Dean Hargrove
Lots of stories to tell regarding the journey that led to LADY IN WHITE.
In 1978, I was cast in the first American version of FAWLTY TOWERS for ABC. The pilot was titled SNAVELY. It starred Harvey Korman, Betty White and myself. I played “Petro” (the character was named Manuel in the original John Cleese series).
I met some wonderful character actors on the show including Jack Dodson, Ivor Francis and George Pentecost. (Betty White was an absolute doll.) I remember going to lunch with her one day during a break at the Arby's across the street from the lot. Korman was generally aloof to the rest of us. He was, definitely, the “star” and wanted everyone to know it.The pilot aired nationally but was never “picked up”. Word came down later that a major reason for this decision was Korman. He was too much of a pain in the ass as far as the network was concerned.
The show was co-written and produced by DEAN HARGROVE. When the show wrapped, I approached Hargrove and asked him if he might be willing to take a look at a short film I had made titled GABRIEL. It was only 27 minutes long and I could provide him with a 16mm print to screen. He agreed to the screening and set up a projection room at CBS Studio City.
I was ecstatic. I was looking for any opportunity to work my way behind the camera so as to hopefully gain footing as a writer/director. Hargrove had written for THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. and served as writer/producer on COLUMBO, McCLOUD and later MATLOCK and JAKE AND THE FATMAN. I was in the screening room, seated in the back, while he sat up front as the film unspooled. When it was finished and the lights came up, he stood up and made his way to the screening room exit. While passing by me, without breaking his stride, he said “Well, it's true. You fucking dagos are the best filmmakers on the planet.” and left.
AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS
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