More memory lane items from the Roamer columns of 30 years ago
■ ‘Lancaster flies in’. That was the Lochaber News headline. No, not the bomber. Burt! Each day of the filming of Local Hero, Burt Lancaster was flown by helicopter to the various locations in Lochailort, Arisaig and Morar. Meanwhile, 100 extras were bussed there. On a rare day off, Burt took a wander through town. In the Parade, I asked him if he’d mind having his photo taken for the paper. ‘Go ahead, guys,’ said he. ‘The newspapermen ain’t so considerate in the States.’ Then, outside Boni’s, he autographed napkins for waitresses Anne and Mary Jean.
■ At a press conference in Inverlochy Castle we asked Burt about his favourite movie roles. He replied From Here To Eternity and The Sweet Smell Of Success. Then he went on – ‘Up here, though, everyone wants to know about The Burrdman Of Alcatraz.’ This he pronounced with a very heavy Scots accent imitation. The star reckons he winces every time someone comes out with ‘Burrdman’. Well, we certainly winced when HE said it! At his farewell ceilidh at Letterfinlay, cast and crew presented Burt with a kilt, in the Knox tartan. (Burt’s international trading company in Local Hero is Knox Oil & Gas.) He immediately changed into the kilt – to everyone’s delight.