life-changing role for me. And there wasn’t much of a British film industry back then.
“It was only five or 10 years afterwards that the film turned into this cult thing.”
Leslie added: “We only really noticed a big reaction when it was re-released on DVD.”
Trevor Laird, 62, said: “In 1978 when we filmed it, the VHS wasn’t even invented.
“We got paid a weekly wage… end of. When the DVD and the VHS did well, we didn’t get anything. We don’t get any royalties.”
Quadrophenia, which also featured pop star Sting, went on to become an iconic Brit flick.
It is best known for its incredible soundtrack by The Who.
Phil said: “One of the things that made Quadrophenia a success was that it was genuine. It smelled of MARK went on to play PC Jim Carter on The Bill and Mike Swann on EastEnders.
His most recent role was in the drama Vera earlier this year. A REGULAR on our screens for 30 years, Garry has had major roles in Heartbeat, Holby City and The Vice.
He’s was also in Soldier Soldier, Corrie and Taggart. real life. That’s one of the reasons it has lasted.” Mark Wingett, 58, said: “It’s a film that has universal truths about growing up. And there was a sense of humour to it.
“It transcends age because anyone who’s had trouble growing up can relate to it.”
Toyah added: “I get people coming up to me about this film.
“It happens i expect kids the film, but they is so real.’
“They love precious film. L then.” Trevor sa