On the set of the short film 'The Woman Who Married Clark Gable' with Bob Hoskins and Brenda Fricker.
The 28 minute black and white film 'The Woman Who Married Clark Gable' is Irish director Thaddeus O'Sullivan's first foray into directing drama for the screen. Set in 1930s Dublin, the film stars Brenda Fricker as Mary and Bob Hoskins as George.
Bob Hoskins synopsises the plot, which he finds very moving. Mary and George go to their local cinema to see 'San Francisco' starring screen idol Clark Gable. To escape the boredom of her life, Mary fantasises that her husband, who coincidentally has grown a moustache, is Clark Gable.
It's a very simple and yet very complicated emotional sort of story.
Previously Bob Hoskins played the role of gangster Owney Madden in Francis Ford Coppola's 1984 American musical crime drama film 'The Cotton Club'.
I've sort of gone from the ridiculous to the sublime really.
Comparing the two productions Bob Hoskins finds the experience on Thaddeus O'Sullivan's set far more enjoyable.
Fresh from working with Francis Ford Coppola some people are surprised he did not immediately work on another big-budget film. Bob Hoskins self deprecatingly points out he is more of a character actor and Hollywood roles are far more likely to go to Michael Caine.
I am not the material mega-stars are made of.
The complex character of Mary poses a real challenge for Brenda Fricker,
It’s one of the most difficult parts I’ve ever had to do, I’m absolutely scared stiff about it.
For Thaddeus O'Sullivan shooting the film in black and white was a considered artistic choice, important for the story. On a technical level, he likes working with tone and contrast, rather than colour separation,
When released, 'The Woman Who Married Clark Gable' will be screened as part of a double bill with a full-length feature film.
This episode of 'Exhibit A' was broadcast on 7 February 1985. The reporter is Eamonn McCann.
