TV Times Magazine – October 2000

By Sue Malins

Richard E Grant pushes back his ruffled cuffs and flicks his false ponytail to concentrate on the screen of a 21st century laptop computer while he awaits a call back on set.

Fifty metres up the cobbled road in a dusty square in the Czech town of Zatec, the scene is set for a daring escape. A dozen horses snort in the frosty air, a production assistant runs around with a smoke gun, make-up artists touch up scars and a hundred or more non-English-speaking extras mill about uncertainly waiting to be told which way to run.

Other actors, wearing puffa jackets over their 18th century outfits, grab a cigarette or call home on their mobiles, while in the square – but out of shot – locals hang out of windows to gawp or wave to their friends. But minutes later when Richard strides on to the scene to point his musket for yet another rescue, all slips into place. Eighteenth century France comes into focus. Tower blocks in the distance fade form view and instantly you forget many of the props are made from foam.

Could it be that Sir Percy Blakeney was an ancestor of James Bond?

“I like to think he’s an 18th century James Bond, with a touch of Batman about him.” says Richard.

“There’s more action this time, more rescuing lovely ladies and shooting bad guys. And there’s all the hose riding and fencing too, which I adore.”

The only Bond element missing is a love life. Last week we learned Sir Percy’s wife Marguerite had died in childbirth.

Like Percy and the Pimpernel, with Grant you can never be quite sure that what you see is what you get. He appears the epitome of Englishness, yet was born in Swaziland; the Withnail & I star seems to be a theatrical luvvie but in fact is a down-to-earth, teetotal married father of one.

Between scenes Richard has been finishing a screenplay for a movie he’ll direct. Set in Swaziland it tells the story of his own life as a youngster in a small colonial town. It will mean reviving some painful memories. When he was 11 his mother left home, leaving Richard with brother Stuart with their father.

“It will be a kind of exorcism for me” Richard says, “and I will be completely in charge of the project. It’s something I feel the need to do, and I am the only one to get it completely right.”

Richard – The Swordsman

Richard’s skill at swordfighting also means he does much of the swordplay himself.

Swordmaster Terry Walsh, veteran of movies like Braveheart and Robin of Sherwood, is in charge of checking the weapons are in good condition and shiny enough to catch the light.

“Richard is a natural. He has balance and is a fast learner” says Terry. “I teach him five moves at a time and he picks it up so easily.”

Richard – The Horseman

“The horse makes me look good” smiles Richard. “It’s the one Johnny Depp had in Sleepy Hollow. He’s called George and understands every word said to him. It’s easier to work with horses than children. Even if they’re likelier to fart or kick you in the shins.”

Richard is an accomplished horseman but for tricky or dangerous scenes, stuntman Rob Inch stands in. Funnily enough Rob played the headless horseman in Sleepy Hollow. He has also doubled for Liam Neeson in Star Wars.

“The trouble is Richard’s too good at everything so, unless the fight is dangerous, he does it himself”, he says.

“I’ve been having a very easy life.”