THE UNSUNG HEROES OF 'STAR WARS': DAVID TOMBLIN

Legendary First Assistant Director David Tomblin clowning around with Anthony Daniels at Elstree.

One of Britain and the world's finest and most respected First Assistant Directors, literally immersed in his homeland's film industry since the age of 14, David Tomblin's entry into the universe of STAR WARS didn't originally start off well. Interviewed for the role of Assistant Director on the original STAR WARS in 1975, his job interview with writer/director George Lucas (likely at the London FOX offices) was a disaster-the pair failing to click personality-wise, with the resultant position going to later James Bond series Associate Producer Anthony Waye-a shame really, as Tomblin, who'd had some background in doing pioneering UK sci-fi and fantasy with his writing/directing superb and exciting live-action episodes of the hit Gerry Anderson series UFO and SPACE: 1999, as well as co-creating, writing and directing the cult phenomenon that was Patrick McGoohan's mystery thriller THE PRISONER, would likely have been in much better stead and mental sync with Lucas in the creation of his universe than Waye, who proved to be amongst the majority of the UK team who originally just thought of STAR WARS as a mostly unintelligible, little league kids film- a vibe that I don't think Tomblin would have shared had he been by the director and producer Gary Kurtz's side in March 1976.

In discussions about the in-development Yoda dummy with Irvin Kershner, Stuart Freeborn and co., at Elstree in 1979.

On the Bespin set of EMPIRE, clowning with Carrie Fisher: circa April 1979.

Far left, with Kershner, Billy Dee Williams and others.

Nonetheless, things would improve for Tomblin by the time of UK pre-production on THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK in late 1978/early 1979. Having previously worked with Irvin Kershner on the Richard Harris starring wild west sequel adventure THE RETURN OF A MAN CALLED HORSE, a project which had some tricky production areas, the director remembered him and recognised his co-ordinating and directing talents (especially with large crowd groups or extras)- a soon vital  requirement for the next STAR WARS film with its hordes of clashing Rebels and Imperials, quickly signing him up. It was here that Lucas, dipping in and out of the UK filming, got to know and respect the real Tomblin, who re-acquainted well with the director and got on famously with the cast (especially the fun loving Carrie Fisher and fellow Brit thespian Anthony Daniels)- often well remembered on set for his post National Service-era personal discipline, deadpan but creative humour and bark worse than his bite demeanour, alongside a talent for keeping morale up, especially with the behind the scenes team working on the films often fraught and lengthy, sometimes seemingly unending, shooting from March to September 1979: travelling from the difficult climes of location filming in Norway (hilariously barking orders on his megaphone to some of the non-English speaking Norwegian Red Cross soldiers playing Rebels to not act like motionless and idle 'zombies' during far background filming), to the intensely hot and debilitating Elstree Studios and its Bespin Carbon Freeze Chamber. Additionally, Tomblin brought into the UK filming many experienced extras that he had known and used in previous film and TV productions, like Quentin Pierre and Boba Fett costume tester Alan Harris (both of whom he knew and liked from his SPACE: 1999 Season One filming days at Pinewood in 1973-74).

Tomblin with an Ewok-suited Warwick Davis (presumably doing second unit work elsewhere), plus Nicki Reade (middle), on the Jabba's Throne Room set, circa Jan/Fen 1982.

A David Tomblin improvised scene for JEDI, featuring Bob Fortuna and Salacious Crumb, sadly cut from the movie.

On the STAR WARS STAGE, David Tomblin gives instructions to the many background extras playing Imperials via microphone.

Straight after EMPIRE, Kershner recommended Tomblin for his speed and inventiveness to cinema wunderkid Steven Spielberg, hiring him for what what would be all three Classic Indiana Jones films- often seen in behind the scenes footage with a bullhorn in his hand, barking out orders to extras and flapping smoke across the studio soundstages- being an all-round team player with the acclaimed director. Richard Attenborough's epic movie autobiography of the influential Indian leader and pacifist Mahatma Gandhi soon followed into the second half of 1980 and proved to be one of his and film-makings biggest ever production undertakings, with Tomblin proudly putting on his CV the fact that he had organised one particular scene with 250,000 extras! All of this work on that and the overall film would put him in good stead in early 1982, as his trusted right-hand position saw him alongside director Richard Marquand for RETURN OF THE JEDI, which, for six epic months in London and the US would be even bigger in scale than EMPIRE, with larger sets, and a more diverse amount of first and second unit shooting needed for George Lucas's manipulation in the editing suite. It was on JEDI that Tomblin, heavily involved in the Jabba's Palace sequence and its numerous grotesques, even got permission to improvise some comedic material with some of its supporting characters: Bib Fortuna and the on-set much loved little beast that was Salacious Crumb: though that material never made the finished film, some of it can be found in the later MTV video of Lapti Nek. Additionally, working with the cuddly Ewoks in their village setting at Elstree, Tomblin was quick to recognise the talents of the young eleven-year old Warwick Davis playing the inquisitive and heroic Ewok later to be named Wicket, deciding to create a little 16mm "mini-film" for the star and his adventures in the STAR WARS universe: Revenge of the Ewok (later titled Return of the Ewok), which also secured the talents of the films cast and crew in certain areas (contributing because they liked Davis and Tomblin so much). Later on during extra location filming in the California Redwoods after the main shoot had been completed, Tomblin and a small team would capture vital action/comedic sequences for inclusion during the Battle of Endor sequence.

Giving young Warwick Davis some movement tips on location in 1982, likely for Return of the Ewok. Image via the ACROSS THE STARS website.

With Ford, Lucas and Fisher during JEDI's outdoor Endor Bunker filming in May 1982.

In and out of his completion of the STAR WARS and INDY films, Tomblin, who, sadly, was very rarely interviewed about his work, especially on STAR WARS, and never, to my knowledge, did any conventions or signings (likely because he was so in-demand for productions), would continue working on a diverse array of movies, including Irvin Kershner's unofficial James Bond adventure: NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, the first two SUPERMAN movies for Christopher Reeve and director Richard Donner, BRAVEHEART for Mel Gibson, plus many more classics. He would finally, deservedly receive a BAFTA award for his immense services to the film industry in 2003 (with a video tribute which included a scene from JEDI), before his sad passing, aged 74, in June 2005.

IMDB: David Tomblin - Biography

Remembering David Tomblin, First Assistant Director | Star Wars Blog | Star Wars Blog

CLASSIC REVIEW: 'SIZE MATTERS NOT' BY WARWICK DAVIS

SIZE MATTERS NOT

THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND CAREER OF WARWICK DAVIS

An autobiography by Warwick Davis

Published by Aurum Press

Reviewed by Scott Weller

With a diverse range playing everything from a cute teddy bear helping to topple a deadly empire “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”, to being a kindly professor, and from being an unexpected hero in a fantasy of sword and sorcery, to bringing the world down around him as a miserable paranoid android, actor Warwick Davis has spent the last twenty seven years entertaining the world in all manner of mainstream film and TV blockbusters, plus some truly weird and wonderful cult projects, and often acting within a veritable cornucopia of guises and performances that have cemented his place in audience hearts and minds forever, and making him a firm fixture of the fantasy and science fiction universes. And all this undertaken for the sake of entertainment. Plus, he’s played E.T., too!! How’s that for the film-history books! And, even luckier, he managed to get his hands on Jennifer Anistons’ shapely legs long before Brad Pitt ever did! Extra kudos there, too!!

Beyond his many iconic on–screen roles, his unique small person size certainly hasn’t restrained or diminished his creativity and enthusiasm for his profession (which he kinda slipped into with the ease of Cinderella putting on her missing slipper), and his love of life and his family happily knows no bounds. So, it’s nice to report thatWarwick’s new autobiography, SIZE MATTERS NOT, is a warm distillation of the very best ingredients of the man, and is lively, intelligent and truly nostalgic to read. You will be much entertained.

It’s certainly very humorous, with lots of cheekiness and bad puns aplenty-you are so duly warned! SIZE MATTERS NOT doesn’t just generally please film fans with its anecdotes of many great films and TV shows which Warwick has been involved in, but its also a great showing of his triumph over both adversity and tragedy in his life-from the moment he was born (having both Talipas as a child, and the ultra rare condition, only later diagnosed in his life, of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenital (try saying that one when you’re drunk!!)), Warwick has fought all the way with courage, tenacity and humour, and his hard work, persistence and love of life and work has paid off- with a nice dollop of luck thrown into the equation alongside him - which readers will enjoy discovering, appreciate and understand as the fruits of his successes continue within its pages.

And to think it all started with the help of his Nan!!

That’s right, beloved Nan Davis, she of the Haunted house (I kid you not!!) that Derek Acorah and Yvette Fielding should have investigated years ago for MOST HAUNTED, who heard a radio ad on LBC requiring small people to work on the third STAR WARS film. Warwick soon proved to be the right guy for the right job and, with a youthfulness that inspired the films cast and crew, was quickly whisked into the wonderful world of making movies!! His portrayal of the furry young Ewok warrior-to-be, Wicket W. Warwick, alongside the rest of his cuddly race, would soon prove irresistible on screen to both young children and families everywhere, as he and his Endorian buddies helped our heroic Rebels overthrow an Empire with their primitive, but highly effective weaponry. In many ways, Warwick and the Ewoks would overshadow Harrison Ford in the film, whether he liked it or not!!

Warwick and his JEDI alter-ego.

The making-of section devoted to Warwick’s initiation to STAR WARS/JEDI (of which he and millions of others had their fates intermixed at such an early age- the original STAR WARS being his first film memory as an always excited seven year old – and making him a true member of that illustrious original viewers club of the series!!), and the youngsters introduction to film-making in general, is well put together and very interesting in places - it’s fun to see how a lot of Wicket’s scenes were improvised by Davis and ended up on film, egged on by an enthusiastic George Lucas and Assistant Director David Tomblin- but ultimately there’s only a few little bits of new information here and there if you’re a true die-hard behind the scenes nut (like revealing to us exactly who Ewok actor Nicky Read was on the film- a fellow 11-year alongside Warwick on the set of JEDI), with so much having already been previously revealed about the Ewok filming in the last twenty five years.

I imagine that, being so young, Warwick probably wasn’t too aware, or was oblivious, of the kind of juicy behind the scenes things going on around him with regards to JEDI’s shooting, like the problems between Dave Prowse and LUCASFILM, and the top secret filming with Sebastian Shaw, or anything like that, until after the fact, and very little is talked about the films director, Richard Marquand, which is a bit of a shame. Annoyingly, the STAR WARS related text also has one big error that often sticks out like a thorn in this reviewer’s side: Lightsaber is still being spelt wrong in the publishing world (as “lightsabre”)-when will people get this right!!

Who's a lucky boy, eh?

The much vaunted rare photos linked to the film’s making, and other parts of Warwick’s life and career, are good, and there are some nice behind the scenes shots (loved the Carrie/Warwick images, and the one with Mark Hamill on set)- with many pics specially chosen from sources including the LUCASFILM archives- though some are represented a tad too small or under-reproduced (more colour inside would have been a nice bonus, even if it would have meant a price increase), where they could have been better laid out by the books obviously talented design team (applause, though, for the opening collage of images showing Warwick’s different moods-a fun way to launch the book and show the spirit of his autobiography in general).

Linked to JEDI there’s also a nice section about the RETURN OF THE EWOK/ Warwick Davis film project that was being made at the same time in 1982, but there’s still not enough detail about its behind the scenes making or enough on Warwick’s friendship/filming memories with good friend David Tomblin, though the reproduction of screen grabs from this occasionally seen at conventions short film, as part of the nostalgic colour section, are fun to have. With JEDI and EWOK, it looks like Warwick, being a child, was able to get away with absolute murder on set, and must have been a refreshing and innocent change of pace for cast and crew to have enjoyed working with on the top-secret filming, both at ELSTREE STUDIOS and at the US location filming.

On location in California, our iconic STAR WARS heroes say goodbye to Warwick in RETURN OF THE EWOK.

Warwick’s deserved rise to further success as Wicket the Ewok would continue a few years later in the spin-off TV movies, CARAVAN OF COURAGE and THE BATTLE OF ENDOR, and that too gets a brief mention, where he notes their popularity and cult status with fans of all ages. There’s also a great sequence where he talks about dressing up as Wicket for George Lucas’s adopted daughter Amanda’s fourth birthday, which is an amusing sequence to read (and with a great accompanying B/W pic to boot!). Warwick’s continuing friendship with George Lucas ever since JEDI is something to be proud of, and the STAR WARS creator provides an equally pleasing view of their friendship in a nicely written foreword to the book.

Thanks to Lucas, the emergence of the fantasy film genre with, and since, the release of the original STAR WARS saga would soon prove to be a great source of enjoyment and financial income forWarwick, as all manner of film and TV projects burst forth in the proceeding chapters requiring his unique talents. After JEDI, he recalls on-set life acting with David Bowie on Jim Henson’s LABYRINTH and, outside of performing, briefly acting as a production runner on WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?, before deciding life in front of the camera, rather than behind it, was more preferred.

Then comes WILLOW- Warwick’s first lead role in a film, and at just seventeen years old, acting in a project specially conceived by Lucas for him to star, and in which he shows a maturity as an actor beyond his years in this cult hit directed by Ron Howard. This is a terrific, highly detailed section of the book, and it’s nice to read about how strong a friendship Davis has shared with fellow actor Val Kilmer, both on set and off, and has continued since the original filming (there’s a lovely, albeit brief, reunion between them at the end of the book). Kilmer was almost like a sword and sorcery version of Han Solo in the movie as Madmartigan, and was most impressive. This project was a lot to put on Warwick shoulders, so it’s no wonder that Ron Howard was also looking/testing for older actors in the demanding role, but Davis ultimately pulls the task off very well and on screen pretty much makes it look like the easiest thing in the world to achieve. It may not be a classic film, but WILLOW has survived the test of time and been enjoyed by families due to the vitality and conviction of its lead stars within the fantasy framework.

Another of the books best behind the scenes chapters involvesWarwick’s experiences, invited by David Tomblin, visiting the last day of shooting on to the set of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, where he’s accompanied by his best friend, Daniel (whom Davis regularly describes as an “idiot!!”- in a lovable way of course!!). The camaraderie of Harrison Ford, Sean Connery and Steven Spielberg is nicely re-visited.

Big head, big powers!

STAR WARS and WILLOW may be the most recognized ofWarwick’s work, but how could we not mention the equally fine, detailed sections of the cult phenomenon of his six bizarre but priceless LEPRECHAUN films (LEPRECHAUN IN DA HOOD!! Now, THAT’S a title!!). These sections are clearly some of the most enjoyable parts of the book, and the info on how these much loved B-movies came to fruition and spanned six films (yes folks, SIX films!! So far!!) is very amusing, with Warwick clearly enjoying the diverse low budget filming experiences.

Having been dormant for a long time, despite continued merchandise success, STAR WARS was ready to return to cinemas once again, bursting forth like an active volcano with Lucas’s phone call to arms to Warwick, telling him to be ready, in 1997, and its here that his love of Chocolate Digestives comes in handy for his survival against food poisoning during location filming in Tunisia for EPISODE ONE: THE PHANTOM MENACE. This section is another strong point of the book, and has some nice tales I hadn’t heard before, plus some great bits of BTS info I wasn’t previously aware of. He played four characters in the film (Yoda (for a brief walking scene), Anakin’s friend, the Rodian named Wald, a grimy extra on the Mos Espa location set (later called Greaser), and a pod racing spectator (nicknamed an older Willow by the production team). Warwick’s return to the STAR WARS universe is obviously one of his most pleasant, and continually nostalgic, jobs, and to see in the birth of a new Prequel trilogy must have been great for him to have been involved with.

With the birth of the STAR WARS saga comes the quick succession birth of the STAR WARS conventions, of which Warwick has been a loyal participant/guest for many years, so it’s surprising that he doesn’t talk about his experiences on them very much. Perhaps he wants to keep his distance from us “geeks”!! Or he’s saving those experiences for another book?

Surprisingly, after WARS, it is the HARRY POTTER section of the book that, apart from his initial casting and work in the first film, seems to have few anecdotes, especially as he has been in all of the films to a more or less degree, though his affection for Michael Gambon’s wicked humour and storytelling clearly shows (I also loved Warwick’s earlier description of another acting legend, the ex-DOCTOR WHO, Tom Baker (whom he worked with on the BBC TV versions of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA)-check the book to find out what he says).

Beyond all previous make-up applications and body suits that he’s worn and been used to, it will be everyone’s favourite depressive robot, Marvin the Paranoid android, for the movie version of Douglas Adams’ book THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY, that proves to Warwick’s toughest acting gig to date, driving him almost to the point of mental and physical exhaustion within its restricting confines, and its obviously a part he was glad to see the back of, despite his love of the cast, the director, and the finally released film. Further strains take place with his adventures in Tic-land for PRINCE CASPIAN, but the book enters happier climes as it takes us up to the birth of his most recent child, Harrison, and his TV work, including a memorable role in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s UK comedy series EXTRAS, and the start of a great relationship between the trio, and their getting together to make a pilot episode of Davis’s newly created comedy series format- LIFE’S TOO SHORT (think CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, but smaller!), which we hope will make its way to a full series.

As well as digestives, there’s also a memorable section on his life as a master of ceremonies at the annual Stilton Cheese Rolling Championship in Peterborough. Now that he has revealed his indulgence in cheddar, Warwick is likely to be inundated with it by fans at conventions!! He’s also diversified himself into the realms of television presenting, show organizing (look out for the section of the HALF MONTY!!-don’t trust him to book your venues!!), and handling the reins as a producer and film-maker extraordinaire (something that goes back to his teenage roots- there’s a funny section on the home made movies he made as a kid. I liked the one of the early VCR that eats people!). There’s also his innovative WILLOW casting agency for small and tall people that he has with his business partner Peter Burroughs (father of his wife, Sam), which Davis has made a well-deserved success from many “why didn’t anyone think of this before?” types of idea linked to being small.

The book comes full circle with another STAR WARS high, asWarwick recalls the fun and nostalgia of it all with his recent home Jacuzzi encounter with lovable UK TV presenter Justin Lee Collins for the reasonably successful BRING BACK STAR WARS TV show interview/reunion.

Warwick’s telling of his life-story may show a little bit of occasional ego (and if you’re going to be working in the film and TV business you’ve certainly got to have it to survive) but its certainly nothing belligerent-his willpower to succeed positively in life is balanced with a lot of charm and humility. With the help of a very grounded family and older sister growing up, Warwick has got his head firmly on his shoulders about life, is fun loving but also highly disciplined with himself, especially related to his career, which, to his credit, he has run the crest of the wave of good fortune with and survived intact to prosper – his is a self evolver to be proud of, and he’s a fine provider for his family.

Beyond the clearly enjoyed film work, life as a short person is clearly not without its difficulties, especially in his day-to-day dealings with the general public (he and his family are very popular with Irish and Japanese tourists, who all want to touch them for luck!!), and whilst I’m sure it must be terribly frustrating, Davis observations on life as a short person are surprisingly upbeat and I never got the feeling at all that he’s bitter about his life. In many ways, being little has opened up some wonderful doors at the right times and places, and with the right kind of people you want as friends. At 40, Warwick’s done more so far in his life than many of us will ever achieve in a lifetime. With his varied life experiences, you can see why the aforementioned Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant want to turn his life into a TV series. It should be quite a ground-breaking and hilarious show, which, like SIZE MATTERS NOT, will show Warwick’s clear candidness in his writing, alongside his vital sense of humour, honesty and courageousness, and a personal integrity at work and at play that’s much to be admired.

SIZE MATTERS NOT is certainly a fine mirror of the man named Warwick Davis, and a very enjoyable biography. As the book concludes, it’s obvious that there’s still so much more to come from him. He’s definitely a person who is high and mighty, where size matters not. The future has never looked brighter, and I wish him the best of success!

AFICIONADO RATING: This is a large book for a man whose enthusiasm and love of life transcends all size!! With Warwick it’s never been a case of how he’ll adjust to the world, it’s rather how the world will adjust to Warwick!

And, to follow Warwick’s advice for surviving life: “Always make sure your nuts are tight!” 8.5 out of 10

ROTJ AT 30: 'SIZE MATTERS NOT', SAYS WARWICK DAVIS

Love 'em or hate 'em, those cuddly but fierce little warriors of Endor -the Ewoks- were an essential part of RETURN OF THE JEDI's overall story and its popularity with the younger audiences. Enjoyed by regular cinemagoers, though originally reviled and hated by older fans as the years went on, their ultimate teddy bear image and presence in the saga was mostly accepted by the time of EPISODE I, when the die-harders, wanting a more grown up and darker edged universe, had a new character to take their unified umbrage onto: Jar Jar Binks!

A boy's life! Warwick Davis on location in the California Redwoods for RETURN  OF THE JEDI.

Playing one of the key Ewoks of the film, the tiny but cute Wicket, was young star to be Warwick Davis, now a major actor of many a blockbuster movie and guest star of cult TV series. Here's an excerpt from his autobiography of a few years back, Size Matters Not, published by AURUM PRESS, which proved to be a very enjoyabe and often very funny read. If you haven't got it in your SW book collection, it's worth getting hold of...

From Chapter Three: Just Me and Princess Leia

The cast and crew immediately made me feel like a member of the Lucasfilm family. I think they warmed to me in part because I had no inhibitions. I still had absolutely no idea how I ought to behave on a movie set. I was just a little kid having fun and I didn’t quite realise just how important or significant the people around me were. Including the man himself.

It was David Tomblin who plucked me from out of the crowd and brought me to the attention of George Lucas.

‘Warwick, this is George Lucas,’ David said.

If David had told me that George played a Stormtrooper, then I would’ve been impressed, but all I could tell at that point was that George was a man with big hair, glasses and a beard.

‘Oh, right,’ I said without any enthusiasm whatsoever.

Thus started a lifelong friendship.

There was much falling over of Ewoks in the redwood forest set. The undergrowth was always dealing us funny little surprises; even the Stormtroopers were having trouble staying erect.

A few days later, a slightly worried-looking David approached me: ‘Warwick, we’ve got a bit of a problem,’ he said. ‘Kenny Baker’s been taken ill with food poisoning and he had a big scene to shoot today. George would like you to take over Kenny’s role as Wicket.’

‘No problem!’

‘This one’s really important, Warwick, you’ll be filming a five minute scene with Carrie Fisher.’

I ran around in circles in excitement, waving my spear in my own Ewok dance of victory.

Kenny was consigned to the background and became Paploo but, bless him, he never felt any ill will towards me. ‘I’m just happy to be able to spend a bit more time out of the sweatsuit,’ he said graciously. Besides, he still had the great chase scene where Paploo steals a Biker Scout’s speeder.

My big scene took place after Leia crashes her speeder bike while being chased by Biker Scouts. Wicket finds her unconscious and together the Princess and the Ewok take out two Biker Scouts before heading off to find Han and Luke.

I would be the first Ewok the audience would see and so, as the ambassador for my race, so to speak, I wanted to make a good impression. I would certainly set the Ewok tone for the rest of the film. I had no time to prepare but I’d been playing an Ewok for weeks, so I just did what I thought an Ewok would do naturally with Princess Leia.

When she appeared on set, Carrie immediately showed her concern for me.

‘Are you OK in there, Warwick?’ she said. ‘It must be so hot.’ She reached down behind a log and pulled out a carton of chocolate milk with a long straw and fed me cookies in between takes. She was everything an eleven-year-old Ewok could possibly wish for. She was so caring towards me. Whenever there was a pause, she asked if I needed anything. ‘Could I have another one of those cookies?’ became my standard reply.

From that day forth I became Wicket and was pushed to the front of the Ewok tribe.

Enjoy Warwick's YOUTUBE trailer/reading for the book:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDDociCV4hM

Friends of Warwick and fans of STAR WARS can get Size Matters Not here:

Size Matters Not: The Extraordinary Life and Career of Warwick Davis (Book) by Warwick A. Davis, et al. (2010): Waterstones.com

Making the RETURN OF THE EWOK mini-movie with the STAR WARS icons.

Check out a compilation clip of David Tomblin's specially made film during the making of JEDI: Extremley rare Star Wars footage - Return of the Ewok PT.1 - YouTube

And, let's not forget this fun musical tribute to the Ewoks endeavours in defeating the technological might of the Empire: Star Wars Ewok Gospel (featuring Billy Dee Williams) - YouTube