10 Alternative festive films

Gremlins 1984

IFthe thought of a schmaltzy, traditional Christmas movie is enough to make you scream: “Bah! Humbug!” there are plenty of alternative festive films – and one of the best loved is Gremlins.

The story of a cute little creature that spawns a horde of murderous monsters has earned classic status.

Thirty-three years after its release, the film’s star, Zach Galligan, is coming to the UK next week for a 10-day tour to talk about the film.

“This will be my first time in Scotland and I’m very excited,” said Zach. He was just 19 when he landed the lead role of Billy in the Steven Spielberg-produced film.

“When Steven saw the video tape of me with Phoebe Cates, who plays Kate, he spotted something he liked and put me in the movie.

“I visited Los Angeles for the first time and can still remember the excitement of seeing the Hollywood sign from the plane.

“I had never been on a studio set before and I can remember practically every second.

“I spent so much time believing I was going to be fired. Two years previously I wasn’t in acting and now I had the lead role in a Spielberg production, so the fact I was able to cover up the anxiety is what I’m most proud of when I look back.”

Before filming began, Zach was shown the different variations of Gizmo and the Gremlins.

“Bear in mind I was only 19, so it was the coolest thing imaginable,” smiled Zach, who is now 53 and continues to act and teach.

“I was driving around on a moped on a Hollywood studio lot watching other films being made and seeing stars like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, who had just met on Swing Shift, and then I’d go to Spielberg’s office and play his arcade games. It was mind-blowing.”

Gremlins was a worldwide hit and Zach also starred in the 1990 sequel, Rumours of a third film won’t go away.

“There certainly seems to be a lot of movement and the original writer, Chris Columbus, has written a script, which is very encouraging.

“I don’t know if I’m in it, but they wouldn’t need to say a lot to get me on board.”

In the meantime, Zach will be at the Glasgow Film Theatre on December 10 for two showings of the Christmas classic. And he’ll have a special friend with him.

“Wherever I go, Gizmo goes – we’re a team,” Zach laughed.