Interview with Crew Member

What was your job on Return to Oz?

At that time (in 1985) I was a firefighter in London Fire Brigade, and several of us (firefighters) used to work at Elstree Studios in Borhamwood, Hertfirdshire as fire officers on the film-set.

Why were there firefighters on the set?

Because of all the powerful lighting there was a big fire risk due to heat from these lights and the movie companies would employ serving firefighters to keep an eye on the set whilst the cameras were rolling just in case of any electrical mis-haps of which there were many.

Is there anything interesting that happened on the set that you remember?

Well, we would also be asked to mind the set as security officers during lunch breaks and sometimes during the night too.  On one night whilst I was minding the set, I felt a bit tired and climbed into Dorothy's bed and went to sleep!  But it wasn't very comfortable as I remember, because the bed was quite small.

Do you remember anyone from the set inparticular?

Aggie Murch (Walter's wife) used to spend alot of time sitting with the firemen, and at lunchtimes we would all go out to lunch together - the firemen and the director's wife!  She once bought us all lunch at a local Borehamwood Cinese restaurant.  She was a really nice lady and we were sorry to sat goodbye to the Murches when the movie ended.

Thanks "Paul" for everything!

Use the Ruby Slippers to get home