RearView ANSWER MACHINE

He’s portrayed Ian Fleming, Neil Hamilton and Sergei Eisenstein and now CHARLES DANCE is embarking on his directorial debut with Ladies in Lavender. But while he may be Dance by name. why isn't he by nature?

Acting or directing: which impresses people more?

Probably acting. I think. But you'd be better to ask the peOple.

Your house is on fire and all your loved ones and pets are perfectly safe. If you could save one thing, what would that be?

My computer.

Have you ever exploited your fame to get something?

Yes. To get tables in restaurants.

What’s your least favourite country? Travelling as much as I do. it wOuId be loolhardy of me to answer this question in any way that might Jeopardise my being welcomed in a c0untry that I've slagged oft.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Plain chocolate digestive.

How do you tip in restaurants?

Generously if the semce is good. And not at all if it's crap.

Do gentlemen prefer blondes?

A true gentleman doesn’t answer that question. If you could play any historical figure, who would that be?

The Duke of Cumberland [‘the Butcher‘ of the Jacobite rebellion] because he was a total and utter shit. They're always much more fun to play. What makes you hurl objects at the television screen?

It has to be reality TV.

Why choose this story for your directorial debut?

Because it’s about people and their emotions. not

abOut 'things'.

Can you tell us one trade secret?

That it's not how you do it. but why

What is your biggest regret?

NOT dOing sortiething.

What about your physical appearance do you give most thanks to your parents for? My eyes.

How do you relax?

Sleeping.

What’s the most heroic act you‘ve ever performed?

I haven't. Yet,

What was the reason behind the last time you shed real tears?

When I realised that l was in love.

Who in the public eye has ‘It'? And what is ‘lt’?

Johnny Depp. For him. 'lt' is a (:()iiil)iiiatioii of talent and charisma. And you IllSl can't take your eyes off him.

What’s your greatest vice?

Smoking.

You’re God for a day. Who gets a right good smiting, how and why?

I‘d have to say George Dubya Bush. Simply because he's an idiot and dangerous With it, When did you last dance? What was the occasion?

I only ever dance at film wrap parties. And even then I have to be giiite literally dragged onto the floor.

I Lad/es in Lavender IS on general release now. See Film Index, page 59

John fa rdel’l’

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